Cruises are designed to make life onboard comfortable.

One thing passengers frequently ask about is bottled water.

Some expect it to be complimentary, while others plan to pay for it.

If you’re wondering, “Is bottled water provided for free on cruises?” the answer isn’t simple.

It varies by cruise line.

In this blog post, we’ll go into detail on how different cruise lines handle bottled water.

We’ll also explore alternatives to paying for bottled water, look at policies on bringing your own, and offer some tips on how to stay hydrated without breaking the bank.

Bottled Water on Cruises: An Overview

Water is a necessity, and cruise lines understand this.

But when it comes to bottled water, it’s not always treated as a standard offering.

Most cruise lines provide free tap water, which is available at restaurants, buffets, and drink stations throughout the ship.

However, bottled water is often viewed as a premium item.

In most cases, you will need to pay for it unless you’ve purchased a specific drink package or belong to a loyalty program that includes it as a perk.

Here’s a detailed look at how some of the top cruise lines handle bottled water.

Do Cruise Lines Offer Free Bottled Water?

Generally, most mainstream cruise lines do not provide free bottled water to all passengers.

However, there are certain circumstances where it may be included, such as through loyalty programs or beverage packages.

We will now take a closer look at the bottled water policies of major cruise lines.

---

Enhance Your Cruise Experience:

In-Cabin	In-Port	General
Magnetic Hooks: Maximize cabin space by hanging items	Portable Safe: Secure valuables during excursions	Portable Power Strip: Cruise-approved, non-surge-protected strip
Over-the-Door Shoe Organizer: Great for accessories and toiletries	Mini Binoculars: Perfect for nature sightseeing	Motion Sickness Bands: Prepare for rough seas
Travel-Sized Wrinkle Release Spray: Keep clothing fresh and wrinkle-free	Bug Repellent Wipes: Avoid insect bites	Beach Towel Clips: Secure your towel to loungers
Suction Cup Hooks: Easy to reposition for hanging lightweight items	Portable Water Filter: Ensure clean water availability	Portable Solar Charger: Recharge gadgets in the sun

---

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line does not provide bottled water for free as part of its standard amenities.

Guests have access to free tap water at all dining venues and can request water through room service.

However, bottled water is considered a separate item that needs to be purchased.

Carnival offers bottled water for purchase individually or in packages.

For example, guests can pre-purchase a 12-pack of bottled water for around $4.99 to be delivered to their cabin.

This price is much lower than buying individual bottles onboard, where each bottle can cost $2 to $4.

Loyalty Program: Carnival’s VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club offers perks for repeat cruisers, and at certain loyalty tiers, guests may receive complimentary bottled water.

However, this is usually limited to specific loyalty levels.

Beverage Packages: Bottled water can be included as part of a beverage package.

The “Cheers! Beverage Program” includes bottled water along with alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

This is a convenient way to avoid paying for each bottle individually if you plan to consume a lot of drinks.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean follows a similar model to Carnival.

Free drinking water is available throughout the ship, but bottled water must be purchased separately.

It’s available for sale individually or as part of a beverage package.

The cost of bottled water can range from $3 to $5 per bottle, depending on the brand and size.

Royal Caribbean offers drink packages that include unlimited bottled water, such as the “Refreshment Package” and the “Deluxe Beverage Package.”

These packages also include other drinks like juices, sodas, and specialty coffees, making them a good value for guests who want bottled water without having to pay separately for each bottle.

Loyalty Program: Royal Caribbean’s Crown & Anchor Society loyalty program offers perks to repeat cruisers.

At higher tiers, such as Platinum or Diamond, members may receive free bottled water as part of their loyalty benefits.

Suites: Guests staying in suites may also have complimentary bottled water as part of their enhanced amenities.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

Norwegian Cruise Line does not provide free bottled water for all guests.

Drinking water from tap sources is free, but bottled water needs to be purchased.

Norwegian offers bottled water packages, which can be pre-ordered before the cruise or purchased onboard.

