Modern cruise ships are designed to provide comfort, convenience, and a sense of home at sea. Yet one of the most common questions travelers ask—especially those who love their morning brew—is whether cabins come equipped with kettles or coffee makers. The answer varies widely depending on the cruise line, ship class, and cabin category. Some cruise lines provide these amenities as standard in all cabins, while others offer them only in suites or not at all due to safety regulations.

This detailed guide explains everything you need to know about kettles and coffee makers on cruises, what to expect across different cruise lines, what alternatives are available, and how to prepare for a comfortable voyage.

Understanding In-Cabin Beverage Amenities on Cruise Ships

Cruise ships have strict fire-safety policies, and any device that produces heat is subject to regulation. This is the main reason availability of kettles and coffee makers differs from ship to ship. To ensure guests remain safe while still enjoying warm beverages, each cruise line creates its own set of policies.

Why Cruise Lines Restrict Kettles and Coffee Makers

Cruise ship cabins are compact spaces with limited ventilation. Heating elements—especially unsupervised ones—can cause hazards such as overheating, electrical faults, or fire. Because of this:

• Some cruise lines completely prohibit electrical kettles.

• Others allow only specific low-heat coffee machines.

• Many provide complimentary room-service coffee as a safe alternative.

Factors That Determine Cabin Amenities

When it comes to kettles or coffee makers, several factors influence whether your cabin includes them:

• Cabin Category – Suites often come with premium amenities, while standard cabins may not.

• Cruise Line Policy – Every line has its own safety and convenience policies.

• Ship Class & Age – Newer ships tend to offer upgraded amenities.

• Destination & Market – Asian itineraries often provide kettles due to cultural tea preferences.

Cruise Line–Wise Breakdown: Who Offers Kettles or Coffee Makers?

The type of beverage equipment provided varies significantly. Here is a detailed overview of major cruise lines and what you can expect in their cabins.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean generally does not provide kettles or coffee makers in standard cabins due to fire regulations. However:

• Suites may include a coffee maker (usually a Lavazza or espresso machine).

• Asian voyages—particularly those from Singapore or China—sometimes include kettles upon request.

• Room service coffee is available 24/7, though service fees may apply on some ships.

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival usually avoids kettles and coffee makers in cabins but:

• Suites and premium accommodations on newer ships may include pod-based coffee machines.

• The line encourages guests to use public dining venues for hot beverages.

• Bringing personal kettles is strictly prohibited.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL typically offers:

• Coffee makers in balcony cabins and suites on many ships.

• Inside and oceanview cabins may or may not have them depending on the ship.

• Kettles appear occasionally on Asia-focused sailings.

MSC Cruises

MSC follows a mixed model:

• European and Caribbean itineraries rarely provide in-cabin kettles.

• Asian itineraries often include kettles because many guests prefer making tea.

• Suites may include espresso machines.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity offers one of the more consistent experiences:

• Many cabins include a kettle or coffee machine depending on class.

• AquaClass and Suites almost always include premium coffee makers.

• Standard cabins may have kettles on certain ships.

Princess Cruises

Princess tends to include kettles more often than other mainstream lines:

• Most cabins on newer ships offer kettles.

• Older ships may provide them only upon request.

• Suites come with upgraded coffee systems.

Holland America Line (HAL)

HAL caters to a more traditional, tea-drinking market:

• Kettles are often provided in all cabins.

• Some ships offer pod-based coffee makers in higher-end rooms.

• If not already present, guests can request a kettle from housekeeping.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney emphasizes convenience, especially for families:

• Most staterooms do not include kettles or coffee makers.

• Hot water is available on the deck 24/7.

• Suites offer upgraded beverage amenities.

Room Categories and What to Expect

Even within the same cruise line, amenities vary widely depending on the class of stateroom.

Standard Interior and Oceanview Cabins

These cabins usually do not include beverage appliances. Instead, passengers rely on:

• Buffet stations for tea and coffee

• Café areas with complimentary or paid options

• Room service (often available 24 hours)

Balcony Cabins

Balcony cabins sometimes include coffee machines, especially on lines like NCL and Princess. However, many cruise lines still avoid heated appliances in these rooms.

Suites and Premium Cabins

Suites offer the highest chance of finding:

• Espresso machines

• Pod coffee makers

• Kettles upon request

• Complimentary specialty coffees delivered by the concierge

Suite guests also often receive free room service with no delivery fee.

