What is not allowed on cruise ships?

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A cruise vacation is one of the most relaxing ways to spend your holidays. Cruise ships offer you the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and adventure making your experience an enjoyable one. If you have already booked your tickets and are wondering what items you might want to avoid carrying, then keep reading this article. Cruising is a different experience and the rules and regulations are likely going to be different from flights and other forms of public land transport. While some items are obvious, a lot of people may find it weird to see some common objects on the prohibited list. There are good reasons why these items may not be permitted aboard the ship, and every passenger is expected to comply with them.

List of items not allowed on cruise ships

We describe here some points you need to know about the things that are not allowed on cruise ships.

1. Household appliances

Yes, you heard us right. Home appliances such as irons and steamers are typically not permitted aboard a cruise ship. The reason for this prohibition is practical: irons and steamers carry a potential fire risk. Accidents can happen, and a single iron, if handled carelessly, can lead to a fire outbreak, posing a threat to the lives of all the crew members and passengers aboard the ship.

Recently, cruise lines have started offering alternative services to ensure passenger comfort without compromising safety. For instance, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian now provide pressing services at a nominal fee, so passengers don't feel the need to bring their irons. Additionally, portable garment steamers have become popular alternatives and are allowed on some ships, but it's essential to check with your specific cruise line as policies may vary.

Always check the latest guidelines from your cruise line to avoid any surprises at the port.

2. Weapons

Weapons are one of the more expected items on this list. Restraints and firearms are absolutely a no-go on a cruise ship. Some cruises even restrict martial arts equipment to ensure that no passenger is any sort of a threat to others.

Carnival allows its passengers to carry Swiss Army knives, but the blade must be less than 4 inches long. Royal Caribbean prohibits passengers from carrying any form of knife or blade in their luggage. If you require a knife or a corkscrew for your bottles of champagne, you can request one from the onboard staff. Items like duct tape and packing tape, however, are not prohibited on cruise ships.

3. Liquor

Another surprising entry for many is that cruise ships do not allow passengers to carry hard alcohol or beer onboard. If the cruise staff discovers such bottles, your items will likely be confiscated, and you may not get them back as most of these items are disposed of.

Some lines, like Celebrity Cruises, allow passengers to bring two bottles of wine per stateroom, while others, like Norwegian, only permit one. Additionally, some cruise lines have become more flexible by allowing passengers to bring alcohol purchased from ports of call back onboard, provided it is checked in and stored until the end of the cruise.

To avoid embarrassment, always comply with your cruise's alcohol policies.

Also Check: What first-time cruisers should know?

4. Toys and drones

You might wonder how toys could pose a risk aboard a cruise ship, but items such as skateboards, roller skates, and hoverboards can be dangerous. As mentioned earlier, accidents do happen, and it's possible that while playing around on anything with wheels, you might risk bumping into someone or something.

Cruise ships have generally banned these toys to eliminate such risks. This ban also includes replica guns and inflatable pool toys. The regulation around drones has become more complex. Royal Caribbean allows passengers to bring drones onboard, but they can only be used when the ship is docked and not in common areas. Carnival and Disney cruise lines completely prohibit drone usage onboard. Some cruises now offer designated areas or specific times for drone usage, so checking with your cruise line before packing your drone is essential.

5. Meat and home-cooked food

Passengers are not allowed to carry perishable food items onboard a cruise ship. If you have expensive meat or fish, you can request a packing company to ship it home, but most cruise lines do not allow passengers to carry it on the ship.

Perishable foods have a limited shelf life, and the food you bring might go bad, creating a serious health and hygiene hazard. Many cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, have recently updated their food policies, especially concerning food allergies. Some cruise lines have even introduced more stringent measures to prevent cross-contamination and ensure that passengers with severe allergies are safe. Therefore, carrying your own perishable food is even more restricted.

6. Accessibility considerations

Cruise lines also have specific guidelines for passengers with disabilities or special needs. While some items are prohibited for safety reasons, exceptions may be made for necessary medical equipment or assistive devices. Passengers should contact their cruise line ahead of time to confirm what is allowed. Items such as mobility scooters, oxygen tanks, and CPAP machines are generally permitted, but it's essential to notify the cruise line in advance to ensure proper accommodations are made.

Also Read: How to Book a Cruise in 2024?

Packing tips: How to prepare for your cruise

Packing for a cruise can be a bit different from other vacations. Here are some tips to help you pack effectively while complying with cruise regulations:

• Always verify what's not allowed on your specific cruise line before packing. This can save you time and hassle at the port.
• These are great for organizing your clothes and maximizing suitcase space. Separate your outfits by day or activity to make it easier to find what you need.
• Bring only the essentials in travel-sized containers. Many cruise lines provide basic toiletries, so check what's available to avoid overpacking.
• Pack a mix of light and warm clothing to accommodate varying temperatures, especially if your cruise involves different climates.
• Use this for shore excursions and days spent exploring the ship. Include essentials like sunscreen, water bottles, and cameras.

Alternatives: What to bring instead of prohibited items

If you find that some of your items are prohibited, here are some alternatives to consider:

• Ironing services: Instead of bringing an iron, use the ship's laundry service, which often includes ironing options. Alternatively, pack wrinkle-resistant clothing.
• Beverages: If hard alcohol is prohibited, bring a bottle of wine if allowed. Most ships have ample bar services where you can purchase drinks.
• Toys: Instead of bringing toys with wheels, consider bringing board games, cards, or books to keep yourself entertained during downtime.
• Drones: If drones are prohibited, bring a good quality camera or smartphone with a tripod for capturing stunning photos and videos.

Final words

A cruise trip is the dream vacation for most people. Everyone wants to spend quiet and enjoyable nights on a wooden deck, under the blanket of stars. It is essential to ensure that you have a good time during your trip and take loads of good memories back with you.

Hopefully, this article has given you a brief idea about what you should avoid carrying on your cruise trip. Some cruise lines have also implemented stricter environmental regulations, banning single-use plastics and other non-biodegradable items. Always check the latest guidelines provided by your specific cruise line, as these rules can change frequently.

Ready to book your dream cruise? Visit CruiseBooking.com to explore the best and most affordable cruise options available.

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