Can you bring food on a cruise? 9 rules to avoid the security trash bin
As yummy as mom's signature banana bread is, packing it for your cruise is a big no-no.
One of the perks of a cruise vacation is the abundance of free food available nearly around the clock. Most ships offer complimentary meals in main dining rooms, buffets and casual grab-and-go spots, along with specialty restaurants if you're looking to splurge.
But what if that's not enough? Can you bring your own food on a cruise? Generally speaking, you can bring food on a cruise, but there are important limitations to keep in mind.
As someone who has been caught up in those security lines — like the time a surprise proposal was nearly foiled when an engagement ring in my jacket pocket set off the metal detector — I'd like to save you that time and trouble on your next cruise.
We spoke to cruise experts and researched the fine print of cruise lines to bring you the most important rules of what food you can and can't bring on a cruise ship.
1) Stick to sealed, nonperishable snacks
If you have a favorite brand of potato chip or candy or need a protein bar to tide you over between meals, you're in luck: Most cruise lines allow non-perishable, prepackaged snacks on board. Just don't be tempted to open those packages for a bite before going through security.
"The simplest rule passengers can remember is this: if it isn't factory-sealed and shelf-stable, assume it won't make it past security," explains Andre Robles, travel writer and consultant with Voyagers Amazon Cruises . "Most lines are fine with a small stash of unopened, commercially packaged snacks (think protein bars, crackers, chips, sealed candy), especially for families, picky eaters, or allergies."
Royal Caribbean , for example, allows non-perishable, prepackaged foods that are sealed in their original packaging in limited quantities (avoid bringing lots of Costco-sized boxes of snacks). Similarly, Carnival allows for unopened, prepackaged foods and MSC Cruises allows "dry, packaged, commercially produced foods."
It's also important to note that in most cases, including on Disney Cruise Line , any prepackaged foods you bring onboard must be eaten before returning to home port or remain unopened.
2) Don't bring homemade foods on a cruise
As much as you might enjoy your homemade muffins, a favorite sandwich or those brownies your aunt makes, it's best to leave them at home. All major cruise lines prohibit homemade foods and they'll be confiscated at security and tossed.
"Unlike the airlines, homemade or pre-cooked foods are actually banned from being brought onboard," says long-time traveler and cruise specialist travel agent Caleb Klein of Seize the Bite Travel . "If you stroll through security with a fast food bag or Tupperware filled with food, it will likely be taken by security personnel. Cruise lines have a responsibility to protect all passengers, and this means avoiding any pests or bacteria that could be lurking in your leftover meatloaf, so leave it at home."
3) Avoid bringing anything that needs refrigeration
Klein also emphasizes that cruise passengers are typically not allowed to bring any perishable items onboard, including store-bought, prepackaged items that require refrigeration.
"This is a huge one because most people think that the 'fridge' in their staterooms will keep their food cold," Klein explains. "They are actually electric coolers that are meant to keep drinks cool between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. To deter the growth of bacteria, perishable foods need to be held below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. To keep people from getting sick from this misconception, perishable foods are banned from being brought onboard."
Carnival and other cruise lines explain that food limitations are in place due to "concerns of food safety and contamination prevention."
4) Don't bring back food from shore excursions
Sampling the local cuisine is certainly a highlight of traveling. But if you purchase food while at port or on a shore excursion, be sure to leave any leftovers behind, or they'll get tossed. You also may be tempted to bring home local fruits, vegetables, meats or cheeses from your journey; those items are prohibited by cruise lines and U.S. Customs.
"As a travel agent and a fellow cruiser, who has been on over 85 cruises across the world, my advice is to follow U.S. Customs or International Customs criteria," says Pat Campbell, a travel adviser with Sea2Sea Destinations . "Most ports have posted customs regulations specifically stating not to bring any plants, fruits, or vegetables. This also includes baked goods or even those leftovers you had from a restaurant while in port."
Not only do you risk having restricted foods like fruits, dairy products and other agricultural items confiscated, but you could potentially face a major fine if the items aren't declared, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection .
If you do want to pick up some local chocolates or other edible souvenirs, you'll want to make sure that they're shelf-stable, factory-sealed and declared.