For instance, a 6-liter package might cost around $12.50, while a 12-liter package can be purchased for about $24.

These water packages are a good way to save money compared to buying individual bottles during the cruise.

Beverage Packages: Norwegian’s “Premium Beverage Package” and “Ultimate Beverage Package” include bottled water as part of the package.

Guests with these packages can access unlimited bottled water at no extra cost, making it a convenient choice for those who consume a lot of water during their trip.

Suites: Guests staying in suites or higher-end staterooms may also find complimentary bottled water as part of their room amenities.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises provides free drinking water, but bottled water is an additional cost.

Guests can purchase bottled water either individually or as part of a package.

Princess offers bottled water in bulk, which can be delivered to guests’ staterooms.

For example, a 12-bottle package of water can be pre-ordered for around $7.

Bottled water is also available through the cruise’s drink packages.

The “Premier Beverage Package” and “Plus Beverage Package” include bottled water, allowing guests to enjoy unlimited bottled water along with other beverages.

Loyalty Program: Guests who are members of Princess’s loyalty program, the Captain’s Circle, can receive perks such as complimentary bottled water. This benefit is usually reserved for higher-tier members like Elite.

Suites: Guests staying in suite accommodations may find free bottled water as part of the suite’s amenities.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises does not provide free bottled water to all passengers.

Tap water is free and available throughout the ship, but bottled water must be purchased.

MSC offers bottled water through its various drink packages, which provide savings compared to buying individual bottles.

The “Easy Package” and “Premium Extra Package” are two of the most popular beverage options, and both include unlimited bottled water.

These packages can be purchased before the cruise or onboard.

MSC Yacht Club: Guests staying in MSC Yacht Club, the luxury suite section of MSC Cruises, may have access to complimentary bottled water as part of their premium experience.

Yacht Club guests enjoy a range of exclusive perks, including access to private areas and enhanced dining experiences.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises generally does not provide free bottled water as a standard offering.

Free drinking water is available in all dining areas, but bottled water is sold separately.

Guests can purchase bottled water as part of a drink package or individually.

Celebrity offers several drink packages that include bottled water.

The “Classic Beverage Package” and the “Premium Beverage Package” both provide unlimited bottled water, in addition to other drinks like soda, coffee, and alcohol.

These packages are a convenient way to avoid paying for individual bottles.

Loyalty Program: Celebrity’s Captain’s Club loyalty program provides benefits to frequent cruisers.

Higher-tier members may receive complimentary bottled water during their cruise.

Suites: Guests staying in suites may also receive complimentary bottled water in their staterooms as part of the suite perks.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line does not typically offer free bottled water to guests.

Drinking water is free and available in all dining venues, but bottled water comes at an extra cost.

Guests can purchase individual bottles of water onboard or order a bottled water package.

Disney Cruise Line offers water packages that can be pre-ordered.

For instance, guests can buy a 24-pack of bottled water for about $35.

This package can be delivered directly to the guest’s stateroom and used throughout the cruise.

Beverage Packages: The “Disney Cruise Beverage Package” allows guests to have unlimited bottled water along with other beverages, making it a good option for those who don’t want to worry about purchasing water separately.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line provides free drinking water in dining areas, but bottled water is not complimentary.

Guests can purchase bottled water individually or as part of a package.

The “Signature Beverage Package” includes unlimited bottled water along with other beverages such as soda, wine, and cocktails.

Guests can also order bottled water via room service, or from bars and restaurants onboard.

Loyalty Program: Holland America’s Mariner Society rewards frequent cruisers.

Guests at higher loyalty levels may receive free bottled water during their cruise.

Suites: Suite guests may find complimentary bottled water in their rooms as part of their premium accommodations.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises follows a similar model to other cruise lines.

Tap water is free, but bottled water is considered a premium item that must be purchased.

Costa offers several drink packages that include bottled water.

