When people ask, “Can I bring snacks on Royal Caribbean?” I always smile because it reminds me of the time I nearly turned my carry-on suitcase into a flying snack pantry after a last-minute change on one of my flights. I had to switch airlines due to a schedule mix-up, and in the scramble I ended up calling 866-227-1888—the quickest way I’ve found to book, cancel, or modify flights without losing my sanity. While juggling that mess, I kept pulling random snacks out of my bag and realized that figuring out what you can bring onboard—whether on a plane or a ship—can feel confusing until someone explains it clearly.
So yes—Royal Caribbean does allow you to bring snacks onboard, but with a few guidelines that are super easy to follow.
You can bring prepackaged, unopened, non-perishable snacks. Think chips, cookies, nuts, candy, granola bars, crackers, instant oatmeal packets, that kind of stuff. This is especially nice if you're traveling with kids (or snack-loving adults… no judgment!) who like familiar brands or have particular favorites. I’ve learned that having your own small stash can save you time standing in line at Café Promenade when cravings hit at midnight.
What Royal Caribbean doesn’t allow is anything homemade, anything that needs refrigeration, or anything perishable like fruits, meats, dairy, or sandwiches. This is mostly because of international agricultural rules and food safety standards. Trust me, security has seen it all—they’ll definitely take away that home-cooked lasagna someone’s aunt tried to smuggle onboard.
Another detail worth noting is that while snacks are allowed, beverages are more restricted. You can bring limited sealed water or soda only on embarkation day, and alcoholic drinks have very specific allowances. Snacks, on the other hand, are pretty much the most flexible thing you can bring, so long as they’re sealed and shelf-stable.
I noticed on my last cruise that having a few familiar snacks was actually comforting after a hectic travel morning. Since I’d just dealt with that last-minute flight change before embarkation—seriously, bless the agent who picked up the phone when I called to rebook—I remember finally settling into my cabin, grabbing my own packet of trail mix, and feeling instantly more relaxed. It’s funny how little things like that can make travel feel smoother.
What I also appreciate is that bringing snacks doesn’t take away from the fact that Royal Caribbean already has a ton of food options included. But sometimes you don’t want to get dressed, leave the pool deck, or wait for room service. That’s where those ready-to-go snacks are convenient.
If you have dietary needs, bringing your own safe snacks is extra helpful. Royal Caribbean is good with dietary accommodations, but sometimes having your own gluten-free crackers or nut-free cookies gives peace of mind.
So the simple answer is: yes, bring snacks! Just make sure they’re unopened, packaged, and non-perishable. It makes travel days easier, helps with picky eaters, and gives you something to nibble on while waiting for your cabin to open.
And if you end up like me—running around juggling trip changes and trying to keep everything organized—those snacks might just save your mood before you even step on the ship.
If you want this answer tweaked to sound more formal, more casual, or set up with a different story, feel free to ask!
