Cruising with Carnival Cruise Line is an exciting adventure filled with entertainment, beautiful destinations, and of course—delicious food. But if you’ve ever wondered can you bring snacks on a Carnival cruise? or can you bring soda on a Carnival cruise?, you’re not alone. Many travelers prefer having their favorite munchies or drinks on hand, whether for convenience, dietary needs, or simply to save a bit of money.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about bringing snacks and beverages aboard a Carnival cruise ship—what’s allowed, what’s not, and the best ways to pack them. Let’s dive in!
Understanding Carnival’s Food and Drink Policy
Before we answer can you bring snacks on a cruise Carnival, it’s important to understand that cruise lines—like airlines—have specific rules about what you can and can’t bring on board. These policies are in place for health, safety, and environmental reasons.
Carnival Cruise Line allows guests to bring pre-packaged, non-perishable snacks on board in small quantities. However, there are restrictions when it comes to beverages, especially alcohol. Knowing the details ahead of time can help you avoid surprises at embarkation.
Can You Bring Snacks on a Carnival Cruise?
Yes, you can! Carnival Cruise Line permits passengers to bring small amounts of pre-packaged, ready-to-eat snacks. This includes favorites like chips, cookies, granola bars, crackers, candy, and other sealed items.
However, there are some important rules:
Allowed Snacks
- Chips (in sealed bags)
- Crackers
- Cookies and granola bars
- Candy or chocolate bars
- Nuts and trail mix
- Dried fruit
- Cereal or instant oatmeal packets (if you plan to use hot water from the buffet)
- Protein or snack bars
Not Allowed Snacks
- Homemade food (for sanitation reasons)
- Fresh fruit or vegetables
- Perishable foods such as sandwiches, salads, or dairy items
- Anything requiring refrigeration or heating
Essentially, if the snack is factory-sealed and shelf-stable, it’s probably fine to bring.
Why Bring Snacks on a Carnival Cruise?
Carnival ships are known for their Foodie Heaven status—buffets, specialty restaurants, pizza stands, and 24-hour soft serve. So you might wonder: why bother bringing snacks?
Here are a few reasons passengers like to bring their own treats:
- Dietary Restrictions
If you have allergies, gluten intolerance, or other dietary needs, bringing your own snacks ensures you’ll always have safe options. - Convenience
Sometimes, you just want a quick bite in your stateroom or while waiting for an excursion. Having your own snacks can be a lifesaver. - Children’s Favorites
Picky eaters, especially kids, might prefer their favorite chips or crackers rather than exploring new foods every day. - Late-Night Cravings
While Carnival has plenty of food, it’s not always convenient to walk to the buffet in your pajamas. Keep some snacks handy in your room! - Shore Excursions
Many passengers pack snacks for excursions, especially if you’re heading out early or to areas without easy food access.
How to Pack Snacks for a Carnival Cruise
When you’re preparing for your trip, make sure your snacks are sealed and packed neatly. Here are some practical tips:
- Use resealable bags or containers: Keep snacks fresh and avoid spills.
- Pack them in your carry-on: Carnival recommends bringing snacks in your carry-on rather than checked luggage, so security can easily inspect them if needed.
- Avoid bulky packaging: Cruise cabins have limited storage, so smaller portions are ideal.
- Label allergen-friendly foods: If you’re bringing items due to allergies, label them clearly for safety.
Can You Bring Soda on a Carnival Cruise?
Now, let’s tackle the other big question—can you bring soda on Carnival Cruise?
The answer is yes, but with restrictions. Carnival allows guests to bring small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages, including sodas, water, and juice. However, there are very specific rules about how much and what type of container is allowed.
Carnival’s Beverage Policy (as of 2025)
- Each guest over 21 years old can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne in their carry-on.
- Guests may bring up to 12 sealed cans or cartons (not bottles) of non-alcoholic beverages per person.
- Beverages must be brought on during embarkation day only (you can’t restock at ports).
Allowed Beverages
- Soda (in cans or small cartons)
- Juice boxes
- Sparkling water or flavored water
- Energy drinks (in cans)
Not Allowed
- Drinks in plastic or glass bottles
- Alcohol (other than the one bottle of wine/champagne per adult)
- Large quantities beyond the allowed limit
Why Cans Only?
You might be wondering why Carnival only allows cans or cartons. The policy exists to prevent tampering and to simplify security inspections. Bottles—especially plastic ones—can easily be refilled with alcohol, which violates ship policies and can pose safety risks.
Tips for Bringing Soda and Drinks on Board
- Pack in your carry-on luggage: Beverages should always be carried on, not checked.
