Can you bring a cooler on a cruise?
It depends on your cruise line. Carnival, Princess, Disney, Holland America and Virgin Voyages allow it with limits. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity and MSC don't say.
Pick your cruise line
BAG CHECKCOOLER → CARNIVAL
Pack it, but read the rules
Allowed with limits
A personal cooler up to 12 x 12 x 12 inches is allowed as a carry-on. Use it only for non-alcoholic drinks and medicine.
All 9 lines side by side
- Allowed with limits Carnival, Princess, Disney, Holland America, Virgin Voyages
- Not stated Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, MSC
| Cruise line | Status | What the rule says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Allowed with limits | A personal cooler up to 12 x 12 x 12 inches is allowed as a carry-on. Use it only for non-alcoholic drinks and medicine. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean | Not stated | Royal Caribbean's pages don't mention coolers. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Norwegian | Not stated | Norwegian's pages don't mention coolers. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Princess | Allowed with limits | A cooler about 12 x 12 x 12 inches is allowed. Coolers can't go in checked bags. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Celebrity | Not stated | Celebrity's pages don't mention coolers. Ask the line before you pack one. Food that needs to be kept cold is banned. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Disney | Allowed with limits | Coolers are banned unless they hold medicine, baby food or items for a special diet. The cooler must be 12 x 12 x 12 inches or smaller and go in your carry-on. A cooler of soda or snacks is not allowed. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| MSC | Not stated | MSC's US pages don't mention coolers. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Holland America | Allowed with limits | A cooler about 12 x 12 x 12 inches is allowed. Bigger ones go back to your car or get destroyed, unless they hold baby food, formula, special diet food or medicine. Those must be hand-carried, not checked. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | Allowed with limits | Coolers are banned unless you need one for medicine or a special diet. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
Rules checked on Nov 6, 2026. Independent guide. Not affiliated with any cruise line. Rules change, so confirm with your cruise line before you sail. Security staff have the final say at the terminal.
Questions people ask
Can a cooler go in my checked bags?
Princess and Holland America say no. Carnival and Disney want it as a carry-on. Plan to hand-carry it.