If you’re packing for a family cruise and wondering whether you can bring snacks onboard, like Goldfish or chips, here’s the official word and best tips for making it work smoothly.
Royal Caribbean’s Official Snack Policy
Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring non-perishable, factory-sealed snacks in limited quantities, typically in your carry-on bags. These include foods like pre-packaged crackers, chips, granola bars, and more—perfect for in-between meals or picky little eaters.
Real Cruisers’ Advice & Insights
- “Small snacks like Goldfish for young kids are hard to find … chips and crackers aren’t always available onboard.”
- “Anything that is shelf-stable and factory-sealed is fine. Fresh produce can be restricted.”
- Many cruisers bring snacks for port days—protein bars, chips, or something familiar to fend off mid-afternoon hunger.
Carry-On Only & Packaging Tips
- Always pack snacks in your carry-on bag, not checked luggage. Items in checked baggage might be inspected or removed.
- Ensure snacks are factory-sealed and in their original packaging—open bags risk being rejected.
- Fresh fruit, homemade items, and loose snacks (like Tupperware) often do not meet regulations.
- Lack of availability or high onboard prices for items like chips and popcorn make bringing your own a smart move.
Bonus Tips for Families
- Baby food, formula, and infant snacks are allowed if pre-packaged and sealed. Bring them in your carry-on for easy access and safe storage.
- Stateroom beverage coolers keep things cool but not cold. To chill your snacks or baby items, ask your room steward for an ice bucket—it helps a lot.
Quick Reference Table
| Scenario | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Factory-sealed snacks (chips, crackers, Goldfish) | Yes, in carry-on, limited quantity |
| Homemade or opened snacks | No—these are generally not allowed |
| Snack varieties for picky kids | Highly recommended |
| Bringing snacks in checked luggage | Not advised—may be removed or return delays |
| Baby food or formula | Yes, if commercial sealed and diaper-free storage |
| Cooling snacks or baby items | Use beverage cooler plus ice bucket from room steward |
| Buying chips or popcorn onboard | Available but often pricey—bringing own saves money and ensures availability |
Bottom Line:
Yes, you can bring snacks like Goldfish or chips on Royal Caribbean cruises. Just keep them factory-sealed, pack them in your carry-on, and stay mindful of the per-cabin limit. For families, bringing snacks and infant supplies ensures smooth sailing and fewer hunger meltdowns.
FAQs About Bringing Snacks on a Royal Caribbean Cruise
Can I bring snacks like Goldfish or chips on a Royal Caribbean cruise?
Yes. Royal Caribbean allows guests to bring small amounts of non-perishable, factory-sealed snacks such as crackers, chips, cookies, or Goldfish.
Do I need to pack snacks in my carry-on or checked bag?
Snacks must be brought in your carry-on bag when boarding. If you put them in checked luggage, they may be removed during security screening.
Are homemade snacks or fresh fruit allowed?
No. Homemade foods, fresh produce, and opened packages are not permitted. All snacks must be in their original sealed packaging.
Is there a limit to how many snacks I can bring?
Royal Caribbean’s policy says “small quantities” for personal use. Think of a few bags or boxes of packaged snacks rather than an entire case. Crew members can use discretion if they feel amounts are excessive.
What if I forget to bring snacks? Are they available onboard?
Yes. You can buy chips and packaged snacks onboard, but selection is limited and prices are higher than at home. Complimentary food is always available at the buffet and dining venues, but it may not cover picky kids’ favorites like Goldfish or pretzels.
Can I bring baby food or formula?
Yes. Parents can bring sealed jars of baby food, formula, and shelf-stable infant snacks in their carry-on. These should remain in original packaging for inspection.
Will my stateroom refrigerator keep snacks cold?
Most cabins have a beverage cooler, which keeps items cool but not very cold. If you need milk, formula, or snacks chilled, you can ask your stateroom attendant for an ice bucket and daily refills. Medical-grade fridges are available upon request if needed for special dietary or medical reasons.
Charity Bradley 
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