Today’s food and drink choices on most cruise ships are exceptional, offering everything from fine dining to street food snacks and treats. However, sometimes you fancy a taste from home. Or perhaps you have a specific dietary requirement that could mean your options are less extensive.
Many cruise guests question whether they can bring their own drinks (soft or alcoholic) or snacks onboard, and the short answer is that it depends on your cruise line. Below, we’ve put together a table sharing the guidelines on bringing drinks and snacks aboard some of the leading cruise lines.
Be aware that these food and drink allowances are only for your boarding day. It does not mean you can bring a fresh bottle of wine onto the ship each time you visit a different port! In fact, any alcohol bought ashore or from the onboard cruise shops will be held by the cruise line until the end of your cruise.
| Cruise Line | Food/Snacks Allowances | Alcoholic Drinks Allowances | Non-Alcoholic Drinks Allowances |
| – | – | – | – |
| Royal Caribbean Cruises | Non-perishable, pre-packaged food allowed in limited quantities | Two 750 ml bottles of wine or Champagne per stateroom (as long as one guest is of legal drinking age) | Up to 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks. Water is included in this allowance. |
| – | – | – | – |
| Princess Cruises | Pre-packaged items only Fresh food is highly discouraged and will be restricted by customs | One bottle of wine or Champagne per adult of drinking age (no larger than 750 ml). Additional bottles will be charged a corkage fee of $15 | No limit |
| – | – | – | – |
| Celebrity Cruises | Perishable food and meat products are prohibited | Up to two bottles of wine (which are subject to a corkage fee) per guest | Unlimited water or soda |
| – | – | – | – |
| P&O Cruises | Only allowed under certain circumstances and only for personal consumption. Perishable food is prohibited | Up to 1L of wine, Champagne, beer, spirit, or liqueur for adults of legal drinking age | Up to 12 canned drinks only. Most other non-alcoholic drinks prohibited |
| – | – | – | – |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Pre-packaged items only | Wine is not limited but is subject to a corkage fee | Only distilled water required for medical needs and in a factory-sealed container |
| – | – | – | – |
| Cunard Cruises | Bringing your own food is discouraged | One bottle of wine or Champagne | No limit |
| – | – | – | – |
| MSC Cruises | Only for medical purposes, as confirmed in advance by MSC Cruises | Prohibited | Only water for medical purposes, as confirmed in advance by MSC Cruises |
| – | – | – | – |
| Saga Cruises | No restrictions provided, but be aware of customs regulations | No strict alcohol policy, but be aware of customs regulations | No restrictions provided, but be aware of customs regulations |
Other things to note
Packing your drinks
When bringing alcoholic drinks on board, pack them in your carry-on/hand luggage. This avoids breakages and allows for inspection if required. Some cruise lines also ask you to do the same with non-alcoholic drinks.
Consuming your drinks
Some cruise lines apply a corkage fee wherever you drink your own alcohol. However, on other ships, your wine or Champagne can be enjoyed in your cabin fee-free, and corkscrews are provided. But if you wish to drink them in their restaurants or bars, a corkage fee will be applied. Check with your cruise line for their specific regulations.
Prohibited items
Most cruise lines do not allow spirits or beer to be brought on board (P&O being one exception). Perishable items and meat are also generally prohibited and are often restricted at customs.
Baby food and special dietary requirements
Many cruise lines provide baby food. However, often you are allowed to bring your own if it is pre-packaged. You can also bring formula, milk or distilled water needed for infant, medical, or dietary requirements onto most ships. If you do have a medical or dietary need, get in touch with your cruise line directly, as they can often give specific authorisation for these items as needed.
If you have any other questions about what you can bring on your next cruise holiday, please speak to our cruise specialists, who can provide you with the most up-to-date information.
