Everything you need to know about the Royal Caribbean corkage fee. From avoiding extra charges to understanding what the policy entails, this is your complete guide to corkage fees when bringing wine on a Royal Caribbean Cruise.
Table Of Contents
Disclosure: genXsolo is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
1. Corkage Fee General Definition
A corkage fee is a fee that some restaurants and cruise lines charge for guests who want to bring their own wine or champagne onboard.
The fee is intended to cover the cost of service, which can include opening, decanting, and serving the bottle.
2. Understanding the Royal Caribbean Corkage Fee Policy
Policy Overview for Royal Caribbean Corkage Fee
The corkage fee is specifically for guests of legal drinking age who bring their personal wine and want to drink it in any of the ship's public areas, such as the dining room, atrium or bars.
The concept of a corkage fee, common across various cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Holland America, is a charge for serving wine brought onboard by passengers in the ship's dining areas.
Specifically for Royal Caribbean, guests are permitted to bring their own wine onto the ship. However, in order to open and drink your personal bottle of wine in the dining room, you are expected to pay the Royal Caribbean corkage fee.
This fee is not unique to Royal Caribbean; cruise lines like Norwegian (NCL), Holland America, Carnival and others also implement corkage fees.
Royal Caribbean corkage fee explained and tips to avoid it for Gen X solo cruisers traveling alone or with others:
The policy varies, but generally Royal Caribbean's policy is:
Each guest of legal drinking age is typically allowed to bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne onboard a Royal Caribbean ship per sailing.
The bottles must be brought onboard in carry-on luggage on boarding day or packed in hand luggage, not checked bags.
A corkage fee will be applied when a guest consumes the wine in a public area.
Personal wine and champagne consumed in public areas will typically incur a $15 corkage fee per bottle.
Alcoholic beverages, including wine, champagne, beer and hard liquor, that are purchased from onboard shops, cannot be taken to your stateroom. All onboard purchases will be kept by the cruise line and given back on the last day of the voyage.
Royal Caribbean's Corkage Fee Policy for Consecutive Sailings
For consecutive sailings (two or more cruises on the same ship, where the next cruise starts on the day the prior cruise ends ), guests of legal drinking age are allowed to bring one (1) 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne for each separate sailing.
For example, if a guest has two sailings back to back, they are allowed to bring two bottles of wine or champagne onboard.
Guests bringing more than one bottle at the start of the first sailing should bring documentation for consecutive sailings to share during check in.
Only one bottle can be taken to your cabin, additional bottles will be stored by the cruise line and delivered one bottle at a time to guest staterooms on the first day of each new voyage.
Exceptions
Special promotions or loyalty programs may offer "complimentary corkage" as a perk. Additionally, you can typically consume your wine in your stateroom without incurring any extra charges. Just remember to pack your wine bottle opener!
3. Checking Royal Caribbean's Latest Corkage Fee and Alcohol Policies Is Recommended Before Packing
It is recommended to check the most up-to-date policy before planning and packing for your cruise, as information can change.
You can view Royal Caribbean's current corkage fee information here. Knowing the corkage fee policy is the first step to avoid unnecessary expenses.
Check out FREE eBook (not ours, but we found some great tips in it) on Amazon 4.4 stars:
4. How to Avoid the Royal Caribbean Corkage Fee
Tips and Tricks for Avoiding Extra Charges
Consume in Your Stateroom: The easiest way to avoid the Royal Caribbean corkage fee is to drink your bottle of wine or champagne in the privacy of your stateroom.
Special Packages: Sometimes Royal offers packages that include complimentary corkage once you board. Look for these deals or ask your travel agent when booking.
Loyalty Perks: If you're a repeat guest, check if loyalty programs offer corkage fee waivers.
BYO Glass: Bring personal wine in your personal wine glasses to the dining area; some guests have reported that this sometimes helps avoid the fee, although it's not a guaranteed method. As always, ensure you are abiding by the ship's policies.
Inquire About Policy Exceptions: Always ask the dining staff if there are any current promotions or exceptions to the corkage fee.
Dine During Off-Peak Hours: Some guests have noted fewer corkage charges during off-peak dining hours, although this is not a guaranteed method.
Look for Special Events: Royal Caribbean occasionally hosts events or dinners where corkage fees are waived.
5. Can You Bring Your Own Bottle of Wine to the Dining Room on Royal Caribbean?
Rules for Dining with Your Own Wine
Yes, you can bring your own bottle of wine to most dining areas on a Royal Caribbean ship. However, be prepared to pay a corkage fee unless you have a special package or deal that waives this cost.
6. Packing for Your Cruise: Corkscrews
Royal Caribbean Corkscrew Policies: Can You Bring a Corkscrew on a Royal Caribbean Ship?
On Royal Caribbean, you are generally allowed to bring a corkscrew in your checked luggage. Some staterooms might even provide one, which is convenient if you plan to enjoy your own wine.
This corkscrew policy is relatively consistent across various cruise lines, though it's always best to verify the most up-to-date luggage guidelines to ensure compliance with current policies.
In summary, you're generally allowed to bring a corkscrew in your checked luggage, and some staterooms may even provide one for your convenience. However, it's always best to check the most up-to-date luggage guidelines to make sure you're in compliance with current policies.
7. Complimentary Corkage: What Does It Mean?
Explanation of "Complimentary" Corkage Services
"Complimentary corkage" means that the usual corkage fee for serving your own wine in public areas is waived. This is often a limited-time offer or a loyalty member perk. Always check the terms and conditions, as this might not apply to all venues on the ship.
