As someone passionate about wine and an experienced cruiser, I often get asked, “Can I bring my own wine on a Carnival Cruise?” I understand the importance of enjoying your favorite wine while basking in the sun and sea breeze. Let’s explore the details to understand Carnival Cruise’s policy on bringing wine onboard.
First and foremost, it’s essential to know that Carnival Cruise does allow guests to bring wine on board. Yes, you read that right! You can bring your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy it during your cruise vacation. However, there are a few guidelines and restrictions that you need to be aware of to ensure a smooth experience.
Carnival Cruise’s policy allows each guest, who is 21 years or older, to bring one bottle of wine or champagne (750ml maximum) per person in their carry-on luggage or checked luggage. It’s crucial to pack the wine in your carry-on if you plan to enjoy it right away, as checked luggage might take some time to be delivered to your cabin.
Now, I must admit that I find this policy quite generous compared to some other cruise lines. It’s always a pleasure to have the opportunity to savor a bottle of wine that holds a special place in my heart, even while on vacation.
However, please keep in mind that Carnival Cruise does charge a corkage fee if you bring the wine to the dining room or any other public area on the ship. The corkage fee is currently $20 per bottle, which I believe is reasonable considering the service and convenience provided by the cruise staff. So, if you plan to enjoy your wine with dinner or at one of the ship’s bars, be prepared to pay the corkage fee.
One piece of advice I would like to share is to make sure that the bottle of wine you bring is not available on the ship’s wine list. Carnival Cruise offers an extensive selection of wines for purchase, and they want to ensure that guests have the opportunity to try different wines during their voyage. So, if you bring a bottle that is already available on board, they may ask you to relinquish it temporarily and return it to you at the end of your cruise.
In my experience, it’s always best to choose a wine that is special to you or perhaps one that you’ve discovered during your travels. It adds a personal touch to your cruise experience and allows you to share a piece of your wine journey with fellow passengers and even the cruise staff.
In conclusion, bringing wine on a Carnival Cruise is indeed allowed, making it a delightful option for wine enthusiasts like myself. Just remember to adhere to the guidelines by packing the wine in your carry-on, paying the corkage fee if you plan to enjoy it in public areas, and selecting a unique wine that is not already available on the ship. So, raise your glass, and let the wine enhance your Carnival Cruise experience to the fullest!