5) Avoid taking food off the ship for excursions
You'll also want to avoid taking food from the ship to port or on an excursion due to customs restrictions.
"Cruise guests should not take fresh fruit, vegetables, or other agricultural items off the ship or bring them back into the U.S., as this can impact local agriculture and is often illegal," Robyn Jacobs, owner of Orca Travel LLC , an independent agency in the Avoya Travel Network, says.
Exceptions are usually made for unopened, commercially sealed snacks, but be sure to check with your cruise line as rules may vary by port.
6) Baby food and formula must be sealed
Pack baby formula and food in original, sealed packaging and keep it in your carry-on to avoid delays at cruise security.
(Jamie Grill via Getty Images)If you're traveling with a tiny cruise passenger, cruise lines generally allow you to bring baby food and formula (powdered or liquid) if it's sealed in its original packaging and not homemade.
"Cruise lines do make exceptions for dietary and medical needs, such as bringing on baby formula/food, milk, and distilled water for CPAP machines," says Klein. "These exceptions need to be cleared by the cruise line's special needs department by reaching out to them prior to the sailing and requesting an exemption."
Klein notes that the deadline for Virgin Voyages is 45 days prior to sailing, while the deadline for Carnival and Royal Caribbean is 30 days prior. Cleared items will still need to be properly sealed.
Disney Cruise Line allows breast milk in carry-on luggage only. The line also permits small coolers (no larger than 12 x 12 x 12 inches) for storing medications, baby food or nonperishable items related to dietary restrictions.
7) Review your cruise line's alcohol policy
Rules about bringing alcohol on a cruise can vary widely, so it's important to closely review the restrictions for your voyage.
"Cruise lines are a bit more lenient with beverages where you can bring a twelve-pack of your favorite soda or one 750 mL bottle of wine per adult," says Campbell.
Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises allow one sealed 750 mL bottle of wine or champagne per adult for each sailing, but beer, hard seltzer and liquor are prohibited. Carnival has similar rules. Disney, on the other hand, allows guests over 21 to bring two 750 mL bottles of unopened wine or six beers (no more than 12 oz.) at the start of the voyage.
Norwegian Cruise Line allows you to bring as much wine or champagne on board as you wish, but it will be stored, and a corkage fee will be charged when you consume it in any restaurant, public area or your stateroom. Other lines typically charge a corkage fee only if you consume the wine in public areas, not in your stateroom.
MSC Cruises has one of the strictest alcohol policies, prohibiting guests from bringing any alcohol on board.
With most cruise lines, any alcohol bottles purchased on board or in a port-of-call will be stowed until the last day to bring home.
8) Know the rules for soda and non-alcoholic drinks
Rules on bringing soda, water and other non-alcoholic beverages can also vary across cruise lines, so it's a smart idea to check the restrictions for your voyage.
Several lines allow you to bring twelve cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages such as soda, sparkling water, energy drinks or juice, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival (though bottles aren't allowed on Carnival). Disney doesn't place a limit on how much you can bring, but it must be in your carry-on and not stored in luggage.
Other lines, including Norwegian and MSC Cruises, prohibit all non-alcoholic beverages. Exceptions are made for infants and certain medical needs with preapproval from security.
9) Check cruise rules before you pack food or drinks
Keep in mind that food and beverage restrictions and allowances on cruise lines can vary by line and may change over time, so be sure to double-check the rules for your voyage before you pack.
"Research your specific cruise lines' prohibited items list to make sure you're following the most up-to-date policy," emphasizes Klein. "If you're working with a travel agent, ask them about anything you are uncertain about to avoid any problems."
If you do decide to bring food, Klein recommends packing it in your carry-on rather than your checked luggage: "This will save passengers from having their bags held for secondary screening and delay their luggage from making it to their stateroom."
If you do have food allergies or specific dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, kosher, low-sodium, vegetarian or vegan, most can be accommodated by cruise ship staff. The key is sharing your needs with the cruise line by the stated deadline, which can be 30 to 45 days prior to departure or longer for certain itineraries. Once onboard, you'll also want to communicate your restrictions to the staff members who will be providing you with food.
