We are leaving on our first cruise in a week (my husband and I) and I have some questions about carry one vs checked. I know a 12 pk of soda or bubbled water is allowed per guest and a bottle of wine per guest. For those of you who take 2 bottles of wine and two 12 pks of drinks -what works well to get that on the ship? I hadn't planned to roll my luggage on since it's only a 5 day cruise, but with that bulk am thinking I may have to (but then not sure if my big luggage is too big) or is there a better way to tote all of that on board? Can we have one back with both of our wine and drink allowance in it? or do we have to divide it up per person? I know we can't check the luggage and at that point, do you just roll on ALL of your luggage together in one big bag (if allowed)?
Thanks for any help. Just drying to navigate this well.
Carry on vs Checked luggage
18 Answers
If you bring wine, you need to carry it on. The same with other drinks. What I have seen is a hand truck type thing for pop and other canned beverages, for easy carrying and maneuvering when boarding. Please note: Carnival no longer allows bottled water. If our carry-on luggage is full, we bring the wine in a small tote. Do not put any alcohol in your checked luggage, it WILL be confiscated.
Enjoy your first cruise. I hope you catch the addiction. Welcome to the forum.
Looks like you are sailing out of Charleston from your other post, which would mean you are on Carnival. Maybe you could carry your wine in a tote or backpack. That would leave you each carrying one twelve pack of soda which should be manageable.
Have a great cruise!!
I’ll stay out of this one. You all know how I feel about this.
carrying on wine is fine. the rest.........
You will get different answers since it is at staff's discretion. I put my all my drinks in a wheelie bag and check it in. I thought this is what people did so that this way Carnival can carefully inspect it.
They don't really have the time when you are checking in. Though, you will see a table full of confiscated drinks. (people smuggling alcohol in drink bottles, etc).
I have checked all kinds of drinks before from Gatorade, Snapple, Vitamin Water, etc. Including the wine and champagne.
One time (only) I was called downstairs to collect my bags. I thought it was because they rejected my drinks.
But, nope! It wasn't me. It was my husband's huge protein powder. haahahha! They questioned him on what it was. They allowed him to keep it.
None of my drinks were ever confiscated.
But, like I said, answers will vary and this is Galveston port.
The best thing to do is ask when you arrive in port and be ready to either pack it in your carry-on or put in the suitcase you are checking in.
It might be a good idea if you have a pricey bottle (like champagne) carry that on! You don't want them 'losing' your Dom Perignon!
To carry it on use something like a kid's suitcase. (you want wheels! drinks are heavy and more heavy from car park to stateroom trek) Pack with towels to keep everything safe. Then it is ready for carry-on or check-in.
Another thing I do. I pack tons of snacks and especially famous ones from America. I give these snacks to the crew as gifts. They love it all! Cruise Lines probably charge them $2-$3 for a Snickers bar.
Have Fun!!!
We've been fortunate enough to have a shuttle drop us off right at the embarkation area for our cruises, so it's not difficult for my husband to carry on his sodas. We have seen families use little collapsible wagon types of carts to bring on a few cases.
Happy cruising
Happy First Cruise......cruising is addicting 
Thank you so much! I'm trying to stay away from soda so my canned bubbled water (seltzer water) is helpful but you're right, heavy.What a great idea to bring snacks for crew as well. Thanks!
We check our luggage, nothing to keep us from lunch on Lido. We are on vacation, so we buy our drinks, etc.
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We are leaving on our first cruise in a week (my husband and I) and I have some questions about carry one vs checked. I know a 12 pk of soda or bubbled water is allowed per guest and a bottle of wine per guest. For those of you who take 2 bottles of wine and two 12 pks of drinks -what works well to get that on the ship? I hadn't planned to roll my luggage on since it's only a 5 day cruise, but with that bulk am thinking I may have to (but then not sure if my big luggage is too big) or is there a better way to tote all of that on board? Can we have one back with both of our wine and drink allowance in it? or do we have to divide it up per person? I know we can't check the luggage and at that point, do you just roll on ALL of your luggage together in one big bag (if allowed)?
Thanks for any help. Just drying to navigate this well.
I was just rereading the cruise contract (in case anything has changed since our last cruise) and you answer is there 8f:
f) Beverage Policy: For safety reasons, Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception: At the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day, Guests (21 years of age and older) may carry on in their hand luggage, one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person. A $15 corkage fee (a charge exacted at a restaurant for every bottle of wine served that was not bought on the premises), per 750 ml bottle, will be charged should Guests wish to consume their wine or champagne in a main dining room, steakhouse or bar. Guests are also prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages on board that are packaged in bottles. A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board on embarkation day, only if carried on in Guests’ hand luggage (not in checked luggage). A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person. Any hard liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic beverage, and non-alcoholic beverages, outside of the exceptions referenced above, are strictly prohibited (in both carry-on and checked luggage) and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.
