How many cans of soda can I bring on a cruise?

Alcoholic beverages (beer, seltzer or hard liquor) seized on embarkation day will not be returned. 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.



As of early 2026, the standard allowance for most major cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival is 12 standard cans or cartons (12 oz / 355 ml or less) per person. These must be brought in your carry-on luggage rather than your checked bags to prevent leaking and security delays. Virgin Voyages also follows this "12-pack" rule but specifies that drinks in plastic or glass bottles are strictly prohibited. Some luxury lines are more lenient, but the "one 12-pack per passenger" rule is the industry gold standard to prevent guests from bypassing the ship's profitable beverage packages. If you bring more than the allowed amount, security will likely confiscate the excess at the pier. Additionally, you are usually allowed to bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult, but this must also be in your carry-on. Note that "boxed" wine and hard liquor are almost universally banned across all mainstream lines in 2026.

People Also Ask

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

In that case, reports are that you can bring your own, but soda and water should be unopened and brought in your carry-on luggage, NOT in your checked suitcases.

MORE DETAILS

Disney Cruises Drink Policy In that case, reports are that you can bring your own, but soda and water should be unopened and brought in your carry-on luggage, NOT in your checked suitcases.

MORE DETAILS

You are allowed to bring a quart-size, zip-lock bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes though the checkpoint in carryon luggage. These combined items need to be less than 3 ounces.

MORE DETAILS

3-1-1 Liquids Rule You are allowed to bring a quart-size, zip-lock bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes though the checkpoint in carryon luggage. These combined items need to be less than 3 ounces.

MORE DETAILS

A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.

MORE DETAILS

In many cases, no. Several of the biggest cruise lines, including Carnival, Holland America and MSC Cruises, have a rule that if one adult in a cabin orders a drinks package, all adults in the cabin must order the package. This is to prevent two or more people in a cabin from sharing a single drinks package.

MORE DETAILS

Yes, liquids in containers larger than 3.4 ounces must be packed in checked luggage. There is no limit to the amount of non-alcoholic liquid that can be brought, but too many full-size bottles can exceed the maximum weight limit for your luggage.

MORE DETAILS

Sodas are generally only included in the cruise fare on upper-end and luxury cruise lines. On most mainstream cruises, sodas are available for purchase (using your onboard account) in the ship's dining rooms and bars, and in stateroom mini-bars.

MORE DETAILS

While water, juice, and tea are usually free on a cruise, you often have to go to the ship's restaurants to get them. Meanwhile, non-alcoholic drinks like sodas cost extra (usually around $2-3 per serving), so bringing those on with you when allowed can save you a decent amount.

MORE DETAILS

In many cases, no. Several of the biggest cruise lines, including Carnival, Holland America and MSC Cruises, have a rule that if one adult in a cabin orders a drinks package, all adults in the cabin must order the package. This is to prevent two or more people in a cabin from sharing a single drinks package.

MORE DETAILS

Cruise Lines That Serve Coca-Cola Products Royal Caribbean is the largest cruise line to offer Coca-Cola drinks -- and not simply in the cruise line's bars and restaurants; cruisers that spring for a refreshment package can help themselves to Coke's Freestyle fountain machines located throughout select ships.

MORE DETAILS

Can you bring snacks, like candy, on a cruise? Shelf-stable snacks like chips, pretzels, protein bars or any other items packaged in sealed wrappers are permitted on every major cruise line.

MORE DETAILS

A few lines (including Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Norwegian) allow 18- to 20-year-olds to drink alcohol in international waters if their parent or adult guardian signs a waiver form.

MORE DETAILS

In our buffet restaurant, special drinks dispensers provide you with coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemonade and ice tea around the clock and free of charge. In addition, you can book beverage packages for the entire duration of the cruise on the day of embarkation.

MORE DETAILS

Many people suggest $100 per day, and this has generally worked well for me in my cruising experiences, but there are a lot of variables to consider.

MORE DETAILS

If you are on a longer cruise and will drink more than that, you'll save by ordering a Bottomless Bubbles soda package. Same goes for drinking water on a cruise. While bottled water is not allowed, you can save by bringing your own refillable water bottle and get water from the fountains on the Lido Deck.

MORE DETAILS