16 Things You Are Not Allowed to Bring On-Board Your Cruise

Here’s a list of common items that are prohibited on most cruise ships. Keep in mind that rules vary by cruise line, so always check with yours before sailing. Some items are obvious, while others might surprise you!

🚫 1. Irons & Steamers

Even though you might want to keep your clothes wrinkle-free, irons and steamers are a fire hazard and are strictly banned from cruise ships. If you need to freshen up your clothes, most ships offer laundry services or have designated ironing rooms.

🔌 2. Household Power Strips

Cruise ship staterooms have limited outlets, making power strips tempting. However, standard household power strips are not allowed due to fire risk. If you need extra plugs, bring a cruise-approved power strip without a surge protector.

🕯️ 3. Hookahs, Candles, Incense & Strike-Anywhere Matches

Open flames are a major fire risk, so items like hookahs, candles, incense, and certain types of matches are prohibited. If you love scented candles, consider bringing battery-operated LED candles instead.

🔫 4. Firearms & Non-Firing Weapons

This includes all firearms, airsoft guns, replicas, and even non-firing weapons like BB guns or realistic-looking props.

🎆 5. Fireworks, Flares & Pyrotechnics

Bringing fireworks or flares on board is a huge safety risk and is strictly banned.

🔪 6. Knives & Sharp Weapons

Princess Cruise Line: does not allow knives with a blade over 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) or sharp weapons like daggers, swords, axes, or utility knives. Even box cutters and straight razors (excluding safety razors for shaving) are prohibited.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: Sharp Objects, including all knives and scissors, are prohibited

Carnival Cruise Line: Recreational dive knives are allowed but must be held in the custody of the Guest Services Manager or Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise. Large scissors used by scrapbook and quilting enthusiasts are at times permitted with prior notification from the Security Services Department but are held on board in the same manner as dive knives.

Disney Cruise Line: has a Zero Weapons Policy. Firearms, ammunition, knives (including dive knives), swords, daggers, or any other types of weapons are not allowed on board under any circumstances.

🚁 7. Drones

Drones are typically not allowed due to privacy and safety concerns. Some cruise lines may allow you to bring one, but only to use off the ship in port.

💊 8. Illegal Drugs & Prescription Medications Without Proper Documentation

All illegal substances are strictly banned, and this includes medications without a valid prescription.

🌿 9. Medical Marijuana & CBD Products

Even if medical marijuana or CBD is legal in your home state or the country you’re visiting, it is still banned on most cruise lines. If you need medication for medical conditions, consult your cruise line before traveling.

☠️ 10. Poisons & Hazardous Chemicals

This includes pesticides, mercury, industrial-strength cleaners, and other toxic substances.

🤢 11. Noxious Items

Anything that could create a strong odor or dangerous fumes is generally not allowed.

🏒 12. Sports Equipment

You may be surprised to learn that many sports-related items are banned from cruise ships, including:

• Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, ski poles, and pool cues.

• Skateboards and rollerblades (unless specifically allowed for port use).

📡 13. Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Ham Radios & Lasers

These communication devices can interfere with the ship’s equipment, so they are not permitted. Laser pointers are also banned.

🚴 14. Bicycles & Electric Bicycles

Most ships do not allow bicycles due to space and safety concerns. If you plan on biking in port, look into bike rentals at your destination instead.

🧊 15. Large Coolers

Princes Cruise Line: Only small coolers (approximately 12” x 12” x 12”) are allowed, typically for medications, baby food, or non-alcoholic beverages.

Carnival Cruise Line: Small, personal-sized coolers no larger than 12” x 12” x 12” for the purpose of housing, small quantities of non-alcoholic beverages and/or medications are permitted as carry-on luggage

Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: you can bring a small, personal-sized cooler on a Royal Caribbean cruise, but be aware that you may need to check with the cruise line regarding size restrictions and what items are allowed inside.

Disney Cruise Line: Coolers no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 12″ (30.5cm x 30.5cm x 30.5cm), as carry-on luggage only for storing medications, baby food, or nonperishable items related to dietary restrictions only

🛴 16. Scooters (Unless for Mobility Needs)

Electric and kick scooters are not allowed unless they are mobility scooters for medical use.

Final Thoughts

This list covers some of the most common prohibited items, but each cruise line has its own specific rules. Before packing, check your cruise line’s website for their latest policies.

👉 Tip: If you accidentally pack a banned item, it will likely be confiscated at embarkation. You may be allowed to return items to your car. Some items will be destroyed while others will be returned to you at the end of the cruise. To avoid any hassle, double-check your packing list before heading to the port! 🚢⚓