If you’re planning your first MSC cruise, you might be wondering how strict they are about bringing your own drinks onboard. Whether it’s a bottle of wine, a case of Coke, or just some bottled water, every cruise line handles this differently — and MSC’s policy can be a little confusing.
We’ve dug into MSC’s official policy, read the fine print, and talked with fellow cruisers to bring you the truth about what you can (and can’t) bring onboard.
💡 Looking for a full breakdown of onboard beverage options? Don’t miss our MSC Drink Package Guide.
The Short Answer
No — you can’t bring your own alcohol, beer, soda, or bottled water onboard MSC Cruises.
That rule applies whether you’re sailing from the U.S., Europe, or anywhere else. MSC is one of the stricter lines when it comes to outside beverages, and they check for it at embarkation.
That said… like most things at sea, enforcement can vary.
MSC’s Official Beverage Policy
MSC’s official statement (from their website) reads:
“Guests are not permitted to bring any alcoholic beverages, bottles, cans or any other drinks on board. Security personnel may inspect containers and will dispose of alcohol concealed in such containers.”
In plain English? No wine, no beer, no spirits, and no soda. The only exceptions involve very specific medical or baby-related needs.
Compared to other cruise lines — like Royal Caribbean (which allows two bottles of wine per cabin) or Carnival (which allows a few sodas) — MSC’s policy is one of the most restrictive in the industry.
What Happens If You Try Anyway?
If you pack a bottle of vodka in your suitcase or sneak a six-pack in your carry-on, odds are high that it’ll get flagged during screening.
When that happens, your bag gets pulled aside and you’ll get a notice to visit what cruisers affectionately call the “naughty room.” There, security will open your bag in front of you, confiscate any alcohol, and either:
- Hold it until the end of the cruise, or
- Discard it altogether, depending on the port rules
Either way, your plan for a DIY cocktail hour is sunk before it sails.
There are several products (we know of ShampBooze) that advertises the ability to bring spirits in a food safe container. While we can’t recommend it, we’ve heard it has a decent chance of concealing booze.
Can You Bring Drinks from Port Back to the Ship?
You can absolutely buy alcohol or wine at ports of call or in duty-free shops — but you won’t be allowed to keep it in your cabin. MSC will tag and hold those bottles for you until the end of your cruise, returning them before disembarkation.
So if you find an amazing bottle of rum in Cozumel, go ahead and grab it — just don’t expect to pop it open that night on your balcony.
Can You Bring a Reusable Water Bottle?
Yes — and you should!
You can bring empty reusable water bottles or insulated tumblers (like a Stanley or Hydro Flask) on board with no issue. In fact, it’s one of the smartest things you can pack.
You can refill these at:
- The buffet drink stations. It’s discouraged to fill up directly but you can fill from smaller cups that are provided – you will see many people doing this.
- Bars (ask politely for ice water or bottled water)
- Your cabin bathroom sink (though some find the water slightly salty)
Bringing your own bottle helps you stay hydrated — and it’s totally allowed.
Are There Exceptions?
Officially, no.
But unofficially… it depends on the person checking your bag.
Some passengers report slipping through with sealed bottled water or sodas without issue. Others say security confiscated everything down to a single Coke. A few lucky travelers even report a “don’t ask, don’t tell” situation if the staff member didn’t look too closely.
The bottom line: you might get lucky, but don’t count on it. MSC’s policy is clear, and while a friendly or unaware employee might wave you through, it’s not worth banking on — especially when you can buy what you need onboard.
Medical and Baby-Related Exceptions
MSC does make allowances for:
- Baby formula and bottled water for infant use
- Distilled or purified water for use with medical devices (like CPAP machines)
- Other medically necessary liquids, if approved in advance
If you’re bringing these items, keep them in sealed containers and declare them at security to avoid confusion.
Final Thoughts
MSC Cruises keeps a tight lid on outside drinks, but it’s not all bad news. You can still bring an empty water bottle, enjoy a wide range of included beverages onboard, and choose from drink packages that fit your budget.
Just leave the boxed wine and soda cans at home — they’ll only get you a ticket to the “naughty room.”