Ever felt like a cruise ship was nickel-and-diming you at every turn? Well, if you thought your sneaky wine hack was saving you cash—Royal Caribbean may have just corked your plan.
Let’s face it—saving money on a cruise isn’t exactly a walk on the lido deck. From cocktail packages that cost more than your car insurance to Wi-Fi plans that make dial-up look like a bargain, there’s no shortage of ways to part with your hard-earned dollars once you set sail. That’s why savvy cruisers have long celebrated a little-known cruise loophole: bringing your own bottle of wine aboard.
But here’s the bubbly news that’s popping some corks lately—Royal Caribbean is now actively enforcing a corkage fee for passengers who bring their personal wine into public areas like dining rooms and bars. Yup, that $15 charge you’ve probably dodged before? It’s back. And it’s official.
What’s the Deal with the Corkage Fee?
For years, cruise lines—including Royal Caribbean—have let passengers bring one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult on embarkation day. It’s a small but mighty victory for frugal travelers who don’t want to pay ship prices for a bottle of Pinot.
Technically, Royal Caribbean has always had a corkage fee policy in place. Their website states clearly:
“Guests who consume their personal wine and champagne in public areas will incur a $15 corkage fee per bottle.”
But here’s the kicker—most cruisers weren’t ever charged. You could stroll into the dining room with your bottle, hand it to the waiter, and sip away with no fee tacked onto your bill. It was the unspoken gentleman’s agreement of the seas.
Until now.
A Crackdown on the Corkage Loophole
According to reports from RoyalCaribbeanBlog.com, passengers are now noticing changes. Wine bottles given to loyalty guests (like Crown & Anchor Society and Casino Royale members) are getting special “corkage fee waived” stickers. Translation? If it doesn’t have the sticker, expect a charge.
This suggests that Royal Caribbean is finally enforcing the corkage fee across the board—regardless of whether your bottle is corked, capped, opened, or blessed by Poseidon himself.
So yes, even if you unscrew the cap in your cabin and just walk your glass over to dinner, you’re technically in the splash zone for a corkage fee if you bring the bottle with you.
What Is a Corkage Fee Anyway?
Let’s break it down. A corkage fee isn’t about literally popping a cork—it’s about the service. The fee covers the wine glasses, pouring, and any added service when you bring your own bottle to a public area. It’s standard in restaurants and increasingly, on cruise ships.
So whether you’re handing your bottle to the waiter unopened or arriving with a half-sipped Chardonnay from your balcony, if it enters public dining space—it could cost you $15.
The Simple Trick to Avoid the Fee
Want to skip the corkage fee altogether? Easy. Drink your wine in your stateroom. That’s right. As long as you enjoy your vino within the cozy confines of your cabin, there’s no fee at all.
Here’s how to keep it classy and free:
- Ask your stateroom attendant for wine glasses and a corkscrew (no charge).
- Bring a screw-cap bottle if you want to skip the corkscrew entirely.
- Pour your wine in your room and carry your glass to dinner or the show.
That last one’s a favorite among seasoned cruisers—no bottle, no fee, and no problem.
Bonus Tip: Buy Wine Locally Before You Board
Flying to your port city and worried about packing wine in your luggage? Save yourself a Pinot-soaked suitcase and buy a bottle once you arrive in town. Pick one up before heading to the port, and you’ll arrive with intact luggage and a full bottle ready for embarkation.
Just make sure it’s still sealed—Royal Caribbean won’t accept opened bottles during boarding.
Is the Corkage Fee Still a Better Deal?
Even if you do get slapped with the $15 fee, let’s keep things in perspective. A standard bottle of wine on board can cost $40 to $60 or more. Your $12 grocery store Cab with a $15 corkage fee? Still cheaper—and probably tastier.
But if you’re a cruiser who prides themselves on never paying more than they have to, consider the in-room sipping strategy your new best friend.
Bottom Line: Sip Smarter, Cruise Happier
Royal Caribbean is no longer turning a blind eye to corkage fees, so don’t be surprised if that BYOB bottle costs you a little extra this time around. The easiest way to keep the wine flowing and your wallet happy? Keep it in the cabin.
So, fellow cruisers, we want to hear from you:
Have you ever been charged a corkage fee on a cruise—or do you have a sneaky way to avoid it? Drop your tips, hacks, and wine fails in the comments below!
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