Norwegian Cruise Line's drink policy: what's allowed in your cabin
You can bring water on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, but the rules depend on the type of water and where you plan to keep it. Norwegian allows passengers to bring bottled water in their cabins, though the cruise line also sells water onboard and provides it free at dining venues. The key restriction is that you cannot bring glass bottles of any kind into your cabin—this applies to water bottles, juice bottles, or any other beverage in glass.
Sealed, unopened bottles of water are generally permitted when you board the ship. Once you're in your cabin, you can keep bottled water there for personal use. However, Norwegian's beverage package (if you purchase one) does not include bottled water—it covers fountain drinks, coffee, tea, and alcoholic beverages at bars and restaurants. If you don't have a beverage package, you'll be charged for drinks ordered at bars, though water at meals is always free.
The reasoning behind the glass ban is safety: on a moving ship, glass breaks easily and poses a hazard to crew and other passengers. Plastic bottles, aluminum cans, and cartons are all acceptable alternatives.
Key Takeaways
- Bottled water in plastic or aluminum containers is allowed in your cabin; glass bottles of any kind are prohibited.
- Water at meals and from cabin taps is free; bottled water you bring avoids the markup of onboard purchases.
- A beverage package does not include bottled water, though it covers other drinks at restaurants and bars.
- You can bring multiple bottles as long as they are not glass and you have reasonable cabin space for storage.
What happens if you bring prohibited items through security
Norwegian's security screening at the port terminal checks for glass bottles and other prohibited items before you board. If a crew member finds a glass bottle during your check-in, they will ask you to either leave it at the terminal, throw it away, or return it to your vehicle. You will not be allowed to bring it onto the ship.
This is enforced consistently across all Norwegian ships. The screening is visual and straightforward—crew members are looking for obvious glass containers. Sealed plastic water bottles pass through without issue. If you're unsure whether an item is allowed, ask a crew member at the security checkpoint rather than trying to bring it onboard; they can tell you when ready whether it will be confiscated.
Bringing your own water versus buying it onboard
Bringing bottled water from home or purchasing it before you board saves money compared to buying it from the ship's beverage outlets. Norwegian's onboard prices for bottled water typically range higher than what you'd pay at a grocery store or convenience store near the port. A single bottle purchased onboard can cost several dollars.
If you plan to stay hydrated throughout your cruise and don't have a beverage package, bringing several plastic bottles of water is a practical choice. You can refill them at water fountains and from your cabin tap (the tap water is safe to drink). Some cabins have small refrigerators; if yours does, you can keep bottles cold. If not, you can request ice from room service or keep bottles in a cooler if you brought one.
Tap water safety and alternatives to bottled water
The tap water on Norwegian Cruise Line ships is safe to drink. It meets the same standards as municipal water in the United States and is regularly tested. You do not need to bring bottled water for safety reasons—you can drink directly from your cabin tap or ask your cabin steward for a pitcher of water.
Many passengers bring a reusable water bottle (empty, to pass through security) and fill it from fountains and taps throughout the ship. This reduces waste and saves the cost of bottled water entirely. Reusable bottles in plastic or stainless steel are allowed; just make sure it's empty when you board.
Beverage packages and what they include
Norwegian offers several beverage package options at different price points. The basic package typically includes fountain soft drinks, coffee, tea, and juice at meals and venues. Premium packages add alcoholic beverages. None of these packages include bottled water as a separate item—if you order a bottle of water at a bar, it is charged separately even if you have a package.
If you plan to drink mostly water and don't want to purchase a beverage package, bringing your own water and using the free tap water and fountains is the most economical approach. The package is most valuable if you plan to order multiple alcoholic drinks or specialty coffee drinks during your cruise.
What to pack for hydration on your cruise
Pack a reusable water bottle (empty at boarding), several plastic bottles of water if you prefer bottled, and any electrolyte drink powders or tablets you like to add to water. All of these are allowed. Avoid glass entirely—this includes wine bottles, beer bottles, or any other glass container, even if empty.
If your cabin has a mini-fridge, you can keep water cold. If not, ask your cabin steward for ice or use a small cooler. Staying hydrated on a cruise is important, especially in warm climates or if you're spending time in the sun, so plan ahead for how you'll access water throughout your days onboard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a case of water bottles on the ship?
Yes, as long as the bottles are plastic or aluminum, not glass. However, cabin space is limited, so a full case may not fit. Consider bringing a reasonable amount—perhaps 4 to 6 bottles—and refilling from taps and fountains as needed.
What if I have a medical condition and need specific bottled water?
Contact Norwegian Cruise Line before your sailing to discuss your needs. They may allow you to bring medical-specific water or beverages beyond the standard policy. Call their customer service line or speak with the guest services desk when you board.
Can I bring coconut water, sports drinks, or other beverages in plastic bottles?
Yes, as long as they are in plastic or aluminum containers, not glass. Unopened, sealed bottles are typically allowed. Once onboard, you can store them in your cabin. Check with crew at boarding if you have an unusual beverage type.
Is the water from the cabin tap really safe to drink?
Yes. Norwegian's tap water meets U.S. standards and is tested regularly. You can drink it directly from the tap or ask your steward for a pitcher. Many passengers drink tap water throughout their cruise without issue.
Do I need to declare water bottles when I board?
No formal declaration is needed. Your bottles will be visible during security screening. As long as they are not glass, they will pass through without delay. Have them easily accessible in your carry-on bag so screening is quick.