Does Cruise Line Have Pepsi or Coke Find Out Here

Most major cruise lines serve Coca-Cola products, making Coke the dominant soft drink option on ships like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian. While Pepsi is rarely available due to exclusive contracts with beverage suppliers, you’ll find a wide selection of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite, and other Coca-Cola brands at onboard bars and lounges.

Key Takeaways

• Major cruise lines often partner exclusively with Coke or Pepsi—check before booking.
• Brand availability varies by ship and itinerary; confirm with your cruise line directly.
• Bring your own soda if a specific brand is essential to your trip.
• Specialty packages may include preferred brands—review drink package details carefully.
• Port stops let you buy your favorite soda if unavailable onboard.
• All-inclusive options sometimes exclude certain brands; read the fine print.

The Great Cruise Cola Conundrum: Coke vs. Pepsi at Sea

Picture this: you’re lounging on a sun-drenched deck, the ocean breeze tousling your hair, when suddenly, a craving hits. Not for a piña colada or a frosty beer, but for a classic cola. The question that follows is one that’s plagued cruisers for decades: does cruise line have Pepsi or Coke? It might seem trivial, but for die-hard soda fans, the answer can make or break their vacation. After all, nothing pairs better with a buffet burger than an ice-cold Coke, or with a poolside snack than a crisp Pepsi. But here’s the twist: unlike on land, where you can pop into any convenience store, cruise ships operate under exclusive beverage contracts, meaning your favorite fizz might not be available.

For many travelers, soda isn’t just a drink—it’s a ritual, a comfort, or even a necessity. Whether you’re a caffeine-sensitive Coke Zero enthusiast or a Pepsi Max devotee, knowing what’s on board before you embark can save you from disappointment (or worse, a week of unsatisfied cravings). But the cola landscape at sea isn’t as straightforward as it seems. While some lines proudly serve one brand, others have switched allegiances, and a few even offer both. In this deep dive, we’ll crack open the can on cruise ship soda policies, explore the history behind these exclusive deals, and equip you with insider tips to ensure your favorite cola is never out of reach. So, grab a glass (or a can) and let’s set sail into the bubbly world of cruise line cola wars.

The Cola Showdown: How Cruise Lines Choose Their Soda Partners

Why can’t you just grab a six-pack of your preferred cola before boarding? The answer lies in exclusive beverage contracts—long-term partnerships between cruise lines and soda giants. These deals are more than just about cans; they’re multimillion-dollar arrangements that cover everything from branding and marketing to logistics and supply chains. Think of it as a corporate version of a marriage: the cruise line gets a reliable soda supplier, and the brand gets prime real estate on thousands of passenger palates.

The Business Behind the Bubbles

Cruise lines don’t choose their soda partners lightly. The decision is driven by a mix of financial incentives, marketing strategies, and operational logistics. For example, Coca-Cola might offer a line a better profit-sharing deal, while Pepsi could sweeten the pot with co-branded promotions (imagine a “Pepsi Pool Party” on deck). According to industry insiders, these contracts often include clauses that prohibit competing brands from being sold onboard. This exclusivity extends beyond the bars and restaurants—it even applies to the gift shops. So if your ship is a Pepsi line, don’t expect to find a single Coke-branded item anywhere.

Historical Shifts and Surprises

The cola allegiance of cruise lines isn’t static. Over the years, several major players have switched sides. For instance, Carnival Corporation (which includes Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America) famously transitioned from Pepsi to Coca-Cola in 2010. The move was reportedly driven by Coca-Cola’s willingness to invest in custom soda fountains and branded merchandise. On the flip side, Royal Caribbean International (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises) has remained a Pepsi stronghold, leveraging Pepsi’s global distribution network to ensure consistency across its fleet.

Why It Matters to You

Beyond personal preference, these contracts can impact your onboard experience. A cruise line with a Coca-Cola deal might feature Coke-branded lounges, while a Pepsi line could host Pepsi-sponsored events. Some lines even offer limited-edition cans (like Carnival’s “Coke Zero Sugar” cans with ship-specific designs). For collectors or brand loyalists, these details add an extra layer of excitement to the cruise. But for others, the lack of choice can be frustrating. The key takeaway? Always check your ship’s soda policy before booking—especially if your favorite drink is non-negotiable.

Major Cruise Lines: A Cola-by-Cola Breakdown

Now that we understand the “why” behind cruise soda policies, let’s dive into the “what.” Below is a comprehensive look at where the biggest cruise lines stand in the Coke-Pepsi divide. Keep in mind that policies can vary by ship or region, so we’ll highlight the general rule with notable exceptions.

