Bringing Your Own Snacks and Food Onboard a Cruise
Yes, you can bring snacks on a cruise, as long as they are sealed, store-bought and do not need cooking. With so much food included on board, most people bring very little, but there are good reasons to pack a few favourites.
What you can and can't bring
Exact rules vary by line and change from time to time, so treat this as the typical pattern and confirm with your own line.
| Item | Usually allowed? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Granola bars, crackers, nuts, chips | Yes | Sealed and commercially packaged |
| Candy and chocolate | Yes | Keep chocolate out of the sun on deck |
| Baby food and formula | Yes | Bring enough for the trip |
| Medically required foods | Yes | Mention them to the line in advance |
| Tea bags, instant coffee sachets | Usually | Cabins often have no kettle |
| Homemade baking or sandwiches | Usually not | Food safety rules |
| Fresh fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese | Usually not | Food safety and agricultural rules |
| Kettles, hot plates, rice cookers | No | Fire risk; confiscated at security |
Alcohol follows separate, stricter rules on every line, so do not assume the snack allowance covers it. Cruise line alcohol policies compared sets them out.
Good reasons to pack your own
- Dietary needs. Ships handle allergies and special diets well when told in advance, but a few safe snacks of your own add peace of mind. See how ships handle dietary needs.
- Children. A familiar cereal or snack can save a meltdown, especially on embarkation day. Cruising with a baby or toddler covers what else to pack.
- Excursion days. A long tour may not include lunch, and port food costs extra.
- Late nights in the cabin. Many ships have a 24-hour venue, but a bar in your bag beats a walk across the ship. Room service on cruises explains what is free.
Taking food ashore
This is where people get caught out. Many ports, including Hawaii and many Caribbean islands, restrict bringing fresh fruit, meat and plant products ashore. An apple from the buffet in your day bag can mean a fine.
How much to bring
For most people, a small bag is plenty: a few bars and a packet of crackers per person for excursion days. Remember that the fare already includes the buffet, main dining room and several casual venues, set out in what's included in a cruise fare. Luggage space is limited, and the what not to pack list explains which items will be taken away at security.
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Ask a cruise expert →Checking your line's current policy
If you rely on your own food for medical or dietary reasons, check your line's policy before you pack and tell the line about your needs in advance. That way security sees exactly what it expects, and the dining team can cover the rest.
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Get a quote or book online →Frequently asked questions
Can you bring snacks in your carry-on for a cruise?
Generally yes, as long as they are sealed, commercially packaged and shelf-stable, such as granola bars, crackers, nuts or packaged chips. Rules vary slightly by line, so check the current policy if you plan to bring a lot.
Why would you bring your own snacks on a cruise if food is included?
Common reasons are dietary needs the ship may not cover fully, a familiar snack for children, something portable for long excursion days ashore, or a favourite treat that the ship does not stock.
Can you take food from the ship ashore in port?
Packaged snacks are usually fine, but fresh fruit, meat and sandwiches from the buffet are often prohibited by local agricultural rules, including at some US ports, and fines are possible. Eat buffet fruit on board and pack sealed snacks for the day.
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