The answer is; No, cruise ships do not allow guns onboard. They are part of a “prohibited items” list that all ships have and encompass a wide range of items such as weapons, illegal drugs, fire hazards – generally anything that could cause an unsafe environment for guests and crew.

Items that now seem commonplace, like CBD oil and products, are not allowed on a cruise ship. Neither is marijuana, even if you have a medical marijuana card. 

If you disembark on an excursion while on a cruise, be aware that there are items, like knives, that you will not be able to bring back on board. Most legitimate dealers onshore will offer to send your purchased items back home for you. If you attempt to bring them back on ship, they may be confiscated. 

While having your CBD oil or curling iron confiscated may seem inconvenient, the ramifications of inadvertently bringing prohibited items can be life-changing. 

In today’s global world, having the cruise lines check your bags could turn out to be a huge blessing for you. Each country that you visit has their own set of rules and regulations. All visitors are expected to adhere to those rules, and leniency for visitors is by no means a given. 

In April of 2024, a U.S. man, Tyler Wenrich, on a cruise to Turks and Caicos was arrested after four rounds of ammunition was found in his backpack when he disembarked from a Royal Caribbean cruise. He had used the backpack on a recent hunting trip in the U.S. and had not been diligent in his inspection of the pack before using it for his cruise. 

Possessing a gun or ammunition is prohibited in Turks and Caicos, and in February of 2024 a court order mandated that even tourists are subject to prison time.  Tyler Wenrich, an EMT from Virginia, now faces the potential of a mandatory minimum sentence of up to 12 years in prison. 

While his wife was able to fly back to the United States, Wenrich is being held on the island awaiting trial. 

Make sure you check your luggage carefully before packing it, know what items  are prohibited by your Cruise Line, and if in doubt, leave it home. It is better to be safe than sorry. 

Items not allowed on a cruise are easy to find on a cruise line’s website, usually under a “pre-cruise” or “know before you go” heading for those who have already purchased a cruise.