Have you ever been on a cruise and felt a pang of thirst, only to realize that buying water on board can feel like an unexpected expense? Many cruisers find themselves wondering about the cost of necessities like bottled water while at sea. Understanding how much bottled water costs on a cruise, along with exploring alternatives, can significantly impact your onboard budget. This guide aims to demystify the pricing of bottled water on cruises and provide tips to stay hydrated without breaking the bank. You’ll learn about average prices, package deals, and clever strategies to save money on this essential item.
Average Bottled Water Prices on Cruises
Understanding the typical price range for bottled water on cruise ships is crucial for budget planning. Cruise lines generally charge a premium for convenience, so knowing what to expect can help you make informed decisions. Factors influencing these prices include the brand of water, the size of the bottle, and the specific cruise line’s pricing policies. It is also important to note that some cruises include bottled water in premium beverage packages, so researching this is important.
Factors Influencing Water Prices
Several factors contribute to the price you’ll pay for bottled water while cruising. These include the cruise line’s overall pricing strategy, the brand of water being sold, and the size of the bottles available. Premium brands or larger bottles will generally cost more than standard options. Furthermore, some cruise lines may have different pricing structures depending on the specific itinerary or region of travel.
- Cruise Line Policies: Each cruise line sets its own prices for bottled water, and these can vary widely. Some lines focus on providing complimentary beverages, while others rely heavily on onboard purchases. Check the specific policies of your cruise line before you sail. A study by Cruise Critic found that prices can vary by as much as 50% across different lines.
- Brand of Water: Similar to land-based stores, premium water brands like Evian or Fiji will usually command higher prices on cruise ships compared to more standard brands. It’s often a matter of perceived quality and marketing.
- Bottle Size: Larger bottles of water (e.g., 1 liter) will typically cost more than smaller bottles (e.g., 500 ml). Check the size of the bottles being offered to accurately compare prices. Many cruise lines offer both small and large sizes.
Cruise line policies dictate whether or not bottled water is free and, if not, how much it costs. This includes whether water is included in a package or not. Some high-end cruise lines offer complimentary water while budget cruise lines tend to charge for it.
The brand matters because some brands have better reputations than others, even if the difference in taste isn’t noticeable. For example, some people may prefer to drink bottled water from Fiji, rather than the cruise line brand.
Larger bottles are ideal for refilling smaller containers like water bottles to ensure you always have water with you. Small bottles are portable and convenient to carry while on excursions.
Price Comparison Across Cruise Lines
To give you a better sense of what to expect, let’s compare bottled water prices across a few major cruise lines. Remember that these prices are approximate and can change, so it’s always best to confirm with your cruise line directly before your trip. This comparison should help you understand the range of costs you might encounter.
| Cruise Line | Approximate Price per Bottle (500ml) | Approximate Price per Bottle (1 Liter) |
|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | $3.00 | $5.00 |
| Royal Caribbean | $3.25 | $5.50 |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | $3.50 | $6.00 |
| Princess Cruises | $2.75 | $4.75 |
Real-Life Example
On a recent Royal Caribbean cruise to the Caribbean, a family of four consumed an average of four bottles of water per person per day. At $3.25 per bottle, this amounted to $52 per day just for water. Over a seven-day cruise, that’s $364! This example highlights how quickly the cost of bottled water can add up, emphasizing the need for cost-saving strategies.
Cost-Effective Ways to Stay Hydrated
Fortunately, there are many ways to stay hydrated on a cruise without relying solely on purchasing bottled water. By exploring alternatives like refillable water bottles, beverage packages, and bringing your own water onboard, you can significantly reduce your expenses. Planning ahead and understanding your options is key to staying hydrated without overspending.
Bringing Your Own Water Onboard
One of the simplest ways to save money on bottled water is to bring your own. Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited quantity of non-alcoholic beverages, including water, onboard. This can significantly reduce your reliance on purchasing water throughout your cruise. Make sure to check the specific cruise line’s policy before you pack.
