Coolers

[cnowash]

I have a large canvas Costco cooler I was planning on using it as my carry on. I know there are no coolers aloud but will they let me use it? I use it as a bag as well.

 

[NurseDave]

I wouldn't chance it, how would they know you're not going to fill it with water and ice once you get to your room.

 

[californiamomofboys]

we had no problem carrying on our soft sided, canvas "coolers" last month (mine looks very similar to a beach bag but is lined so it won't leak). that being said, did not need it much as the refrigerator on the Dream was large and kept our beer/champagne well chilled. we did take it onto CC with ice that our stateroom host provided to keep our drinks cold that day.

 

[srferson]

Does anyone know what defines a cooler for DCL?

I wanted to bring a couple things in my insulated lunch "box" (soft sided) to store in our room fridge. (Still sealed items. Not ones that have been open since I know you're not supposed to do that.)

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Does anyone know what defines a cooler for DCL?

I wanted to bring a couple things in my insulated lunch "box" (soft sided) to store in our room fridge. (Still sealed items. Not ones that have been open since I know you're not supposed to do that.)

From the DCL website:

Question
Can coolers and/or food items be brought on board?
Answer
Coolers are not permitted except for those needed for medications, baby food or items related to dietary constraints. Items must be pre-packaged, unopened and cannot require any food prep from the kitchen. Coolers filled with personal items (e.g. soda, chips, candy, etc.) may not be brought on board. Homemade items or pre-cooked items purchased on the way to the ship will not be allowed to be brought aboard. Also, open bags or containers of snack items should not be brought aboard. All items will need to be stored in the stateroom; the ship's storage and/or refrigeration are not available to use.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faqs/preparing-for-your-cruise/coolers/

and

Question
What items are not permitted on board?
Answer
In order to maintain a safe and secure environment for our Guests and crew, the following are examples of items that Guests are not allowed to bring on board. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found.
•Large Ice Coolers (Please note: small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12" x 12" x 12" brought onboard for the purpose of housing medications are permitted as carry-on luggage.)

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faqs/prohibited-items/prohibited-items/

and

Question
What food or food storage containers are not permitted?
Answer
Food coolers containing personal snack foods and drinks may not be brought onboard. They are only permitted if needed for medications, baby food or items related to special dietary needs.

http://disneycruise.disney.go.com/faqs/prohibited-items/food-storage-containers/

 

[dpuck1998]

If I'm reading that correctly, you can bring the cooler as long as there isn't something already in it? That is how it reads to me.

 

[srferson]

Thank you PrincessShmoo.

I should have gone to the website and looked myself. I was just looking at my cruise booklet.

Anyway, I suppose I'll email them to make sure I can bring at least one item that I wanted to bring since it is related to a dietary restriction.

Who knows? Maybe I don't even need to bring it.

Less than two weeks to go. I'm so looking forward to a vacation.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

If I'm reading that correctly, you can bring the cooler as long as there isn't something already in it? That is how it reads to me.

The first quote says
"Question
Can coolers and/or food items be brought on board?
Answer
Coolers are not permitted "

So, no. Coolers are not permitted.

 

[dpuck1998]

The first quote says
"Question
Can coolers and/or food items be brought on board?
Answer
Coolers are not permitted "

So, no. Coolers are not permitted.

That sure doesn't match up to the other guidelines.

Once they say "Large Ice Coolers" which leads me to believe that small ones are ok. Then they say "Food coolers containing personal snack foods and drinks may not be brought onboard" which looks like I can bring one without food or snacks in it. Why not just answer all those with "no coolers are allowed" if that is the case? Very confusing, IMHO

 

[dpuck1998]

The first quote says
"Question
Can coolers and/or food items be brought on board?
Answer
Coolers are not permitted "

So, no. Coolers are not permitted.

