Cruise lines attitude towards alcoholic beverages

We just got back from a Carnival cruise three weeks ago. Their policy was that you could bring 2-3 bottles of wine on board, but they charged you $10 per bottle to uncork them and serve them in the dining room. (No charge if you do it yourself elsewhere.)

Of course, they would much rather you pay them for your drinks! But I would check the specific policy of whatever ship you're booked on. You can probably go to your cruise line's website and look it up there.

Have fun! (Where are you going?!)

Thank you Eva for your response.

We are a group of air line pilots planning a cruise as a gift to a retiring senior Captain and this issue came up.

What a generous gift! Wow!

I believe cruise ships also have a store on board where you can buy liquor - at least it is less than buying drinks from the waiters. Also, do the cruise ships check your bags as you come in? How strict is it now? Perhaps you could slip in a few extra bottles without them knowing. It has been many years since went on a cruise line so I am sure it has become much more strict.

Aren't there cruises with all enclusive packages including alcoholic beverages? I mean, as long as you're drinking in the bar? I thought Carnival offered this.

Depends on the ship, cjhsa. Most of Carnival's don't. They make a killing on the alcohol.

Yes, they check your bags very thoroughly as you board, and also every time you return to the ship from each port. Tight security these days.

All the onboard activities that offered free drinks were mobbed...captain's cocktail party, art auctions, etc.

Yeah, I remember the captain's cocktail party - also they give you cheap liquor in smaller portions.

I do not know about inclusive packages with alcohol on cruises, but I once went to a "resort" that was all inclusive including alcohol. The drinks were cheap, cheap horrible wine with dinner, cheap beer and the mixed drinks were all water down with the lowest quality alcohol possible.