Cruises are a great way to unwind and enjoy a vacation with family and friends. However, with the high costs of onboard drinks and food, bringing a few of your own non-alcoholic drinks can help you save on expenses and ensure that you have your favorite beverages on hand!
That’s right, most cruise lines allow their passengers to bring on their own drinks, so long as they meet the cruise line’s rules. Not having to pay for water or juice never felt better!
In this post, we are going to dive into what those rules specifically are. From there, we’ll be sharing our top picks for the best coolers perfect for cruises.
These coolers are not only great for keeping your drinks and food cold, but they’re also going to be compact, durable, and easy to transport!
Don’t have time to read this whole post? Our top picks are:
- YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler – best all-around quality and will last you a lifetime!
- Earth Pak Loch Series Insulated Backpack Cooler – a backpack that doubles as a cooler so you can transport all your other belongings onboard too!
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Table of Contents
Liquor and Beverage Policies On Cruises
Can I bring my own drinks on a cruise?
Generally, most cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of their own drinks onboard. It’s important to check with your specific cruise line to see what their policies are regarding bringing your own drinks.
Some cruise lines may allow you to bring a limited amount of wine, soda, juice, or water, while others may not allow any outside drinks at all. It’s also important to note that most cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing any alcoholic beverages onboard outside of wine, as they typically have their own bars and restaurants onboard.
While each cruise line’s policies can differ, the general rule is that you are allowed to bring wine and non-alcoholic drinks, as long as you follow some rules.
For example, here is Carnival Cruise Line’s policy on alcohol:
“For safety reasons, guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception: At the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day, guests (21 years of age and older) may carry on in their hand luggage, one 750ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne per person.”
“Any hard liquor, beer, other forms of alcoholic beverage, outside of the exceptions referenced above, are strictly prohibited (in both carry-on and checked luggage) and such items will be confiscated and discarded and no compensation will be provided.”
And here’s their policy on non-alcoholic drinks:
“Guests are prohibited from bringing water, soda and other non-alcoholic beverages on board that are packaged in bottles. A small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, juice, milk) packaged in cans or cartons may be brought on board on embarkation day, only if carried on in guests’ hand luggage (not in checked luggage). A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less per person.”
As another example, here’s what Royal Caribbean has to say about drinks:
“On embarkation day, each guest of drinking age may bring one (1) sealed 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Boxed wine and other containers are prohibited.
Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.”
Can I bring a cooler on a cruise?
Okay, so for some cruise lines, you’re allowed to bring drinks in hand luggage! Now then, what exactly should you use as a carry-on hand luggage for all your drinks? Here’s what Carnival has to say about it:
“Carnival Cruise Line does not allow guests to bring large coolers on board its vessels. However small, personal-sized coolers no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12″ for the purpose of housing small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage. Screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security screening process and therefore large coolers are not permitted as carry-on or checked luggage.”
So depending on your cruise line, personal coolers are allowed, as long as they don’t have wheels or are too big to lug around!
With that said, if you’re looking for the best cooler to pack all your non-alcoholic drinks in, check out our top recommendations below!
7 Best Coolers For Cruises
YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler
Introducing the YETI Hopper Flip 12 Portable Soft Cooler – the latest addition to the legendary YETI line of top-of-the-line coolers.
In terms of the best coolers on the market, you cannot get more superior than YETI. YETI is a brand that’s become synonymous with quality, durability, and performance, and the Hopper Flip 12 is no exception!
This soft cooler is the perfect size for your next cruise. Measuring just 12.6 x 10 x 11.5 inches, it’s compact enough to fit in tight spaces, yet spacious enough to hold up to 12 cans of your favorite beverage. And with its superior insulation, your drinks will stay cold for days. Not hours… but days!
The YETI Hopper Flip 12 features a leak-proof HydroLok zipper, which keeps the cold air inside and the hot air out. It’s made with durable materials that can withstand the toughest conditions, and it’s easy to clean with a simple wipe-down.
One of the best features of the YETI Hopper Flip 12 is its convenient carrying straps. The shoulder strap is padded for comfort, and it’s adjustable so you can find the perfect fit. Plus, the top handle is designed to be carried by hand or over your shoulder, so you can move around with it easily and hands-free.
- Dimensions: 12.62 x 10 x 11.5 inches
- Capacity: 11.7 Liters
RTIC Soft Cooler Insulated Bag
The RTIC Soft Cooler Insulated Bag Portable Ice Chest Box is the ultimate solution for keeping your drinks and food cold on the go! With its durable construction and superior insulation (made of 2 inches of closed-cell foam), this soft cooler is perfect for picnics, camping trips, and even cruises where space is limited.
At just the right size of just under 12x12x12, this cooler is perfect for those strict cruise ship regulations. It’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around wherever you go. Plus, with a capacity of up to 12 cans, you’ll have plenty of space to store all your favorite beverages.
We like this cooler because it’s made with heavy-duty materials inside and out. The exterior is made of tough nylon and features a durable zipper that makes this a 100% leak-proof cooler. The interior is lined with high-density foam insulation that keeps your drinks and food cold for up to five days!
Another great feature of the RTIC Soft Cooler is that it floats! So your drinks and snacks can go wherever you go, even if you’re floating aimlessly along on a lazy river.
its versatility. It comes with a removable shoulder strap and padded handles, so you can carry it however you like. Plus, it has an external pocket for storing your phone, keys, or other small items.
- Dimensions: 11 x 9.5 x 11 inches
- Capacity: 12 Liters
Earth Pak Loch Series Insulated Backpack Cooler
The Earth Pak Loch Series Insulated Backpack Cooler is the ultimate multi-purpose bag for your next cruise! This backpack cooler is designed to keep your food and drinks cold while also providing plenty of space for your other belongings.
