Royal Caribbean's bottled water policy
Royal Caribbean allows you to bring bottled water on board, but with a limit: you can pack up to 12 standard bottles (16 ounces each) per stateroom for the duration of your cruise. The water must be unopened when you board, and it goes through security screening like any other beverage. Once you're on the ship, you can drink it in your cabin or take it to your stateroom balcony, but you cannot bring it into dining venues, the pool deck, or other public areas of the ship.
The reasoning behind this rule is straightforward: Royal Caribbean generates significant revenue from beverage sales, and the policy protects that income while still letting passengers bring some water for their rooms. If you exceed the 12-bottle limit, crew members will confiscate the excess at the security checkpoint, and you won't get it back.
Key Takeaways
- You can bring up to 12 unopened 16-ounce bottles of water per stateroom, and they must pass through security screening.
- Bottled water is only permitted in your cabin and on your private balcony, not in dining rooms, buffets, or pool areas.
- Bottles exceeding the 12-bottle limit will be removed at security and not returned to you.
- Tap water from your cabin is safe to drink, and water fountains are available throughout the ship at no charge.
- Beverage packages and drink plans offer unlimited water along with other beverages if you want more than what you bring.
Where you can and cannot drink your bottled water
Your stateroom is the primary place where bottled water is permitted. You can keep bottles in your cabin refrigerator, on your nightstand, or anywhere inside your room. If your cabin has a balcony, you can take water out there as well — this is one of the few places outside your room where the policy allows it.
Public areas are off-limits for your own bottled water. This includes the main dining room, specialty restaurants, the buffet, the pool deck, the hot tubs, the casino, lounges, and theaters. Crew members will ask you to put away any outside water if they see it in these spaces. The restriction exists partly because the ship wants to prevent confusion between passenger-owned bottles and Royal Caribbean's branded beverages, and partly to enforce the beverage package system.
Free water options on the ship
You don't need to rely entirely on bottled water you bring. Royal Caribbean provides tap water at no charge in your cabin — it's treated and safe to drink. You can fill cups, bottles, or containers from your cabin tap anytime. Many passengers refill reusable water bottles this way throughout the cruise.
Water fountains are scattered throughout the ship in hallways, near the buffet, and in other common areas. These are free and available 24 hours a day. If you're at the pool or in a public venue and want water, you can ask any crew member for a cup of ice water, which they will provide without charge. This is one of the few truly free beverages on the ship outside your cabin.
Beverage packages and what they include
If you want unlimited water plus other drinks, Royal Caribbean offers beverage packages that cover soft drinks, juices, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages depending on which plan you choose. The Deluxe Beverage Package and the Refreshment Package both include unlimited water at bars and restaurants throughout the ship, which means you don't have to worry about the 12-bottle limit or where you can drink it.
These packages are sold per person per day and can be purchased before your cruise or onboard. Prices vary by ship, sailing length, and how far in advance you buy, but they typically range from $15 to $70 per person per day depending on the package level. For a week-long cruise, a beverage package can cost $100 to $500 per person, so whether it's worth it depends on how much you plan to drink beyond water.
What happens if you try to sneak in extra water
Security staff at the gangway screen all luggage and bags before you board. If they find more than 12 bottles of water, they will remove the excess. You won't be charged a fee, but you also won't get the bottles back — they're discarded. There's no appeal process or exception; the rule is enforced consistently across all Royal Caribbean ships.
Some passengers try to pack water in checked luggage thinking it won't be screened as thoroughly, but all bags go through the same security process. Attempting to bring prohibited items onboard can result in being denied boarding, so it's not worth the risk. The 12-bottle allowance is designed to be reasonable for a typical cruise length, so most passengers don't run into this problem.
Bringing other beverages and the corkage rule
Water is treated differently from other beverages. You cannot bring your own alcohol, soda, juice, or other drinks — only water is permitted in limited quantities. If you want to bring a bottle of wine to celebrate an occasion, Royal Caribbean does allow one bottle per stateroom, but there is a corkage fee of $15 per bottle if you want to drink it in a dining venue. The wine must be purchased from an authorized retailer and brought unopened.
This corkage fee applies only to wine; you cannot bring your own beer or spirits at all. If you want to drink alcohol on the ship, you must purchase it from Royal Caribbean or bring wine and pay the corkage fee. This policy is consistent across all Royal Caribbean ships.
Tips for staying hydrated on your cruise
Bring your 12 bottles of water and use them in your cabin, especially at night or when you're resting. During the day, use the free tap water and water fountains throughout the ship. Ask crew members for ice water at any bar or restaurant — they'll give it to you without hesitation, and it's genuinely free.
If you're concerned about staying hydrated during activities like excursions or time on the pool deck, fill a reusable water bottle from your cabin tap before you leave. You can take that bottle with you to public areas as long as it's filled with tap water from your room. Some passengers also purchase a beverage package specifically for the convenience of having drinks available everywhere on the ship, which eliminates the need to think about the water policy at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring bottled water in my carry-on luggage when I board?
No. All beverages, including water, must be in checked luggage or purchased after you board. Carry-on bags are screened for security, and bottled liquids are not permitted through that checkpoint. You can bring water in your checked suitcase, and it will be screened at the gangway before you board the ship.
What if I have a medical condition and need more water than 12 bottles?
Contact Royal Caribbean before your cruise and explain your situation. While the standard policy is firm, the line may make exceptions for documented medical needs. Call the customer service number on your cruise documents or speak with guest services when you board. Having a letter from your doctor can help support your request.
Can I refill my own water bottle from the tap in my cabin and take it around the ship?
Yes. A reusable water bottle filled from your cabin tap is permitted in public areas because it's tap water, not bottled water you brought from home. This is a practical way to stay hydrated throughout the day without relying on the 12-bottle limit or paying for beverages.
Do kids' cabins or connecting staterooms get more than 12 bottles?
The limit is 12 bottles per stateroom, regardless of how many people are in the cabin or whether you have connecting rooms. Two connected cabins would allow 12 bottles per cabin, for a total of 24, but a single large cabin with multiple guests still has the 12-bottle limit.
Is the tap water on Royal Caribbean ships safe to drink?
Yes. Royal Caribbean treats and tests the water system on all ships to meet or exceed U.S. Public Health Service standards. The tap water in your cabin is safe to drink and is used in the ship's kitchens for cooking and ice. Many passengers drink tap water throughout their cruise without any issues.