Want to Bring Your Own Bottled Water on a Cruise? Read This First

If you’ve never cruised before (or have only taken one or two trips), you might be surprised at how complicated the simple act of bringing bottled water can be. Cruise lines don’t all follow the same rules, and some enforce stricter policies than others. Add in concerns about weight limits, airline fees, and the rising cost of drinks onboard, and it’s no wonder travelers are asking: Can I just bring my own water?

This post breaks down exactly what’s allowed when it comes to bringing bottled water on a cruise. Whether you’re trying to save money, stay hydrated, or pack smart, you’ll find clear answers here. I’ll walk you through what the major cruise lines do and don’t allow, share tips I use with my own family to avoid surprises, and help you decide the best way to manage your water needs at sea.

Quick Answer & Key Takeaway

So, can you bring bottled water on a cruise?
Yes—usually. Most mainstream cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of bottled water onboard, but there are key restrictions you need to know. These include limits on how much you can bring, what type of container it’s in, and how you pack it.

Here’s the bottom line:

• Most cruise lines allow up to 12 sealed non-alcoholic beverages (like bottled water) per stateroom, but they must be in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.
  
• Plastic bottles are sometimes banned. Some lines only allow cans or cartons.
  
• A few cruise lines, like MSC and Norwegian, don’t allow you to bring bottled water at all, except for medical or baby-related reasons.
  

Policies can change, and each cruise line has its own fine print. Up next, I’ll explain why these restrictions exist and how to find the exact rules for your cruise.

Why Cruise Lines Restrict Bottled Water

At first glance, it might seem odd that a cruise line would care how much water you bring. But the restrictions are less about hydration and more about alcohol smuggling.

Water bottles are one of the most common ways people try to sneak liquor onto cruise ships. Tampering with sealed bottles or repackaging alcohol into water containers is surprisingly common. That’s why cruise lines often ban plastic bottles entirely or require all drinks to be factory-sealed in cans or cartons.

There’s another factor, too: security screening and embarkation delays. When luggage has to be manually inspected for unapproved containers, it slows down the boarding process for everyone. By tightening up the rules, cruise lines hope to speed up embarkation and minimize disruptions.

Finally, let’s not ignore the financial incentive: bottled water is a profit center. Cruise lines sell it à la carte or in bundles, and it’s included in some drink packages. Limiting how much you bring onboard helps protect that revenue stream.

Now let’s take a closer look at what the major cruise lines allow and don’t allow when it comes to bottled water.

Can You Bring Bottled Water on a Cruise? Individual Cruise Line Policies

Every cruise line sets its own rules about bringing water onboard. Here’s a breakdown of current 2025 policies from the major players:

Royal Caribbean

• You may bring up to 12 sealed, non-alcoholic beverages, including bottled water (up to 17 oz each), per stateroom.
  
• Must be carried in your carry-on luggage on embarkation day only.
  
• Distilled water is allowed in unlimited quantities for medical or infant use.
  
• Royal Caribbean Beverage Policy
  

If you are sailing on consecutive cruises, your allotment applies per sailing.

Carnival Cruise Line

• Plastic and glass bottles are not allowed.
  
• Guests can bring up to 12 sealed cans or cartons (12 oz or less) per person.
  
• All items must be packed in carry-on luggage.
  
• Distilled water for medical use must be brought with a CPAP machine.
  
• Carnival Beverage Policy
  

Norwegian Cruise Line

• Bottled water is not allowed, unless medically necessary or used for infant formula.
  
• Any permitted distilled water must be factory sealed.
  
• Water must be purchased onboard or pre-ordered.
  
• Norwegian FAQs on Beverages
  

Celebrity Cruises

• No official water policy published, but as part of the Royal Caribbean family, expect similar rules.
  
• If you’ve booked a package under “All Included,” bottled water is covered.
  
• Celebrity Cruises FAQs
  

Disney Cruise Line

• Permits a case of water, as long as it’s unopened, in original packaging, and packed in your carry-on.
  
• No express limits on quantity or bottle size.
  
• Disney Cruise Beverage Policy
  

Holland America Line

• Allows 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages per person.
  
• Plastic bottles are not permitted.
  
• Water must be brought on embarkation day only.
  