- Check Cruise Line Policies: Before packing, review your cruise line’s policy regarding bringing beverages onboard. Some lines restrict the amount or type of beverages allowed, while others are more lenient. Be sure to comply with these rules to avoid any issues at embarkation.
- Pack Smart: Consider packing collapsible water bottles to save space in your luggage. These are lightweight and easy to store when not in use. You can also use reusable plastic bottles, ensuring they are properly cleaned before your trip.
- Water Filters and Purifying Tablets: For travelers concerned about the quality of tap water, consider bringing a portable water filter or water purifying tablets. These can provide an extra layer of purification, ensuring the water is safe to drink.
The cruise line may place restrictions on bringing water on board, but there are ways around that. One way is to buy water at a local port before returning to the ship.
Collapsible water bottles are ideal for traveling because they take up less space than normal bottles. Reusable water bottles are also more eco-friendly, which is something some cruisers prefer.
Water filters and tablets are great to have on hand, just in case the water quality on board is low. This can give some travelers peace of mind and allow them to save money by drinking tap water.
Utilizing Refillable Water Bottles
Many cruise ships offer complimentary water stations or filtered water taps where you can refill your own water bottles. Taking advantage of these resources can dramatically reduce your need to purchase bottled water. Bring a durable, reusable water bottle with you and refill it throughout the day at these stations.
- Locate Water Stations: Upon boarding, familiarize yourself with the locations of water stations on the ship. These are often found near the buffet areas, gym, or main pool deck. Having a mental map of these locations makes it easier to stay hydrated.
- Choose a Durable Bottle: Select a high-quality, reusable water bottle that can withstand the rigors of travel. Insulated bottles can keep your water cold for extended periods, which is especially helpful in warmer climates. Look for bottles made from durable materials like stainless steel or BPA-free plastic.
- Maintain Hygiene: Clean your water bottle regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria. Use soap and water or a bottle-cleaning brush to keep it fresh and hygienic. Consider bringing multiple bottles so you can rotate them and always have a clean one available.
It’s helpful to ask crew members if you aren’t able to find water stations, as they can point you in the right direction. The water stations can often be found in the buffet areas of the ship.
Insulated bottles are ideal because they keep water cool for longer periods of time. If you are doing any activities that make you sweat, this can be very helpful.
If you use a water bottle every day, you’ll want to wash it daily, or you might want to have multiple bottles on hand. Hygiene is important and prevents build up of germs and dirt.
Purchasing Beverage Packages
Cruise lines often offer beverage packages that include unlimited water, soda, juice, and sometimes alcoholic drinks for a fixed daily price. If you consume a lot of beverages throughout the day, purchasing a beverage package could be a cost-effective way to stay hydrated. However, it’s important to calculate whether the package is worth it based on your drinking habits.
- Evaluate Your Drinking Habits: Before purchasing a beverage package, estimate how much you typically drink in a day. Consider your consumption of water, soda, juice, and alcoholic beverages. If you only drink a few beverages each day, a package might not be worth the cost.
- Compare Package Options: Cruise lines offer various beverage packages with different inclusions and price points. Compare the options to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. Some packages may include premium beverages or access to specialty coffee shops.
- Consider Other Perks: In addition to beverages, some packages may offer other perks like discounts on specialty restaurants or spa treatments. Factor these additional benefits into your decision-making process. Sometimes the additional perks will make the beverage package worth the cost.
Many beverages such as soda, juice, and alcoholic drinks are included in the beverage package. However, if you prefer water, you may not need to buy the package.
The beverage packages vary in price and inclusion. Some include premium beverages and others do not. Be sure to find the right one for your needs and budget.
Some beverage packages include discounts at specialty restaurants. So, if you are planning to eat at a fancy restaurant on the ship, then a beverage package might be a worthwhile investment.
Debunking Water Myths
There are several common misconceptions about water on cruise ships that can influence your hydration choices. Understanding the facts can help you make informed decisions and avoid unnecessary expenses. Knowing the truth about tap water and bottled water can save you money and ensure you stay healthy.
Myth: Tap water on cruise ships is unsafe to drink.