8. Other Cruise Lines: How Do Other Cruise Lines' Fees Compare?
Brief Comparison of Corkage Policies with Other Cruise Lines
Corkage fees are quite standard in the cruise industry, but how each line implements them can vary. For instance:
Carnival Cruise Line: Generally allows one 750 ml bottle per adult, with a corkage fee of around $15 to $25.
Norwegian Cruise Line: Typically charges a corkage fee even if you consume your wine in the cabin.
Princess Cruises: Has a similar policy to Royal Caribbean, typically allowing each guest to bring one bottle with no corkage fee if consumed in the stateroom.
9. FAQ Section
Fees and Costs
How do I avoid corkage fees on a cruise? You can often avoid corkage fees by paying attention to the cruise line's policy. You may avoid the corkage fee by consuming the wine in your cabin instead of in public areas.
Refer to the section above for more information: How to Avoid Corkage Fees on Royal Caribbean for more information.
Do you have to pay to bring personal wine on Royal Caribbean?
Yes, there is a Royal Caribbean corkage fee if you bring your personal wine onboard and consume it in public dining areas. Fees vary, so check the most current policy.
What is a corkage fee per bottle of wine or champagne on a cruise? A corkage fee is a charge applied when you bring your wine and want to consume it in the ship's public dining areas. The fee covers the service of opening, decanting, and serving the wine.
What is cruise corkage fee? The cruise corkage fee is similar to corkage fees in restaurants. It's a charge for serving your bottle of wine in public areas on the cruise ship. The fee can vary by cruise line.
What is the complimentary corkage fee for a bottle of wine? Some cruise lines or special promotions offer a "complimentary corkage fee," meaning the charge for opening and serving your bottle of wine is waived. This is usually a limited-time offer or a perk for loyalty members.
Wine Policies and Guidelines
Can you bring your own bottle of wine to dinner on Royal Caribbean?
Yes, you can bring your own bottle of wine to dinner on a Royal Caribbean ship, adhering to the latest onboard drink policy. Be aware that a corkage fee is typically applied unless covered by a complimentary package. This policy is similar to other cruise lines like Celebrity and Holland America, though specific corkage fees and allowances may vary.
How many wine bottles can I bring on Royal Caribbean?
Royal Caribbean usually permits each guest of legal drinking age to bring one (1) sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. It's crucial to refer to Royal Caribbean's updated policies for any changes, which can be found in the References section.
Can I bring wine onto a Royal Caribbean ship?
Yes, Royal Caribbean generally allows each guest of legal drinking age to bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. This policy aligns with the practices of cruise lines like NCL and Holland America, though they might have different stipulations on quantities and types of alcoholic beverages.
What size wine bottles can you bring on Royal Caribbean?
Guests are typically allowed to bring 750 ml bottles on Royal Caribbean cruises. For larger or smaller bottles, check the cruise line's updated policy. This is in line with the standard practice across many cruise lines, with similar restrictions in place.
Can you bring your own wine to dinner on a cruise?
This varies by cruise line. On Royal Caribbean, bringing your own wine to dinner is usually allowed, but a corkage fee is expected unless waived by a special offer. Policies on other cruise lines like Carnival, Celebrity, or Holland America may differ, particularly regarding corkage fees and the types of beverages allowed onboard.
Packing for Your Cruise
Are you allowed to bring a corkscrew on Royal Caribbean? Yes, you are generally allowed to bring a corkscrew in your checked luggage to open wine bottles. Checking the cruise line's most recent policy before packing is recommended.
Can you bring a corkscrew on a Royal Caribbean ship? Yes, corkscrews are typically allowed, but it's always good to check the most current regulations and guidelines of the cruise line.
The question of 'how much is the corkage fee' varies by cruise line. For instance, Royal Caribbean's corkage fee may differ from that of Holland America or Carnival. The fee is typically charged per bottle, and it's advisable to check the latest policies before your cruise, as these fees can change.
The rationale behind the corkage fee is to cover the service and use of glassware provided by the ship's staff. Understanding the details of Royal Caribbean's corkage fee policy can make your cruising experience go much smoother.
Additional Cruise Resources
For more Travel articles, click on the articles below or go to GenXsolo.com/cruises.
Cruise Articles Series for GenX Women Cruising Solo:
Gen-X Women Cruising Solo - Part 2: How to Prepare For A Cruise
Gen-X Women Cruising Solo - Part 3: What To Expect On a Cruise Your First Day
Gen-X Women Cruising Solo - Part 4: Seas the Day - Things To Do on Cruise Sea Days
Gen-X Women Cruising Solo - Part 5: Exploring Cruise Port Days
Gen-X Women Cruising Solo - Part 6: Disembarkation Process on a Cruise Ship
Gen-X Women Cruising Solo - Part 7: Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Resources
Royal Caribbean and Coco Cay:
Cruise Articles General Information:
Detailed Packing Lists with Downloadable, Printable Checklist PDF:
Christmas Cruise & Christmas Gift Ideas for Cruisers
Cruise Critic: This is an invaluable online resource for cruise enthusiasts and first-timers alike. Cruise Critic offers detailed reviews of cruise lines, ships, and destinations, as well as forums where you can ask questions and share experiences.
Click the photo below to see what Cruise Critic has to offer:
Whether you're looking for the best excursions in a particular port or tips for cruising solo, Cruise Critic has you covered.
We hope this guide has helped you to understand the Royal Caribbean corkage fee, as well a given you some insight on how to avoid the corkage fee. Bon voyage, until we meet on the high seas!