# **Can I Bring My Own Snacks on Royal Caribbean International? – Complete Guide for Travelers**

Yes, you can bring sealed, pre-packaged, non-perishable snacks on Royal Caribbean cruises. Fresh or homemade foods aren’t allowed. For help with guidelines or booking, **call 1-877-897-7186.**

Packing for a cruise can be both exciting and a little overwhelming, especially when it comes to food rules. Many travelers wonder whether they can bring snacks onboard Royal Caribbean International, either for dietary needs, picky eaters, or simply to enjoy their favorite treats during the journey. The good news is that Royal Caribbean does allow guests to bring certain types of snacks, but there are guidelines you need to follow. Understanding these rules can help you avoid any issues during embarkation and ensure a smooth, enjoyable vacation.

This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about bringing snacks on board, including what’s allowed, what’s restricted, why rules exist, and tips for packing snacks for your cruise.

## **Can You Bring Snacks on Royal Caribbean?**

Yes, you *can* bring your own snacks on a Royal Caribbean cruise. The cruise line permits guests to bring pre-packaged, sealed, and non-perishable food items onboard. This is particularly helpful for families with kids, travelers with dietary needs, or anyone who wants their favorite goodies on hand.

However, the snacks must meet certain requirements. Royal Caribbean has food safety standards, environmental policies, and customs laws to follow, so not everything will be allowed. Knowing the rules ensures you pack correctly and avoid having items confiscated during check-in.

## **Types of Snacks You *Can* Bring**

Royal Caribbean allows the following types of food items:

### **1. Pre-Packaged Snacks**

These are snacks that come from a store and remain unopened, sealed, and shelf-stable. Examples include:

* Chips, pretzels, and popcorn
* Granola bars and protein bars
* Cookies and crackers
* Dried fruit packs
* Candy or chocolate
* Nuts (sealed, not homemade)

These items pose no health risk because they’re manufactured, packaged, and shelf-safe.

### **2. Baby Food and Formula**

For families traveling with infants, Royal Caribbean allows:

* Sealed baby food jars
* Powdered formula
* Baby cereal packs
* Shelf-stable toddler snacks

These items are essential for young children, and the cruise line accommodates parents by ensuring these items can be brought onboard without issues.

### **3. Special Dietary Snacks**

If you have dietary needs, you can bring certain approved snacks such as:

* Gluten-free bars
* Lactose-free packaged snacks
* Keto or diabetic-friendly shelf-stable items

These can be especially helpful if you want extra food options between meals or if you’re unsure whether the ship will have your specific brand.

## **What You *Cannot* Bring**

Although Royal Caribbean allows many snacks, there are still restrictions due to food safety and customs regulations.

### **1. No Homemade Food**

You cannot bring any food that is:

* Homemade
* Freshly cooked
* Packed in containers without original labeling

Examples include sandwiches, fruit salads, cooked meals, baked goods from home, or leftovers.

### **2. No Fresh Fruits or Vegetables**

This includes:

* Apples, bananas, oranges
* Fresh cut vegetables
* Garden-grown produce

This rule protects global agriculture from potential pests and pathogens.

### **3. No Perishable Foods**

Anything requiring refrigeration is not allowed, such as:

* Dairy products
* Meats
* Dips or spreads
* Opened items
* Meals in containers

Cruise staff must follow strict safety guidelines, so perishables are prohibited.

## **Why These Rules Exist**

Royal Caribbean’s snack and food rules are based on:

### **1. Food Safety**

Preventing contamination is extremely important on a cruise ship where thousands of people are in a shared environment. Pre-packaged foods lower the risk of foodborne illness.

### **2. Customs Regulations**

Cruise ships travel internationally. Bringing fresh produce or meats can violate port-country customs laws or harm local agriculture.

### **3. Cleanliness and Pest Control**

Non-sealed foods can attract insects or rodents, especially during boarding and luggage handling.

### **4. Environmental Protection**

Cruise lines must ensure waste disposal complies with maritime environmental laws.

Understanding these reasons helps travelers appreciate why limitations are necessary.

## **How to Pack Snacks for Your Royal Caribbean Cruise**

If you’re planning to bring snacks onboard, here are some tips to make the process as smooth as possible:

### **1. Keep Everything in Original Packaging**

Items must remain sealed. This makes inspection fast and prevents confiscation.

### **2. Pack in a Separate Carry-On Bag**

Do not put snacks in your checked luggage. Security may remove them, and you may not know until later.

### **3. Avoid Liquid-Based Snacks**

Anything resembling a liquid or gel (e.g., yogurt, dips, applesauce pouches) may be flagged by security.

### **4. Bring Only What You Need**

Cruise ships offer plenty of food. Bringing minimal snacks helps avoid clutter in your cabin.

### **5. Use Resealable Bags (After Boarding)**

Once on board, you can transfer snacks into small bags to save space, as long as the items were sealed during embarkation.

## **Do You Even Need to Bring Snacks?**

Royal Caribbean is known for offering a wide variety of food options, many of which are included in your cruise fare. This includes:

* Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
* Snacks at the Windjammer buffet
* Café Promenade (sandwiches, pizza, pastries available 24/7 on many ships)
* Room service (some free items, some paid)
* Poolside snacks
* Specialty dining options

Most guests find that the ship offers more than enough choices. However, bringing your own snacks can still be helpful, especially if:

* You prefer specific brands
* You have dietary needs
* You’re traveling with children
* You need snacks for excursions
* You want something for late-night cravings without room service charges

## **Can You Bring Snacks When Getting Off the Ship During Excursions?**

Rules differ depending on the port. In many destinations, you **cannot take food off the ship**, especially fruits, vegetables, dairy, and meats. However, sealed snacks like granola bars or chips are usually allowed during shore excursions.

Always check local port rules or ask a crew member before taking any food ashore.

## **Tips for Families Bringing Snacks**

Families with kids often benefit from extra snacks. Here’s how to make it easier:

* Choose mess-free options (granola bars over crumbly crackers)
* Bring snacks that won’t melt in the Caribbean sun
* Pack extra Ziploc bags
* Keep child-friendly snacks in a backpack for quick access

## **Final Thoughts**

Bringing your own snacks on Royal Caribbean International is absolutely allowed—as long as they are sealed, pre-packaged, and non-perishable. The rules are simple and designed to protect safety, health, and international agriculture. Whether you bring snacks for convenience, dietary needs, or personal preference, planning ahead ensures a smooth embarkation process.

If you pack correctly, you’ll enjoy all your favorite treats alongside the incredible dining options Royal Caribbean already offers. This balance helps make your cruise more comfortable, enjoyable, and tailored to your preferences.