People take cruises for lots of different reasons. Sometimes they want an easy way to travel to new destinations. Sometimes they just want a vacation. And sometimes that vacation may or may not include alcohol. Since Disney Cruise line does things a little differently than other cruise lines when it comes to drinking, it can be a little confusing. Here’s everything you need to know about alcohol on Disney Cruise Ships!
Disney Cruise Line Does Not Have Drink Packages
First and foremost: Disney Cruise Line does not offer drink packages. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser, or a newbie, the words Drink Packages are something you’ve likely heard before. Disney does not offer any type of drink package. Most likely because they are generally considered a family cruise. And they probably don’t want to earn the reputation some cruise lines have as being party boats. Plus generally, it makes for less issues overall when most of your guests are at least slightly sober.
They do sell alcohol though, and at plenty of places around the ship. You just have to pay for each drink separately. Drinking on a Disney Cruise can get expensive. So we are going to share everything you need to know about alcohol on a Disney Cruise so you can plan accordingly if you choose to drink.
You can bring your own alcohol on a Disney Cruise
Disney Cruise Line guests can bring up to two bottles of unopened wine or champagne or 6 beers onboard. You must be 21 years or older to do this. And it must be packed in your carryon luggage. Under no circumstances should you pack this in your checked luggage- they’ll take it out and you won’t be reimbursed for it.
Being able to bring your own alcohol onboard means you can save a good chunk of money on drinks. Especially if you’re someone who has a specific type of wine or beer you like. Or if you’re someone who likes to start your day with mimosas. Just grab some orange juice from the upper decks and voila!
You can read Disney’s full alcohol policy here.
Save money on alcohol with Happy Hour Specials on Disney Cruise
In recent years, many of Disney’s ships have started offering Happy Hour Specials. Now these are never guaranteed, but on our last 3 Disney Cruises, we saw them pretty often. You can generally expect to save anywhere from 30-50% off drinks during happy hour on a Disneycruise, so this can save you a good amount of cash. You can find these deals in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App, and sometimes they’ll also announce them on the morning show if you watch that in your stateroom.
The Drink of the Day will cost you just $5
Disney offers a drink of the day each day you’re onboard. And they just cost $5. Many times, these drinks are a little “watered down” if you will, so they aren’t going to be top shelf or anything like that. But if you’re just looking for a drink without blowing the budget, they’re a good option. The drink changes each day, so you can try something new each time. They also offer a non-alcoholic drink each day as well, so it’s a great way o save money on drinks for everyone.
And the best part is that you can also get the drink of the day on Castaway Cay. So if sitting on the beach with a drink in hand is on your Disney Cruise Vacation to do list, you can also enjoy discounted adult beverages here. You can find the drink of the day in the Disney Cruise Line Navigator App by scrolling all the way to the bottom of the home page. And you’ll find it featured there.
The Refillable Beer Mug can save you money
If you’re a beer drinker who plans to drink beer on your Disney Cruise, you should consider the refillable beer mug. You can buy this from the onboard gifts and amenities page before your cruise, or you can buy it once onboard. The refillable mug is 21 ounces, and it allows you to get refills for the price of a 16 oz. This includes beers and hard ciders onboard. And if you don’t want to lug around the hefty 21 oz glass, you can also ask the bartender to exchange it for a token that you can redeem next time you’d like a refill. This is a great way to save money if you plan to drink beer or hard cider onboard.
The Drinking Age is (sort of) different overseas on a Disney Cruise
Sailing out of ports in Europe and Australia can be a little different than sailing from the US. If you’re sailing from a port in Europe or Australia (or any international port for that matter), the drinking age is flexible. By that, I mean technically, Disney Cruise Line’s drinking age is always 21. But when sailing from an international port with a different drinking age, guests can sign a waiver to be allowed to drink at the age of 18. This usually does need to be signed by a parent or guardian. And comes with a few restrictions.
Generally, the parent or guardian needs to be with the young adult who wants the alcohol. And they do make it very clear that they can stop serving you at any time. The exception to this is when sailing out of Australia and New Zealand, guests who are 18-21 don’t need parental consent to purchase or drink alcohol.
You can bring alcohol onboard from ports on a Disney Cruise
Much like the initial boarding process, guests can bring up to 2 bottles of unopened wine or champagne or 6 beers from each port of call. And yes, you can drink it onboard! Again you must be either 21, or 18 if sailing out of the Australian ports. The only thing to note here is that while you are allowed to purchase liquor at ports of call, you cannot consume it onboard. You actually have to turn it in when you get back onboard and they’ll hold onto it until your journey is over. So feel free to buy duty free rum in the Caribbean. Just know you’ll have to save it until you get home.
Your Stateroom Host can lend you a bottle opener if you don’t have one
Maybe you just forgot. Or maybe you didn’t even think of it! But if you’re bringing your own alcohol onboard, you’ll likely want a bottle opener or corkscrew for your adult beverages. If you forgot one though, that’s ok! Your stateroom host can lend you a bottle opener or corkscrew so you can enjoy your drinks in your room.
You can order alcoholic drinks to be delivered to your room before your cruise
Don’t want to deal with bringing alcohol onboard? Though Disney Cruise Line doesn’t offer drink packages, they do offer the opportunity to order select drinks from their onboard gifts and amenities page before your cruise that will have your drinks waiting for you in your stateroom when you board. You can choose from beer, wine, champagne and even non-alcoholic champagne. And you can also get bottled water while you’re there too.
Hopefully this post has helped clear up any confusion you may have had about alcohol on a Disney Cruise!
Melanie Renee is a photographer, writer, designer and mom. Visiting Disney destinations since 2010, she is also an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. When she's not creating her next coffee recipe, or designing apparel at Polka Dot Pixie Shop, she's seeking beautiful sunsets and planning her next trip .
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