Packing drinks for your Royal Caribbean cruise? Whether you want soda, energy drinks, or electrolyte water, this guide breaks down exactly how to bring your own beverages onboard, and what to expect at security.
Many travelers assume it’s not allowed… but yes, Royal Caribbean does let you bring non-alcoholic drinks, if you follow a few key rules.
✅ What You Can Bring
Royal Caribbean allows:
- Up to 12 sealed non-alcoholic drinks
- Per stateroom (not per person)
- Each drink must be 17 oz or less
- Must be in cans, cartons, or plastic bottles, not glass
- Must be carried on (not checked with luggage)
This includes:
- Sodas
- Energy drinks
- Gatorade or Powerade
- Electrolyte water
- Juices
- Mocktails in a can
Mix and match? Yes! You don’t need to bring a 12-pack of the same item.
Example: 4 Gatorades + 4 Red Bulls + 4 Sprites = totally fine.
❌ What’s Not Allowed
- No loose ice in coolers (gel packs and ice packs are okay)
- No glass bottles (except for wine, more below)
- No alcohol (but there’s a wine exception)
🍷 What About Wine?
You’re also allowed to bring up to two bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom:
- Must be 750 ml or less each
- Must be carried on (not checked)
- Glass bottles are allowed for wine only
Keep in mind: corkage fees apply if you drink your wine in a restaurant or bar (usually $15–$25 per bottle). No fee if you drink it in your cabin.
🎒 How to Pack Drinks for Embarkation Day
🚫 Don’t check it
Drinks must be carried onboard with your personal items. If you check them in your luggage, they’ll likely be confiscated.
✅ Use a rolling cooler or soft tote
Many cruisers use:
- Small rolling coolers (fits under a table or in a closet)
- Insulated totes or backpacks
- Cooler bags with a shoulder strap
👉 Pro Tip: Pack your drinks so they’re easy to inspect, security may unzip your cooler or ask you to lift cans out.
🔄 What About Bringing More Than 12?
Official rule: 12 drinks per stateroom
Reality: Many cruisers bring one 12-pack per adult, since security doesn’t ask what room you’re in during screening.
This isn’t officially allowed, so it’s a personal decision. If you try this and security enforces the rule, they’ll just hold or discard the extras.
🧊 Can I Get Ice?
Yes! While you can’t bring loose ice in your cooler, you can keep drinks cold by:
- Using your in-room mini fridge
- Requesting daily ice from your stateroom attendant (leave a note or ask in person)
🛒 Recommended Gear
Want to make it easy? These items are frequently recommended by cruisers:
| Item | Why It’s Helpful | Example Link |
|---|---|---|
| Rolling Soft Cooler | Easy to carry, fits 12+ cans | Amazon Example |
| Collapsible Insulated Tote | Lightweight and packs flat | Amazon Example |
| Cooler Backpack | Hands-free + stylish | Amazon Example |
(Note: These are examples only. Be sure to check size and cruise line rules before boarding.)
📝 Quick Recap
- ✅ 12 sealed drinks under 17 oz (per room)
- ✅ Plastic, aluminum, or carton only (no glass unless wine)
- ✅ Must carry them on, not check them
- ✅ Mix and match is totally fine
- ❌ No alcohol — except up to 2 bottles of wine or champagne
- ✅ Use a small cooler, backpack, or tote
🙋♀️ FAQs
Q: Can I bring a cooler with drinks?
Yes, as long as it’s small and doesn’t contain loose ice.
Q: Can I bring sparkling water or mocktails in a can?
Yes, as long as they’re non-alcoholic and under 17 oz.
Q: Will I be stopped for bringing more than 12 drinks?
Possibly. The official limit is per stateroom, but many cruisers report success bringing one 12-pack per adult.
Q: Can I bring protein shakes or specialty drinks?
Yes, as long as they’re factory sealed and meet the size requirements.
Want to feel prepared for your cruise?
I pulled the most important Royal Caribbean prep steps into a printable checklist bundle that walks you through what to do before you leave, what to bring, how embarkation works, and what to expect on disembarkation day—so you’re prepared instead of guessing.
Products I Use and Recommend
I keep a list of cruise-approved items I personally use and recommend.
Charity Bradley 
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