Can you bring your own snacks on a cruise? Here’s what the cruise lines actually allow

Packing for a cruise can take some planning, especially depending on where you're going and how long you'll be away. Along with deciding what to bring, it's important to know what you're actually allowed to take aboard. Cruise lines restrict certain items, and finding out at the terminal isn't exactly ideal.

This includes the rules regarding food. If you're hoping to bring your favorite snacks, treats or something familiar to enjoy during your trip, check the rules before packing your bags. While many cruise lines allow passengers to pack their own snacks, there are restrictions on what you can bring on board and how it needs to be packaged. Here's what six major cruise lines allow.

Most major cruise lines allow passengers to bring commercially packaged snacks, though they restrict what you can bring aboard. Here's a breakdown of the policies at six major cruise lines.

Prepackaged, factory-sealed, unopened food.

Homemade and precooked foods are not allowed. No refrigeration or food preparation services for personal food.

Nonperishable, prepackaged foods in limited quantities.

No numerical snack limit is specified in its public FAQ.

Prepackaged, nonperishable snacks, including crackers and cookies.

Homemade and perishable foods are not allowed

Nonperishable snacks in their original, factory-sealed packaging.

Open food containers and homemade or precooked foods are not allowed. Special rules apply when returning to the home port.

Dry, commercially produced, packaged foods.

Other outside foods are generally prohibited. Special foods for medical needs will require written approval.

Sealed, prepackaged, nonperishable snacks in reasonable personal quantities.

Large bulk quantities are not allowed. Homemade, precooked and perishable foods are also not permitted.

When packing snacks for a cruise, there's an important difference between commercially packaged food and food you've packed yourself. Many cruise lines require snacks to be prepackaged, factory-sealed and unopened. That means individually wrapped granola bars, bags of chips and packaged cookies are generally acceptable, while homemade baked goods or trail mix portioned into reusable containers may not be allowed.

The original packaging matters, too. For example, Carnival Cruise Line specifically requires food to be factory-sealed and unopened, while Disney Cruise Line requires nonperishable snacks to remain in their original factory-sealed packaging. Travelers should keep snacks in their original containers rather than repackaging them to save suitcase space.

Passengers with food allergies, medical conditions or other dietary restrictions may have additional options, but some cruise lines require advance notice or approval. For example, MSC Cruises allows passengers to bring special factory-sealed foods for medical reasons with written approval from the company.

Other cruise lines have procedures for accommodating dietary needs. Norwegian Cruise Line asks passengers with food allergies or special medical diets to contact its Access Desk and submit requests at least 45 days before sailing. Requests made closer to departure cannot be guaranteed.

Food storage is another consideration. MSC Cruises warns that cabin coolers aren't suitable for safely storing perishable foods, and crew members cannot cook, heat or prepare food passengers bring aboard.

Yes, but cruise lines often have separate rules for beverages, including restrictions on container sizes, quantities and whether drinks must be packed in carry-on luggage. Just because you can bring your favorite packaged snacks doesn't mean you can pack bottled water, soda or juice alongside them.

Virgin Voyages' prohibited items list states that "a small quantity is considered a maximum of twelve sealed, unopened cans/cartons of twelve ounces each or less per person." Non-alcoholic beverages must be packed in carry-on luggage, and glass or plastic bottles aren't permitted.

Other companies have different restrictions. Norwegian Cruise Line, for instance, generally prohibits passengers from bringing water, soda and juice aboard, although exceptions exist for certain medical and infant needs. Before packing drinks, travelers should check their cruise line's beverage policy separately from its food restrictions.