Carnival Corporation: The Coca-Cola Kingdom

Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, and Costa Cruises all fall under the Coca-Cola umbrella. This means you’ll find a full range of Coke products onboard, including:

• Coca-Cola Classic
• Coca-Cola Zero Sugar

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• Diet Coke
• Sprite and Fanta (both Coke-owned brands)

Fun fact: Carnival’s partnership includes a unique “Coke Freestyle” machine on select ships, offering 100+ drink combinations (yes, including cherry-vanilla Coke). However, Pepsi products are strictly off-limits—even in the gift shops.

Royal Caribbean International: Pepsi Power

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises are all Pepsi lines. Here, you’ll find:

• Pepsi and Pepsi Zero Sugar
• Diet Pepsi
• Mountain Dew
• Sierra Mist (now rebranded as Starry, but still Pepsi-owned)

Royal Caribbean takes its Pepsi partnership seriously, even hosting “Pepsi Max Days” with themed events and giveaways. But don’t expect to see a single Coke can on board—not even in the medical center.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): The Hybrid Surprise

NCL is the outlier in the industry. While most of its fleet serves Pepsi, a few ships (like the Norwegian Encore and Norwegian Bliss) have Coca-Cola fountains in certain areas. This hybrid approach is rare but hints at NCL’s willingness to experiment with passenger preferences. Still, the bulk of its bars and restaurants stick to Pepsi products.

Disney Cruise Line: The Disney-Cola Deal

Disney Cruise Line is a Coca-Cola exclusive, but with a twist: it offers a wider variety of Coke-owned brands, including:

• Barq’s Root Beer
• Dasani water
• Honest Tea
• Odwalla smoothies

Disney’s partnership also includes custom-branded merchandise, like limited-edition Coke bottles featuring Mickey Mouse. Pepsi products are absent, but the sheer variety of non-Pepsi options softens the blow for most guests.

Other Notable Lines

• MSC Cruises: Coca-Cola (with Pepsi-free zones)
• Virgin Voyages: Coca-Cola (but with a focus on craft sodas and kombucha)
• Cunard Line: Coca-Cola (though some UK-based ships have Pepsi in select areas)

What If Your Favorite Soda Isn’t Available?

So your cruise line serves Pepsi, but you’re a Coke loyalist (or vice versa). Panic not! There are several ways to navigate this cola crisis without sacrificing your sanity (or your soda fix).

Pre-Boarding Prep: The Smuggler’s Guide

Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring one 12-pack of non-alcoholic beverages per person onboard. This is your golden ticket. Pack your favorite soda in a carry-on (not checked luggage) and stash it in your cabin fridge. Pro tip: Wrap the cans in clothes to avoid damage during security checks. Some cruisers even freeze their soda the night before to keep it cold longer. Just be sure to:

• Check your line’s policy (some restrict glass bottles)
• Label cans clearly to avoid mix-ups
• Consume your stash before the cruise ends (don’t try to smuggle extras off the ship)

Onboard Workarounds

If smuggling isn’t your style, try these creative solutions:

• Flavor swaps: A Pepsi line might have Dr Pepper or A&W Root Beer—not the same, but close enough to satisfy.
• Mixology tricks: Add a splash of grenadine or lime juice to a generic cola to mimic your preferred taste.
• Ask politely: Some bars keep “secret stock” of off-contract sodas for loyal customers. A polite request (and a small tip) might score you a rare Coke on a Pepsi ship.
• Visit ports: Shore excursions are a great chance to buy your favorite soda at local stores. Just remember to drink it before returning to the ship.

Alternative Beverages

If all else fails, explore the non-soda options. Many cruise lines offer:

• Craft sodas (like Virgin Voyages’ house-made ginger beer)
• Kombucha or cold-brew coffee
• Infused water stations
• Specialty cocktails (if you’re open to switching to alcohol)

Remember: Flexibility is key. While it’s disappointing to miss your favorite drink, cruise lines often compensate with creative alternatives.

Beyond the Basics: Special Cases and Lesser-Known Facts

The cola debate isn’t just about Coke vs. Pepsi—it’s a microcosm of broader cruise industry trends. Let’s explore some lesser-known nuances that add layers to this bubbly saga.

The Regional Twist

Soda preferences vary by country, and cruise lines sometimes adjust their offerings to match. For example:

• On Carnival ships sailing in Europe, you might find Coca-Cola Light (a regional Diet Coke variant).
• Royal Caribbean ships in Asia often stock Pepsi Black, a caffeine-free cola popular in Japan.
• In Mexico, some ships serve Jarritos (a Coke-owned Mexican soda brand) alongside regular cola options.

