Corkage fees are an extra charge cruise lines charge after a guest consumes the wine or Champagne brought onboard. Cruise lines usually permit passengers to bring at least one bottle of 750ml at the time of embarkation to be enjoyed in bars or restaurants and in privacy in their personal cabin. Corkage charges for cruise lines are set, meaning that they’re the same no matter which vessel in the fleet you’re on and what restaurant or bar you select.
In the majority of cases there is no charge unless you plan to consume the wine outside of your cabin. Some lines will waive the corkage cost on Champagne and wine purchases and other gifts given at cabins from travel agencies even if you take the wine to a restaurant in the event that it was purchased through the website of the line; however, it is likely that you will need present the gift card or receipt. Other lines have already included corkage charges in their price on their website.
Below is the breakdown of corkage charges (listed by bottle) for cruise lines who have them in force. Be aware that many luxury cruises don’t charge corkage charges. Furthermore, MSC Cruises is the only popular line that doesn’t permit customers to carry their own Champagne or wine onboard, so corkage costs are not applicable.
Take a look at our breakdown of the cruise line’s alcohol policies to find out more including the rules for the consumption of other types of alcohol aboard and the best way to obtain free drinks.
Azamara Cruises Corkage Fee: $10
Where it applies: Restaurants and bars In-cabin consumption is not a problem
Maximum: There is no limit to the amount of bottles passengers may bring aboard.
Carnival Corkage Cost 15 dollars
The places it is applicable: Main dining room bar, steakhouse, and main dining room In-cabin consumption is not charged
Limit: One bottle per passenger
Celebrity Cruises Corkage Cost: $25
The places it is applicable: Restaurants and bars In-cabin consumption is not a problem
Limit: Two bottles per cabin
Cunard Corkage Fee: $20
Where it’s applicable:Restaurants, bars and lounges. Drinks in the cabin are completely free
Limit: One 750ml bottle per passenger
Disney Corkage Fee: $25
What it means:Dining rooms (passengers are not allowed carry their personal drinks to any public or lounge) The consumption in the cabin is available for free
Limit: Two bottles per passenger
Holland America Corkage Fee: $18
The places it is applicable:Restaurants and bars; the consumption in-cabin is free
Cap: One bottle per passenger (additional bottles are allowed to the plane, but will cost corkage charges regardless of where they are consumed)
Be aware that corkage costs for additional bottles will be charged at the time of embarkation. If passengers don’t want to pay the corkage cost bottles will be kept onboard until close on the voyage.
Norwegian Corkage Cost $15.00 ($20 for a bottle of 1,000ml and $30 for a bottle of 1,500ml)
Where it is applicable: Restaurants, public areas, and cabins
Maximum: There is no limit on the number bottles that passengers are allowed to bring aboard.
Be aware that corkage costs are charged at the time of embarkation. For passengers who do want to pay corkage fees bottles are stored onboard and returned at conclusion on the voyage.
Oceania Corkage Fee: $25
The areas where it is applicable: The dining room and public areas; consumption in the cabin is not charged
Limit: Three bottles per cabin
P&O Cruises Corkage Fee: PS15
The areas where it is applicable: The dining room, lounges and bars and lounges; consumption in the cabin is free
Cap: At port authorities discretion; additional bottles can be stored at the port until the end of the cruise
Princess Cruises Corkage Cost 15 dollars
Where it applies:Restaurants and bars; In-cabin consumption is not charged
Maximum: One bottle per adult (additional bottles are allowed to the ship, but they will be charged an additional corkage cost regardless of where they are consumed)
Note: Corkage charges for additional bottles will be charged at the time of embarkation. If passengers do not want to pay the corkage cost bottles will be kept onboard until the close on the voyage.
Royal Caribbean Corkage Fee: $15
The places it is applicable: Restaurants, bars and lounges, in-cabin consumption is for free
Limit: Two bottles per cabin
Windstar Corkage Fee: $15
The areas where it is applicable: The dining room and bars; consumption in the cabin is not charged
Cap: Two bottles per cabin, for cruises of seven nights or less. Three bottles per cabin for cruises that last longer than seven days.
