Welcome aboard, Donna! What great questions! It is a wonderful thing that Disney allows guests to carry on their own limited amounts of alcohol when they board the ship. But, yes, besides alcohol, guests are welcome to bring on their own non-alcoholic beverages as well.
Any drinks must be unopened and carried on by the guest in the carry-on bags, not packed in the checked luggage. Some people are very specific about the water they drink, so bringing some of their own bottled water is a great option. But the filtered water on the ship tastes great, in my opinion, so my family is always happy with that. Disney offers bottled water packages to take the hassle out of bringing your own if you'd prefer. Just check out the
Gifts and Amenities page of Disney Cruise Line's website for details on that. Sodas are included in the cost of your cruise when you order them at the main dining restaurants, and you can help yourself at the 24-hour beverage station on the pool deck as well. You may want to bring your own reusable travel mug if you think you might fill up often! The bars also serve sodas, but there is an additional cost to order one there.
Now, while you're up on the pool deck filling up your travel mug, you may find you'd like to dip your toes in the pools! Rest assured that they are always a comfortable temperature. When the temperature dips below 75 degrees, the pools are heated. Plus, we've sailed in the Caribbean a few times in November, and have always experienced almost summer-like temperatures for the most part. Believe me, if the water is cold, I am not getting in either! But, I swim on every one of our Disney cruises! Of course, on sea days, the wind can make things feel a bit chillier, but you'll most likely enjoy a really pleasant temperature during your whole cruise!
I hope those details help as you get ready to head out to sea, Donna! Happy planning!
Marcy