Why I Bring Squash on Every Cruise (and What It Actually Is)

Drinks on a cruise can be expensive, and depending on the cruise line, options for free drinks can be limited.

One thing I always pack when I travel is a small bottle of “squirty squash.”

Not everyone knows what squash is. I don’t think anything similar is available in America, but for me, it is a game-changer.

What Is Squash (for Non-UK Readers)

Squash is a non-alcoholic, non-carbonated, fruit-flavoured drink concentrate, popular in the UK and other Commonwealth countries.

Squash is very popular in the UK. In the supermarket, you will find rows and rows of squash in various flavours and bottle sizes.

A 1.5 litre bottle of own-brand squash costs around £1/$1.35 in a British supermarket. This makes up to 60 glasses once diluted with water, so it is very good value for money.

The most well-known brand in the UK is Robinsons, but most supermarkets have their own brand versions. In my opinion, these are equally good, so don’t worry about splashing out on the premium brand.

It is very different from fruit juice. It is cheaper, lighter, doesn’t need to be chilled and is long-lasting.

Why Bring It On A Cruise

Cruise lines provide free water, but not always free soft drinks.

More luxurious cruise lines offer non-alcoholic drinks in the buffet, but most don’t. Usually, you will only get fruit juices such as apple and orange at breakfast time.

Squash turns the free chilled water into something more tasty without paying extra for sodas or juices.

I often bring back water from the buffet and add a small amount of concentrated squash.

Marella cruises have water dispenser machines on every deck. I always use them.

Even if you add it to the sometimes odd-tasting water from the bathroom tap, it makes it far more palatable. I know not everybody likes to drink the water from the cabin taps, but I almost always do.

When It Comes in Handy

• Hot days on deck – you can keep yourself hydrated without plain water fatigue.
  • Just take your own water bottle along and add squash to the water from the buffet.
• In the cabin – especially at night when you don’t want to order room service or run up extra bills.
• Excursions ashore – Add a few drops to the water in your bottle, and you are good to go!.

Favourite Flavours

There are all sorts of flavours available. Popular ones include:

• Apple and Blackcurrant
• Summer Fruits
• Orange
• Lemon and Lime
• Passion fruit and Mango

Is It Allowed?

The cruise line might question you bringing the bigger bottles onboard (depending on their rules), but I bring the tiny super concentrated ones, and I’ve never had a problem. I just pop them into my case or toiletries bag.

Most cruise lines allow you to bring small amounts of soft drinks onboard anyway.

Squash is easy to pack in a suitcase or hand luggage. The super concentrated bottles contain around 66mls and are around 8 cm/3 inches high. Each small bottle contains around 20 servings.

Although the small, super concentrated bottles cost more than larger bottles, they still provide excellent value for money in my opinion.

It is always a good idea to check your cruise line’s latest policy on bringing drinks onboard, just to be sure.

Alternatives if You Don’t Have Squash

You can always get fruit juice from the buffet (when it’s available) and dilute it with water. I miss my squash when I don’t have any!

Before You Go

Find out about the six odd things that used to be allowed on a cruise, but now aren’t below:

6 Things Once Allowed on Cruise Ships But Are Now Banned (For Good Reason!)

Find out about the top five things that cruise lines regularly confiscate here:

These Are The 5 Most Common Reasons Guests Are BANNED From Cruise Ships