Generally, when getting ready for a cruise, you’re looking up what to pack and what papers you need.
However, have you stopped to wonder about what you shouldn’t bring with you on a cruise?
Well, today, I’ll share with you 18 prohibited items on a cruise ship because they can harm you or others, or are simply banned for other reasons.
1. Irons
Clothing irons and steamers aren’t allowed on cruise ships because they present a fire hazard.
Almost every cruise ship in the world offers some sort of laundry service onboard if you need it, and there’s also wrinkle release spray if you’d prefer a cheaper and easier alternative.
2. Liquor
Most cruise lines will allow a restricted quantity of champagne, wine, and sometimes even beer (hi, Disney!), but they won’t allow guests to bring their hard liquor.
It’s your vacation, so hit one of the onboard bars on the rocks for your favorite cocktail or drink. Pre-ordering your favorite bottle of booze is also a great (but pricey) idea.
3. Household Appliances
Going along with the iron point, most small household appliances hold a fire risk.
So hot plates, toasters, coffee makers, and the like aren’t allowed to cross your ship’s gangway for fear they might potentially cause a fire.
4. Candles and Incense
This one is pretty obvious. Open flame = huge fire risk. This applies to regular candles, scented candles, and incense.
5. Large Scissors
Usually, smaller scissors are allowed, like ones used for personal grooming or perhaps to do a quick sewing job.
The general guideline in the industry seems to be that scissors with blade lengths over 4 inches will be confiscated at security.
6. Shoes with Wheels
Are Heelys even still a thing?
Regardless, if you or a member of your family has sneakers with little wheels on the bottom for zipping around, leave them at home when you head out for your cruise vacation.
Having wheels on a ship isn’t the best idea out there.
7. Large Knives
Like the scissors, cruise lines don’t want their guests with large, sharp objects that could easily be used as weapons.
The exception on some cruise lines is a recreational dive knife, which will be held by the Chief Security Officer or other crew member on the ship until it’s time to use it during an excursion.
8. Helium Balloons
If you’re hopping on a cruise to celebrate a special anniversary or a birthday, skip the helium balloons as they’re prohibited.
This is probably the agencies’ way of trying to protect oceanic life by avoiding any plastic waste that can float into the water.
You can contact the relevant authorities behind your cruises and ask about the availability of helium balloons on deck if it’s really important to your celebration.
9. Heating Pads
Your sore muscles will have to find another way to get relief because heating pads aren’t allowed on your cruise as they’re a fire hazard.
A great alternative would be the hot tub on your ship! Warm, bubbling water is great for relaxing.
10. Homemade Food
All cruise ships have a similar rule regarding perishables: They’re not allowed on board.
If you’re wondering what are perishables, those are food items that aren’t sealed or packaged. This means all homemade food is strictly forbidden from cruises.
11. Segways, Surfboards, and Boats
These three items all have one thing in common: They can get launched off the boat. As a result, they can affect guests, potentially putting their lives in danger.
Plus, if you need to catch a flight to get to your cruise or the other way around, they won’t allow you on board with an item such as a segway board due to the lithium batteries.
That means it’s best to leave them at home.
12. Restraints
While not many cruise lines have this detailed clearly in their guideline, it’s best to stay on the safe side by leaving any kind of restraints at home. This means handcuffs, rope, and anything similar.
13. Big Coolers
Again, with the big and bulky, most cruise cabins are relatively small, and the line doesn’t want guests lugging around large coolers across their ships, either.
Most will allow you to purchase a small one either in a special onboard package or the gift shop, and your room steward will be able to provide you with a bucket of ice if you need that as well.
14. Firearms
Firearms present a huge risk on a cruise ship, especially when drunk people are involved. Need I say more?
15. Extension Cords
Extension cords can be trippy and not always completely safe when electrical fires come to mind.
Cruise lines might vary on this policy, but in general, leave the cord at home.
You’ll be allowed a small power strip for extra outlets, and that’s most likely all you’ll really need.
16. Aerial Drones
Drones are the new hot thing. Photos and videos from above are gorgeous, and almost every photographer wants a piece of the action.
We’re not sure what the policy is for every cruise line regarding drones, but we know some lines do prohibit them. Check with your cruise line on this one.
17. Pepper Spray
Lots of people carry pepper spray as a defense mechanism nowadays.
As wise as it may seem to keep it with you on a cruise for foreign ports, the line doesn’t want to run the risk of a guest using it for the wrong purpose.
Make sure you leave it at home.
18. Bicycles
Again, with the big and bulky. Bicycles are just too cumbersome for a cruise ship that probably holds thousands of passengers.
The good news is lots of ports have cycling shore excursions or bikes that you can rent on your own.
The better news is: if you happen to be taking a river cruise, it’s likely that your ship includes bikes to use in port that are free for you to use.
Final Thoughts
There are most likely some items on this list that are prohibited on one cruise line but allowed on another.
If you’re unsure what your line’s policy is, hit the FAQ section on their website or call them. But in general, for the things we’ve mentioned, use the list as a guideline for what to leave at home. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
