Packing for a cruise should be exciting, not stressful. But before you zip up that suitcase, there are some surprising everyday items that could get confiscated at the security checkpoint or even prevent you from boarding altogether. We’ve analyzed the prohibited items lists from the five major cruise lines – Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, and MSC – to bring you the most common items that cruisers mistakenly try to pack.
Understanding these restrictions isn’t just about avoiding inconvenience; it’s about safety, security, and ensuring everyone onboard has an enjoyable voyage. Here are ten everyday items that might be in your closet right now but have no place on a cruise ship.
1. Clothing Irons and Steamers
That wrinkled outfit bothering you? You’ll need to find another solution because clothing irons and steamers are strictly prohibited across all major cruise lines. These heat-generating devices pose a significant fire hazard in the close quarters of a cruise ship.
- Why they’re banned: Fire safety is paramount on cruise ships. Items with heating elements can be accidentally left on or malfunction, creating serious fire risks in staterooms.
- What to do instead: Most cruise ships offer laundry services with pressing available for a fee. Many also have self-service laundry rooms with irons and ironing boards. Carnival specifically notes that their ships (excluding select vessels) provide facilities with ironing boards and irons for guest use. You can always pack wrinkle-resistant clothing or use wrinkle-release sprays to keep yourself looking sharp.
2. Extension Cords and Surge-Protected Power Strips
In today’s world of multiple devices, you might think bringing an extension cord or power strip is a no-brainer. Think again. Almost all cruise lines explicitly ban power strips and surge-protected strips, and some outright ban extension cords. While basic multi-plug outlet adapters without surge protection are typically allowed, anything with surge protection is prohibited.
- Why they’re banned: Surge protectors and lengthy extension cords can overload the ship’s electrical system and create fire hazards. The ship’s power distribution is carefully managed, and these devices can interfere with safety systems.
- What to do instead: Bring a simple multi-outlet adapter without surge protection or a cord. Many staterooms have limited outlets, but you can usually charge devices one at a time or use USB charging blocks.
3. Candles and Incense
Planning to create a romantic atmosphere or hoping to mask any odors? You’ll have to do it without candles or incense. All five major cruise lines prohibit these items without exception.
- Why they’re banned: Open flames are one of the most serious fire hazards on a ship. Even battery-operated flameless candles are often restricted to avoid confusion.
- What to do instead: If you want a pleasant scent in your cabin, some cruise lines allow small plug-in air fresheners without heating elements. However, these policies vary, so check with your specific cruise line first.
4. CBD Products and Marijuana (Including Medical)
This might be the most surprising item on the list for many travelers. Even if marijuana or CBD is legal in your home state or departure port, it is absolutely prohibited on all cruise ships – no exceptions, even for medical purposes.
All major cruise lines explicitly ban illegal drugs, marijuana (including medical marijuana), CBD oil, CBD products, THC, and any drug paraphernalia. Carnival states that “while certain CBD products used for medicinal purposes may be legal in the U.S. based on state and local laws, they are not legal under U.S. federal law and in all the ports we visit.”
- Why they’re banned: Cruise ships operate under federal maritime law and visit international ports where marijuana laws vary dramatically. Possession in some ports could result in arrest and serious legal consequences.
- What to do instead: Leave all marijuana and CBD products at home, regardless of your medical prescription or local laws. Being caught with these items can result in denied boarding, removal from the ship, legal penalties, and potential lifetime bans from the cruise line.
5. Coffee Makers, Kettles, and Hot Plates
Love your morning coffee routine? You’ll have to adapt it for the cruise. Coffee makers, electric kettles, hot plates, and similar heating appliances are prohibited across all major cruise lines.
- Why they’re banned: These items contain heating elements that create fire hazards. MSC Cruises specifically notes that “items brought on board the vessel and not supplied by the Company containing any kind of heating element” are prohibited.
- What to do instead: Coffee and tea are typically available 24/7 in buffet areas and main dining rooms. Room service also usually offers coffee delivery (though there may be a fee). If you’re particular about your coffee, enjoy the convenience of not having to make it yourself for once!
6. Scissors and Knives (Over 4 Inches)
Need scissors for a crafting project or a pocketknife for utility? Both are generally prohibited. Royal Caribbean bans all knives and scissors, noting that “personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed” and “scissors with blade lengths less than 4 inches are allowed.” Norwegian allows knives only with blades shorter than 4 inches.
