Avoid Packing These Items on Your Cruise. They Could Be Confiscated

Going on your first cruise is exciting, but knowing what not to pack is crucial. Packing certain items might cause issues during check-in.

Cruise ports have strict rules, and your bags will be scanned and searched. If you bring something that’s not allowed, it might be taken away, and you probably won’t get it back.

To avoid any awkward moments, make sure you know which items are a no-go. This guide will help you enjoy your holiday without any packing mishaps.

Alcohol Policies by Cruise Line

Did you know you might be able to take some of your own alcohol on a cruise? The rules are different for each cruise line, though.

For most, you can bring one bottle of wine each. You can enjoy it in your room without any extra fees. If you want to drink it elsewhere on the ship, there’s usually a corkage fee of about $15 per bottle.

Many passengers find drinks on a cruise ship quite costly. If you’d rather not spend $15 for just one glass of wine, it’s worth finding out if you can bring your own and save some cash.

Most cruise lines do allow you to bring some alcohol. Limits are often small—generally no more than a bottle of wine or Champagne. It’s a great way to enjoy a delightful drink without overspending.

Some lines, like P&O Cruises, had more relaxed rules in the past but now have restrictions as of May 2024. They no longer allow beers or spirits to be brought on board. Make sure you check the specific rules for your cruise to make the most of your trip.

Wine Rules Often Come with an Extra Charge

Cruise lines might let you bring your favourite wine on board, but there are some rules and costs to consider. Most cruises allow one bottle per person. However, with Disney, you can bring two bottles each. Some lines, such as Costa and MSC Cruises, don’t allow any wine at all.

When you’re ready to enjoy your wine, it’s free to do so in your cabin. Things change if you want to sip it in a restaurant or bar. A corkage charge, usually around $12, applies if you drink in a public space.

Most Cruise Lines Let You Bring Bottled Water

When going on a cruise, you’ll find that many cruise lines are happy to let you carry bottled water. Yet, not everyone follows this rule. Costa Cruises, MSC Cruises, and NCL make exceptions only for health reasons, meaning you can bring water if it’s needed for medical purposes.

One reason for restrictive policies is to prevent passengers from smuggling alcohol. People have been known to sneak spirits aboard by hiding them in water bottles. Banning unauthorised drinks helps cruise lines maintain control.

Here’s what you can bring:

• Carnival: 12 cans or cartons (330ml each)
• Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises: No restrictions
• Royal Caribbean: Up to 12 bottles, cans, or cartons (500ml) per stateroom

As you plan your holiday, it’s essential to check the specific policy of the cruise line you’re travelling with. 

Snacks Are Usually Fine

You’ll be pleased to know that you can bring most types of snacks with you, like crisps, sweets, and biscuits. Having some familiar munchies can be a comforting treat, especially for the kids.

Bringing items like cereal bars or a packet of crisps is completely fine. Although the ship offers loads of delicious food, your favourite nibbles can come in handy for a late-night treat or a quick nibble.

Packaged snacks are generally allowed. However, there are some limits when it comes to food. Perishable goods, such as fresh fruit and homemade foods, like sandwiches, might be restricted. This depends on the rules and laws of your cruise line and the ports you’re visiting. Before you pack, check out the food policy to ensure you’re not caught out.

Cruise lines are famous for their top-notch cuisine. They cater well for special diets and offer a wide range of tasty dishes. If you’re worried about your food options on the cruise, it’s useful to chat with the cruise line. They’ll make sure you’ll have a delicious and stress-free dining experience onboard.

Protein Supplement is Permitted (Yet Use Caution)

When going on a cruise, you can take protein supplements with you. To ensure smooth sailing through security, it’s wise to pack it in a new, sealed container within your carry-on luggage. Avoid putting it in your main bags to prevent any alarms.

Imagine trying to carry a large bag of anything that looks suspicious, like powder, through security—it might make you feel just a little nervous about being stopped and questioned!

However, many passengers bring their protein supplements on board without any issues, so just take some simple precautions.

Hair straighteners work fine but might need adjustments

Hair straighteners and curling irons are usually allowed on cruises, while other heat-producing items are not.

