Bringing Beverages Onboard

Bringing soda on your cruise? Just remember—beverages must be carried on with you. You can’t check them with porters.

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You can bring beverages onboard by packing them in a backpack or tote, securing a 12-pack of soda to the top of a carry-on suitcase with luggage straps, or placing cans in a soft-sided cooler or your carry-on suitcase, as long as everything is sealed and within the limits. Small backpacks, duffels, or tote bags work well for keeping drinks safe and easy to carry through security.

💰 Why cruisers bring their own drinks: Carnival drink packages don’t always make sense for everyone. Bringing your own drinks—including your allowed bottle of wine—can lower onboard spending, especially for families or light drinkers.

🥤 Bring what you actually like: Not every ship carries every brand. Many cruisers bring the soda, sparkling water, or energy drinks they already know they’ll enjoy.

⏱ Convenience: Having drinks in your cabin means no long bar lines—perfect for embarkation day, late nights, or early mornings.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly: Juice, sports drinks, and kid-approved options keep everyone happy without extra costs adding up.

🍷 Special Occasions: That allowed bottle of wine or champagne is ideal for sailaway, birthdays, anniversaries, or a quiet night on the balcony.

🧳 Smart Cruise Planning: It’s one of those small planning details that makes cruising smoother—just follow the rules and pack drinks in your carry-on.

CARNIVAL BEVERAGE POLICY (QUICK BREAKDOWN)

✔️ Each guest may bring up to 12 cans or cartons (12 oz or smaller) of non-alcoholic drinks (soda, juice, sparkling water, sports drinks, energy drinks)

✔️ Guests 21+ may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per person

✔️ Wine or champagne must be in original sealed packaging

✔️ All beverages must be packed in your carry-on, not checked luggage

✔️ Carnival may charge a corkage fee if you drink your wine in the ship’s dining venues

☀️ I live local to Port Canaveral and grew up in Orlando and create helpful content for cruisers traveling to the area, and for those who just love cruising as much as I do. Follow me for more cruise tips, insider info, and travel ideas for your next sailing! 🛳️

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