June 13, 2019

What NOT to Take on a Cruise – Explained

Cruising is great fun but packing for it can be a bit stressful. No one wants to go on a vacation and have anything confiscated. Most of what is taken away will be returned to you at the end of your cruise.

The following items are not allowed on most cruise ships. It is a good idea to check with your cruise line to see what they have on their “Do not bring aboard list”. Links to these lists can be found below.

Alcohol:

Some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of wine, soda, and bottled water while others do not. They usually want these consumed in your stateroom.

Some allow you to bring wine to the main dining room but will add a corkage fee for each bottle. Therefore, check your cruise line to see what their beverage restrictions are.

Balloons and Kites:

Small package of 8 multi colored balloons

Balloons and kites are not allowed on cruise ships. They are bad for aquatic life.

Candles and Incense:

No open flames! As an alternative, you can use battery tea lights and night lights. However, tea lights work as well as night lights. I like tea lights because they are battery powered and do not take up precious electrical plugs. The ones I recommend can be found here. Meanwhile, matches and regular lighters are usually allowed.

Drones:

Drones are great fun but leave them at home during your cruise. As of this posting, only Carnival and Royal Caribbean allow drones onboard and in both cases, they can not be used on the ship, only on land. In addition, Royal Caribbean has a restriction that it can not be used in any of their private destinations and may only be used outside the port area.

Irons, Heating Pads, Hot Plates, and Kettles:

Heating pad with yellow flowered cover and a clothes iron

Basically, things that are electric that heat up are prohibited. In short, these included heating blankets, heating pads, coffee makers, and clothes steamers. The exceptions are hair straighteners, curling irons, and hair dryers. You may bring these. However, most ships have hair dryers for you to use.

Knives, Firearms, Weapons, Ammunition, and Pepper Spray:

Do not even attempt to bring these. Scissors over 4 ” long are not allowed. And in addition, replicas of knives and firearms are banned.

Marijuana and Illegal Drugs:

It does not matter if marijuana is legal in your home state. It is not legal by federal law and that makes it illegal on any cruise ship. This includes medical marijuana – even with a doctor’s order.

Pool Floats:

Two pool noodles, one blue and one light purple

Do not bother bringing inflatable tubes, beach balls, floating mats or pool noodles on your next cruise. They will be confiscated. Puddle jumpers and Coast Guard approved swim aids for children may be allowed. Always check with your individual cruise line to be sure.

Sporting Equipment:

Bats, hockey sticks and cricket bats are not allowed. Golf Clubs are usually okay, as long as they are stored in your stateroom. Some other equipment may be brought aboard but can only be used off the ship, while in port. Be sure to check with your cruise line before boarding.

Surge Protectors and Electric Extension cords:

They say these interfere with the ship’s electrical system. However, there are some power strips that are allowed. Cruise approved power strip is the one I use.