MSC Cruises: Alcohol & Drink Policy Guide

What Is The New Drink Policy On MSC?

MSC Cruises has changed its drink and alcohol policies, effective since April 1, 2025. New policies are on responsible consumption, an overview of acceptable daily limits, and creating a safe and enjoyable environment for all guests, thus placing the MSC Cruise Alcohol Policy as one of the most crucial factors that passengers need to be knowledgeable about prior to their boarding.

MSC Cruise Drink Policy: What’s New in 2025?

The new MSC Cruise Drink Policy as of April 1, 2025, for sailing can be summarized as follows:

  • The alcohol content in all alcoholic drink packages is now limited to a maximum of 15 drinks per adult per day(24 hours, counts again at 6 a.m.).
  • The restriction will be placed on the previously unlimited drink packages: Easy, Easy Plus, and Premium Extra.
  • Non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas, juices, and coffees will still be unlimited for the package holders.
  • After a guest exceeds the 15 drinks limit, normal menu prices apply when he/she want to get more drinks.
  • This does not apply in the MSC Yacht Club private zone, where free drinks are still served to the guests as reflected in their suite privileges.
  • The policy will ensure responsible enjoyment and achieve a high quality of onboard experience for all guests.
  • Those who have a drink package that was purchased prior to December 18, 2024, for voyages after April 1, 2025, will continue to have benefits promised to them; however, new ones will adopt the new policy.

Can I Bring Alcohol on an MSC Cruise?

No, you cannot carry alcohol on an MSC cruise. Among the most rigorous provisions of MSC Cruise Alcohol Policy is the complete ban on alcohol that you or anyone carries on board during embarkation (whether it is in a suitcase/luggage or carry-on luggage or bought ashore). The security personnel will ensure careful searches are made of the bags and no alcohol is allowed under any circumstances.

Also, when you purchase alcohol on shore (in port) or the ship duty free shops that alcohol will be safe-kept by MSC personnel and left to you on the final night of the cruise. Medically necessary water and baby formula are the only exceptions allowed to this policy, and must come in a sealed container.

This stringent model forms the main basis of the MSC Cruise Alcohol Policy and is beneficial in ensuring that a safe and controlled atmosphere constantly exists in the cruise ship.

How Much Alcohol Can You Drink on MSC?

The 2025 update to the Msc Cruise Drink Policy caps the daily consumption of alcoholic beverages included in any purchased package to 15 per 24-hour period (measured from 6 a.m. to 6 a.m.). This is applicable in both regular packages of alcohol drinks offered to the majority of the guests.

Should you desire to take more than this per day allowance, you can still buy a drink a time at the menu price that the bar is advertising. Non-alcoholic drinks are not subject to the daily limit and are unlimited to those when they have a drinks package.

The passengers of MSC Yacht Club do not fall into the same restriction and will continue to have access to unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages as entitlements of their suite.

What Liquids Can You Bring on an MSC Cruise?

Bringing liquids onboard, i.e. alcoholic drinks, soda, juice, and bottled water etc. on an MSC cruise is not permitted, not even in your carry on luggage or checked baggage. Purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers used as reconstitution water of an infant formula, or an ingredient of a medical device, is also the sole exception.

The Major Highlights of The Official Policy of MSC

  • As per MSC Cruise Alcohol Policy, alcohols are not allowed, except on limited cases where the security may allow (not the usual procedure).
  • There is also a ban on non-alcoholic drinks (such as water, soda, and juice), except the above-discussed medical/infant exceptions.
  • The personal toiletries such as shampoo, conditioner or sunscreen are permitted, and MSC has neither airline type restriction against the volume of liquid toiletries that you carry in your checked luggage nor in your carry-on baggage.
  • Empty refillable water bottles are acceptable and preferred, as people can fill this with water at the designated water stations after boarding so as to remain hydrated.

Summary of What You Can And Cannot Bring:

Liquid Type

Allowed?

Alcohol/Spirits

No

Soft Drinks, Juice, Soda

No

Water bottles (factory sealed, normal)

No

Empty reusable water bottles

Yes

Personal Toiletry Liquids

Yes

Are You Allowed To Take Alcohol On The MSC? 

Drink alcohol to make the journey enjoyable! Many people remain in the dilemma of whether bringing bottles of alcohol on an MSC cruise is permissible. It might break your heart, but the truth is you cannot take alcohol on the ship of MSC. If you still hope to bring other types of alcohol like beer, wine, or spirits, prepare for disappointment, as no beverages are permitted on the ship. 

Purchasing Alcohol at Ports of Call

What a tedious journey will it be without a bottle of alcohol? Right! Indeed, you are! But here’s some good news to tickle your hormones. Explore the local drinks during the shore excursion. Travelers can purchase the alcohol at the port of call and take it back to the ship. But here’s a catch: MSC Cruise Line will keep your bottles under safekeeping and give them back to you only on the final day of the journey. Still, it’s a fair deal. You can collect drinks from different areas, take them home to show, and flex around your friends and family. 

Alcohol Purchases Without Duty-fee Onboard

You cannot open the bottle at your party if you purchase duty-free alcohol from the onboard shop. The MSC cruise alcohol policy does not allow passengers to open the bottle which is bought by the travelers without paying the duty fee. Similarly, like the port of call, these bottles will also remain with the cruise only and will be handed over to you on the last evening of the cruise. 

Free Drinks On MSC Cruise

Might be wondering if MSC does offer an MSC cruise alcohol package! MSC Cruise does not offer any such service. However, you will have access to complimentary drinks such as tea, coffee, and juice on the MSC buffet. Refresh yourself when you are on the ship without spending a penny onboard. But, the party is incomplete without alcohol. MSC Cruise Line has taken care of this concern, as have the travelers. You can enjoy alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages at MSC Yacht Club. So, keep your worries aside and enjoy drinks and party hard with your favorite drinks at the MSC Yacht Club

Why is MSC So Strict With Alcohol? 

Yes, the MSC cruise alcohol policy is indeed strict and might look frustrating in the first place. However, with these policies, MSC Cruise tries to establish a safe, secure, and more enjoyable environment on the ship. You will find limited drink options outside on the ship. Additionally, they ensure to offer the drinks only to passengers above 21 years. The legal age may vary based on where the ship is floating or from where it has departed. 

Conclusion 

MSC Cruises introduced its new policy regarding drinks on April 1, 2025, focusing on responsible drinking with a new limit of 15 alcoholic drinks per day on a package level. There is no limit on non-alcoholic beverages, and no person will be allowed to carry an alcoholic drink on board. Additionally, the passengers are not allowed to bring their personal alcoholic drinks onboard. Passengers can buy drinks at the port of call, but they cannot open the bottle on the ship. MSC Cruise offers the perfect solution for your cravings; sail in the MSC Yacht Club for the ultimate all-inclusive adventure.