Can You Bring Protein Shakes on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

If you’re packing for your Royal Caribbean cruise and wondering whether you can bring your favorite ready-to-drink protein shakes, you’re not alone. It’s one of those gray areas that’s confusing, especially since the cruise line has strict rules about what kinds of drinks you can bring onboard.

Here’s what’s actually allowed (and what’s not).

✅ The Short Answer

Yes, you can bring ready-to-drink, sealed protein shakes on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

They fall under the cruise line’s rule that allows “up to 12 standard (17oz or less) cans, bottles, or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages” per stateroom, as long as they’re packed correctly.

That means drinks like OWYN, Premier Protein, Fairlife Core Power, Ensure, and Boost are fine to bring onboard.

Just make sure:

They’re factory-sealed and non-alcoholic
They go in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage
You’re bringing 12 or less.

🚫 What You Can’t Bring

Royal Caribbean security will confiscate any:

Opened or homemade bottles
Unsealed containers
Cases or bulk quantities of beverages in checked bags
Drinks with alcohol or added supplements that look suspicious

If you pack them in your checked bag that you give to the porter, the bag will likely be pulled for inspection and you may be asked to come to security and open the bag. Always carry them on instead.

🧊 Storage & Temperature Tips

Here’s the part most first-time cruisers don’t realize:
Your stateroom “refrigerator” is actually a cooler, not a true fridge. It’ll keep things slightly cool, but not cold.

If you want to keep your shakes chilled:

Ask your room attendant for a bucket of ice
Store shakes upright inside the cooler with ice nearby
If you have a medical reason for refrigeration, you can fill out Royal Caribbean’s Special Needs form before sailing to request a true refrigerator in your cabin

💪 Where to Find Protein Shakes Onboard

If you’re sailing on Utopia of the Seas, there’s good news. They serve protein shakes at the Karaoke Bar!

We didn’t realize this until we got home, but it’s a great perk if you have a Deluxe Beverage Package or are looking for a convenient option post-workout or after a long pool day.

It’s worth checking other large ships to see if Vitality Cafe offerings are available at bars or cafés onboard.

So if you’re sailing on a larger ship you might not even need to pack your own protein shakes.

🧳 Packing Tips

If you do bring your own, keep it simple:

Pack 2–4 single-serve bottles in your carry-on tote or gym bag
Avoid glass bottles. Use plastic only
Bring powders to mix them with water
Keep drinks sealed until you’re in your cabin

📋 FAQs

Can I bring protein powder instead of ready-to-drink shakes?
Yes. Protein powder is allowed in sealed containers and can be packed in either your carry-on or checked luggage. Just be prepared for extra screening at security if the container looks suspicious.

Can I bring milk alternatives for my shakes?
You can bring small, sealed cartons of non-dairy milk (like almond or oat milk) in your carry-on. Don’t bring open containers or bulk packaging.

Are there protein options onboard?
Yes! You’ll find plenty of protein at:

The Windjammer buffet (eggs, yogurt, meats)
The Vitality Café on larger ships (whey protein shakes)

Can I bring protein shakes back on the ship from port?
Yes, as long as they’re sealed and non-alcoholic. Just remember—no open liquids can go through security when reboarding.

Do I need to refrigerate protein shakes?
Most shelf-stable protein shakes don’t require refrigeration until opened. Check the label on your brand before packing.

🚢 The Bottom Line

✅ Allowed: Sealed, ready-to-drink protein shakes (carry-on only)
🚫 Not allowed: Homemade, open, or bulk-packed drinks

Check the Royal Caribbean app to see if your ship has drinks from Vitality Cafe, which may be offered inside another venue. If you’re on Utopia of the Seas, check out the Karaoke Bar. They serve protein shakes there, and it’s included if you have a drink package.

For everyone else, toss a few sealed bottles in your carry-on, and you’ll have your favorite fuel ready for the gym, the pool, or an early excursion day.

Charity Bradley