Take note next time you’re boarding a cruise ship. As you step on board the ship and are being checked in by security staff, there’s a table or series of tables with various items sitting on them.
It resembles a lost and found table at a school or church.
But these aren’t lost items.
The random items sitting on these tables are items that your fellow cruiser passengers tried to take on board but were confiscated by security as they are on the prohibited list of the particular cruise line
Want to avoid the time delay and embarrassment of having items confiscated? Take note of the following items that are prohibited on cruise ships.
NOTE* – As always, each cruise line has specific items that may be allowed on one cruise line, and not on another. ALWAYS check with your cruise line directly for specific items.
And don’t think you’re going to get away with trying to sneak something onboard because they do search luggage before you board a ship.
Prohibited Items on a Cruise
Liquor (Beer, Wine, Spirits)
It’s true. Think you’re going to enjoy a bottle of your favorite whiskey in your stateroom – think again!
Each cruise line has different beverage policies, but in general, other than a bottle of wine to enjoy with dinner, Beer, Spirits & Coolers are prohibited items on a cruise. For more information, see our post: Water & Wine: What You Can Bring Onboard
Firearms, Knives or Other Weapons
Let’s set the firearms debate aside for a moment and get straight to the point. Firearms are prohibited on cruise ships for regular passengers.
Unless you are a law enforcement officer or security guard, onboard in an official capacity and with prior approval, all other firearms are prohibited and will be confiscated. This includes knives, nun chucks, and any other item that is considered a weapon.
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.
Extension Cords
If you were hoping to bring lots of electronics, just be aware that you cannot bring extension cords on some cruise lines.
Explosives
Do we have to explain this one? Explosives are prohibited items and may get you in hot water with the local authorities.
Bicycles
Sorry if you had planned for a nice bike ride around Bermuda. You will need to rent a bicycle at your destination as they are prohibited.
Boats or Canoes
We’re not sure where you would put a canoe in a tiny stateroom, so just don’t bother bringing one.
Hand-Cuffs
Cough Cough…Sorry, you can’t bring those.
Segways
Some cruise lines will let you bring it, but it cannot be used onboard. Lots of ports have Segway tour shore excursions. Check directly with your cruise line.
Household Appliances
If you’re the type of person that likes to make toast in the morning or heat up a TV dinner, you are out of luck.
Household appliances like Toasters, Toaster Ovens, Microwaves, Waffle Makers, Hot Plates, Coffee Makers, Electric Water Kettles and Blenders are all prohibited items and will be confiscated upon boarding. But don’t worry; there’s plenty of food at the many restaurants throughout the ship, and most of it’s complimentary.
Clothing Irons
Due to the risk of fire, clothing irons are not allowed on board. If you need clothing ironed, talk to your stateroom attendant for options.
Heating Pads & Blankets
For safety reasons, heating pads and heating blankets are not allowed onboard. If you are feeling chilly, ask your stateroom attendant for another blanket.
Pipes/Hookahs & Illegal Drugs
Do not try to bring cocaine, marijuana or any other illegal recreational drugs onboard. They will be confiscated.
Gaming & Video Systems
We aren’t sure why you would want to bring video games or a DVD player while heading out for a fabulous cruise vacation since there are so many other activities; These are prohibited items including DVD & Blu-ray players and Gaming stations such as X-Box or PlayStation.
Fireworks
For safety reasons, fireworks are not permitted onboard. Sorry if you thought you could have your own fireworks show, right from your balcony.
Know Before You Go!
We hope that your cruise will be an amazing experience and hope that NOT being able to bring the items listed above doesn’t cramp your style too much!
As always, check with your cruise line directly if you have any questions about specific items. See below for more information.
Royal Caribbean Prohibited Items
Carnival Cruises Prohibited Items
Norwegian Cruises Prohibited Items
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