20 Ultimate No-Nos of Cruise Packing—Learn What’s Banned
When packing for a cruise, you might be tempted to bring all the comforts of home—from your favorite snack foods to your trusty hair iron. However, cruise ships have strict rules about what passengers can bring aboard, designed to ensure all travelers’ safety, security, and comfort.
I stress to all of my cruise clients that they should be sure to read and re-read the prohibited packing list. It would be a shame to ruin their vacation over a packing mistake.
To help you avoid any boarding day mishaps, it’s important to familiarize yourself with these prohibited items. Many travelers have faced delays and other complications for packing items that, while seemingly harmless, violate cruise line policies.
Below is a detailed rundown of common but surprising items you should leave out of your suitcase. You’ll notice that most of the items are related to fire danger, as fire is the #1 worst disaster that can happen at sea.
1. Firearms and Ammunition
Due to safety concerns, firearms of any type, including replicas, are strictly prohibited on cruise ships. Violation of this rule can lead to arrest and disembarkation. For instance, passengers have been detained and faced legal action after security screenings discovered firearms in their luggage.
2. Sharp Objects
Knives with blades over 4 inches are generally banned, except for those used for personal grooming. Cruise lines implement this policy to prevent potential harm. Past incidents include a passenger not being allowed to board after security found a large hunting knife in their checked bag.
This includes knives you purchase at ports as souvenirs, although in that case, you can give them to security, and they will keep them until you disembark on the final day.
3. Illegal Drugs and Substances
Carrying drugs, including marijuana and CBD products, is forbidden regardless of their legal status in some places. This aligns with international maritime law. Passengers caught with these substances can face severe penalties, such as immediate removal from the ship and legal charges in the next port.
A nurse in Texas recently received a lifetime ban from Carnival Cruise for bringing a CBD sleep aid on board.
4. Alcohol
Alcohol like beer and spirits is typically prohibited to avoid undercutting onboard bar sales. Wine may be allowed with limitations. In some instances, passengers have had their spirits confiscated until the end of their voyage as a consequence.
5. Household Appliances
Items such as toasters and coffee makers are banned due to fire risks. Fire incidents on ships have been traced back to such appliances, leading to strict enforcement of this policy.
Fans for your cabins are also not allowed, but in some cases, you can ask your room steward for one if you want to have a fan while sleeping.
6. Candles and Incense
Open flames from candles and incense can create fire hazards. In past cases, items like these were confiscated to prevent the risk of fire aboard the ship, where such an event could be catastrophic.
7. Hoverboards and Segways
These are banned for safety reasons, as their use can lead to accidents on crowded decks. Reports of injuries associated with hoverboards have prompted these bans.
Heely shoes are also not allowed on board; you must remove the wheels if you bring them.
8. Drones and Kites
Due to safety and privacy concerns, these items are usually not allowed on ships, though they may be kept for use onshore. Improper use can lead to accidents or invasions of privacy, leading to their confiscation.
Be sure and check the laws where you are going, but also each individual cruise line, as some are banning drones even if you don’t use them on board.
9. Irons and Steamers
These are prohibited because they pose fire hazards. Passengers needing these services are typically directed to onboard laundry services. Ignoring this rule can lead to fines and confiscation of the items.
10. Extension Cords and Power Strips
Surge-protected ones, especially, are banned due to the risk they pose to the ship’s electrical system. There have been instances where these items caused electrical faults, leading to their prohibition.
11. Sports and Martial Arts Equipment
Items like bats and sticks are banned to prevent accidents and injuries. To uphold this rule, skateboards and baseball bats have been confiscated at boarding schools.
12. Pets and Animals
Pets are not allowed, with the exception of service animals, to ensure hygiene and safety for all passengers. Unauthorized pets discovered at boarding are usually not allowed to embark.
13. Handcuffs and Restraints
These can be misused, so they are banned to ensure a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers. There have been instances where such items were used inappropriately, leading to their outright ban.
14. Explosives and Fireworks
These are banned for obvious safety reasons. Fireworks have caused emergency situations on ships, illustrating the need for this rule.
If you want fireworks on your cruise ship, Disney Cruise Lines is the only line authorized to do fireworks, and they use a special formula that feeds the fish as the ashes go to the water.
15. Food and Beverages
Bringing perishable or open food onboard can lead to health issues. There have been instances of foodborne outbreaks when external food was brought aboard.
16. Dangerous Chemicals
Like bleach or paint, these are banned due to the potential harm they can cause to passengers and the ship’s infrastructure. Violations usually result in immediate confiscation and could lead to disembarkation.
17. Large Coolers
These are restricted due to space and safety concerns. Passengers have been denied boarding for attempting to bring large coolers that obstruct emergency access routes.
18. Flammable Liquids and Explosives
Items like lighter fluid and fireworks are prohibited to prevent fire aboard. There have been prior confiscations during routine luggage checks to enforce this rule.
19. Hookahs and Water Pipes
These are banned to control where smoking occurs and to prevent fire hazards. Passengers who violate this policy have been fined and restricted.
20. Self-Defense Items
Items like pepper spray are prohibited to maintain a safe environment. There have been incidents where such items were used on board, leading to serious altercations and legal consequences.
