10 Items To Leave at Home On Your Next Cruise

By Brooke Franco

Are you packing for an upcoming cruise? There are several items to remember that cruise lines will not allow you to bring onboard the ship.

Most prohibited items by cruise line policies are self-explanatory, but you may find some restricted items a surprise. If an item is not allowed, it’s typically because of the safety and well-being of the cruise ship and your fellow sailors.

Following are ten items you should leave at home on your next cruise.

1. Illegal Substances

Bringing illegal drugs or substances on a cruise is strictly prohibited by cruise lines and can result in severe legal consequences. Note, just because it's legal in your home state or a port you visit does not mean it is allowed on the cruise ship. Marijuana is the most common illegal drug brought onboard ships. Even though many states in the U.S. (and other countries) have legalized it, it does not mean that it is allowed onboard a ship. Any products with THC, including vape pens or gummies, should be left at home. If you have questions about whether a drug is legal on your cruise, take the safe route, and don’t bring it!

2. Candles and Incense

Open flames are some of the most significant hazards to a cruise ship. Having candles or incense in your cabin or for personal use can pose a severe threat to the ship, so they are typically not allowed by the cruise line as they are too much of a fire hazard. Leave these items for your enjoyment at home.

3. Clothes Irons and Steamers

Clothes irons or personal steamers can cause a fire risk, so they are typically not allowed by most cruise lines. Just leave these items at home. You won’t get ‘in trouble’ for trying to bring them onboard; however, they will get confiscated by your cruise line at embarkation and returned at the end of the cruise.

For those concerned with wrinkled clothes, check out alternatives such as wrinkle-release sprays or onboard laundry services.

Tip: If you are traveling with someone who uses a hair flat iron (allowed since it’s a hair product) that can be handy for tough wrinkles - dampen clothing with water or wrinkle releaser spray and run the flat iron over the area on a light heat setting. Also, use the steam from the shower to steam wrinkles from clothes - place it on the back of the door while showering.

4. Heaters and Heating Pads

If you are cruising in a cooler climate, you might be tempted to pack a personal heater or a heating pad to keep warm while in your cabin. Think again - these items pose a fire risk and are typically not allowed on the ship. These are (again) items that won’t get you kicked off for having, but it’s likely to be confiscated before you get onboard. If confiscated, the items will be available for pick up at disembarkation. Leave these devices at home, and consider bringing a sweater or sweatshirt to wear if you get cold, or you can even request an extra blanket for your cabin from housekeeping.

5. Cooking Appliances or Personal Grills

Personal cooking appliances are generally not permitted in cabins or on stateroom balconies. We know for some it may be difficult to not imagine cooking or having your own personal way of heating up food for the duration of your cruise.

Due to fire hazards they pose to the ship cooking appliances (such as microwaves or hot plates) are not allowed to be brought on a cruise. This also includes the use of a personal grill on your balcony. Leave the cooking to your cruise line and utilize the ship’s dining options for the duration of your sailing instead. If you have a reason to utilize a microwave or other heating device, speak to shipboard services for further assistance.

6. Pets

We know it’s difficult to leave Fido and Mr. Whiskers at home while you go on vacation! However, don’t try smuggling your dog, cat, or other pets onboard your cruise. Pets are generally not allowed on cruise ships, with a few exceptions for working/service animals. Cruise lines typically do not approve of bringing therapy animals onboard, but check with your specific cruise line for details and approvals needed before boarding.

Tip: There is one cruise line that does allow your furry canine friend to cruise with you. Cunard Line has kennels onboard all their ships, but they have limited space and book up very early.

7. Fishing Rods to Use on the Ship

Fishing enthusiasts - we know this is a tough one to not bring on your cruise. Some cruise lines will technically allow fishing gear to be brought for use in port, however in no way can fishing rods or equipment be brought onboard to be used while the ship is sailing or to be used onboard for casting off when it is docked.

Cruise lines will not, and cannot let you fish off of the cruise ship. The equipment poses a hazard to other guests, the ship, or you could endanger yourself by using it. It’s dangerous to try, so don’t chance it! You WILL get in trouble and possibly be kicked off the cruise if you try to fish from the ship!

8. Firearms or Weapons

Cruise lines do not permit firearms or weapons of any kind on board cruise ships. These items are not allowed by the cruise line and are possibly in violation of the local laws for the countries the cruise visits. If you have any questions about bringing firearms or personal safety devices on your cruise, please contact the cruise line for approvals or more information.

9. Pool Inflatables

The thought of bringing your float mat to lounge in the pool or an animal float for a great Instagram photo sounds like a good idea, but unfortunately, most cruise lines do not allow these items. Included items to leave at home are pool noodles, floats, inner tubes, beach balls, and other inflatable items. They take up space in the pool and can even pose a safety hazard.

The exception is arm floaties/water wings for small children. These are allowed since they are a safety item and may be used onboard in the pool and splash pad areas.

Note: Inflatables or other water accessories are permitted at most local beaches in port. If you decide to bring something onboard, remember it can only be inflated after you disembark in port and should be deflated before reboarding the ship.

10. Fireworks or Pyrotechnics

The exception is arm floaties/water wings for small children. These are allowed since they are a safety item and may be used onboard in the pool and splash pad areas.

Once again, fire is a significant concern on a cruise. It should go without saying, but you cannot create your own fireworks show at sea while on your cruise. Leave your sparklers, Roman candles, or any other pyrotechnics for enjoyment at home. For those shaking their heads, yes, people have tried to bring fireworks onboard.

For Your Safety

We know some of these items may be tough to leave behind; however, these rules are in place by cruise lines for your safety the safety of fellow passengers and the crew, as well as the ship.

If you question if something is allowed on your cruise, contact your cruise line first to learn more about their policies. Many lines spell out their requirements on their website, or you can learn how to contact cruise lines here.

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