You might face an issue with your device due to voltage differences, especially if you’re taking UK straighteners on an American cruise. Sometimes, UK models don’t heat up well on US ships.

For instance, older GHD straighteners might not reach the right temperature, whereas newer models often perform better. To avoid any surprises, it’s a good idea to search for your model online to see if you’ll need a voltage converter.

Rules for Power Strips and Extension Cables on Cruises

On a cruise, you might need to bring a power strip or extension cable. These devices are great if you have lots of gadgets to charge, like phones, cameras, or tablets.

While you’re allowed to take these power aids on many ships, there are strict rules you must follow.

1. Power Strips: You can bring a power strip, but it must not have a surge protector. The reason is simple: surge protectors can overload the ship’s circuits and pose a fire risk. This is different from at home, where a surge protector is actually the safer choice as houses have different wiring systems.
   
2. Extension Cables: You can use extension cables on some cruise ships, but these must be less than one metre in length. Make sure to check the length before you pack.

Again, different cruise lines have different rules, so make sure to check what your cruise line allows before packing.

If you’re worried about not having enough plug sockets in your cabin (which vary from ship to ship), there’s a handy solution. A 4-port USB universal charger plug can be very helpful. This device fits UK, USA, EU, and Australian sockets and lets you charge up to four devices at once. This way, you won’t have to worry about hunting for spare sockets, and you can keep all your gadgets powered up easily.

Hair Dryers Are Available, But You Can Bring Your Own

On your cruise, every cabin comes with a hair dryer that you can use without any extra cost. The quality of these hair dryers can vary. Sometimes they don’t have a lot of power, so you might find them less effective, especially if your hair is long or thick.

In some experiences, like a trip on the Disney Magic, there was an older hair dryer in the bathroom, mounted on the wall. It didn’t work well. Luckily, another one was found in a drawer. If you prefer a more powerful option, bringing your own from home is a smart choice.

Irons Usually Aren’t Permitted

Most cruise lines do not let passengers bring clothing irons or travel irons on board. Marella Cruises is a notable exception and allows travel irons on its ships.

Alternative Options:

• Crease remover spray: Many cruisers find this very useful.
• Use an iron found in the ship’s laundry room.
• Send your clothes to be ironed by the ship’s laundry service.
• Use your hair straighteners for quick touch-ups.
• Hang your clothes in a steamy bathroom to help remove wrinkles.
• Pack clothes that are less likely to crease.

This Includes Clothes Steamers Too

When you’re packing for a cruise, remember that clothes steamers should stay at home. Like irons, they’re not permitted on board because they can be a fire risk. It’s best to leave them behind and keep things safe during your trip.

Taking a Drone? Avoid Using it on the Ship

Some cruise lines let you bring a drone, but there’s a catch. You can’t fly it on the ship. Only use it on land and stay clear of port areas.

Before packing your drone, ask the cruise line about their rules. They might not allow it at all, even if you plan to leave it in your cabin. They could take it from you during check-in. Always double-check the guidelines to ensure your holiday is smooth and hassle-free.

Many Cruise Ships Allow Two-Way Radios

You may bring walkie-talkies on a cruise, but their performance might disappoint you. Cruise ships are full of metal walls, which interfere with radio signals. This means the range of your walkie-talkies will be much shorter than expected. 

On land, they might cover several miles. On a ship, however, they might not even work from one end to the other. Large cruise ships’ features, such as swimming pools and lifts, also block signals.

If you’re set on using walkie-talkies while at sea, invest in a powerful model. Basic or budget options probably won’t cut it. Strong two-way radios have a better chance of breaking through the obstacles.

Staying in touch with family on a cruise can be challenging. You have several choices:

• WiFi Packages: Purchase and use them to send texts with your phones.
• Cruise Line App: Many ships offer apps for messaging.
• Meet-Ups: Decide on fixed meeting times and places.
• Notes: Leave messages in your stateroom for others to find.

Related reading: The Best Walkie-Talkies for Cruise Ships

Liquids on Cruises – No Need for Airport Rules

While airports have strict rules about carrying liquids, cruise ships are much more relaxed. You can pack as many liquid toiletry items as possible for your journey on a cruise. There’s no need to worry about small bottle sizes or limits.

