Loading Page...

Do cruise ships provide distilled water?

Do cruise ships provide distilled water? Yes, many cruise lines will provide a gallon of distilled water in your stateroom provided you notify them in advance that you will be bringing a CPAP. You can do this by going to the cruise line's website and submitting a guest special needs form.



Yes, cruise ships provide distilled water, but it is generally intended for guests who need it for medical devices like CPAP machines or for preparing infant formula. In 2026, major lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian (NCL) allow you to pre-order a gallon of distilled water through their online "In-Room Gifts" or "Medical Needs" portals for a small fee (usually between $3 and $5). If you wait until you are on board, you can request it through your stateroom steward or guest services. While most ships technically produce their own "evaporated" water that is safe, pure distilled water is kept in stock for medical compliance. A "pro-tip" for 2026 cruisers is to pack a long extension cord along with your distilled water request, as older ships often have limited power outlets near the bed, and cruise lines require you to use their approved cords for safety to avoid fire hazards from uncertified personal power strips.

People Also Ask

RCI will provide you with a new unopened gallon jug of distilled water and an extension cord if needed and is complimentary.

MORE DETAILS

You can safely drink the water on a cruise ship, including the water from your bathroom tap. The only water you would probably want to avoid is the water from hand washing stations or public bathrooms, and only then because it may be warm and other people may have left bacteria behind.

MORE DETAILS

Water is always free of charge on most cruise ships. You may be asked to pay a fee for some versions of bottled water. However, you can likely ask for a jug of iced water in any restaurant or bar for no added cost. There are several water dispensers present on a cruise ship so that you can help yourself.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, you can pack 3.4 ounces of distilled water in your carry-on luggage. If you have a checked bag, you're allowed to carry an unlimited quantity of distilled water. Remember: It's recommended to clean your CPAP mask with distilled water since it enhances your health and prevents damage to the device.

MORE DETAILS

Royal Caribbean Drink Policy Their site says “Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.”

MORE DETAILS

Since the drinking water on cruise ships is safe to drink, refillable water bottles and drinking cups are the ideal way to stay hydrated, both onboard and in ports. Note that, for hygiene reasons, some cruise lines ask that passengers not fill up personal water bottles directly from water dispensers in the buffet.

MORE DETAILS

Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.

MORE DETAILS

Bringing Liquor and Beverages On Board - Embarkation Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles.

MORE DETAILS

Food and drinking are usually complimentary on the cruises. You are also allowed to bring your own snack on the cruise so that you can have what you love. A certain time is fixed for every meal - breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can either have it with everybody in the dining room or bring it to your room.

MORE DETAILS

Shipboard potable water (drinking, bathing, whirlpools, etc.) either comes from a shoreside water treatment plant or is generated on board from seawater via Reverse Osmosis systems or Evaporators. Swimming pool water is typically seawater.

MORE DETAILS

Free Activities on Cruises: Trivia, pool games, big-screen movies, dance classes and sports deck activities (basketball, rock climbing, mini-golf, shuffleboard and more) are all normally free on a cruise ship. Ships that offer enrichment classes do not typically charge extra for them.

MORE DETAILS