Can You Bring Your Own Drinks on a Cruise?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning to go on a cruise and wondering whether you can bring your own drinks on board? It’s a question that many cruisers have, and the answer isn’t always straightforward. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the rules around bringing your own drinks on a cruise.

Understanding Cruise Line Policies

Each cruise line has its own policy when it comes to bringing beverages on board. Some allow it while others prohibit it altogether. It’s essential to research the specific cruise line you plan to sail with to know their policy.

Cruise Lines That Allow You to Bring Your Own Drinks

If you’re looking for a cruise line that allows you to bring your own drinks, here are some options:

  • Carnival Cruise Line: You can bring up to 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages per person.
  • Norwegian Cruise Line: You can bring sealed bottles of water, soda, and juice on board.
  • Disney Cruise Line: You can bring non-alcoholic beverages in carry-on luggage or checked bags.

It’s important to note that all of these cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing alcoholic beverages on board.

Cruise Lines That Prohibit Bringing Your Own Drinks

On the other hand, some cruise lines don’t allow passengers to bring any drinks onboard. These include:

  • Royal Caribbean International: This cruise line has a strict no outside beverage policy, except for two sealed bottles of wine per stateroom for guests 21 years or older.
  • Holland America Line: Passengers are not allowed to bring any drinks, including alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages, onboard.
  • Princess Cruises: This cruise line doesn’t allow passengers to bring any beverages on board.

The Reasons Behind These Policies

You may wonder why cruise lines have such strict policies when it comes to passengers bringing their own drinks. There are a few reasons:

  • Revenue: Cruise lines make a significant amount of money from onboard beverage sales, so they don’t want passengers to bring their own drinks and cut into their profits.
  • Safety Concerns: Cruise lines want to ensure that all beverages served on board meet their safety standards. By prohibiting outside drinks, they can control what’s being consumed by passengers.
  • Environmental Impact: Cruise lines are also concerned about the environmental impact of passengers bringing their own drinks. They don’t want to deal with the disposal of large amounts of plastic bottles and cans.

Conclusion

In summary, whether or not you can bring your own drinks on a cruise depends on the cruise line you plan to sail with. It’s always best to check the specific policy before packing your bags. Keep in mind that even if a cruise line allows non-alcoholic beverages, they may have restrictions on the type or quantity that you can bring.

Remember, while it’s nice to save money by bringing your own drinks, don’t forget to try some of the unique cocktails and beverages offered onboard. It’s all part of the cruise experience!