- Why they’re banned: Sharp objects pose security risks and potential weapons aboard ships. Even well-intentioned items like crafting scissors or multi-tools can be confiscated.
- What to do instead: If you absolutely need small scissors for a specific purpose, check the size restrictions carefully – some lines allow scissors under 4 inches. For most purposes, you won’t need scissors onboard, and guest services may assist with specific needs.
7. Hard Liquor and Beer
Want to save money on drinks by bringing your own alcohol? The cruise lines have strict policies on this. Carnival explicitly states:
“Guests are prohibited from bringing alcoholic beverages on board with the following exception – at the beginning of the cruise during embarkation day only, guests (21 years of age and older) may bring one 750-ml bottle of sealed/unopened wine or champagne, per person, in their carry-on luggage.”
Beer and hard liquor are completely banned from being brought aboard. MSC allows no alcohol at all to be brought onboard.
- Why they’re banned: Alcohol sales are a significant revenue source for cruise lines, and allowing guests to bring unlimited alcohol would impact safety and business operations.
- What to do instead: Take advantage of beverage packages if you plan to drink regularly, or enjoy the single bottle of wine allowance if permitted on your cruise line. Note that any alcohol purchased in ports will be held by the ship until the final day.
8. Large Coolers
Planning to pack a cooler for the beach or to keep medications cold? Size matters. Carnival specifies:
“Guests are prohibited from bringing large coolers since screening and movement of large coolers through embarkation is an impediment to the boarding and security process. However, for the purpose of carrying small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications small, personal-sized coolers, no larger than 12 inches x 12 inches x 12 inches are permitted as carry-on luggage.”
- Why they’re banned: Large coolers create screening difficulties, take up excessive space, and can be used to smuggle prohibited items.
- What to do instead: If you need to keep medications cold, a small personal cooler meeting size requirements is acceptable. Otherwise, use the mini-refrigerator in your stateroom for small items.
9. Hoverboards and Self-Balancing Devices
These might seem like fun toys for getting around the ship, but they’re universally banned. Royal Caribbean prohibits hoverboards, and Norwegian bans “self-balancing hover boards, air wheels, scooters, or Segway’s.” MSC also prohibits self-balancing hoverboards and air wheels.
- Why they’re banned: These devices have been linked to battery fires and pose safety hazards in crowded ship corridors and elevators. The lithium batteries they contain can be particularly dangerous.
- What to do instead: Walk! Cruise ships are designed for easy navigation on foot, and walking is a great way to work off all those delicious meals.
10. Water and Sodas in Plastic or Glass Bottles
This surprises many first-time cruisers: you typically cannot bring bottled water, sodas, or other non-alcoholic beverages in plastic or glass bottles. Carnival states:
“Guests are prohibited from bringing water, sodas and other non-alcoholic beverages that are packaged in glass or plastic bottles.”
However,
“on embarkation day, a small quantity of non-alcoholic beverages (i.e., sparkling water, sodas, energy drinks, juice, and milk), packaged in cans or cartons, may be brought on board and must be in the guest’s carry-on luggage. A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12 ounces each or less, per person.”
MSC is even stricter, with their Guest Conduct Policy stating:
“Non-alcoholic drinks, such as water, soda and juices, are prohibited to be brought on board either as carry-on or checked luggage on both embarkation and port days. The only exception is purified or distilled water in factory-sealed containers for use in conjunction with medical devices.”
- Why they’re banned: This policy helps cruise lines monitor what’s being brought aboard and prevents smuggling of alcohol disguised as water or soda. Glass bottles also pose safety hazards if broken.
- What to do instead: Water, lemonade, iced tea, and basic beverages are typically free and available 24/7 in buffet areas and dining rooms. You can also pre-purchase bottled water packages through most cruise lines for delivery to your stateroom, or purchase individual bottles onboard through room service.
Know Before You Go
While this list covers the most common prohibited items across major cruise lines, policies can vary slightly between cruise lines and may change. Always check your specific cruise line’s prohibited items list before packing. Items found during security screening will be confiscated and not returned, and in serious cases (particularly involving drugs or weapons), you could be denied boarding entirely with no refund.
The good news? Once you know what not to pack, the rest is easy. Leave these items at home, follow your cruise line’s guidelines, and you’ll breeze through embarkation and enjoy a worry-free vacation at sea.
Remember, these rules exist for everyone’s safety and security. Understanding them before you pack will help ensure your cruise vacation starts smoothly from the moment you arrive at the terminal.