This regional customization is rare but a nice touch for international cruisers.

The Rise of “Healthier” Options

As passenger demand for low-sugar drinks grows, cruise lines are expanding their soda menus. Look for:

• Coca-Cola Zero Sugar (available on all Coke ships)
• Pepsi Zero Sugar (standard on Pepsi lines)
• Flavored sparkling waters (like LaCroix or Bubly)
• Zero-sugar energy drinks (e.g., Monster Ultra)

Some lines, like Virgin Voyages, have even phased out regular soda in favor of craft and low-sugar alternatives. While purists might mourn the loss, it reflects a shift toward healthier options.

The Soda Package Dilemma

Many cruise lines offer “soda packages” for unlimited drinks. But here’s the catch: these packages only cover the line’s contracted brand. A Carnival soda package won’t get you Pepsi, and a Royal Caribbean one won’t cover Coke. Before buying, ask:

• What brands are included?
• Are there restrictions (e.g., premium sodas excluded)?
• Is it worth it if you’ll mainly drink water or juice?

The Future of Cruise Soda

With sustainability becoming a priority, some lines are testing eco-friendly soda options. For example, Carnival has introduced reusable soda cups with refill stations, reducing single-use plastic. Meanwhile, Royal Caribbean is experimenting with carbonated water dispensers that let passengers add their own syrups. These innovations could reshape how soda is served at sea—and possibly break the Coke-Pepsi duopoly.

Data Snapshot: Cruise Line Soda Policies at a Glance

Cruise Line	Primary Soda Brand	Notable Exceptions	Unique Offerings
Carnival Cruise Line	Coca-Cola	None	Coke Freestyle machines
Royal Caribbean	Pepsi	None	Pepsi Max Days events
Norwegian Cruise Line	Pepsi (mostly)	Coca-Cola on select ships	Hybrid soda stations
Disney Cruise Line	Coca-Cola	None	Mickey-branded Coke bottles
MSC Cruises	Coca-Cola	Pepsi in some European ports	Regional soda flavors
Virgin Voyages	Coca-Cola	None	Craft sodas & kombucha

Note: Policies are subject to change. Always verify with your cruise line before sailing.

Final Thoughts: Navigating the Cola Seas with Confidence

The question of whether your cruise line serves Pepsi or Coke is more than a trivial curiosity—it’s a practical concern that can impact your vacation enjoyment. By understanding the exclusive contracts that govern onboard soda, researching your line’s policies in advance, and arming yourself with workarounds, you can ensure your favorite fizz is never out of reach. Whether you’re a Coke Zero devotee, a Pepsi Max enthusiast, or an adventurous soda explorer, the key is preparation.

Remember: cruise lines are businesses, and their soda choices are driven by profit, not passenger preference. But that doesn’t mean you’re powerless. From smuggling your own stash to embracing regional flavors, there are plenty of ways to satisfy your cravings. And who knows? You might even discover a new favorite along the way. After all, the best part of cruising isn’t just the destination—it’s the little details, like the perfect sip of cola under a sunset sky. So next time you’re planning a voyage, ask yourself: Does cruise line have Pepsi or Coke? And more importantly: are you ready to make it work? The sea is calling, and your soda adventure awaits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do most cruise lines serve Pepsi or Coke products?

Most major cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian, are exclusively partnered with Pepsi. You’ll find Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, and other PepsiCo beverages widely available onboard.

Can I find Coca-Cola on any cruise ships?

A few smaller or luxury cruise lines, like Disney Cruise Line and MSC Cruises, offer Coca-Cola products due to regional partnerships. However, most mainstream lines stick to Pepsi as their official soda provider.

Why do cruise lines choose Pepsi over Coke (or vice versa)?

Cruise lines often sign exclusive contracts with beverage companies for cost efficiency and bulk supply. For example, Pepsi’s partnership with Carnival ensures consistent availability of their products across all ships.

Are Pepsi and Coke available for free on cruise ships?

Unless you purchase a drink package or are on an all-inclusive line, both Pepsi and Coke products are usually charged per can or cup. Check your cruise line’s beverage policy to confirm.

Does the cruise line have Pepsi or Coke if I have dietary preferences?

Yes! Cruise lines typically offer diet/zero-sugar versions of their primary soda brand (e.g., Diet Pepsi, Coke Zero). Specialty or international sodas may be limited but can often be requested.

Can I bring my own Pepsi or Coke on a cruise?

Most cruise lines prohibit bringing your own soda due to their exclusive contracts. Exceptions are rare, so it’s best to rely on onboard options or buy a beverage package for unlimited access.