Fact: Cruise ship tap water undergoes rigorous testing and purification processes and is generally safe to drink. Cruise lines adhere to strict sanitation standards, ensuring the water is free from harmful bacteria and contaminants. While some people may prefer the taste of bottled water, there is typically no health risk associated with drinking tap water on a cruise ship. According to a 2022 report by the CDC, cruise ship water systems are regularly inspected and meet or exceed safety standards.
Myth: All bottled water tastes the same.
Fact: Different brands of bottled water can have distinct tastes due to variations in mineral content, source, and filtration processes. Some people prefer the taste of certain brands over others. However, the nutritional value and hydrating properties of most bottled water are largely the same. Ultimately, taste is subjective, so it’s worth trying different brands to find one you enjoy.
Myth: Buying water on excursions is always necessary.
Fact: While staying hydrated during excursions is important, buying bottled water at tourist traps can be expensive. Instead, bring a refillable water bottle with you and fill it up at water stations on the ship before disembarking. You can also pack a small cooler with water and snacks to avoid purchasing them at inflated prices on shore. Planning ahead can save you a significant amount of money during excursions.
Factors Affecting Water Quality on Cruise Ships
While cruise ships adhere to stringent regulations to ensure water safety, several factors can influence the overall quality of the water available to passengers. These factors include the source of the water, the treatment processes used, and the maintenance of the ship’s plumbing system. Understanding these factors can help you make informed decisions about your hydration choices.
Source of Water
Cruise ships typically obtain their water from two primary sources: desalination of seawater or freshwater tanks filled at ports. Desalination involves removing salt and minerals from seawater to make it potable. Freshwater tanks are filled with treated water from municipal water supplies at various ports of call. The quality of the water can vary depending on the source and the treatment processes used.
- Desalination: Cruise ships equipped with desalination plants can produce a large quantity of potable water using reverse osmosis or other advanced filtration methods. The quality of desalinated water is generally very high, as it undergoes thorough purification to remove impurities and salt. Desalination is especially common in cruise ships that spend long periods at sea.
- Freshwater Tanks: When cruise ships dock at ports, they often replenish their freshwater tanks with treated water from municipal water supplies. The quality of this water can vary depending on the standards and infrastructure of the port city. Cruise lines typically treat this water further to ensure it meets their internal quality standards.
- Water Testing: Cruise lines regularly test their water to make sure that it is safe for human consumption. The water is tested for bacteria and contaminants to ensure it meets standards. This is an ongoing process so you don’t need to worry about the quality of the water.
Cruise lines test their water every single day and the water is generally very safe for human consumption. If there are any issues, passengers would be notified so they are aware of any risk of drinking tap water.
The process of desalination is complex and requires a significant amount of energy to perform. The desalination process is used on cruise ships because there is access to a lot of salt water.
Freshwater tanks need to be replenished from time to time, so cruise ships do this at the various ports. However, the water in these ports may be of lower quality than what you would expect, so cruise ships filter this water further.
Treatment Processes
Regardless of the water source, cruise ships employ various treatment processes to ensure the water is safe and palatable. These processes include filtration, chlorination, and UV sterilization. Filtration removes sediment and other particulate matter, while chlorination kills bacteria and other microorganisms. UV sterilization further disinfects the water using ultraviolet light.
- Filtration: Filtration systems remove sediment, turbidity, and other particulate matter from the water, improving its clarity and taste. Cruise ships use various types of filters, including sand filters, carbon filters, and membrane filters, to achieve optimal water quality.
- Chlorination: Chlorination involves adding chlorine to the water to kill bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms. Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant that has been used for decades to ensure the safety of drinking water. Cruise lines carefully monitor chlorine levels to ensure they are within safe and effective ranges.
- UV Sterilization: UV sterilization uses ultraviolet light to further disinfect the water, killing any remaining microorganisms that may have survived the chlorination process. UV sterilization is a chemical-free method that does not alter the taste or odor of the water.
The filtration process is used to get rid of dirt and debris from the water. The water then becomes clear and is safer for human consumption.
