You can bring empty water bottles aboard Carnival, but they must be empty at security
Carnival allows passengers to bring reusable water bottles on board, but only if they are completely empty when you pass through security at the port. Once you are on the ship, you can fill your bottle at water fountains, in your cabin, or at the buffet. This policy applies to all Carnival cruise lines, including Carnival Cruise Line, Carnival Dream, and Carnival Breeze.
The reason for the empty-bottle rule is the same as airport security: Carnival cannot screen liquids that are already in containers. A full water bottle could theoretically contain something other than water, so security staff require you to empty it before boarding. Once you are past security, the contents are your responsibility.
Bringing your own bottle saves money over the course of a cruise, since bottled water sold on the ship costs significantly more than water from a tap. Many cruisers refill the same bottle multiple times per day, especially if they spend time on deck or at the pool.
Key Takeaways
- Empty water bottles pass through Carnival security; filled bottles will be confiscated or you will be asked to empty them.
- You can refill your bottle at water fountains throughout the ship, in your stateroom, and at dining venues without extra charge.
- Bringing a reusable bottle is more economical than purchasing bottled water from Carnival's shops during your cruise.
- Collapsible or soft-sided bottles take up less luggage space and are just as acceptable as rigid bottles.
- Water bottles with built-in filters are permitted, but the filter itself must be empty of any liquids at security.
Where to refill your water bottle on the ship
Water fountains are located throughout Carnival ships in hallways, near the pool deck, and in the fitness center. These dispensers provide cold, fresh water at no charge. The water on Carnival ships meets the same safety standards as tap water in the United States, so it is safe to drink directly from the fountain or to fill your bottle.
Your cabin comes with a telephone and a bathroom sink; you can fill your bottle from the tap in your stateroom at any time. Some passengers prefer this method because it is private and convenient, especially early in the morning or late at night when public fountains may have lines.
The buffet and dining venues will also fill your water bottle if you ask. Servers at the main dining room, buffet, and casual cafés are accustomed to this request and will hand you a cup of ice water or fill your bottle directly. This is one of the most reliable places to get cold water during busy times of day.
What types of bottles are allowed
Rigid plastic bottles, aluminum bottles, and stainless steel bottles are all permitted on Carnival ships. Collapsible or soft-sided bottles made of silicone or flexible plastic are also allowed and take up less space in your luggage. The material does not matter as long as the bottle itself is empty at security.
Insulated bottles that keep water cold for hours are popular with cruisers who spend long days on deck. These bottles do not need to be empty inside the insulation layer—only the drinking chamber needs to be empty at security. Once you fill it on the ship, the insulation will keep your water cold throughout the day.
Water bottles with built-in filters, like LifeStraw or similar brands, are permitted. However, the filter cartridge must be dry and empty of any liquid at security. If your filter has been used recently and still contains water, empty it completely before you board.
Items you cannot bring in a water bottle
Do not attempt to bring alcohol, juice, soda, or any other beverage in a water bottle. Carnival's beverage policy prohibits outside drinks on the ship, and security staff are trained to detect this. If you are caught bringing outside beverages in a water bottle, the bottle will be confiscated and you may face additional consequences.
Similarly, do not fill your bottle with tap water at home and bring it through security. Security cannot verify that the liquid is water, so it will be treated the same as any other full container and will be taken from you. The only way to bring water through security is to bring an empty bottle.
Powders, drink mixes, and flavor packets are allowed in your luggage, and you can add them to your water once you are on the ship. This is a common way for cruisers to make their water more interesting without violating the outside-beverage rule.
Beverage packages and water bottle use
If you purchase a beverage package, you can still use your water bottle for free water. Beverage packages cover alcoholic drinks, specialty coffees, and sodas, but they do not restrict your access to free water. Many cruisers use their water bottle for water during the day and use their beverage package for other drinks at meals and in the evening.
Carnival also offers a bottled-water package if you prefer not to refill a reusable bottle. This package delivers a set number of bottled waters to your cabin each day. However, this option costs more than bringing your own empty bottle and refilling it from the ship's water system.
Security screening and what to expect
When you arrive at the port, you will go through a security checkpoint similar to airport screening. Place your empty water bottle in a bin or on the conveyor belt along with your other carry-on items. Security staff will scan it and wave you through. The process takes seconds and is routine.
If your bottle is not completely empty, security will ask you to empty it into a sink or trash bin before you can proceed. Some ports have water fountains near security where you can dump your bottle if needed. Plan to arrive at the port early enough to handle this without rushing.
On the return to port at the end of your cruise, the same rule applies. Empty your water bottle before you go through security to disembark. This is especially important if you filled it the night before and forgot about it.
Tips for using a water bottle on your cruise
Bring a bottle with a find lid or cap to prevent spills in your luggage and around your cabin. A bottle with a handle is easier to carry when you are moving between the pool, dining areas, and your stateroom. Collapsible bottles can be flattened and stored in a pocket or bag when empty.
Label your bottle with your cabin number or name if you are traveling with others. Bottles left at the pool or in common areas can be mistaken for someone else's, and labeled bottles are easier to identify if they get separated from you.
Refill your bottle in the morning before you head to the pool or activities. Water fountains can have lines during peak times, so filling early ensures you have cold water available throughout the day. Keep your bottle with you at all times rather than leaving it in your cabin, since you may not have access to your room during the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring a water bottle filled with water through security?
No. Security will not allow any filled bottles through the checkpoint, regardless of what they contain. You must empty your bottle completely before you pass through security. Once you are on the ship, you can refill it when ready at a water fountain or in your cabin.
Is the tap water on Carnival ships safe to drink?
Yes. Carnival's water system meets U.S. safety standards and is regularly tested. The water from fountains, cabin taps, and dining venues is the same quality and is safe for all passengers, including children and people with sensitive stomachs.
What happens if I bring a bottle with juice or soda in it?
Security will confiscate the bottle and its contents. Carnival's policy prohibits outside beverages on the ship. If you want juice or soda, you can purchase it on board or include it in a beverage package. Powdered drink mixes are allowed in your luggage and can be added to water once you are on the ship.
Can I bring a water bottle back through security when I leave the ship?
Yes, but it must be empty. Empty your bottle before you go through the security checkpoint to disembark. You can refill it after you pass through security if you want water for your journey home.
Do I need to buy a special water bottle for a cruise?
No. Any reusable water bottle works—plastic, aluminum, stainless steel, or collapsible. You do not need to purchase anything special. A bottle you already own will work perfectly as long as it is empty at security.