Bringing water on board or empty container?

[MaryD]

First, I'm so happy I found this chat site! My sister and I are going on her first cruise in December, my second. My first cruise was over 25 years ago though...so I can't really use that as an example! Here's my question: We both drink lots of water. I believe the no beverage rule also applies to brining bottled water aboard? If so, I planned on bringing a reusable portable water container that I can fill in the tap (I'm not that particular about my water as long as its not brown!). Would that be confiscated or otherwise not allowed in your opinion?

Also, any advice for newbies? We plan on taking everything in stride-how bad can it be? We'll be on a CRUISE SHIP for crying out loud! Thanks for your advice. Mary

[Dave]

RCI won't take your personal mugs or cups, but they do have signs on the public water fountains in the buffet which say not to fill personal containers because of health reasons. But no problem - just use one of their cups to get the water and then transfer it, or of course go to the cabin.

You'll likely see people ignoring the sign and enforcement is sparse. But it is a valid concern.

Yeah, 25 years between cruises. It will NOT be the same as you remember. Radiance is a very popular ship though, and that class of ships is looked upon by many Royal Caribbean fans as the best. Lots of stuff to do, lots of room, not as many passengers.

[susanmaz]

We always carry our own water bottles - they have an insulated strapped cover that are better than the ones the lines sell - which tend to somehow only fit the size of water bottles they sell ~ They are so handy for taking on excursions and for hanging by the ship's pool. We've not sailed RCI - but we've had no problems on HAL. Have fun on your cruise.

[MaryD]

Thank you both for your advice! I will definately bring my own and fill as advised by Dave. Mary

[Hershy]

On RCL ships you get iced tea and lemonade in the restaurants. At breakfast you also get juice. By the pool you have at least two water and ice dispensers. You won't go thirsty.

[Sonny V]

I don't fill my water bottle from the dispenser - I fill a glass and then pour it into my water bottle somewhere away from the dispenser. I didn't see any signs about filling personal water bottles on the Mariner last week. I still filled mine the way I mentioned. The water in your cabin is safe for drinking also.

Sonny

[LisaP]

Welcome home, Sonny!

Mary, I agree with the others... fill your personal container in your cabin or by transferring from one of the cups at the dispenser. I also drink a lot of water, including the tap water in our cabins. Enjoy your planning!

[penny3333]

MaryD, welcome to Cruise-Chat! Congratulations on your up-coming cruise. Be ready for the time of your life. Yes, cruising has changed in the past 25 years, but for the most part, it's changed for the better.

I hope y'all have a marvelous cruise! Please come back and let us know how it went.

[MaryD]

Thanks again for all the good advice! I feel better prepared and am so thankful I found this forum. Will post my experience when I return..Mary

[pink845]

Dear MaryD,

We were on Independence of the Seas in January and brought our own case of 24 Nestle water bottles and had no issue at all. We had them in a separate duffle bag all by themselves and there was no issue. We have brought water onto RCCL, NCL, Carnival and Princess and have never had water confiscated. My kids are really picky like the Nestle Water best so is what we carry everywhere. The bottled water on the ship is pricy.