Can I Take a Wine Opener on a Cruise? – Cruise Hive

Some cruise lines are particular about what you can and cannot take onboard, particularly regarding anything containing alcohol.

There are rules guests need to be aware of before embarking on the cruise ship. Can you take a wine opener on a cruise? Unfortunately, there isn’t a straightforward answer.

Starting at the Beginning of the Equation

Cruise lines make a lot of money from selling alcohol and any drink on board the ship. The prices are significantly marked up, leaving many people wondering whether they can bring their own beverages. The answer depends on the cruise line and the type of beverage.

Mainstream cruise ships that permit you to bring alcohol on board allow primarily champagne or wine. They will confiscate anything else at boarding. There is also a limit to how much you can bring on the ship. 

  • You must present bottles in carry-on bags upon entry. Before boarding, you’ll have to remove them from checked luggage and pass through ship security.
  • Generally, guests can bring one to two bottles per stateroom on the ship. The cruise line will confiscate anything more than this.
  • While on the ship, there may be a corkage fee if you consume the alcohol in a public area or dining room. 
  • Bottles must be sealed and unopened. They cannot be in a mouthwash bottle, flask, or any other container. 
  • If you try to sneak in bottles and get caught, the bottles will be stored and returned when you disembark. The same holds true for purchases made in the duty-free shop and at a port.

Wine on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: photopixel / Shutterstock)

If you want to know whether your cruise line accepts alcohol you bring on board, look at their webpage, as most have a list of prohibited items posted. Don’t be surprised if many cruise lines do not permit you to bring alcohol. Each cruise line has its own policy.

Most cruise lines follow the procedures listed above. Disney Cruise Line permits guests to bring six beers (12 oz or less each) or two bottles of unopened wine or champagne (no larger than 750 ml) at the beginning of the cruise and at each port of call or shore excursion. You must pack all items in a carry-on.

Can I Take a Wine Opener on a Cruise?

The answer to this question is that it depends on two conditions: whether it is a stand-alone corkscrew or part of a Swiss army knife/portable knife set.

Standalone Corkscrew

Some cruise lines will permit you to bring a standalone corkscrew on board, while some may not. Cruise lines view a corkscrew as a potential weapon, but many don’t overtly comment on whether bringing them is acceptable on their websites. However, their policies are worded as if guests ask for corkscrews when necessary.

Corkscrew (Photo Credit: KONDRATSKII MIKHAIL / Shutterstock)

If you bring a corkscrew, much like alcohol, it must be stored in a carry-on or checked luggage. If you are unsure, ask the room steward for a corkscrew, and they will bring it to you.

As a Part of a Knife Set

Many guests bring a Swiss army knife, which has a corkscrew. They are convenient, small, and easy to pack in your luggage. However, they are prohibited as many cruise lines ban all knives. 

Knives are classified as weapons. Although you may just want the corkscrew, cruise lines can confiscate anything they view as a weapon or that can potentially be used as a weapon. Remember, guest safety is the top priority for every cruise line.

Wine Opener (Photo Credit: Roberti / Shutterstock)

Some specify that they will only confiscate knives over four inches long, but some just ban knives completely. You will need to consult with the cruise line on their policies before bringing them on the cruise. 

What Should I Do?

If you are unsure about your cruise line’s policy, it is best to contact them directly so they can outline the policies and address any questions you have. Sometimes, the wording can be confusing or contain grey areas. So, it is best to ask directly. 

Other options include:

  • Checking the website before packing. When checking into this topic, first ensure alcohol is permitted and what type is allowed so you don’t end up taking something you can’t use. Then, examine if corkscrews are allowed. Can they be part of a knife set, or do they need to be standalone?
  • Avoid the hassle and ask the stateroom host to bring you a corkscrew.
  • Drink your wine in a dining room or designated area. You may have to pay a corkage fee, but it will prevent you from potentially losing your wine.

Cruise lines can differ on what they permit on board, so the rules on what you can take onboard aren’t always clear-cut. The first thing to determine is whether they allow you to bring alcohol and whether you can bring it outside of special occasions.

Wine on Cruise Ship (Photo Credit: SariMe / Shutterstock)

Not all cruise lines permit you to bring alcohol on board. If they do, you are limited by size and the amount you can bring. The amount allowed is rarely enough for the entire trip. You may save some money, but it won’t be significant. You may even end up paying for the privilege of drinking your own alcohol, depending on where you drink it.

However, it may be worth the extra effort if it is a special bottle or a particular vintage you are fond of. 

Next is addressing whether you can take a wine opener on a cruise. The answer is maybe. Some cruises view certain types as weapons and will remove them from your possession. They are very particular regarding weaponry and have different policies on this subject.

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Some will remove the wine bottle opener if it is part of a Swiss Army knife, as they are considered a weapon, but will allow a standalone corkscrew. Meanwhile, others frown on it altogether and will refer you to the room steward instead. Either way, there will be a corkscrew available to you onboard the ship so you are able to crack open your bottle and enjoy!