- Use a small rolling bag or cooler: Carnival allows small coolers (no larger than 12” x 12” x 12”) for beverages and medicine.
- Check port rules: Once onboard, you can’t restock at port stops. Plan enough for your whole cruise.
- Bring reusable cups: The cruise provides plastic cups, but a reusable insulated tumbler keeps your soda or water colder longer.
Alternatives to Bringing Soda on a Carnival Cruise
If you’d rather not lug cans through security, Carnival offers several onboard options:
- Bottomless Bubbles Package
Carnival’s Bottomless Bubbles package offers unlimited soda and juice during your cruise. It’s charged per day and can be used at bars, restaurants, and dining rooms. Perfect for soda lovers who don’t want to worry about limits.
- Cheers! Beverage Package
For adults who enjoy alcoholic beverages as well, the Cheers! package includes soda, specialty coffees, cocktails, wine, beer, and non-alcoholic drinks up to a certain value.
- Complimentary Drinks
Even without a package, you can enjoy free water, lemonade, iced tea, coffee, and hot chocolate 24/7 at various onboard locations.
Pro Tips for Snack and Soda Lovers
Here are a few practical cruise hacks for anyone bringing snacks and soda aboard a Carnival ship:
- Bring Variety
Don’t just pack one type of snack. Mix sweet and savory options to satisfy different cravings.
- Use Zip Bags for Portioning
Divide large snack packs into smaller resealable bags for convenience and freshness.
- Keep Drinks Chilled
Your stateroom fridge is more of a cooler than a true refrigerator. To keep drinks cold, ask your room steward for extra ice or bring an insulated cooler bag.
- Avoid Messy Snacks
Stick to dry snacks. Chocolate may melt, and crumbly foods can make a mess in small cabins.
- Respect Cleanliness
Always discard wrappers and empty cans responsibly. Keeping your cabin tidy makes for a smoother trip for you and your steward.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can you bring snacks on a cruise Carnival for kids?
Absolutely! Many families bring small snack packs, juice boxes, and cereal bars for their children. Just ensure they are factory-sealed and non-perishable.
- Can you bring soda on Carnival Cruise for the whole family?
Yes, each person can bring up to 12 cans or cartons. So a family of four could bring up to 48 sodas total.
- Can you bring bottled water on Carnival Cruise?
No, bottled water isn’t allowed in your luggage, but you can pre-purchase cases of bottled water through Carnival’s Fun Shops, and it will be delivered directly to your cabin.
- What happens if you bring something not allowed?
Items not permitted (like glass bottles or homemade food) will be confiscated at security and not returned.
- Can you bring a cooler?
Yes, but it must be soft-sided and no larger than 12” x 12” x 12”. It’s meant for drinks or medications, not perishable foods.
A Sample Packing List for Snacks and Drinks
Here’s a simple packing checklist for your Carnival cruise:
Snacks:
- 2 bags of chips
- 5 granola bars
- 2 packs of cookies
- Trail mix or nuts
- Candy or gum
- Instant oatmeal or cereal cups
Drinks:
- 12 cans of soda (per person)
- Refillable water bottle
- Small juice boxes
Supplies:
- Resealable bags
- Small soft cooler
- Travel mug or tumbler
- Wet wipes for cleanup
What Not to Worry About
You won’t go hungry on a Carnival cruise! With dining options like Guy’s Burger Joint, BlueIguana Cantina, the Lido Marketplace buffet, and 24-hour pizza, food is plentiful. Still, having your own snacks and drinks offers flexibility—especially on long port days or in-between meals.
The Bottom Line: Can You Bring Snacks and Soda on a Carnival Cruise?
To recap:
- You can bring snacks—as long as they are sealed, non-perishable, and store-bought.
- You can bring soda—up to 12 sealed cans or cartons per person, packed in your carry-on.
- No bottled beverages, homemade food, or perishable items are allowed.
By following these simple guidelines, you’ll breeze through embarkation and have your favorite snacks and sodas ready for your cruise adventure.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to can you bring snacks on a Carnival cruise or can you bring soda on Carnival cruise, the answer is a resounding yes—with a few smart precautions. Packing your favorite treats can make your voyage more comfortable, especially if you’re traveling with kids, have dietary preferences, or just like to sip and snack at your leisure.
Carnival’s flexible policies make it easy to bring a taste of home along while still enjoying the fantastic onboard dining and drink options. So, pack your chips, soda, and candy carefully, and get ready to enjoy every moment of your Carnival cruise—snack in hand, ocean breeze in your hair, and nothing but fun ahead.