The “Pranzo & Cena Package” and “Più Gusto Package” allow guests to have unlimited bottled water during their meals.

Costa also offers water packages that can be pre-ordered before the cruise, providing a more cost-effective option for guests who want bottled water in their stateroom.

Free Bottled Water on Luxury Cruises

While mainstream cruise lines typically charge for bottled water, luxury cruise lines often include it as part of their all-inclusive fare.

Let’s look at how some luxury cruise lines handle bottled water.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an all-inclusive luxury cruise line.

This means that nearly everything, including bottled water, is provided free of charge.

Still and sparkling water are available at all dining venues, bars, and through room service at no extra cost.

Guests never have to worry about paying extra for bottled water while sailing with Regent.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises also offers complimentary bottled water to all passengers.

Whether you prefer still or sparkling water, it’s available for free throughout the ship.

This includes water in your stateroom, at dining venues, and via room service.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Cruise Line includes free bottled water as part of its all-inclusive offering.

Guests can enjoy bottled water at any time during their cruise without extra charges.

Bottled water is available at all dining venues and in staterooms.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises provides free bottled water to all guests.

Both still and sparkling bottled water are available throughout

the ship at no extra cost.

Oceania is known for offering a more luxurious experience, and complimentary bottled water is one of the many perks.

Why Do Cruise Lines Charge for Bottled Water?

One of the biggest questions cruisers have is why they have to pay for bottled water when tap water is free.

The reasons cruise lines charge for bottled water come down to logistics, costs, and environmental considerations.

Shipping and Storage Costs: Cruise ships have limited storage space, and bringing large quantities of bottled water onboard increases shipping and storage costs.

Cruise lines pass these costs on to the passengers, making bottled water a premium item.

Profit Margins: Bottled water is seen as a revenue stream.

By charging for bottled water, cruise lines can increase their onboard profits.

This is particularly true for passengers who prefer bottled water over tap water.

Environmental Concerns: Many cruise lines are making efforts to reduce their use of single-use plastics.

Charging for bottled water and encouraging passengers to bring refillable water bottles can help reduce plastic waste on board.

Some cruise lines are even moving toward eliminating single-use plastic bottles in favor of more sustainable alternatives.

Alternatives to Bottled Water on Cruises

If you don’t want to pay for bottled water, there are alternatives available on most cruise ships.

Free Tap Water: Most cruise lines provide free tap water in all dining areas and through drink stations.

Tap water onboard is filtered and treated to meet international safety standards, so it is safe to drink.

Refillable Water Bottles: Many cruise ships have refillable water stations located throughout the ship.

Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles and fill them up as needed.

This is a convenient and environmentally friendly way to stay hydrated without having to pay for bottled water.

Can You Bring Your Own Bottled Water on a Cruise?

Some cruise lines allow guests to bring their own bottled water onboard, while others have restrictions.

For example, Carnival Cruise Line allows guests to bring one 12-pack of bottled water or other non-alcoholic beverages per person.

This is a great way to avoid paying for bottled water on board.

On the other hand, Norwegian Cruise Line does not allow guests to bring their own bottled water.

Instead, Norwegian encourages guests to purchase water packages, which can be delivered to the stateroom upon arrival.

It’s always important to check your cruise line’s policies regarding bringing bottled water onboard before your trip.

Option For Bottled Water

Is bottled water provided for free on cruises?

The answer depends on the cruise line you’re sailing with.

While most mainstream cruise lines charge for bottled water, some luxury lines include it in their fare.

If you’re planning to drink a lot of bottled water during your cruise, consider purchasing a drink package or bringing your own if allowed.

For budget-conscious travelers, free tap water is always available, and many ships offer refillable water stations.

Another option is to request water when ordering room service.

Ask for multiple glasses of water (5 or 6 even) so you can drink good water in your cabin without needing to pay for bottled water.

By planning ahead and understanding your cruise line’s policies, you can stay hydrated without overspending.

Plan Your Next Cruise!

---

Explore More