Can I take a wine opener on a cruise? Or is it considered a weapon? Read on to learn the answer to this common question.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Read Also: 10 Cruise Packing Hacks You Need to Know

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!

Free expert cruise tips and news from Cruise Hive! We'll send you a weekly newsletter to your inbox.

Cruise Hive was established back in 2008 and among the earliest blogs in the industry. Since the start, it's been our aim to provide the latest cruise news covering all the major cruise lines. We make sure cruisers are fully prepared for their cruise vacation with tips on ships and ports. Millions of travelers rely on Cruise Hive in the United States, Europe, Australia, and around the world.

CRUISE HIVE LTD © 2008-2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.