When it comes to alcohol, it’s a bit different. Most cruise lines have rules about how much you can bring with you. Some also restrict bringing soft drinks or bottled water. It’s a good idea to check these rules before your trip.

If you’re flying to meet your cruise, remember the liquid limits at airports. Keep these items in your checked luggage so there are no hassles during your flight.

So Full-Size Toiletries Are Absolutely Fine

When packing for a cruise, you might be glad to know that you can pack full-size toiletries without worries. If bringing that big bottle of shampoo makes you happy, feel free to tuck it into your bag. Cruise ships don’t worry about the weight of your luggage. Only if you catch a plane to your cruise do luggage limits apply. Enjoy the freedom to pack just what you like!

Oxygen Canisters Are Generally Acceptable

When planning your cruise, it’s good news that most cruise lines are happy for you to bring oxygen canisters on board. This can be important if you rely on oxygen therapy for conditions like COPD, cystic fibrosis, or heart failure.

The smart move is to contact your chosen cruise company before you set off. Each line might have its own set of rules about bringing medical oxygen, so double-check the details, such as what’s allowed and the process for bringing it on board. There’s a helpful guide at travelwithoxygen.com if you’re searching for more detailed advice.

Mobility Scooters: Common and Allowed

You can use mobility scooters on cruise ships. But there might be rules about battery types, and you might need to book an accessible cabin. Cruise lines have different rules, so it’s a good idea to check with them or your travel agent when making your booking.

CBD – Even Medicinal Use Is Not Allowed

When going on a cruise, you can’t take any CBD products with you. This holds true even if your doctor has given you a prescription for medicinal use. Cruise lines enforce a strict policy against CBD because the places they visit have different laws about it. 

To make it simple, they have banned all CBD products. If you rely on CBD for medical reasons, speak with your doctor about other options for your trip.

Bottle Warmers and Sterilisers Might be Prohibited

Some cruise lines have rules that do not allow bottle warmers and sterilisers. Before you travel, make sure to ask your cruise line about their policy.

You might find that some, like Costa, Cunard, Disney, and P&O, offer a few sterilisers on board for you to rent. If not, consider using sterilising tablets, and wash bottles in your cabin’s sink. While this might not be as clean as usual, it’s a good way to keep your baby healthy during your trip.

Regulations About Dogs

Cruise ships generally have strict rules about bringing pets on board, with only specially trained assistance dogs, such as guide, hearing, and seizure-alert dogs, typically allowed. 

However, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 stands out for offering a unique experience for pet owners on its transatlantic voyages, providing luxurious kennel facilities complete with indoor and outdoor exercise areas. These furry passengers are cared for by a dedicated Kennel Master, and owners can visit during designated times.

Securing a kennel spot on the Queen Mary 2 does come with a hefty price tag: £640 for dogs under 26 pounds and £800 for larger dogs. Due to space constraints, very large breeds like Great Danes and Bull Mastiffs are not permitted. Pet health checks, including a health certificate and up-to-date rabies vaccination, are also mandatory to ensure the safety of all animals on board.

When it comes to assistance dogs, many cruise lines welcome certified guides and service dogs. Boarding with one of these specially trained companions requires advanced arrangements and official documentation. 

Unfortunately, some people have tried to bypass regulations by falsely claiming pets as assistance dogs, leading to stricter enforcement of these rules across cruise companies.

While assistance dogs are generally accepted, emotional support animals are not allowed on most cruises. This policy helps maintain a safe and comfortable environment for all passengers and crew.

Firesticks and Ignitors

Matches and regular lighters are usually allowed as they serve as the only flame source permitted on board for smoking. There are smoking areas on most cruise ships where these can be used.

Key things to remember:

• Torch lighters are not allowed. These devices produce a powerful flame and aren’t considered safe.
• Avoid any novelty lighters resembling banned items, such as guns. These might cause unnecessary panic.

Make sure to take a simple, standard lighter with you, and you should be fine.

Pool inflatables – Not Allowed

Bringing pool inflatables on a cruise is usually not permitted. Most cruise lines do not allow them because the pools on ships are not very large, and inflatables can take up a lot of space. 

