I've read numerous posts where people state they bring bottles of water on board.  If water is free, then why bring it?  Am I missing something obvious?  Is it a hassle to obtain?  Obviously this is my first cruise and I'm lost.  I wasn't planning on bringing water, but if it's a necessity I certainly don't want to be without it!

Some people don't care for the taste of the water on board. I like it fine. Also the bottled water that is sold on board is pricey.

We brought a case of water with us. I didn't like the taste of the water or coffee on the ship so I was glad I had. We also took it with us on excursions, and when it is hot and humid, then water hit the spot.

Don K:

Some people don't care for the taste of the water on board. I like it fine. Also the bottled water that is sold on board is pricey.

The drinking water on board comes from distillation.  So it starts out as rather pure water.  Many people aren't use to drinking water that doesn't have "spring", "mountain", "minerals", or "moose" dissolved/mixed into it.  So, they equate that difference with being bad.