As a wine lover and regular cruise-goer, I always take into account the option of bringing my own wine on board when organizing my trips. I recently had the opportunity to sail on a Celebrity Cruise and was pleased to discover their policy regarding personal wine. In this piece, I will share my own firsthand encounter and give you all the pertinent information regarding bringing wine on a Celebrity Cruise.
Bringing Wine on a Celebrity Cruise
When it comes to bringing wine on a Celebrity Cruise, the good news is that they allow guests to bring their own bottles of wine on board. However, there are a few restrictions and guidelines that you need to be aware of to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
1. Limited Quantity
First and foremost, Celebrity Cruise allows each guest to bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom. This limit is per stateroom and not per person, meaning if you’re traveling with a partner or a group, you can collectively bring up to four bottles of wine.
2. Corkage Fee
While Celebrity Cruise permits you to bring your own wine, they do charge a corkage fee if you choose to consume it in any of the ship’s public venues such as restaurants, bars, or lounges. The current corkage fee is $25 per bottle, which is quite reasonable considering the convenience and enjoyment of having your preferred wine during your cruise.
3. Carry-On or Checked Luggage
When packing your wine, it’s essential to decide whether you want to carry it on or check it with your luggage. If you choose to carry it on, make sure your bottles are well protected and securely packed to avoid any breakage during transit. On the other hand, if you decide to check your wine, pack it in your checked luggage and ensure it is properly cushioned and protected to prevent any damage.
4. Prohibited Wine
While Celebrity Cruise allows guests to bring their own wine, they do have restrictions on the type of wine that is prohibited. For safety reasons, you cannot bring any homemade or unsealed wines on board. Additionally, any wine that is deemed to be excessive in quantity or potentially disruptive to the overall experience may also be prohibited.
My Personal Experience
During my recent Celebrity Cruise, I decided to bring two bottles of my favorite red wine on board. I carefully packed them in my checked luggage, making sure they were securely protected with bubble wrap and clothing. Upon arrival, I was relieved to find both bottles intact and undamaged.
Throughout the cruise, my partner and I enjoyed our wine in our stateroom, which offered a cozy and intimate setting to savor our favorite vintages. We also chose to pay the corkage fee on a few occasions, so we could enjoy our wines in the ship’s specialty restaurants. The sommeliers were knowledgeable and provided excellent service, enhancing our overall dining experience.
Conclusion
Bringing wine on a Celebrity Cruise is a fantastic option for wine lovers who want to enjoy their favorite vintages during their vacation. With their reasonable policies and corkage fee, Celebrity Cruise allows guests to enhance their onboard experience by sipping their preferred wines. Just remember to abide by the quantity limit, pack your wine safely, and be prepared to pay the corkage fee when consuming it in the ship’s public venues. Cheers to a memorable wine-filled cruise!