When planning for a Carnival Cruise, a common question arises: What food and drink can you bring on a Carnival cruise? Carnival Cruise Line provides several dining and beverage choices onboard, but guests are allowed to carry a limited selection of snacks and drinks. These allowances are designed to give passengers a bit of flexibility and comfort, especially for those with specific preferences or dietary needs. However, strict guidelines are in place to ensure health, safety, and security. Understanding what’s permitted and what’s restricted will help you pack wisely and avoid issues at embarkation, ensuring a smooth start to your vacation.

Can You Bring Drinks on a Carnival Cruise?

The quick answer is yes. However, Carnival Cruise Line has a strict beverage policy to ensure safety and avoid smuggling of alcohol. You can bring a small quantity of non-alcoholic drinks and, for adults, a limited amount of wine or champagne.

Allowed Non-Alcoholic Beverages on Carnival Cruise

You can bring the following non-alcoholic drinks on a Carnival Cruise:

• Soda/Soft Drinks: Up to 12 sealed cans or cartons (12 oz each)
• Juice: Boxed juices (sealed and in reasonable quantities)
• Bottled Water: Purchased only through Carnival’s Fun Shops before your cruise
• Sports Drinks & Energy Drinks: Sealed cans or cartons are generally permitted within the 12-can allowance

Tip: All drinks you can bring on a Carnival cruise must be in cans or cartons. Plastic and glass bottles are not permitted.

Non-Alcoholic Drinks You Cannot Bring on a Carnival Cruise

Carnival does not allow the following drinks:

• Glass bottles (except permitted wine/champagne)
• Homemade or open containers of drinks
• Any kind of unsealed drinks
• Large cases of soda or water beyond the 12-can limit
• Plastic-bottled water purchased from outside

Note: If you bring these items, security will take them away during boarding.

Can You Bring Alcohol on a Carnival Cruise?

The policy for bringing drinks on a carnival cruise includes:

• Guests 21 and older can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult.
• The bottle must be sealed and carried in hand luggage.

Note: If you drink your wine/champagne in a dining room or bar, a corkage fee of $15 per bottle applies.

Alcohol Not Allowed on Carnival Cruise

• Beer
• Hard liquor (vodka, rum, whiskey, etc.)
• Pre-mixed cocktails (like canned margaritas or hard seltzers)
• Homemade or refillable alcohol containers

Can You Bring Food on a Carnival Cruise?

Yes, Carnival Cruise Line allowed certain types of food, including:

• Pre-Packaged Snacks: Chips, crackers, cookies, candy, and granola bars.
• Baby food, formula, and milk: Sealed jars, pouches, or powder.
• Special dietary items: Gluten-free snacks, protein bars, etc

Note: The food should be sealed, pre-packaged, and non-perishable.

Foods You Cannot Bring on a Carnival Cruise

For health and safety reasons, the staff does not allow bringing drinks on the carnival cruise:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables (due to agricultural laws)
• Homemade food or cooked meals
• Perishable items like raw meat, dairy, or sandwiches
• Opened food packages.

Coolers

If you are bringing a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages or medications that need to be kept cool, you are permitted to bring a small, personal-sized cooler. The cooler must be no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12″ and must also be carried on.

Why Does Carnival Have These Rules?

Carnival’s food and drink policy is designed to ensure a safe, fair, and smooth cruise experience for everyone. The main reasons are:

• Health and Safety: Restricting homemade, fresh, or perishable foods helps prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses. It also ensures that all food served onboard meets strict hygiene standards.
• Security: Carnival reduces the risk of alcohol smuggling or tampering with drinks by only allowing sealed cans or cartons. 
• Customs Regulations: Cruises often visit international ports, and outside produce or fresh food could carry pests or diseases. These rules protect the local environment and comply with global customs laws.
• Smooth Operations: Limiting outside food and drink allows the cruise line to better manage storage, catering, and service onboard, creating a smoother experience for all guests.

Tips for Bringing Food and Drinks on Your Carnival Cruise

Packing the right food and drinks for your Carnival Cruise can make your trip smoother and help you avoid issues during boarding. Here are some useful tips:

• Always pack drinks and snacks in your carry-on luggage for embarkation. Checked bags may be delayed or searched, and prohibited items could be removed.
• Stick only to cans or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks. Avoid bringing plastic or glass bottles, as they will be removed.
• If you prefer bottled water, buy it in advance through Carnival’s Fun Shops.
• Bring only sealed and packaged snacks.
• If you have allergies or special dietary requirements, notify staff before sailing. They often provide options onboard, but sealed, packaged items are best to bring along.
• Consider the Carnival cruise drink package to enjoy multiple beverages daily.

Concluding!

Understanding what food and drink you can bring on a carnival cruise can make your trip smooth. Guests can bring a limited number of sealed cans/cartons of non-alcoholic drinks, one bottle of wine or champagne per adult, and pre-packaged snacks on Carnival Cruise. Fresh, homemade, and perishable foods are not permitted, nor are other types of alcohol. By following these guidelines, you can enjoy your cruise without any problem.

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