Norwegian Cruise Line's Water Policy

Norwegian Cruise Line allows you to bring bottled water on board, but with specific limits. You can bring a maximum of 12 standard bottles (16 ounces each) per stateroom for the duration of your cruise. The bottles must be factory-sealed and unopened when you board. Norwegian does not allow you to bring large multi-packs or cases of water, and any water you bring must fit in your cabin without taking up excessive space.

The water you bring is meant for your personal use in your stateroom only. You cannot bring it into dining areas, the buffet, or other public spaces on the ship. If you open a bottle in your cabin and do not finish it before disembarking, you cannot take the opened bottle off the ship.

Key Takeaways

  • You may bring up to 12 sealed, 16-ounce bottles of water per cabin, and they must be unopened when you board.
  • Water brought on board is for stateroom use only and cannot be taken into dining rooms, buffets, or public areas of the ship.
  • Norwegian provides free tap water and ice water at beverage stations throughout the ship, so bringing water is optional rather than necessary.
  • If you purchase a beverage package, it typically includes unlimited bottled water at restaurants and bars, which may reduce your need to bring your own.
  • Opened bottles of water cannot leave the ship, so plan to finish or discard any opened bottles before you disembark.

Free Water Options on the Ship

Norwegian provides free drinking water throughout the ship without requiring you to bring your own. You can request tap water at any dining venue, and the ship maintains water stations with ice water and cups in various locations. These stations are available during most hours of the day, though availability may vary by location and time.

If you have a stateroom with a cabin attendant, you can also request ice water to be delivered to your room. This service is included in your cruise fare and does not cost extra. Many guests find this option sufficient and do not bring bottled water at all.

Beverage Packages and Water Included

Norwegian offers beverage packages that include unlimited bottled water at restaurants, bars, and poolside venues. If you purchase a beverage package, bottled water is typically included, which means you have access to water throughout the ship without needing to bring your own. The cost of these packages varies depending on the length of your cruise and the specific package tier you choose.

Even without a beverage package, you are not charged for tap water or ice water at any venue on the ship. The bottled water included in beverage packages is a convenience rather than a necessity for staying hydrated during your cruise.

What Happens at Embarkation

When you board the ship, your bags go through security screening. Sealed, unopened bottles of water in your carry-on luggage will pass through without issue. Security staff may open your bags to inspect contents, but they will not confiscate sealed water bottles as long as they meet the 12-bottle limit per stateroom.

If you are flying to your cruise departure port, remember that TSA rules for air travel prohibit bringing water through airport security. You can purchase sealed water bottles after you pass through the airport checkpoint, or you can buy water at the cruise terminal before boarding. Many cruise terminals have shops or vending machines where you can purchase water on the day you board.

Bringing Water Through Different Ports

If your Norwegian cruise makes port stops, you may be tempted to bring water back on board from those ports. Norwegian's policy remains the same: you can bring sealed, unopened bottles back to your stateroom, but they count toward your 12-bottle limit. If you already have 12 bottles in your cabin, you cannot bring additional bottles on board when you return from a port.

Some guests purchase water at ports to save money compared to onboard prices, but remember that you are limited by the cabin quota. Plan ahead if you want to stock up at a port—you may need to consume some of your existing supply first to make room.

Cost of Bottled Water on the Ship

If you run out of the water you brought or did not bring any, bottled water is available for purchase on the ship. Prices vary but are typically higher than what you would pay at a grocery store or port. A single bottle of water at a Norwegian ship shop or bar usually costs between $2 and $4, depending on the size and location.

This is one reason many guests choose to bring the maximum allowed amount of water on board. Over the course of a week-long cruise, purchasing water daily can add up. However, since free tap water and ice water are always available, purchasing bottled water is optional.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring water in my checked luggage instead of carry-on?

Yes. Water in checked luggage that you hand to the cruise line at embarkation counts toward your 12-bottle limit per stateroom. The bottles must still be sealed and unopened. Some guests prefer this method to avoid carrying water through the terminal.

What if I have a medical reason to drink specific bottled water?

Contact Norwegian Cruise Line before your cruise to discuss your situation. While the standard policy is 12 bottles per cabin, the line may make exceptions for documented medical needs. Call guest services or speak with the ship's medical staff once on board if you need to bring additional water for health reasons.

Can I bring other beverages besides water?

Norwegian's policy on outside beverages varies by type. Alcohol and most other drinks are not permitted, but you may be able to bring other non-alcoholic beverages in limited quantities. Check your cruise documents or contact Norwegian directly before packing to confirm what is allowed.

Do I need to bring water if I am cruising with young children?

You do not need to bring water for children, but many parents do for convenience and peace of mind. Free water is available throughout the ship, and cabin attendants will deliver ice water on request. If your child prefers bottled water or you want it readily available in your cabin, bringing some is a practical choice within the 12-bottle limit.

What if the ship runs out of free water?

Norwegian maintains water systems to may support free water is always available. Running out of free water is extremely unlikely. If you ever encounter an issue accessing free water on the ship, report it to your cabin attendant or guest services when ready.