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Try to take a skateboard onto a Princess ship and it will be confiscated. Tattoo kits are prohibited on Costa cruises, balloons on P&O cruises. And if you try to board a ship with handcuffs on – even if they’re, um, a novelty – they’ll be locked away.
There are a surprising number of things you can’t pack in your cruise luggage, but it’s no surprise that it usually has to do with health and safety.
Companies go to great lengths to prevent fires, accidents and, extremely rarely, violent incidents that could involve the use of even improvised weapons. The latter explains why baseball bats are taboo, even if you just want to knock in a Florida park.
However, the strict limits on the amount of personal alcohol you can bring onto the runway are largely dictated by the operator’s desire to make money at the bars.
All bags are scanned before being delivered to your cabin. All blacklisted individuals will be confiscated and your access to your luggage will be delayed. In the worst case scenario, you could be denied boarding.
Here you can find out what you can and cannot pack. Rules vary by cruise line and can change quickly.
For example, Royal Caribbean just ran the red wire through power strips (the corresponding corded power strips were already blocked). Therefore, you should always check with the cruise line if you are unsure about an item. Most publish comprehensive lists on their websites.
The obvious: guns and drugs
Weapons of any kind are prohibited, but the rule also applies to imitations and toy pistols and water pistols, as well as anything sharp such as knives or swords, even if those items are ceremonial or religious in nature or used in martial arts training. Blunt instruments also fall into this category. However, Disney Cruises will allow “store-bought lightsabers” and obviously won’t expect any intergalactic battles.
Grooming tools such as small scissors (typically with a maximum 4-inch blade) and capsule razor blades are permitted.
All recreational drugs are banned – only this time it’s not just illegal substances, but medically prescribed cannabis and all CBD products, including oils and gummies.
Electrical appliances
Anything that requires heating to use is generally prohibited due to the risk of fire, even if the possibility is remote. These include, for example, irons and steamers, kettles and coffee machines, but also extension cables – although hair styling devices are usually accepted. Power tools are not allowed.
E-cigarettes and e-cigarettes are usually allowed, but keep in mind that they are illegal in some countries. Please take a look at the official country information.
While Royal Caribbean (along with Azamara) has stopped using power strips and multi-plug adapters, some lines allow them as long as they don’t have surge protection.
Flammable and chemical items
Almost anything that is highly flammable – lighter fluid, fireworks – or chemical in nature is not allowed, the latter also applies to bleach and pepper spray. The ban on open flames applies to both lighters and scented candles.
Compressed gas can explode, so people who want to dive typically cannot take oxygen tanks with them (though medical versions are permitted). The only aerosols normally allowed are small personal care sprays.
Color is a strange thing – it’s banned on almost all ships. If you want to capture some seascapes on canvas while on a cruise, leave the oil paints at home. It’s not a problem to take water-based paints, but ask.
The less obvious forbidden items
Cubicles can be cramped, and it’s become a trend on TikTok and Instagram to post “cabin hack” videos showing how to make your space feel livable and functional.
Some guests suggest bringing hooks to hang clothes. You are more likely to get away with magnetic models as sticking them on can damage the decor. However, if you hang a sheet to divide a room, you’ll likely be asked to take it down. Norwegian Cruise Line prohibits any form of “door decoration” if it is flammable.
Be sure to pack some chips or candy, but anything homemade or perishable is prohibited due to the risk of contamination. This also includes your specially baked scones. For the same reason, flowers and plants are banned.
Radio controlled toys must not be used on deck as they pose a tripping hazard and risk of ending up in the sea. And leave the laser pointer at home – it can cause all sorts of safety problems.
Do you love floating on the inflatable swan you bought at a seaside resort? Out of consideration for other guests, use in the ship’s basin is not possible. In fact, all inflatable items are prohibited for children, with the exception of water wings.
Surfboards are also available, although some cruise lines such as Holland America allow you to bring a small boogie board for use on land.
Sometimes passengers show up with the most unusual items that are not on any prohibited list.
A guest on a Saga world cruise came back from a trip and spontaneously bought a huge, country house-sized iron gate – a full 10 meters wide – in two parts. She presented this problem to the crew, who brought the ship on board thanks to a crane and then stowed it away while the guest enjoyed the rest of their vacation. Back in the UK, she arranged for the gate to be transported to her home in Wales, where it is apparently still in use today.
Are you considering a booze cruise?
Most ships allow you to bring one standard bottle of wine or champagne per adult upon your arrival on board. Some allow two (including Virgin), while some (like Hurtigruten and Fred Olsen) practice a complete ban.
Do not bring soft drinks or even water in plastic or glass bottles, as crews will deal well with alcohol being smuggled on board in this way.
Specialty drinks purchased as gifts on land during the cruise will be held by the crew and available for collection the evening before your disembarkation.
After all, human stowaways are of course forbidden, but bears? A Saga Cruises regular always brings his teddy bear collection with him. Instead of them hiding in their cabin, the captain displays the stuffed animals on the bridge throughout the cruise. A Saga spokesman said: “They have become something of a feature on their travels and we are always happy to see them.”
Five strange forbidden pleasures
Drones
Want to capture a bird’s eye view of your cruise ship? Forget it. Many shipping companies ban drones entirely, while others insist that they be stored by security and only used in port – although this may also be inadvisable due to local laws.
Heelys and roller skates
Yes, children’s shoes with integrated wheels are not allowed. Policies vary for skateboards, scooters and the like – use on deck is prohibited, but use in your cabin on land may be permitted.
musical instruments
If you imagine having a jam session with your guitar at the cocktail bar on deck, forget that thought. All cruise ships offer a carefully planned entertainment program, and this does not apply to you. On some ships instruments are completely banned, on others their use in the cabin is restricted as long as you don’t bother the neighbors.
Balloons
Although these are only considered banned by certain companies, party balloons are frowned upon. This is not to spoil birthday parties, but because balloons almost invariably end up in the ocean and cause pollution – something the cruise industry takes very seriously.
Handcuffs
These and other “restraint devices” are specifically listed on most cruise ships’ prohibited lists. We don’t know why – and we won’t ask.