Measuring at 8 x 11 x 18 inches, this backpack cooler is larger than the typical 12x12x12 cooler size restrictions on cruises. However, the beauty of this bag is that you can use it as a carry-on backpack, rather than just a carry-on cooler.
You can pack your clothes and other belongings in this bag for embarkation and then use it strictly as a cooler during your time on the cruise. Now that’s what we call multi-functional!
The Earth Pak Insulated Backpack Cooler is made with high-quality materials such as high-density NBR foam on all sides that work to keep your drinks and food cold for up to 72 hours.
It also has a spacious main compartment that can hold up to 20 cans, as well as multiple pockets for storing your phone, keys, and other small items. With multiple large exterior pockets, a bottle opener, and a stretchy bungee cord for extra storage at the back, the Loch Series Cooler Backpack is full of awesome extras!
- Dimensions: 8 x 11 x 18 inches
- Capacity: Available in two sizes – 35 can and 24 can
Skog Å Kust ChillSåk Soft Cooler Bag
The ChillSåk Flip Soft Cooler Bag from Skog Å Kust proves that affordability and premium performance aren’t mutually exclusive!
Thanks to high-frequency welded seams and a waterproof and airtight zipper, plus the 1-inch thick closed-cell rubber foam and a food-grade material lining, it’s a must-have for picnics, parties, tailgates, BBQs, and hot afternoons on cruises!
If you’re in the market for a high-quality soft cooler bag, the Skog Å Kust ChillSåk Soft Cooler Bag is a great alternative to the YETI Hopper Flip Cooler Bag and the RTIC Soft Cooler Insulated Bag.
Like the YETI and RTIC coolers, the Skog Å Kust ChillSåk Soft Cooler Bag is made with durable materials, with the standout feature being the high-density foam insulation that keeps your drinks and food cold for days.
One of the key differences between the Skog Å Kust ChillSåk Soft Cooler Bag and the YETI and RTIC coolers is the price point. While the YETI and RTIC coolers are both great options, they can be quite expensive. The Skog Å Kust ChillSåk Soft Cooler Bag, on the other hand, is a more affordable option that still provides the same level of quality and performance!
Please note that this is not an exact dupe, as the dimensions of this one are a bit smaller than the aforementioned coolers.
- Dimensions: 8.25 x 12.25 x 10.5 inches
- Capacity: Holds 6 cans plus ice
Coleman Chiller Series 9qt Insulated Portable Cooler Lunch Box
The Coleman Chiller Series 9qt Insulated Portable Cooler is a great, no-frills option for people who don’t have much of a need for coolers outside of cruising.
At 9 quarts, this cooler is compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around wherever you go. It’s the perfect size for those who want something simple and affordable, yet still reliable and effective. Plus, with its durable construction and TempLock insulation, you can trust that your food and drinks will stay cold for hours!
In order to fit as many drinks as you can in there, this one pairs best with slim ice packs.
Having said that, it’s important to note that this cooler does not come with shoulder straps or back straps, so you’ll have to carry it by hand whenever you need to transport it.
- Dimensions: 9.5 x 12.7 x 11.5 inches
- Capacity: 9 Quarts
Arctic Zone 9-Can Titan Deep Freeze Cooler
The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler is the perfect choice for people who just want a simple cooler without all the bells and whistles of a top-quality cooler.
This zipperless hardbody cooler is designed to be simple, effective, and affordable, making it the perfect choice for anyone who doesn’t need all the fancy features of a high-end cooler!
The Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler features a deep freeze high-performance insulation that keeps your drinks and food cold for hours. It also has a leak-proof liner that prevents any spills or leaks from damaging your belongings.
One of the best features of the Arctic Zone Titan Deep Freeze Cooler is its Hardbody Liner with Smartshelf. This removable shelf allows you to keep hard stuff (like cans) separate from soft stuff (like sandwiches/fruits) so soft foods don’t end up getting crushed. Plus, it’s easily removable if you just wanted one large compartment instead!
It’s also got convenient carrying handles. They’re padded for added comfort, and they’re easy to grip, making it easy to carry the cooler wherever you go.
Pro Tip: If the 9-can version is too small, their 16-can version also falls under the 12x12x12 cruise ship restrictions (it’s 12.25 x 8 x 12.25 inches to be exact). Check it out here.
- Dimensions: 9.75 x 8 x 9.5 inches
- Capacity: 9 cans
Igloo 12-16 Quart Hardsided Insulated Cooler
The Igloo 12 Qt. Hardsided Insulated Cooler is another decent choice for anyone who needs a compact and affordable cooler for their next cruise.
This cooler features a hardsided exterior that provides added protection for your belongings, and it has a leak-resistant, antimicrobial liner that prevents any spills or leaks from damaging your belongings. It also features a hinged lid with built-in cup holders, so you can enjoy your drink without having to hold it at all times. The lid also has a convenient carrying handle, making it easy to transport.
While the Igloo 12 Qt Hardsided Cooler is a great choice for those of you on a budget, there are some drawbacks to this cooler. For starters, it doesn’t have the same level of insulation as some of the more expensive coolers on the market. This means that your drinks and food may not stay cold for as long as you would like.
Overall, this budget-friendly cooler is a great choice for anyone who needs a quick and affordable cooler for their next cruise. It’s perfect for transporting all 12 cans or cartons of 12-ounce drinks that you’re allowed to bring aboard, and it’s designed to be simple and effective!
While it may not have the same level of insulation as some of the more expensive coolers on the market, it’s still a great choice for anyone on a budget.
- Dimensions: 12.4 x 11.5 x 12.53 inches
- Capacity: 12 quarts / 11 liters / 18 cans
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