Can you bring unopened drinks on cruise?

Quench Your Thirst Wisely: Navigating Cruise Line Beverage Policies

Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure filled with breathtaking scenery, delicious food, and endless entertainment. But before you set sail, it’s essential to understand the often-overlooked details, like what you can and can’t bring onboard. One frequent question for potential cruisers is: “Can you bring your own drinks?”

The answer, like many things cruise-related, comes with a bit of fine print. While cruise lines generally prefer you purchase beverages from their bars and restaurants, most do allow passengers to bring a limited quantity of sealed, non-alcoholic drinks onboard.

The Allowance: A 12-Can Rule of Thumb

Most major cruise lines operate under a similar guideline regarding outside beverages: you are typically permitted to bring a limited number of sealed cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages. A common maximum allowance is twelve unopened cans or cartons, each 375ml (approximately 12.7 ounces) or smaller, per person.

Think of it this way: it’s enough to bring a twelve-pack of soda, juice boxes for the kids, or sparkling water to stay hydrated. However, it’s crucial that these beverages are unopened and factory-sealed.

Why the Restriction?

Cruise lines implement these restrictions for a few key reasons:

• Revenue: Cruise lines make a significant portion of their revenue from onboard beverage sales. Allowing unrestricted outside beverages would directly impact their profits.
• Safety and Security: Sealed containers help maintain onboard security. Unsealed containers could be tampered with and pose a potential risk.
• Control of Beverages: By limiting outside beverages, cruise lines can better control the types and quality of drinks consumed on board.

Consequences of Overdoing It

Think you can sneak extra beverages past security? Think again. Cruise lines are adept at identifying overages. If you exceed the allowable limit, expect your excess beverages to be confiscated. They will typically be stored until the end of the cruise when you can reclaim them. In some cases, they might be disposed of altogether. It’s simply not worth the risk.

Beyond the Basics: Key Considerations

• Alcohol is a Different Story: The rules regarding alcohol are usually much stricter. In most cases, bringing your own alcohol onboard is prohibited or severely limited to specific circumstances (e.g., a bottle of wine per cabin). Check with your cruise line for their specific alcohol policy.
• Infants and Medical Needs: Cruise lines often make exceptions for essential beverages for infants or those with specific medical needs. It’s always best to contact the cruise line directly to clarify their policies in these situations and potentially obtain pre-approval.
• Specific Cruise Line Policies: While the 12-can/carton rule is common, policies can vary slightly. Always consult your specific cruise line’s terms and conditions before embarking on your cruise. This information can usually be found on their website or by contacting their customer service department. Look for information on their baggage policies or onboard beverage guidelines.
• Replenishing Onboard: If you run out of your permitted beverages, remember that you can always purchase drinks from the ship’s bars, restaurants, and shops. Many cruise lines also offer beverage packages that can provide significant savings if you plan on consuming a large quantity of drinks during your cruise.

In Conclusion

Enjoying your cruise vacation means adhering to the rules and regulations set in place. By understanding and respecting the cruise line’s beverage policy, you can avoid any potential disruptions and focus on creating unforgettable memories at sea. So, pack your permitted beverages wisely, and get ready to set sail!