What NOT to Pack on Your Next Cruise (Prohibited Items!)

Prohibited Items on a Cruise

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. 

Cruise Lines Introduce Restrictions on Smart Glasses Onboard

Smart glasses, such as Ray-Ban Meta models and similar wearable devices with recording capabilities, have become popular for their hands-free features like capturing photos, videos, audio, navigation assistance, and real-time information. 

However, major cruise lines have recently implemented policies to limit their use due to privacy and security concerns.

Royal Caribbean’s Policy Update

Royal Caribbean updated its prohibited items list to address smart glasses. The policy states that smart glasses capable of recording video and audio from various manufacturers are not allowed in specific areas onboard. 

These restricted zones include public restrooms, youth program facilities, medical areas, and the casino. Guests may still bring the devices onboard but must avoid using them in prohibited spaces. 

The cruise line advises passengers to pack regular glasses as a backup for these areas. Non-compliance may result in confiscation by the chief security officer or captain.

This change aims to protect passenger and crew privacy by preventing discreet recordings in sensitive locations. Royal Caribbean’s approach focuses on targeted restrictions rather than a full ban.

MSC Cruises’ Earlier Restrictions

MSC Cruises took a stricter stance in late 2025 by adding smart glasses to its prohibited items. The policy bans devices capable of covertly recording or transmitting data, including smart glasses, from all public areas onboard ships. 

This comprehensive rule reflects concerns over unconsented surveillance in shared spaces like decks, pools, and lounges.

The ban applies regardless of brand and prioritizes guest comfort and privacy over the convenience of wearable technology.

Reasons Behind the Restrictions

The primary motivation for these policies is privacy protection. Smart glasses can record discreetly, resembling ordinary eyewear, unlike smartphones that make recording more noticeable. This raises risks of unauthorized capture in environments where people expect some level of privacy, such as restrooms or family-oriented zones.

Cruise lines emphasize maintaining a safe and comfortable atmosphere for all guests. While some travelers value smart glasses for accessibility features, like assistance for those with visual impairments, or practical uses such as translation and navigation, the potential for misuse has prompted these measures.

Broader Industry Trends

Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises lead in addressing this issue, but similar policies may emerge across other lines as smart glasses gain popularity. The updates highlight the balance between embracing innovative technology and safeguarding personal privacy at sea.

Passengers planning cruises should review the latest prohibited items policies on their chosen cruise line’s website before packing wearable tech. These guidelines ensure enjoyable and respectful experiences for everyone onboard.

Satellite Dishes (or discs!) 

This first prohibited item is definitely a sign of the times. Just as a movie theater doesn’t want you to bring your own candy and snacks, and cruise lines don’t want you bringing your own liquor, WiFi has also joined the list of prohibited items. 

WiFi on a cruise ship can be costly, reception spotty and speeds are usually slow. Depending on the ship, WiFi packages can range from $15 per day per person or up to $75 per day for up to four devices. 

This can get pricey quickly for those who need to stay in touch with those on land, or if they need to do a bit of work while on the water. 

One industrious passenger aboard Carnival purchased a Starlink Mini, thinking that Carnival’s rule prohibiting “satellite discs” would not extend to his satellite dish. He learned otherwise when he was asked to surrender the Starlink Mini for the duration of the voyage.

So rather than risk the annoyance and bother, leave any such satellite dishes at home and make the best of the ship’s internet service if you need to maintain your connectivity. 

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