What to Do If Your Cabin Does Not Have a Kettle or Coffee Maker

Even if your cruise line does not offer beverage appliances in the cabin, there are many alternatives.

Use Onboard Beverage Stations

Almost every cruise ship provides:

• Hot water dispensers

• Coffee machines

• Tea bag selections

• Hot cocoa stations (on some lines)

These areas are open extended hours and are located in the buffet or main dining hall.

Order Room Service

Room service often includes:

• Freshly brewed coffee

• Various teas

• Hot water on request

Some cruise lines charge delivery fees, but morning coffee is usually complimentary.

Bring Instant Coffee or Tea Sachets

Although personal kettles are not allowed, you can bring:

• Instant coffee packets

• Tea bags

• Hot chocolate mixes

• Portable, non-electric coffee filters (manual pour-over, no heat source)

These can be paired with hot water from beverage stations.

Ask Housekeeping for Assistance

On certain ships—especially those on Asian routes—housekeeping may provide a kettle upon request if allowed under the ship’s safety policy.

Why Personal Kettles Are Not Allowed

Passengers often wonder why they cannot bring their own kettle onboard. The reasoning is simple:

• Personal heating devices pose fire risks.

• Cruise ship electrical systems are sensitive to voltage discrepancies.

• Some kettles can overload circuits.

• Extension cords and adapters may also be restricted.

To maintain the safety of thousands of passengers, cruise lines are extremely strict about personal electrical appliances.

Beverage Alternatives Offered on Cruise Ships

Even without personal kettles or in-cabin coffee makers, cruise ships provide extensive beverage choices.

Complimentary Options

Most ships offer free:

• Brewed coffee

• Tea selections

• Iced tea

• Water (tap and filtered)

• Hot chocolate (varies by cruise line)

Specialty Coffee Bars

For travelers who enjoy premium beverages, ships offer:

• Espresso drinks

• Cappuccinos

• Lattes

• Frappes

• Cold brews

These usually come with an additional fee unless you have a beverage package.

Beverage Packages

Cruise lines sell packages that include:

• Unlimited specialty coffees

• Bottled water

• Fresh juices

• Premium teas

These are ideal for passengers who drink multiple beverages per day.

Tips for Coffee and Tea Lovers on Cruises

Cruises can still be a paradise for coffee and tea enthusiasts with the right preparation.

Bring Your Favorite Supplies (Allowed Items Only)

Acceptable items include:

• Coffee sachets

• Tea bags

• Creamer packets

• Sweeteners

• Travel-safe mugs

Do not bring:

• Electric kettles

• Milk frothers

• Electric heaters

Learn Where Beverage Stations Are Located

Mapping out beverage stations helps you avoid crowds and long walks. Some ships have:

• One station in the buffet

• Smaller stations near pool decks

• Drink machines in cafés

Use a Thermal Mug

Thermal mugs help you enjoy hot beverages for longer. Fill them once and relax on the deck or balcony.

Consider Upgrading to a Suite

If having a kettle or coffee maker in your cabin is important, booking a suite ensures these conveniences.

Common Cruise Lines and Their Beverage Policies at a Glance

Mainstream Lines Summary

Below is a general overview:

• Royal Caribbean – Rarely provides kettles; coffee machines mostly in suites.

• Carnival – Mostly no in-cabin equipment; exceptions in premium rooms.

• NCL – Frequently offers coffee makers in balcony cabins and suites.

• MSC – Kettles common on Asian itineraries.

• Celebrity – Offers several rooms with kettles or espresso machines.

• Princess – Provides kettles widely.

• Holland America – Kettles often available in all cabin categories.

• Disney – Limited in-cabin options except in suites.

Luxury Lines

Luxury cruise lines almost always include kettles or coffee machines:

• Regent Seven Seas

• Oceania Cruises

• Viking Ocean Cruises

• Silversea

• Seabourn

These lines aim to provide a refined, home-like experience.

Final Thoughts

Whether or not your cruise cabin has a kettle or coffee maker depends on the cruise line, ship class, itinerary, and the category of cabin you book. While mainstream cruise lines often avoid placing heated appliances in standard rooms due to safety concerns, premium cabins and luxury cruise lines routinely offer them. Travelers who enjoy morning coffee or evening tea will still have plenty of options onboard—from room service to buffet stations to specialty cafés.

With the right expectations and simple preparation, you can enjoy your favorite warm beverages throughout your voyage without inconvenience.