Packing for a cruise is exciting—you’re tossing in swimsuits, sunscreen, and maybe a formal outfit for lobster night. But if you’re not careful, you might accidentally pack something that lands you on the cruise line’s “naughty list.” Every major cruise line has a list of prohibited items, and if you bring them, security will happily take them off your hands and return them only when your cruise is over.
To save you the embarrassment of explaining why there’s a hot plate (seriously, people have tried) in your suitcase, here are the Top 10 Things to (Not) Pack for Your Cruise—and the reasons behind the rules.
1. Extension Cords with Surge Protectors
Why not: They’re fire hazards at sea. Cruise ship cabins are designed with very specific electrical systems, and overloading them with power strips that have built-in surge protectors could cause sparks where sparks really don’t belong. Pack an old-fashioned one without a surge protector, and most cruise lines will let you bring it onboard.
What happens: Security takes them away, and you’ll be stuck making do with the outlets in your cabin.
Why Surge Protectors Are Banned on Cruise Ships and What You Can Use Instead
2. Bluetooth Speakers
Why not: Imagine thousands of guests, each blasting their own playlist by the pool. Chaos. That’s why cruise lines ban portable speakers—they disturb other guests and the ship’s own entertainment.
What happens: Security confiscates them until you disembark. Want tunes? Pack some good headphones. Please.
3. CBD & Medical Marijuana
Why not: Even if legal at home, these aren’t permitted under federal law. Ports of call also have their own regulations, and cruise lines don’t want to risk legal trouble.
What happens: If found, it will be confiscated—and in some cases, you could be denied boarding altogether.
4. Pineapple Décor (Yes, Really)
Why not: Some cruise lines have cracked down on door decorations shaped like pineapples because they’ve become symbols for, let’s just say, “alternative lifestyles.” To keep things family-friendly and avoid confusion, they’re banned.
What happens: If you hang one, it may quietly disappear while you’re off enjoying trivia night.
Carnival’s Latest Bans: Bluetooth Speakers and Swingers’ Pineapples
5. Candles & Incense
Why not: Fire is the biggest danger at sea, so anything with an open flame is strictly off-limits. Even a tiny tea light or stick of incense could set off alarms—or worse.
What happens: Security will confiscate it before you even think about striking a match.
6. Heelys, Hoverboards & Scooters
Why not: Slipping and sliding is for the waterslides, not the decks. These items are banned because they’re safety hazards on crowded, sometimes slippery ship floors. Plus, didn’t Heelys go out of style ten years ago?
What happens: Security pulls them, and you’ll be walking instead (which is probably for the best with all the food you’ll be eating).
7. Knives & Sharp Objects Over 4 Inches
Why not: Obvious safety concern here. Anything that looks like a weapon—or is sharp enough to be used as one—can’t come aboard.
What happens: The security team keeps it locked away until the cruise is over. Kitchen gadgets can stay at home; the chefs onboard have you covered.
8. Coffee Makers, Irons, Hot Plates & Other Appliances
Why not: Anything that heats up can spark a fire, and that’s the cruise ship’s number one nightmare scenario. Irons, hot plates, curling irons, plug-in electric clothes steamers, even your beloved Keurig are not allowed.
What happens: They’re confiscated at boarding. Instead, ships usually have laundry areas with irons, and coffee is available everywhere (sometimes delivered right to your cabin).
9. Coolers & Large Food Containers
Why not: Homemade food and oversized coolers can cause sanitation issues. Cruise lines need to control what food is brought onboard for both health and safety reasons.
What happens: Small coolers for medical or baby needs may be allowed, but anything large or unnecessary will be taken away.
10. Drones & Remote-Controlled Toys
Why not: Drones can interfere with ship operations, cause accidents if they crash, and raise security concerns in port. RC cars, planes, or boats aren’t much safer on deck.
What happens: They’re held until you return home. Some lines allow drones to be checked for use on shore, but never onboard.
How to Stay Off the Naughty List
Here’s the deal: these rules aren’t to ruin your fun—they’re to keep you and your fellow passengers safe, happy, and relaxed. Cruise lines have perfected the art of keeping thousands of people at sea in comfort, and avoiding fire hazards, noise wars, and legal trouble is a big part of that.
So, pack smart, double-check your cruise line’s official prohibited items list, and leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs instead of contraband. Because the only “naughty” thing you should be doing on a cruise is ordering dessert twice at dinner.