Taking food off the ship

[Ravenne]

We plan on doing WDW after our cruise and we're travelling with young children, so we'd like to have some snacks for them. DCL CMs have told me that while we can bring food onto the ship, we cannot take them off the ship. How much of a stickler are they about that policy? I realize it's mostly a customs issue. I'm not talking about fruits and produce. And no, I'm not talking about raiding the buffet to stuff my purse full of food either, just take the remaining stuff that we bring with us onboard and didn't eat. I'm talking about pre-packaged snacks like Rice Krispie Treats, Goldfish crackers, chips, granola bars, things like that, all individually wrapped by the manufacturer. Would U.S. customs allow us to pass with individually wrapped and sealed snacks?

 

[lanejudy]

Some ports may be more lenient than others. IF it's allowed, it will have to be pre-packaged and unopened. It's really not U.S. Customs, as you are entering a foreign country when you leave the ship. Some have much stricter rules than others. The Navigator will post very clearly if there is a complete ban on food.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[Ravenne]

Oh, I hadn't even thought about taking snacks with us on excursions and in foreign ports. Doh! /facepalm
I was thinking of whether or not we can take our snacks off the ship with us when we disembark at Port Canaveral after our cruise so we have them when we're at WDW.

 

[lanejudy]

Oh, I hadn't even thought about taking snacks with us on excursions and in foreign ports. Doh! /facepalm
I was thinking of whether or not we can take our snacks off the ship with us when we disembark at Port Canaveral after our cruise so we have them when we're at WDW.

Yeah, if it's not opened I'm sure they'll allow it in your bag. They really don't do a search. If a package of crackers is open, toss it or give it to your stateroom host. If you brought it on, you should be allowed to bring it off.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[gigi1313]

We had picked up a big bag of "lunch box" snacks when we were in Ft Lauderdale for a few days prior to sailing... we had no problem taking them on and off the ship in our carry on (honestly, never even considered it a problem, we barely touched them, just dragged them around with us for two weeks), not once, but twice through US customs!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

In many ports taking food off is banned there are regular announcements in the ports that do not allow it, often only bottled water is allowed,

 

[natmom]

I was wondering about this as well. My daughter has celiac disease and I need to take some snacks incase I can't find anything for her to eat.

 

[lanejudy]

I was wondering about this as well. My daughter has celiac disease and I need to take some snacks incase I can't find anything for her to eat.

Unfortunately it really does depend on the port. You can check some recent Navigators for your itinerary to see if there is mention of food restrictions at any of your ports. If so, honestly, you'll have to decide whether to risk finding appropriate food or skip excursions. I know it's a tough choice and seems unfair, but these are Customs laws in foreign countries, so nothing that DCL or any US organization can control.

Enjoy your cruise!

 

[natmom]

Unfortunately it really does depend on the port. You can check some recent Navigators for your itinerary to see if there is mention of food restrictions at any of your ports. If so, honestly, you'll have to decide whether to risk finding appropriate food or skip excursions. I know it's a tough choice and seems unfair, but these are Customs laws in foreign countries, so nothing that DCL or any US organization can control.

Enjoy your cruise!

Yes, I knew we would be having to make a choice. I had decided to have a huge breakfast and possibly stick a gluten free crackers or a gf granola bar in my bag knowing that I may have to throw it out. We (she) wouldn't want to miss excursions for that reason. Good idea about checking the recent navigators , thanks!

 

[Ravenne]

Unfortunately it really does depend on the port. You can check some recent Navigators for your itinerary to see if there is mention of food restrictions at any of your ports.

Is there a compilation of Navigators on here?

Thanks you've been most helpful!

 

[natmom]

http://disneycruiselineblog.com/201...rary-b-costa-maya-october-26-november-1-2013/

This should take you to some recent navigators

 

[slindamood]

I have come back into the U.S. through customs for at least the past 15 years and I always check "yes" to the bringing food question.

The most questioning I have ever gotten (and always get) is "what type of food"? Answers: cookies, candy, bread, once a bag of fresh croissants. Not always packaged things. I usually go on to volunteer "No meats or fresh fruits or vegetables." That has always been good enough and I get waved through. All they are interested in is fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.