What food and drink can you bring on carnival cruise?

By HotBotUpdated: September 23, 2024

Introduction to Carnival Cruise's Food and Drink Policy

Carnival Cruise Line has specific guidelines regarding what food and drink passengers can bring onboard. These rules ensure safety, security, and the overall enjoyment of all guests. Understanding these policies can help you pack appropriately and avoid any inconveniences.

Allowed Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Carnival allows guests to bring a limited amount of non-alcoholic beverages aboard. Here's what you need to know:

Quantity and Packaging

Guests can bring a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans or cartons per person. These can be soda, juice, or other non-alcoholic beverages, but they must be in cans or cartons, not bottles. The containers should not exceed 12 ounces each.

Why Cans and Cartons?

The restriction to cans and cartons rather than bottles is primarily due to safety concerns. Glass bottles can break and pose a hazard, while cans and cartons are generally safer and easier to handle.

Permitted Alcoholic Beverages

Carnival has a very strict policy when it comes to bringing alcoholic beverages onboard:

Wine and Champagne

Guests ages 21 and older are allowed to bring one 750 ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person. This bottle must be packed in carry-on luggage rather than checked luggage.

Consumption and Corkage Fee

If you choose to enjoy your wine or champagne outside of your stateroom, a $15 corkage fee will apply. This fee is charged for the service of opening and serving the bottle in public areas or dining rooms.

Food Items Allowed on Board

Carnival permits guests to bring certain pre-packaged and sealed food items:

Snack Foods

Pre-packaged snacks such as chips, cookies, and nuts are allowed. These items should be in their original packaging and unopened.

Specialty Foods

Guests with dietary restrictions or special needs can bring specific foods, such as baby food or specialty diet items. These should be non-perishable and clearly labeled.

Prohibited Items

Certain food and drink items are strictly prohibited for various reasons:

Homemade and Perishable Foods

Homemade food and perishable items are not allowed. This is due to health and safety regulations, as these items can spoil and pose a risk of foodborne illness.

Alcoholic Beverages

Except for the one bottle of wine or champagne per person, no other alcoholic beverages are permitted. This includes beer, spirits, and other types of alcohol.

Beverages in Glass Bottles

Any non-alcoholic beverages in glass bottles are not allowed due to the potential danger of broken glass.

Medical and Dietary Exceptions

Carnival understands that some guests may have medical or dietary needs that require exceptions to the general rules:

Medical Necessities

Guests who need to bring specific foods or beverages for medical reasons should contact Carnival’s Guest Services in advance. Proper documentation may be required to ensure these items are allowed onboard.

Special Dietary Needs

For guests with special dietary needs, Carnival offers various dining options and can accommodate many dietary restrictions. Guests are encouraged to speak with the dining staff upon boarding to make necessary arrangements.

Practical Tips for Packing Food and Drink

Here are some practical tips to help you pack food and drink for your Carnival cruise:

Check Current Policies

Policies can change, so always check the most recent guidelines on the Carnival website before packing.

Label Your Items

Clearly label any specialty foods or beverages, especially if they are for medical or dietary reasons. This can expedite security checks and reduce potential issues.

Use Carry-On Luggage

Pack all allowed beverages and food items in your carry-on luggage to avoid delays and ensure quick access once onboard.

Onboard Dining and Beverage Options

Carnival offers a wide array of dining and beverage options that cater to various tastes and preferences:

Main Dining Rooms

Main dining rooms offer a variety of meals included in your cruise fare. Special dietary requests can be accommodated with prior notice.

Specialty Restaurants

For an additional fee, specialty restaurants provide unique dining experiences, from steakhouses to sushi bars.

Beverage Packages

Carnival offers several beverage packages, including soda packages and a Cheers! package for alcoholic beverages. These packages can be a convenient and cost-effective way to enjoy drinks onboard.

Unique and Little-Known Details

Here are some rarely known details about Carnival’s food and drink policies:

Unfinished Wine

If you don’t finish your bottle of wine or champagne at dinner, the dining staff can store it for you and serve it the next evening at no additional charge.

Complimentary Beverages

Certain beverages like coffee, tea, hot chocolate, lemonade, and iced tea are available for free at various locations throughout the ship.

Room Service

Carnival offers 24-hour room service with a variety of complimentary and a la carte options. This includes breakfast items, sandwiches, salads, and desserts.

By adhering to these guidelines and making use of the numerous onboard dining and beverage options, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on your Carnival cruise.