These 8 Things Are Totally Legal on Land, But Banned on Cruise Ships

What’s perfectly legal on land might land you in hot water at sea, and we’re not talking about the hot tub. Cruise ships have their own rules, and breaking them can lead to serious consequences, from being confined to your cabin to getting kicked off entirely (with no refund).

To help you stay out of trouble and enjoy your holiday, here are 8 things that are fine on land… but could get you into big trouble on a cruise ship.

A collage of four images showing items commonly banned on cruise ships: a fishing rod casting into the ocean at sunset, a black handgun on a table, cannabis oil with a marijuana plant, and a variety of liquor bottles including Jameson and Dewar’s. These represent restricted items such as weapons, drugs, alcohol, and fishing gear.

1. Certain Medicinal Drugs (Yes, Even CBD)

CBD might be perfectly legal where you live, even prescribed, but that doesn’t mean it’s allowed at sea. Cruise lines take a strict stance on CBD products, including oils, gummies, and creams, due to the complex laws in the ports they visit.

Even with a prescription, you could have it confiscated at embarkation. In some cases, passengers have been banned for life, like one Carnival guest who brought CBD gummies for sleep. To avoid trouble, check the cruise line’s policy before you pack, and speak to your doctor about alternatives if you rely on it medically.

2. Bring Your Own Alcohol

You might picture yourself sipping your favourite gin and tonic on the balcony as the sun dips below the waves, but if you’ve packed your own bottle, prepare for disappointment. Most cruise lines have strict rules about bringing alcohol onboard. While some will let you bring a single bottle of wine or champagne, spirits are almost always banned.

Try to sneak it in and you risk having it confiscated… or worse. In theory, you could be kicked off the ship, though that’s rare unless you’re smuggling enough to open your own bar. Your best bet? Read the cruise line’s alcohol policy before you pack, stick to the rules, and avoid turning your holiday into a dry run.

Close-up of a clear glass flask with a black cap tucked into the pocket of blue denim jeans, conceptually highlighting discreet transportation of alcohol.

3. Drinking If You’re Under 21 (Even If It’s Legal at Home)

If you’re from the UK or anywhere else where the legal drinking age is 18, cruise rules might come as a shock. On most cruises departing from the US, the drinking age is strictly 21 – no exceptions, even if you’re legally allowed to drink back home.

Some cruise lines do make exceptions for European sailings or with parental consent, but it depends entirely on the ship and itinerary. Either way, don’t expect to charm your way into a cocktail. Your cruise card is linked to your age, and bartenders will be instantly notified if you’re underage.

4. Fishing from the Ship

Close-up of a fishing rod angled over the side of a boat at sunset, with calm ocean waters and a soft golden sky. This image represents fishing, an activity typically prohibited directly from cruise ships.

It might sound idyllic, casting a line off the back of the ship while the sun sets, but it’s strictly forbidden. Fishing from a cruise ship isn’t just dangerous, it’s bad for marine life and can land you with hefty fines.

Still, that hasn’t stopped a few brave (or foolish) passengers from trying. If you’re keen to fish, wait for a proper shore excursion instead.

5. Bringing Your Own Coffee Maker or Kettle

We get it, nothing beats your perfect morning brew. But that trusty travel kettle or coffee maker? It’s a fire hazard at sea and is strictly banned.

Cruise lines have tight safety rules, and personal electrical appliances are on the naughty list. Pack one and it’ll likely be confiscated at embarkation. Stick to the ship’s coffee stations, or treat yourself at the onboard café. And if you’re sailing from the UK or with a British line, there’s a good chance your cabin will already come with a kettle, because they know we don’t function without tea.

6. Throwing Things in the Water

You (hopefully) wouldn’t throw rubbish out of your car window, so don’t do it from a cruise ship either. Whether it’s food scraps, plastic cups, or cigarette butts, tossing anything overboard is not only harmful to the environment, it’s also illegal.

Even biodegradable items can land you in trouble at sea, and modern ships have cameras watching closely. One of the biggest offences? Throwing cigarette butts, it might seem harmless, but it’s a fire risk and a fast track to disciplinary action. And if you’re planning to scatter ashes, you’ll need official permission; this isn’t something you can do discreetly.

7. Bringing Pets Onboard

Your dog might be your ride-or-die on land, but at sea? Most cruise lines say no way. Unless it’s a certified service animal, pets, including emotional support animals, aren’t allowed on board.

No dogs, cats, parrots, or even emotional support llamas (yes, someone’s probably tried). The rare exception? Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, which offers proper kennels for transatlantic sailings. There’s also the niche Cruise Tails voyage, a pet-focused cruise where dogs are actually welcome, but unless you’re booked on that, it’s best to leave your furry friend at home.

8. Bringing Weapons – Even Licensed Ones

You might legally carry a weapon on land, especially in the US, but those rights end the moment you step onto a cruise ship. Cruise lines have strict zero-tolerance policies when it comes to weapons of any kind: firearms, tasers, pepper spray, even certain knives.

Licensed or not, if you try to bring one onboard, expect it to be confiscated and possibly be denied boarding altogether. In 2024, one Carnival guest (it’s always Carnival, isn’t it?) proudly posted a video of sneaking a handgun onboard. Result? A lifetime ban.

Fun fact: cruise ships once offered skeet shooting off the deck. Not anymore, and probably for good reason.

Bonus: One Thing That Is Legal at Sea But Often Banned Ashore – Gambling

A vibrant casino bar aboard an MSC cruise ship, featuring a circular bar with glossy red stools and a reflective black floor that mirrors the colorful neon lights and slot machines in the background.

While gambling is tightly regulated or even banned in some parts of the US, all it takes is a short sail into international waters and suddenly… it’s game on. Once the ship is far enough from land, the onboard casino springs to life, complete with slot machines, blackjack tables, and all the flashing lights you’d expect in Vegas.

Some cruise lines even run quick “casino cruises” that head just far enough offshore to let you legally roll the dice. So, if you’re itching for a flutter but your home state says no, a cruise might be your ticket to jackpot territory.

Final Thoughts

Cruise ships operate under a unique set of rules, and some might catch you off guard if you’re used to life on land. Knowing what’s allowed (and what definitely isn’t) before you board can save you from awkward run-ins with security – or worse, being left at the next port.

Because let’s be honest, no one wants to be that person arguing at guest services while everyone else is sipping cocktails by the pool.