Recently, cruise lines have been adding items to their “banned from the ship” list–things not to pack. For example, Carnival Cruise Line recently banned bluetooth speakers. Some of the prohibited items are pretty obvious, others seem more surprising, and still others are permitted on one cruise line but not another. Let’s take a look.
Some items that are banned across all major cruise lines are items that could cause a fire especially if left unattended. Some of those items are electric blankets, coffee makers, clothes steamers, candles and irons. However, cruise lines allow other heating appliances like curling irons and hair dryers. Oddly, matches and cigarette lighters are permitted.
Some cruise lines also ban extension cords, power strips, or surge protectors. Royal Caribbean bans all three and recently changed the language on its website to include “multi-plug outlets.” Royal Caribbean’s sister brand, Celebrity Cruises, still allows multi-plug outlets and does not mention surge protectors on its list of prohibited items.
Items like guns, ammunition, pepper spray, knives and other weapons are banned. Toys that look like weapons are not permitted unless you are on a Disney ship which allows lightsabers, pirate sword and other Disney merchandise. Other toys deemed dangerous and prohibited are baseball bats, hockey sticks, and skateboards. Other items like hoverboards, shoes with wheels in the heels, and drones are prohibited.
There is another whole set of rules for food and drinks. For example, alcohol is prohibited and will be confiscated until the end of your cruise with the exception of an unopened bottle (or two) of wine depending on the cruise line. Even the amount of nonalcoholic beverages carried onboard is limited. Seems to go without saying that all recreational drugs including medical marijuana and CBD oils are prohibited.
While cruise lines try to make sure passengers know what to bring and what is prohibited, there really is no way they can list every single prohibited item, so if you are unsure, check with your cruise line before you go.