Chlorine is added to water to kill any bacteria or viruses that may be present. It is important to use the right levels of chlorine to ensure the water is safe. Cruise lines follow a set of standards regarding chlorine levels in drinking water.
UV sterilization is a chemical-free process that is used to disinfect water. This also does not alter the taste or odor of the water, unlike chlorination.
Plumbing System Maintenance
The condition of the ship’s plumbing system can also impact water quality. Over time, pipes can corrode or accumulate sediment, potentially affecting the taste and purity of the water. Cruise lines conduct regular maintenance and inspections of their plumbing systems to address these issues and ensure the water remains safe and clean.
- Pipe Corrosion: Corrosion can occur in older plumbing systems, leading to the release of rust and other contaminants into the water. Cruise lines use corrosion-resistant materials in their plumbing systems and regularly inspect pipes for signs of corrosion.
- Sediment Buildup: Sediment and scale can accumulate in pipes over time, affecting water flow and potentially harboring bacteria. Cruise lines flush their plumbing systems regularly to remove sediment and prevent buildup.
- Regular Inspections: Cruise lines conduct routine inspections of their plumbing systems to identify and address any issues that could affect water quality. These inspections include checking for leaks, corrosion, and sediment buildup. Any problems are promptly addressed to maintain the integrity of the water system.
Over time, plumbing pipes can corrode and this affects the water that comes out of the taps. Cruise lines are careful about plumbing maintenance and will often make sure pipes are up-to-date.
The flushing process removes sediment from the plumbing system and ensures that the water is clean. If there is a build up of sediment, then this may also harbor bacteria and be a potential health risk.
Regular inspections are an important part of maintaining the plumbing system. This helps to identify potential problems that can arise over time. Cruise lines are careful about plumbing maintenance and do their best to ensure water quality.
FAQ
Question: Is bottled water free on all cruise ships?
Answer: No, bottled water is generally not free on all cruise ships. Many mainstream cruise lines charge for bottled water, while some luxury lines include it in their fares. Be sure to check your cruise line’s policy before you sail to understand whether bottled water is complimentary or available for purchase.
Question: Can I bring my own water bottles on a cruise?
Answer: Yes, most cruise lines allow passengers to bring their own water bottles onboard. Check your cruise line’s specific policy regarding the quantity and type of beverages allowed. Packing collapsible or reusable water bottles can save space in your luggage and reduce your reliance on purchasing water.
Question: Are there water refill stations on cruise ships?
Answer: Yes, many cruise ships offer water refill stations or filtered water taps where you can refill your own water bottles. These stations are often located near the buffet areas, gym, or main pool deck. Taking advantage of these resources can significantly reduce your need to purchase bottled water. Ask the crew if you aren’t able to locate them.
Question: Is tap water safe to drink on cruise ships?
Answer: Yes, tap water on cruise ships undergoes rigorous testing and purification processes and is generally safe to drink. Cruise lines adhere to strict sanitation standards, ensuring the water is free from harmful bacteria and contaminants. While some people may prefer the taste of bottled water, there is typically no health risk associated with drinking tap water on a cruise ship.
Question: Are beverage packages worth it for water?
Answer: Beverage packages can be worth it if you consume a lot of beverages throughout the day, including water, soda, juice, and alcoholic drinks. However, if you only drink a few beverages each day, a package might not be worth the cost. Evaluate your drinking habits and compare the package options to determine if it is a cost-effective way to stay hydrated.
Question: How much does a bottle of water cost on average?
Answer: The price of a bottle of water can range from $2.75 to $6.00 depending on the brand and size of the bottle. Some cruise lines may charge more than others, depending on their policy regarding complimentary beverages.
Final Thoughts
Navigating the cost of staying hydrated on a cruise doesn’t have to be a challenge. By understanding how much bottled water costs on a cruise and exploring alternative options like bringing your own water, utilizing refill stations, or considering beverage packages, you can significantly reduce your expenses. Remember to check your cruise line’s specific policies and plan ahead to enjoy a worry-free and well-hydrated cruise vacation. So, before setting sail, do a little research and prepare to stay refreshed without emptying your wallet!