• Holland America FAQ
  

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Tips to Save Money & Stay Hydrated

Bringing your own water on a cruise can be a smart move if you do it the right way. Here are some strategies I’ve learned from experience that can help you stay hydrated without overspending or overpacking:

1. Buy Water After You Fly

If you’re flying to your embarkation port, skip packing heavy water bottles in your luggage. Checked baggage fees can quickly wipe out any savings. Instead, plan to arrive a day early and make a run to a local store (Target is our go-to) for bottled water, soft drinks, and any other last-minute items. This way, you avoid extra airline fees and still board with what you need.

2. Use Cruise Line Pre-Orders

Most cruise lines offer packages where you can pre-order bottled water to be delivered to your stateroom. It’s not always the cheapest option, but it’s convenient, and for some lines like Norwegian or MSC, it may be your only option.

3. Consider a Drink Package

If you’re planning to drink a lot of bottled water (or soda, coffee, or juice), it might be more cost-effective to purchase a non-alcoholic drink package, but check the math. Some packages include unlimited bottled water, and others offer discounted rates when booked in advance.

4. Stick with Free Tap Water—But Use a Reusable Bottle

Ship water is filtered and safe to drink. If you’re okay with using the tap, bring a high-quality insulated bottle, like a Yeti water bottle, to keep your water cold throughout the day. Fill it at the buffet or your stateroom sink. Please note that you’re not allowed to fill bottles directly from the water dispensers; use a clean cup to transfer the water.

These strategies help you avoid last-minute surprises and stay comfortably hydrated during your trip.

Packing Smart: Bottles vs Reusable Gear

When it comes to staying hydrated onboard, choosing between bottled water and reusable gear can make a big difference in your comfort, convenience, and even your luggage weight.

Avoid Overpacking Your Checked Bags

A case of bottled water might seem like a good idea until you realize how heavy it is. Checked luggage often has a 50-pound weight limit, and water adds up fast. If that extra weight tips your bag over the limit, you could be stuck with additional airline fees that cancel out any savings.

Bring a Durable Reusable Water Bottle

Reusable bottles are the way to go, especially if you’re okay drinking ship tap water. I recommend packing an insulated bottle like the Yeti Rambler. It keeps drinks cold for hours and stands up to travel wear and tear. Bonus: it also cuts down on plastic waste.

How to Fill Onboard (Without Breaking Rules)

Cruise lines usually have signs at water stations asking you not to fill bottles directly from the dispensers. That’s for hygiene reasons. Instead, use a clean glass or cup to fill your bottle. It’s a small extra step that keeps everyone safe and hydrated.

What About Water for Excursions?

A refillable bottle is especially helpful during shore excursions. Cruise lines will often have water available as you’re exiting the ship, but you should expect to be charged for that bottled water if you don’t have a drink package. In hot climates, that can add up. Refill before you leave, and you’re covered for the day.

Special Exceptions: Medical, Baby, CPAP Needs

While most cruise lines have strict rules about bringing water on board, there are important exceptions if you’re traveling with medical needs or young children.

Medical Needs: CPAP Machines and Beyond

If you use a CPAP machine or need distilled water for any medical device, you’re generally allowed to bring it onboard, even if the cruise line bans regular bottled water. The key is to bring factory-sealed, clearly labeled distilled water, and to carry it in your hand luggage. Some cruise lines may also ask you to complete a special needs form before your trip.

Infant Formula and Baby Needs

Cruising with a baby? You’re in the clear. All cruise lines allow you to bring water onboard for mixing formula or for your child’s dietary needs. Again, it should be sealed and packed in your carry-on. If you’re unsure what qualifies, check with the cruise line ahead of time or notify them in advance to avoid delays at embarkation.

Be Proactive: Notify in Advance

For both medical and infant-related exceptions, it’s a good idea to contact your cruise line before sailing. This ensures a smoother check-in process and avoids any confusion or delays during boarding.

Knowing these exceptions means you can pack with confidence, especially if you’re managing specific health needs or caring for a little one during your cruise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closing Thoughts

Most cruise lines allow you to bring a limited amount of bottled water, typically in sealed cans or cartons, provided it is in your carry-on bag. Some lines, like Norwegian and MSC, don’t allow it at all. Always check your cruise line’s current policy before packing.

To save money and stay hydrated, consider buying water after you fly in, using a reusable bottle like a Yeti, or pre-ordering water through the cruise line. And if you’re traveling with a baby or need distilled water for medical reasons, exceptions usually apply. Just bring sealed containers and notify the cruise line in advance.

Plan smart, pack light, and you’ll be ready to enjoy your cruise without worrying about where to find your next drink of water.

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Last update on 2025-06-27 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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