BTW, the answer was not "Coolers are not permitted" It was "Coolers are not permitted except for those needed for medications, baby food or items related to dietary constraints. Items must be pre-packaged, unopened and cannot require any food prep from the kitchen. Coolers filled with personal items (e.g. soda, chips, candy, etc.) may not be brought on board. Homemade items or pre-cooked items purchased on the way to the ship will not be allowed to be brought aboard. Also, open bags or containers of snack items should not be brought aboard. All items will need to be stored in the stateroom; the ship's storage and/or refrigeration are not available to use."

Why add that part to the question if they mean an empty cooler isn't allowed?

 

[lanejudy]

That sure doesn't match up to the other guidelines.

Once they say "Large Ice Coolers" which leads me to believe that small ones are ok. Then they say "Food coolers containing personal snack foods and drinks may not be brought onboard" which looks like I can bring one without food or snacks in it. Why not just answer all those with "no coolers are allowed" if that is the case? Very confusing, IMHO

True, it would be nice if the wording was consistent throughout. However, those quotes are taken from FAQ's on the DCL website so not likely written at the same time. Add to that fact that despite the "rule" in place for years, DCL apparently did not enforce the "no coolers" rule until about 6 months ago when they began a strict enforcement.

Maybe stop to think what is your need for a cooler? It could be that the "reason" for your cooler is actually covered under a different rule that doesn't specify about coolers. Alcohol beverages you bring on technically should only be consumed in your stateroom (not CC) - so need need to have a cooler. Most pre-packaged snacks can be packed without a cooler or lunch bag as there isn't need to keep most cold. If you have medication or dietary needs, a small size cooler or lunch bag adequate for that need will be allowed.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

BTW, the answer was not "Coolers are not permitted" It was "Coolers are not permitted except for those needed for medications, baby food or items related to dietary constraints. Items must be pre-packaged, unopened and cannot require any food prep from the kitchen. Coolers filled with personal items (e.g. soda, chips, candy, etc.) may not be brought on board. Homemade items or pre-cooked items purchased on the way to the ship will not be allowed to be brought aboard. Also, open bags or containers of snack items should not be brought aboard. All items will need to be stored in the stateroom; the ship's storage and/or refrigeration are not available to use."

Why add that part to the question if they mean an empty cooler isn't allowed?

Because coolers are "not permitted" "except for those needed for medications, baby food or items related to dietary constraints" and "small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12" x 12" x 12" brought onboard for the purpose of housing medications are permitted" and "They are only permitted if needed for medications, baby food or items related to special dietary needs."

So, I guess you can bring an empty cooler onboard as long as you plan on using it for medication, baby food or special dietary foods.

 

[dpuck1998]

Because coolers are "not permitted" "except for those needed for medications, baby food or items related to dietary constraints" and "small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12" x 12" x 12" brought onboard for the purpose of housing medications are permitted" and "They are only permitted if needed for medications, baby food or items related to special dietary needs."

So, I guess you can bring an empty cooler onboard as long as you plan on using it for medication, baby food or special dietary foods.

The issue is, that it appears to be open to interpretation, I don't see it black and white (or red). It looks like they never say coolers are not allowed if empty, if we can't agree on it I imagine many others feel the same way. If empty coolers aren't allowed, just say coolers aren't allowed not Coolers filled with personnel items may not be brought on board. To answer the OP, I'd say bring an empty cooler and be willing to bet you'd have zero issues.

 

[srferson]

I'd suggest you call or use the DCL contact form https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/contact-us/ and ask DCL.

 

[fluffsmom]

In September, my cousin tried to bring a roller cooler bag (stuffed with personal items (papers/FE gifts, etc). She was not allowed to bring it on. She has previously taken this rolling cooler on two prior DCL cruises with no problem. She was irate and I was embarrased. Her daughter was embarrased. After much going back and forth, a rep from Disney came and calmed her down and a box was provided to taken her items to her cabin. She picked the bag up after the cruise. My advise, do not take a cooler bag as carryon. Put it in your luggage if you really need it.

