Can You Bring Energy Drinks on a Royal Caribbean Cruise?

If you rely on Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, or even a quick 5-Hour Energy sIf Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, or a 5-Hour Energy shot is part of your routine, here is exactly what you can bring and how to pack it for Royal Caribbean.

The Official Rule, short and clear

Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring up to 12 sealed non-alcoholic beverages per stateroom on embarkation day. Each container must be 17 oz or less, and you must carry them on, not check them with the porters who take your larger bags. Energy drinks count under this rule, the same as water or soda.

What that means for energy drinks

You may bring one 12-pack per stateroom of cans or bottles, 17 oz or less.
This covers Red Bull, Monster, Celsius, and similar non-alcoholic energy drinks.
Pack them in your carry-on bag so they are not removed during checked-bag screening.

Where 5-Hour Energy fits

Royal Caribbean does not call out tiny “energy shots” by name. In practice, guests bring a small, reasonable personal amount of sealed shots in their carry-on without issue. I suggest a handful for the week, packed upright so they do not leak. If you plan to bring a lot, stay within the spirit of the 12-container rule and be ready for crew discretion at security.

A note about “one per person”

Some families report they have brought a 12-pack per person without being asked about stateroom numbers at security. The official rule is one 12-pack per stateroom, and staff can enforce that. If you bring more, be prepared to comply with the published limit. )

Buying energy drinks onboard

You can buy Red Bull on most ships, and it is commonly included in Royal Caribbean’s drink packages:

Refreshment Package: includes energy drinks
Deluxe Beverage Package: includes energy drinks
Classic Soda Package: does not include energy drinks

Individual cans onboard usually run about 5 to 6 dollars, which is higher than land prices. If you are brand-loyal or budget-minded, bring your own within the rules. (Onboard availability and flavors can vary by ship.)

Keeping drinks cold in your stateroom

Most standard cabins have a beverage cooler, not a compressor refrigerator. It will keep drinks cool rather than truly cold.
Tips:

Ask your room steward for an ice bucket and daily refills.
Chill a few cans at a time, rotate as you go.
If you need medicine-level cold storage, request a medical refrigerator through Guest Services.

Packing checklist

Bring one 12-pack per stateroom, 17 oz or less, sealed and in original containers.
Pack in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage.
For 5-Hour Energy, bring a small, reasonable personal amount, sealed and upright.
Add a soft cooler sleeve or small tote to keep cans together and easy to screen.
Plan for ice if you want them very cold.

FAQs about energy drinks on Royal Caribbean

How many energy drinks can I bring?
You can bring up to 12 sealed non-alcoholic beverages per stateroom, each 17 oz or less, on embarkation day. Energy drinks count toward this limit. Carry-on only.

Can I bring 5-Hour Energy shots?
Yes, bring a small, reasonable amount of sealed shots in your carry-on, and keep them upright. If you plan to bring a large quantity, stay within the spirit of the 12-container rule, and be aware security has discretion.

Do I have to carry them on myself?
Yes. Royal Caribbean says non-alcoholic beverages must be brought as carry-on items on boarding day. Checked bags with drinks may be held or items removed.

Are energy drinks included in drink packages?
Yes. Energy drinks are included in the Refreshment Package and the Deluxe Beverage Package. The Classic Soda Package does not include them. Availability and flavors can vary by ship.

Will my cabin refrigerator get drinks ice-cold?
Most standard cabins have a cooler, not a full refrigerator. It keeps items cool, not very cold. Use an ice bucket if you want chilled cans.

Charity Bradley