Disney Cruise Line to ban carry-on liquor

Tom Stieghorst | Tom Stieghorst

Revising a policy that made it one of the most liberal cruise lines with regards to carrying alcohol onboard, Disney Cruise Line said it will tighten its rules on September 30.

Starting on that date, guests won't be able to bring any liquor or spirits onboard at embarkation or after port calls. They will still be able to bring two standard sized bottles of wine or champagne, or six 12 oz. bottles or cans of beer. When asked about the reasons for the change, a spokeswoman for Disney said the line periodically reviews its policies and that the new rules aren't unusual in the cruise industry.

Being able to bring liquor and spirits aboard helped some passengers swallow the price of a Disney cruise, which is generally higher per day than other non-luxury cruise lines.

As before, beer and wine is limited to guests over 21 and must be transported in carry-on luggage, not checked bags. It cannot be consumed in public areas of the ship, except for the main dining room where a $25 corkage fee will apply. Disney’s current corkage fee is $20.

Tom Stieghorst covers cruising at Travel Weekly magazine.