If you’re thinking of using inflatables at a beach during port stops, some cruise lines might allow it, but it’s important to check before you travel. If not checked beforehand, these items could be taken away by staff. Always verify the rules specific to your cruise to avoid any surprises.

Balloons Tend to be Disallowed as Well

When it comes to cruise ships, many of them have a strict rule against bringing inflatable items on board. This usually includes balloons, so it’s a good idea to double-check with your cruise line. Sometimes, the rules focus mainly on items meant for the pool, but it’s best to be certain.

If you’re planning a celebration, don’t worry too much. Some cruise lines might offer to sell balloons, arranging for them to be sent straight to your room. Helium balloons, in particular, could cause issues if accidentally released on the ship. An easy solution is to pre-order decorations. 

Musical Instruments

Taking a musical instrument on a cruise ship can be tricky. Most cruise lines have rules that might stop you from bringing them aboard. Some people have reported that they managed to bring their instruments on a Carnival cruise. Still, they were warned it could be taken away if it bothered other passengers. No specific mention of instruments appears in the policies, but it’s wise to be cautious.

If you’re planning a cruise, it’s usually better to leave your instruments at home unless there’s a special reason. Playing an acoustic guitar by the pool or in a bar might sound fun, but it can annoy others, attracting the crew’s attention quickly. 

Remember, there are already plenty of professional performers on board to entertain everyone, so there’s no need to worry about missing out on live music.

Metal Detectors

On a cruise, bringing along a metal detector can be a bit tricky. Some cruise lines don’t allow them at all, while others might not say anything about them in their rules. It’s important to check ahead of time. Definitely don’t try to use the metal detector on the ship because the walls and lots of the structure are made of metal.

If you’re hoping to use a metal detector on a beach during a port stop, finding out if you can bring it on board is a good idea. Make sure to ask before you leave home, so there are no surprises when you board.

Candle Use on Cruise Ships

When packing for a cruise, it’s key to remember that you can’t bring traditional candles. The risk of an open flame means they are not allowed in your cabin.

Safety first! The good news is that battery-operated tea lights are a possible option. These aren’t quite the same as real candles, so they might not be as atmospheric. If you have a room with a bathtub onboard, you may have to make do with some calming music to help you enjoy a peaceful bath.

Beach Treasures

Bringing seashells back onto your cruise ship is something you might enjoy after a day at the port. It’s important to know that the ship’s crew has the final say on whether you can keep them. If you’re travelling with Carnival, they allow shells in your luggage as long as they’re clean, dry, and not housing any living creatures.

Seashells are sometimes the homes of tiny beach animals, so it’s crucial to ensure they’re completely empty and dry before you take them. Even with careful cleaning, some cruise lines might decide to take them from you. 

Handcuffs & Restraints

Bringing handcuffs or any kind of restraints with you on a cruise isn’t allowed. This includes items like leg cuffs and even those with a soft or playful design. These items are typically listed in cruise policies as things that are not permitted on board.

If you and your partner like using such items in private, you’ll need to leave them at home because port security will take them away. This might be awkward, so it’s best to avoid the hassle and any potential embarrassment by not packing them in the first place.

Pepper Spray

Items like pepper spray or mace are restricted. Cruise lines often list these as banned items for the cruise.

Oddly Specific Items Banned by Cruise Ships

When packing for a cruise, you might expect certain items to be off-limits, but some cruise lines have remarkably specific bans. For example, while most won’t allow wheeled transport on board, like skateboards and hoverboards, Carnival Cruise Line stands out by explicitly banning Heelys. Yes, those trainers with wheels in the soles are not welcome on their ships. This could be due to the safety hazard they pose, especially on slippery decks.

Another common restriction is on electrical items that generate heat, such as hot plates. Disney Cruise Line, however, uniquely prohibits rice cookers. This is intriguing— I wonder if they often encounter travellers attempting to bring along such appliances?

If you’re sailing with Norwegian Cruise Line, there’s a particularly unusual item on their list: the Samsung Note 7. This phone, known for its explosive battery issues back in 2016, is still enough of a concern to make the banned items list. So, if you’ve somehow held onto one, you’d be better off leaving it behind—not just for your cruise, but in general for safety’s sake.