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What Is Banned on a Cruise? Avoid These Prohibited Items!

Writer's picture: George and DanGeorge and Dan

Packing for a cruise isn’t just about remembering your sunglasses and flip-flops - it’s also about knowing what you can’t bring. Cruise lines have strict rules on prohibited items, and getting it wrong can mean confiscation or even being denied boarding.


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Some of these restrictions are obvious (weapons, fireworks, and illegal drugs), while others might surprise you (like irons, Bluetooth speakers, and even certain sunscreens!). In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what you cannot take on a cruise, so you can pack smart and avoid any embarrassing check-in issues.


Electrical Appliances - Fire Hazards & Restrictions


Cruise ships are like floating cities, and fire is one of the biggest safety risks at sea. That’s why many electrical items are banned onboard.


❌ What’s Banned?

  • Irons & Garment Steamers - Fire hazards. If you’re worried about creased clothes, use wrinkle-release spray or the ship’s laundry service.

  • Coffeemakers & Kettles - Hot drinks are available onboard, so leave yours at home.

  • Toasters & Hot Plates - Anything that heats up is not allowed.

  • Surge-Protected Power Strips - These can overload the ship’s electrical system.


Black hair straightener on a light beige background, open and upright. Sleek design with subtle curves, creating a modern and minimal look.

✅ What’s Allowed?

  • Hair Straighteners & Curling Irons - Most cruise lines allow these, except MSC Cruises.

  • USB Chargers & Travel Adaptors - A great way to charge multiple devices at once.


Sharp Objects & Weapons - Safety First!


Even everyday items like scissors and razors are on the restricted list.


❌ What’s Banned?

  • Knives with blades over 4 inches - Some lines (e.g., Disney) ban knives completely.

  • Large Scissors - Small nail scissors are fine, but sewing scissors or anything longer than 4 inches is prohibited.

  • Weapons & Self-Defence Items - Handcuffs, tasers, pepper spray, and even toy guns are banned.


✅ What’s Allowed?

  • Safety Razors for Grooming - These are fine for personal use.


CBD & Marijuana - Even for Medical Use


Even if CBD oil and cannabis products are legal in your country, they’re banned on all cruise lines.


❌ What’s Banned?

  • CBD Oils, Gummies & Vapes - Regardless of whether it’s for medical or recreational use.

  • Marijuana (Even with a Prescription) - Cruise ships follow federal and international laws, not local ones.


Some passengers have even been banned for life for attempting to bring CBD onboard. If you rely on CBD, speak to your doctor about alternatives before your cruise.


Fire Hazards - Candles, Incense & More


Anything that involves an open flame is a huge no-no on cruise ships.


❌ What’s Banned?

  • Candles & Incense - Instead, use battery-operated tea lights for ambience.

  • Matches & Torch Lighters - Standard cigarette lighters are fine.


A lit candle in a frosted glass holder on a wooden surface. The background is dark, creating a warm and peaceful ambiance.

Fire sensors onboard are very sensitive, and even using a hair straightener near one could trigger an alarm!


Drones & Flying Devices


Drones are becoming more popular for capturing amazing travel footage, but don’t expect to fly them from the ship.


❌ What’s Banned?

  • Drones - You can bring them in luggage, but they must remain stored.

  • Kites & Remote-Controlled Toys - Disney specifically bans these.


A white drone with a camera flies over a misty, mountainous landscape. Soft, muted colors in the background create a serene atmosphere.

If you want drone footage, check your cruise line’s policy and only use it on land, away from ports.


Decorations & Balloons


Want to decorate your cabin for a birthday or anniversary? Be careful - some cruise lines don’t allow decorations.


❌ What’s Banned?

  • Balloons & Party Poppers - Banned on Disney and Carnival.

  • Cabin Door Decorations - Norwegian Cruise Line banned these in 2019.


Colorful balloons with ribbons fill the ceiling, creating a festive atmosphere. Red, yellow, and pink tones dominate the scene.

If you’re celebrating something special, check if your cruise line offers decoration packages instead.


Food & Drinks - Strict Rules Apply


Food and drink restrictions vary, but there are some universal rules across all cruise lines.


❌ What’s Banned?

  • Homemade Food & Fresh Fruit - No sandwiches or leftovers from home!

  • Spirits - Most lines allow one bottle of wine per person, but spirits are banned.

  • Plastic Bottled Water & Soft Drinks - Some lines (e.g., MSC) ban bringing your own drinks to prevent smuggling.


Rows of clear plastic water bottles with white caps, arranged closely. The background is blurry, creating a uniform, clean look.

✅ What’s Allowed?

  • Sealed, Pre-Packaged Snacks - Crisps, biscuits, and cereal bars are fine.



Certain Sunscreens - Reef-Safe Only


Some destinations ban sunscreens that contain oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene due to their impact on coral reefs.


If your cruise stops at:

🌴 Hawaii

🌴 Key West

🌴 Mexico’s Eco-Parks (Xcaret, Cozumel’s Chankanaab Park)


Make sure you bring reef-safe sunscreen instead!


 

FAQs About What You Cannot Take on a Cruise


Can I bring a drone on a cruise?

Most cruise lines allow drones in luggage but not for onboard use. Use them on land, away from port areas.


Can I take my own alcohol on a cruise?

Most cruise lines allow one bottle of wine per person, but spirits and beer are banned.


Are hair straighteners allowed on cruise ships?

Yes! Most cruise lines allow hair straighteners and curling irons, but MSC Cruises bans them.


Can I bring bottled water on a cruise?

Some cruise lines allow it, but others ban it (e.g., MSC Cruises).


What toiletries can I bring on a cruise?

There are no liquid restrictions, so you can bring full-sized toiletries.


Can I take CBD oil on a cruise?

No - CBD products are banned on all cruise lines, regardless of their legal status at home.


Can I take an iron on a cruise ship?

No, irons and steamers are strictly prohibited due to fire risks. Use the ship’s laundry service instead.


 

Packing for a cruise isn’t just about remembering your swimwear - you also need to know what you can’t bring. If you’re caught with prohibited items, they’ll be confiscated, and in some cases, you could be denied boarding.


Before you pack, check your cruise line’s policies to avoid surprises. Got any questions? Drop them in the comments below! 🚢🎒

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