Royal Caribbean allows bottled water in your cabin, but with limits
You can bring bottled water onto a Royal Caribbean ship, but the cruise line restricts how much and where you can keep it. You are allowed to pack up to 12 standard bottles (16 ounces each) or the equivalent in your checked luggage when you board. These bottles must stay in your stateroom — you cannot carry them into dining areas, the pool deck, or other public spaces on the ship.
The restriction exists because Royal Caribbean sells bottled water onboard at premium prices and wants to steer passengers toward purchasing it or using the complimentary water fountains and tap water available throughout the ship. Bringing water in your carry-on bag is not permitted; security will confiscate it at the boarding checkpoint. Any water you pack must go directly into your cabin storage.
Key Takeaways
- Pack bottled water only in your checked luggage, not your carry-on, and limit yourself to 12 standard bottles per person.
- Water must remain in your stateroom and cannot be taken to the pool deck, dining rooms, or other public areas of the ship.
- Tap water from your cabin faucet and water fountains throughout the ship are safe to drink and cost nothing.
- Bottled water sold onboard typically costs $2 to $3 per bottle, so bringing your own saves money if you plan to drink multiple bottles daily.
- Some cabin packages and drink plans include bottled water, so check your booking details before purchasing extra bottles onboard.
Why Royal Caribbean limits bottled water in cabins
The 12-bottle limit per stateroom is a revenue protection measure. Royal Caribbean operates a captive market — once you are at sea, you cannot shop elsewhere, and the cruise line prices bottled water significantly higher than you would pay on land. By restricting what you bring, they encourage you to purchase water from the ship's beverage package or buy individual bottles at onboard prices.
The rule also reflects practical concerns about stateroom storage. Cabins on cruise ships are compact, and 12 bottles represent a reasonable amount of storage space without creating clutter or safety hazards. Passengers who attempt to bring large quantities of water have had excess bottles removed at embarkation.
How to pack water for your cruise
Place bottled water in your checked suitcase before you arrive at the cruise terminal. Do not attempt to bring water through security in your carry-on bag — Transportation Security Administration rules prohibit liquids larger than 3.4 ounces in carry-on luggage, and cruise line security enforces this strictly. Your checked bags are screened separately and water is permitted there.
Pack water bottles in the center of your suitcase, surrounded by clothing or soft items, to prevent breakage during handling. If a bottle leaks and damages other belongings, Royal Caribbean is not responsible. Consider packing fewer bottles than the maximum allowed if you have limited luggage space — you can always purchase additional water onboard if needed.
Free water options available on the ship
Tap water from your cabin faucet is safe to drink on all Royal Caribbean ships. The cruise line maintains water systems that meet or exceed U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards. Many passengers drink tap water throughout their cruise without issue, and this is the most economical option if you are comfortable with it.
Water fountains are located throughout the ship in public areas, hallways, and near the pool deck. You can refill a reusable bottle at these fountains at no cost. Bringing an empty reusable water bottle in your carry-on and filling it after you board is a practical way to stay hydrated without paying for bottled water or using your cabin storage.
Bottled water pricing and beverage packages
Individual bottled water bottles sold at the onboard bar or convenience store typically cost $2.50 to $3.00 each. Over a week-long cruise, this adds up quickly if you drink multiple bottles daily. A case of 24 bottles purchased at the beginning of your cruise costs roughly $40 to $50, depending on the ship and current pricing.
Some Royal Caribbean packages include bottled water. The Deluxe Beverage Package and higher tiers often include water, and suites sometimes come with complimentary bottled water service. Check your booking confirmation or contact Royal Caribbean before your cruise to see whether your cabin category or package includes water. If it does, you do not need to bring any.
What happens if you exceed the water limit
Security staff at embarkation will count your bottled water and remove any bottles beyond the 12-bottle limit. They do not charge you for the removal, but you lose the water. If you pack 15 bottles, the first 12 stay and the remaining 3 are discarded or returned to you at the terminal.
Attempting to sneak additional water onboard or hide bottles in other luggage is not recommended — staff are trained to spot this, and it can result in confiscation without compensation. The 12-bottle allowance is enforced consistently across all Royal Caribbean ships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring water in my carry-on bag?
No. Security will confiscate any liquid containers larger than 3.4 ounces from your carry-on at the cruise terminal. All bottled water must be packed in your checked luggage.
Is the tap water on Royal Caribbean ships safe to drink?
Yes. Royal Caribbean maintains water systems that meet U.S. EPA standards. Thousands of passengers drink tap water from their cabins and public fountains without problems. If you have concerns about water quality, you can use the complimentary water fountains or bring bottled water as backup.
Do I need to bring water if I have a beverage package?
It depends on your package tier. Premium packages include bottled water, but basic packages do not. Check your booking confirmation or call Royal Caribbean to confirm what your package includes before packing water.
What if I run out of water during my cruise?
You can purchase additional bottled water onboard at the bar, convenience store, or room service. Prices are higher than on land, but bottles are available throughout your cruise. You can also refill a reusable bottle at any water fountain on the ship.
Are there any other drinks I can bring in my luggage?
Royal Caribbean prohibits outside alcohol, but you may be able to bring other non-alcoholic beverages in limited quantities. Check the cruise line's current policy on their website or contact them directly, as rules can vary by ship and change over time.