Remember that amazing family vacation you planned? The kids were thrilled, and you were looking forward to some relaxing time by the pool. But then, you arrived at the cruise terminal and realized you hadn’t checked Royal Caribbean’s rules on what you could bring onboard. To avoid any surprises and make sure your cruise is smooth sailing, this guide will answer your question: what drinks can you bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise? We’ll cover Royal Caribbean’s policies, what’s allowed, what’s not, and provide you with all the information you need to enjoy your vacation without any unexpected hiccups.
Royal Caribbean’s Alcohol Policy
Royal Caribbean has specific regulations regarding alcoholic beverages brought onboard. Understanding these policies is crucial for a hassle-free embarkation and cruise experience. This section will detail what you can and cannot bring, focusing on alcoholic beverages and highlighting potential consequences of non-compliance. We’ll also look at exceptions and alternatives.
What Alcoholic Beverages Are Allowed?
- Generally, bringing unopened alcoholic beverages is prohibited for standard cabins but might be allowed for select suites depending on the type of suite and specific cruise. Check your booking details for specific suite rules. Royal Caribbean’s policy on this is subject to change, so always verify before packing.
- Some small quantities of personal alcohol (usually a bottle or two of wine or champagne) for personal consumption may be permitted on embarkation day for select suite-class guests. Always check your specific booking conditions for details.
- You may never bring your own alcohol to drink poolside or in other common areas.
A 2023 survey indicates that 80% of cruisers are unaware of exact alcohol policies before their cruise. This underscores the importance of checking your specific cruise details for any alcohol restrictions in your cabin type.
What Alcoholic Beverages Are Not Allowed?
- Bringing large quantities of alcohol is strictly prohibited. This applies to all cabin types. Royal Caribbean reserves the right to confiscate any alcohol deemed excessive.
- Pre-mixed drinks (cocktails, margaritas etc.) are usually prohibited. If you wish to have cocktails, they are readily available for purchase onboard the ship.
- Glass bottles are usually prohibited. Instead, consider plastic bottles of wine or other alcoholic beverages.
Consequences of Bringing Prohibited Alcohol
Bringing prohibited alcohol onto a Royal Caribbean ship could result in several consequences, including confiscation of the items, fines, and potentially even being denied boarding in severe cases. These penalties vary based on the severity of the violation.
Non-Alcoholic Beverages on Royal Caribbean
While Royal Caribbean has a strict alcohol policy, they are much more lenient regarding non-alcoholic beverages. This section outlines what you can bring onboard, offering tips and tricks for keeping your drinks fresh and enjoyable throughout the voyage. We will also discuss alternatives to bringing your own non-alcoholic drinks onboard the ship.
Permitted Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Sealed, unopened bottles of water, juice, soda, and other non-alcoholic beverages are generally permitted. However, it is recommended to check with Royal Caribbean for the latest policy updates.
- Small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages for personal consumption are usually allowed but check your booking details and the current regulations from Royal Caribbean prior to your trip.
- Powdered drink mixes are generally allowed. Just remember to check the current regulations.
Prohibited Non-Alcoholic Beverages
- Large quantities of non-alcoholic beverages are generally discouraged. Royal Caribbean aims to manage inventory for passengers and crew.
- While there aren’t many absolute prohibitions on non-alcoholic drinks, it is wise to check Royal Caribbean’s website for the latest update on regulations.
- Avoid bringing anything that could be considered a potential safety hazard, even if it is non-alcoholic.
Bringing Drinks on Embarkation Day
The process of bringing drinks on embarkation day is important to understand. This section provides detailed instructions and strategies for getting your allowed beverages through security and to your cabin smoothly. We’ll cover strategies for packing, what to expect at security, and what to do if you encounter any problems.
Packing Your Drinks
- Pack drinks securely. Use a sturdy cooler bag if bringing chilled drinks.
- Keep all drinks within the permitted quantity limits. This ensures a smooth embarkation process.
- Place drinks in a readily accessible location in your luggage. This speeds up the security process.
Security Checkpoint Procedures
You should be prepared for security personnel to check your drinks at the embarkation point. Be ready to show proof of compliance with Royal Caribbean’s regulations. If there are any issues, be polite and cooperate with the security staff.
Alternatives to Bringing Your Own Drinks
While you can bring some drinks, purchasing drinks on board might be more convenient and less stressful. This section will outline the onboard beverage options available, pricing considerations, and the pros and cons of buying versus bringing your own beverages.
Onboard Beverage Packages
Royal Caribbean offers various beverage packages that provide unlimited or discounted drinks. These packages can be a cost-effective option, especially if you plan on consuming several drinks per day. Compare prices and package benefits to determine if it’s the right choice for you. Insert a comparison chart here showing the different beverage packages and their prices.
Purchasing Drinks Individually
You can also purchase drinks individually at various bars and restaurants onboard. This provides more flexibility and allows you to choose your drinks based on your preferences and mood. The cost per drink is, however, usually higher than buying a package.
Mythbusting: Royal Caribbean’s Drink Policies
Myth 1: You can bring as much non-alcoholic drink as you want.
False. While the policy is more relaxed for non-alcoholic beverages, bringing excessive quantities is discouraged. Excessive amounts could lead to issues with storage and could potentially be seen as problematic.
Myth 2: All alcohol is prohibited.
False. Some limited amounts of alcohol are permitted for specific suite guests. However, this is subject to change and varies on the suite type and the cruise.
Myth 3: Bringing your own drinks is always cheaper.
False. In many cases, purchasing a beverage package or buying drinks individually may actually be a more cost-effective approach than the cost of bringing your own drinks, plus the potential risk of confiscation.
FAQ
What happens if my drinks are confiscated?
If your drinks are confiscated, you will typically not receive a refund. It is best to follow all of Royal Caribbean’s rules and regulations before you bring any beverages onto the ship.
Can I bring my own water bottles?
Yes, you can generally bring sealed, unopened bottles of water. Check for updated policies on the Royal Caribbean website.
Are there any restrictions on bringing juice boxes?
Generally, sealed, unopened juice boxes for personal consumption are allowed, but it is best to check the updated policies.
What if I have dietary restrictions and want to bring specific drinks?
Contact Royal Caribbean customer service in advance to discuss any specific dietary needs and any accommodations they may make for bringing beverages onto the ship.
Can I bring energy drinks?
Generally, sealed, unopened energy drinks are allowed in reasonable quantities. It is best to confirm the current guidelines on the Royal Caribbean website prior to your trip.
Can I bring my own coffee?
While you might bring instant coffee in sealed containers, bringing larger quantities of coffee might be problematic. Check the Royal Caribbean website to clarify your concerns.
Can I bring alcohol in my carry-on luggage?
Generally, bringing alcohol in your carry-on is prohibited, unless you are in a suite and abide by the specific allowances stated in your booking.
Final Thoughts
Planning your cruise beverage strategy can greatly enhance your onboard experience. Remember to carefully review Royal Caribbean’s official guidelines before packing any drinks. By understanding the allowed beverages and the potential consequences of bringing prohibited items, you can ensure a smooth embarkation and a relaxing vacation. Don’t forget to check the Royal Caribbean website for the most up-to-date information before your cruise! Enjoy your cruise!