Embarking on a Royal Caribbean cruise is exciting, and one of the most common questions—especially for first-time cruisers—is about bringing your own water bottles or drinks onboard. Cruise lines have strict but clear guidelines about beverages because of security, safety, onboard revenue, and operational rules.
The good news?You can bring some drinks, but not everything.
This long-form pillar guide breaks down every detail you need—what’s allowed, what’s not, how much you can bring, tricks to avoid problems at embarkation, and insider tips from experienced cruisers.
Royal Caribbean has one of the simplest beverage policies in the cruise industry. However, misunderstanding the rules can lead to delays or confiscation during boarding.
Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown of how the policy works and what you can confidently bring without stress.
Yes—Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring non-alcoholic beverages, including water bottles.
Each stateroom is allowed:
Up to 12 bottles/cans/cartons
Maximum 17 oz (500 ml) per container
This applies to:
Water bottles
Soda
Sparkling water
Juice boxes
Sports drinks
Energy drinks
You may bring one 750 ml bottle of wine per adult, only at embarkation.
No beer.
No liquor.
No spirits.
No hard seltzers.
Wine must be carried in hand luggage—not checked luggage.
Only factory-sealed bottles are allowed.Open bottles, mixed drinks, or homemade beverages are not permitted.
Royal Caribbean’s policy focuses on safety, revenue control, and consistency. This section gives you a fully simplified breakdown.
Cruise ships want passengers to enjoy convenience, but they must avoid:
Excess alcohol being smuggled onboard
Security risks
Large, heavy liquids in checked bags
Bottles that may break and damage luggage
So the rule is:Limited drinks per stateroom, unopened, hand-carried only.
Hydration is important during a cruise, especially in warm climates. Royal Caribbean knows many guests prefer:
Specific bottled water brands
Bringing water for health or dietary reasons
Carrying refillable bottles around the ship
Because of this, they allow small quantities.
Some travelers try to bring:
24-pack of water
Gallon jugs
Multiple cases
Royal Caribbean doesn’t allow oversized items because:
They take up security scanning space
They can crack open and flood luggage
They encourage guests to skip shipboard purchases
They cause boarding delays
The limit ensures fairness and safety.
Many cruisers wonder if reusable bottles count toward the drink limit. Good news—they do not.
You can freely bring:
Stainless steel bottles
Insulated bottles
Sports water bottles
Collapsible bottles
Only pre-filled, sealed beverages count toward your 12-unit drink limit.
Experienced cruisers always bring reusable bottles because:
Royal Caribbean gives free cold water at buffet stations
You can refill at bars and dining areas
It avoids buying costly bottled water onboard
Royal Caribbean does NOT allow passengers to refill at bathroom sinks (for hygiene). Always use food service areas.
Yes—but only if it is empty during boarding.
Filled jugs count as beverages and will be denied.
To avoid spills and mess, choose bottles such as:
Stainless steel with screw-top
Insulated bottles for keeping drinks cold
Filtered bottles (ideal for excursions)
Collapsible bottles for saving space
Straw-style lid bottles for kids
If you're worried about ship water, you can bring:
Portable filter bottles
Small faucet filters (not installed, but used manually)
Small purifiers
Ship water is already clean and safe, but filtered bottles give an extra layer.
This section covers the ultimate guide on how to bring drinks without issues or delays.
Royal Caribbean requires drinks to be:
✔ Carried in hand luggage✘ Not packed in checked luggage
Checked luggage with drinks will be flagged, opened, delayed, or confiscated.
Travelers commonly use:
Small rolling bags
Beach bags
Backpacks
Insulated small coolers
Tote bags
Just ensure you can lift and carry it.
Yes—Royal Caribbean allows:
Local water bottles
Soda
Non-alcoholic drinks
But alcohol purchased ashore will be held until the final night.
If you buy a big bottle at a port stop:
It must be sealed
It may be inspected
It will be allowed onboard if non-alcoholic
No issues here.
Absolutely. Royal Caribbean makes exceptions for infants:
Baby formula
Distilled water
Bottled water
Baby juice
Parents can bring more than the standard limit if medically needed.
Yes—if they are:
Factory sealed
Shelf-stable
In the 12-bottle/can total limit
Homemade shakes are not allowed.
Yes—Royal Caribbean allows:
One gallon of distilled water for medical use
Additional gallons if documented
This is separate from the standard drink limit.
Here are the insider secrets cruisers use:
Security must visually check liquids.
Although allowed, glass breaks easily during boarding.
Security is strict about this.
Ship’s water is cold and fresh—perfect for refilling.
Royal Caribbean’s packages include:
Premium Bottled Water Package
Refreshment Package
Deluxe Beverage Package
These can save money on long cruises.
No. The limit is 12 bottles per stateroom.
Yes—if it is factory-sealed.
Yes—unlimited and not counted in your drink limit.
Yes—one 750 ml bottle per adult.
No.
Yes, up to 12 total drinks.
Yes, if sealed.
Royal Caribbean makes it simple to bring your own water bottles or drinks—just follow the rules:
You may bring 12 non-alcoholic drinks (17 oz max) per stateroom
Drinks must be sealed and carry-on only
Reusable bottles are allowed and encouraged
One bottle of wine per adult is permitted
Understanding these guidelines ensures a faster, smoother boarding experience and helps you save money during your vacation.
If you prepare correctly, you can stay hydrated, enjoy your preferred beverages, and cruise stress-free.
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