What the Lines Currently Allow
As of September 2026, Royal Caribbean permits up to twelve sealed cans, cartons, or bottles of seventeen ounces or less per stateroom, brought aboard on embarkation day. Carnival permits up to twelve sealed cans or cartons of twelve ounces or less per person in carry-on luggage, and refuses plastic and glass bottles outright. Norwegian and MSC currently prohibit outside beverages altogether, with an exception for sealed distilled water for medical devices. Other lines vary, confirm before you shop.
The practical answer for most groups is a refillable bottle each and the free water at every venue. If someone drinks bottled water only, pre-purchasing a water package from the line is usually cheaper than buying it onboard and never gets confiscated at the pier.
Accurate as of September 2026; cruise-line policies change, and your line's own documents govern. When in doubt, ask your line, or ask us, which is free and comes with opinions.
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