What Items Are Prohibited On A Cruise Ship?

If you're getting ready to go on a cruise holiday, you're in for an exciting adventure! However, when preparing what to pack, you may be wondering what items are not allowed on cruise ships.

While some things are self-explanatory for reasons such as health and safety, other prohibited items may come as a bit of a surprise, especially if you have not been on a cruise holiday before, so it is essential to be aware of these. 

To help with your packing, we've compiled a list of the banned items on cruise ships, as well as other items to be aware of that are restricted. This will help guide your cruise preparations and ensure your cruise holiday is smooth sailing.

What Can't You Take On A Cruise Ship?

There are several key groups of items you can't take on a cruise. Cruise ships are like floating cities, providing a temporary home to thousands of cruise guests and crew members. Therefore, you need to be aware of cruise ship-prohibited items to help ensure safety, prevent accidents and maintain a pleasant environment for all onboard.

Key Groups Of Cruise-Prohibited Items

While policies may vary slightly, most cruise lines ban the following groups of items:

Firearms & Fireworks

Most people wouldn't dream of bringing a firearm or fireworks onto a cruise ship due to the significantly high risk they pose. Yet, it is still critical to make this reminder. Bringing these items on a cruise ship seriously violates safety regulations.

All cruise lines, without exception, strictly prohibit firearms, ammunition, and fireworks, including sparklers, as they are considered highly dangerous due to their potential to cause fires or injuries.

Fire is regarded as one of the top hazards on a cruise ship. So even small, seemingly harmless items can create significant risks onboard, where fire safety is a top priority.

Open Flames & Flammable Substances

Any open-flame items (e.g. candles and incense) and volatile or flammable liquids are also strictly forbidden due to fire risks. So, while you may think the odd candle creates a lovely ambience, save these for your holidays on land and preserve cruise ship safety for you and your fellow guests.  

When it comes to lighter fluid, check with your cruise line, as these items are typically restricted but not banned entirely. For example, while flammable substances appear on the prohibited items on P&O Cruises, smokers are allowed to bring small personal lighters.

Heating Devices

A less obvious but potentially equally dangerous set of items is heating devices, including irons, steamers, kettles, coffee makers and hot plates. These are on the list of prohibited items on cruise ships for the same fire safety reason. 

But don’t worry, most cruise lines offer snacks and drinks throughout the day and late into the evening so that you can satisfy any cravings. You'll also find that the majority of cruise ships have a laundry room with ironing facilities for your clothes, too. 

A common question from cruise guests is whether appliances like hair straighteners and curlers are part of the cruise luggage-banned items. Again, the restrictions around these hair styling tools vary between cruise lines. Some allow them if used with care, while others ban them entirely- so it's important to double check before travelling.

Extension Leads & Power Strips

This group of cruise ships' prohibited items might surprise you. If, like many people, you like to take an extension lead with you when on holiday just in case there's a shortage of plug sockets, you will likely need to reconsider. 

Most cruise lines do not allow electrical extension cords due to the fire risk, and some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, even ban surge-protected strips. However, don't fret; usually, you'll find modern cruise ships provide plenty of places to plug in your devices.

Weapons & Sharp Objects

Again, for clear safety reasons, items like firearms, ammunition, knives (except small utility ones – nail scissors or clippers are also okay), and any other weapons are strictly prohibited items on cruise ships.

Martial arts and sports equipment, such as baseball bats or hockey sticks, are also included in this group of items you can't take on a cruise. Furthermore, do not bring any toy replicas or decorative items, as these can still cause alarm and pose a security threat.

Illegal Substances

All illegal drugs and substances, including marijuana and CBD products, are strictly prohibited items you can't take on a cruise, regardless of local laws at ports of call.

For example, the list of prohibited items on P&O Cruises reinforces that while CBD products may be legal in the US for medicinal purposes, they are not allowed in the ports they visit, so they remain on the banned list. 

Drones & Remote-Controlled Devices

A relatively new addition to cruise-prohibited items: drones and any remote-controlled flying devices, including toys, are banned due to privacy and safety concerns. 

Being on a cruise ship may seem like a fantastic opportunity to get spectacular aerial shots from your drone. However, it can not only intrude on other guests' personal space and holiday experience but can also potentially affect the ship's control operations.

So, it's best to leave your drone at home and enjoy the view from the deck instead.

Hoverboards, E-Scooters & Segways

These are another set of items that have increased in popularity in recent years, becoming a hazard on cruise ships and beginning to appear on cruise luggage-banned items. 

Cruise line restrictions vary, so it’s another one to check before you go. For example, the Marella Cruises prohibited items list states that any self-balancing hoverboards, air wheels, e-scooters, or Segways (except those provided by the cruise line for shore excursions) are not permitted.

However, if you have mobility issues, get in touch with your cruise line, as most make exceptions for going onshore.

Pets (Excluding Service Animals)

If you're hoping for some company during your holiday in the form of your household pet, unfortunately, you will be disappointed when travelling on a cruise ship. Most cruise lines have strict policies against bringing pets onboard. With the confined space and shared use of facilities, the risk of allergies and disruption to other cruise guests is simply too high. 

Service animals are generally allowed. However, if you wish to bring one onboard, check with your cruise line in advance, as it is likely that you will have to provide specific documentation. 

One cruise line that is an exception to this is Cunard. It welcomes pets on some of its sailings. For example, Queen Mary 2 has dedicated kennels and space for cats and dogs, allowing you to take your pet on Transatlantic crossings.

Cruise Ship Alcohol Policies

Each cruise line has its own rules regarding alcohol. Therefore, when getting ready for your cruise, check your documentation to see what you can bring. Some cruise lines allow a limited amount of wine or champagne, while others ban alcohol entirely. 

For more details on cruise alcohol policies, take a look at our dedicated article.

Other Miscellaneous Items To Be Aware Of

When planning your packing, you may still be thinking, what can I take on a cruise ship? To help, here are a few other less obvious things that can fall under the restricted or prohibited items on cruise ships:

• Perishable food: Some cruise lines allow packaged snacks, but most ban homemade food.

• Musical instruments: Large instruments, in particular, may be restricted due to noise and space.

• Bluetooth speakers: Some cruise lines restrict these due to noise considerations.

• Metal detectors: These are usually prohibited due to interference with the ship's systems

Packing for a cruise is all part of the excitement, but knowing what items to leave behind can save you from unnecessary hassle. Be sure to always check your cruise line’s specific guidelines, and you’ll be well-prepared for the best experience at sea.

If you have any further questions regarding the items you cannot take on a cruise ship, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.