Cruise lines just updated their banned polices

The cruise industry is changing, and if you're planning to set sail anytime soon, it’s time to double-check your packing list. Cruise lines have recently implemented stricter policies regarding what passengers can bring onboard, and the changes are sweeping. Popular items like walkie-talkies, door decorations, and even certain tech gadgets are now banned or strongly discouraged by many major cruise lines.

These updated policies are rooted in enhanced safety measures, including fire prevention, secure communications, and operational consistency across fleets. Each cruise line has slightly different restrictions, but one thing is clear: they’re all cracking down hard on anything that poses a risk.

Why Are Cruise Lines Updating Their Banned Items Lists?

Cruise ships are essentially floating cities. With thousands of people onboard, safety is a top priority. Fires, interference with ship communications, and onboard injuries can all stem from items passengers bring with them. As such, cruise lines are unifying their policies to:

• Reduce fire hazards (especially from heating elements or non-fire-retardant materials)

• Improve ship-wide communication systems

• Prevent smuggling of restricted or dangerous items

• Ensure smooth embarkation and disembarkation

Let’s break down what you need to know about the updated bans from popular cruise lines sailing from the U.S., including Carnival, Norwegian, Disney, and more.

Carnival Cruise Line: Safety First — Even for Door Décor

Carnival has made it crystal clear that passenger safety is its top concern. Their list of banned items now includes:

• Illegal drugs (including cannabis, even medical marijuana)

• Firearms, weapons, and ammunition

• Items with heating elements (e.g., coffee makers, hot plates)

• Hoverboards and drones

• Large lithium batteries

• Non-fire-retardant door decorations

Many cruisers enjoy decorating their cabin doors, especially on themed sailings, but Carnival now requires that any decorations be fire-retardant or not used at all.

Princess Cruises: Minimalism and Fire Safety

Princess Cruises, known for refined, upscale sailings, has added several tools and hobby items to their banned list. These include:

• Illegal drugs and firearms

• Irons and open flame devices (e.g., candles, incense)

• Hammers, drills, and tools

• Surfboards and boats

• All door decorations — completely banned

That’s right — no door décor at all on Princess. The line has prioritized reducing all fire risks.

MSC Cruises: Technology and Safety Restrictions

MSC Cruises is doubling down on tech-related restrictions to prevent accidents and interference with ship operations. Their banned items list includes:

• Illegal drugs and firearms

• Knives and sharp objects

• Hoverboards and drones

• Large strollers

• Outside food and alcohol

• Samsung Galaxy Note 7 smartphones

• Walkie-talkies

Yes, walkie-talkies are officially off the list. While once a common way to keep in touch with family onboard, MSC sees them as a potential interference with ship communication systems.

Celebrity Cruises: Controlled Decor and Sharp Objects

Celebrity Cruises has a detailed banned list, emphasizing both safety and aesthetics:

• Firearms, ammunition, and illegal drugs

• Heating devices

• Candles and incense

• Drones and sharp objects

• Unsafe door decorations are discouraged

They don’t outright ban door decorations, but any décor deemed unsafe or flammable can be removed by the crew.

Disney Cruise Line: Kid-Friendly and Safety-Forward

Given the high number of children on Disney cruises, the company has one of the most thorough banned items lists:

• Firearms, knives, and recreational weapons (like BB guns and paintball pistols)

• Cooking appliances and power strips

• Hard liquor and medical marijuana

• Adhesives for door decorations (magnet-only decorations are allowed)

Disney does permit themed door decorations, but they must be magnetic — adhesives are not allowed because they damage surfaces and pose a fire hazard.

Holland America Line: Strict on Transport and Chemicals

Holland America has always leaned into tradition, but they’re now leaning into safety as well. The list of banned items includes:

• Firearms and replica weapons

• Ammunition and hookahs

• Footwear with wheels (Heelys, etc.)

• Kava and other substances

• Surfboards and boats

• Freshly caught fish

• Unsafe door decorations (strongly discouraged)

If you plan to fish on an excursion, know you can’t bring your catch back onboard.

P&O Cruises: All About Safety and Simplicity

P&O Cruises, a favorite among UK-based travelers, has a strong emphasis on clear-cut safety standards:

• Illegal drugs, firearms, and projectile weapons

• Explosives and fireworks

• Sharp throwing weapons

• Restricted alcohol (limited onboard allowances)

• Unsafe door decorations are discouraged

While they don’t outright ban door decorations, like Celebrity and Holland America, they strongly suggest avoiding anything not flame-resistant and using magnetic decorations.

Norwegian Cruise Line: Banning Decorations Altogether

NCL has taken perhaps the most aggressive stance when it comes to door décor and electronics. Their banned list features:

• Illegal drugs and firearms

• Pellet guns and projectile weapons

• Restricted alcohol and beverages

• Drones and Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones

• Walkie-talkies

• All door decorations — completely banned

This total ban on door decorations reflects a broader commitment to uniformity, fire prevention, and operational cleanliness.

What Does This Mean for Cruisers?

Cruise lines are unifying around a tighter, more safety-conscious travel experience. If you’re a seasoned cruiser, these changes may feel like a culture shift. If you’re new to cruising, it’s just one more reason to thoroughly read your cruise line’s policies before packing.

Here are a few takeaways:

• Door Decorations: At least three cruise lines have completely banned them, and several more strongly discourage them. If you’re allowed to decorate, use magnetic-only, fire-retardant materials.

• Walkie-Talkies: These are increasingly being banned. Use cruise line apps or in-cabin phones to communicate instead.

• Drones and Hoverboards: These are now universally banned. Leave them at home.

• Appliances and Heating Elements: Coffee makers, hot plates, and irons are common-sense items to avoid packing.

• Alcohol and Substances: Many lines restrict hard alcohol or specific substances like kava or marijuana, even if legal where you're from.

Final Tips: How to Stay in Compliance

1. Read the Fine Print: Go to your cruise line’s website and read their “Prohibited Items” section carefully.

2. Print the List: Keep a copy of the banned items handy while packing.

3. Contact Customer Service: Still not sure? Give them a call or send an email. They’ll clarify any gray areas.

4. Err on the Side of Caution: If you’re wondering whether an item is okay to bring, it’s probably not.

As cruising continues to evolve with more focus on safety and operational efficiency, travelers must adapt too. By packing smart and understanding updated banned item policies, you can help make your cruise smoother and avoid losing items at the embarkation gate.

So before you get excited about decorating your cabin door or packing that high-tech gadget, make sure it’s cruise-approved. Safety comes first, and the rules are here to stay.