 

[Embraer]

We've got one of these - link - planning on having it flat in case when we board. If they do confiscate it it's not exactly the most expensive thing in the world

 

[wcw57]

we have a collapsible rolling cooler (picture an aluminum luggage cart with a square duffel bag). I wonder if we could bring this on in the collapsed mode.... I don't plan on ever doing it but the question intrigues me

THANX!

 

[srferson]

I'd suggest you call or use the DCL contact form https://disneycruise.disney.go.com/contact-us/ and ask DCL.

*sigh*

Or you can ask via the Contact Form and receive a cookie cutter answer that could still leave room for interpretation.

I asked about a specific example and got this:

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I would be happy to assist you.

Guests are permitted to bring pre-packaged snack items onboard. These
items must be government approved food items in their sealed, original
packaging and must be consumed prior to disembarkation upon the
completion of the cruise.

In accordance with health and safety regulations, open snack containers,
as well as homemade, pre-cooked or other perishable items, cannot be
brought on board. Disney Cruise Line Crew Members are prohibited from
storing, preparing, cooking or reheating any food and beverage items
brought onboard by Guests.

As far as coolers, large coolers may not be brought onboard. However,
small personal-sized coolers for the purpose of housing medications,
baby food, baby milk, or items related to dietary constraints are
permitted to be brought onboard. These coolers can be no larger than 12"
x 12" x 12" and can only contain the above items.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!

I guess it's helpful. But it's certainly not a 'Yes that is acceptable' or 'No that will not be permitted.'

I guess either I'll chance it or I'll call or have my TA ask.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

*sigh*

Or you can ask via the Contact Form and receive a cookie cutter answer that could still leave room for interpretation.

I asked about a specific example and got this:

Thank you for choosing a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I would be happy to assist you.

Guests are permitted to bring pre-packaged snack items onboard. These
items must be government approved food items in their sealed, original
packaging and must be consumed prior to disembarkation upon the
completion of the cruise.

In accordance with health and safety regulations, open snack containers,
as well as homemade, pre-cooked or other perishable items, cannot be
brought on board. Disney Cruise Line Crew Members are prohibited from
storing, preparing, cooking or reheating any food and beverage items
brought onboard by Guests.

As far as coolers, large coolers may not be brought onboard. However,
small personal-sized coolers for the purpose of housing medications, baby food, baby milk, or items related to dietary constraints are
permitted to be brought onboard. These coolers can be no larger than 12"
x 12" x 12" and can only contain the above items.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you!

Have a Magical Day!

I guess it's helpful. But it's certainly not a 'Yes that is acceptable' or 'No that will not be permitted.'

I guess either I'll chance it or I'll call or have my TA ask.

It says "small personal-sized coolers for the purpose of housing medications,
baby food, baby milk, or items related to dietary constraints are
permitted to be brought onboard. These coolers can be no larger than 12"
x 12" x 12" and can only contain the above items".

That specifically says that small coolers are allowed as long as you only use them to house medication, baby food, baby milk, or special dietary foods.

How much clearer does it need to be?

 

[srferson]

It says "small personal-sized coolers for the purpose of housing medications,
baby food, baby milk, or items related to dietary constraints are
permitted to be brought onboard. These coolers can be no larger than 12"
x 12" x 12" and can only contain the above items".

That specifically says that small coolers are allowed as long as you only use them to house medication, baby food, baby milk, or special dietary foods.

How much clearer does it need to be?

Well... Who defines an acceptable 'special dietary food?'

I was just trying to make sure that my 'special dietary food' would be acceptable because my special diet is technically voluntary.

There could be a difference between 'this is her favorite butter spread and she'll really only eat it because she's picky' and 'this is her non-dairy butter spread because she chooses to be vegan' and 'this is the only butter spread she can eat that won't kill her.'

I'd rather try to make sure that I'm honestly within the definition of a documented exception than just assume a rule doesn't apply to me because I'm oh so special.

(And a cookie cutter response wasn't what I was looking for when I sent a very specific question. So I'll try asking by phone or something, but the email did not answer the question I asked.)