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Going on a cruise and wanting to know what you can and can’t bring on a cruise ship? Look no further! This post has a complete list of items you should avoid bringing and ones you surprisingly can.
When packing for a cruise there are so many things to remember. You might be wondering “what are the things you can’t bring on a cruise ship?”
This is a list of 10 things you can’t bring on a cruise ship and also some alternatives to help if you are bummed out to hear something you were going to pack is on the list.
There are also a few items at the bottom of common products you can take on a cruise usually people don’t know that they can.
Everything you need to know before going on a cruise is listed below!
This post is all about things you can and can’t bring on a cruise.
Things You Can’t Bring On A Cruise
1. An iron or steamer
You might me unaware that you can’t take an iron or a clothes steamer on a cruise with you. This is really a bummer for those who have easily wrinkled clothes and are looking for a way to still look their best on a cruise.
Most people think that an iron isn’t allowed but a steamer is okay, but that is not the case. If you end up packing one or both of these items they will be taken away from you.
You won’t have to throw them away though, no need to worry. They will take down all of your information and put it away until disembarkation.
When you get off the ship and have collected your luggage there will be a table of confiscated items where you can get whatever they have taken from you back.
Alternatives:
A few cruises will have self serve laundry but that isn’t super common so I wouldn’t depend on it. You can also pay to have your clothes washed, ironed, etc with the cruise line if you would like.
You can also buy a few products that will help with wrinkles, stains and more.
This product doesn’t work as well as an iron or a steamer but if you’re trying to save money by not paying for the laundry services while on the ship this will help!
These two products are great to use if you ended up spilling food or a drink on one of your favorite vacation outfits. I always recommend bringing something like this on a cruise in case of an accident.
Some people like to bring laundry detergent sheets with them on a cruise to wash a few items of clothes in their bathroom sink.
2. Weapons
A weapon is a HUGE no no to bring with you on a cruise. If you can’t bring it on an airplane, you most likely can’t bring it on a cruise.
Common items people try to bring on a cruise or don’t think about them being an actual weapon are pocket knives. You aren’t allowed to bring these on a cruise and they will be confiscated if they find them in your bag or on your person while going through security.
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3. An extension cord with a surge protector
A common issue on cruise ships that passengers wish they could change is the lack of outlets in their room/outlets close to the bed.
Since this is such a dislike among the crusie community many people will try to bring an extension cord with them on a cruise. You have to be careful and make sure you get a cruise approved option.
If you get one that has a surge protector on it, it will be taken away and you won’t get it back until after your cruise.
Why?
You aren’t allowed to bring this type of item because it could be a fire hazard.
Alternatives:
This product is the top tried and tested product that is cruise ship approved! It has extra cord length so it can reach to your bedside if you’re wanting to charge your phone but not have it across the room.
It also has several outlets making charging multiple items at once an option!
Another option if you just need more outlets to charge all of your devices is a multi plug like this one.
It is cruise approved, doesn’t take up much space and is a great option if you’re looking for more outlets.
4. A coffee maker or tea kettle
It’s an extremely common question on cruise blogs or facebook pages if someone can bring a kettle or their own coffee maker to have in their stateroom with them. However, you aren’t allowed to bring either on a cruise with you.
It definitely can be a slight inconvenience for those who don’t want to have to leave their room to get coffee in the morning however there are some options for you!
Alternatives
1. Get room service. If you just want coffee or some hot water delivered to your room in the morning you can request room service to have these brought every morning of your cruise.
2. Thankfully included in the cost of your cruise are coffee and tea options! Usually you can find several different tea bag options, as well as bringing your own from home if you prefer.
When it comes to coffee, included coffee is not the best and usually only is standard, hot drip coffee. It is available in the buffet, main dining room and also at cafes.
3. You can pay for specialty coffees or teas if you do not like the included options.
5. Drugs
This one seems pretty straight forward but in case anyone did not know, you aren’t allowed to bring illegal drugs on a cruise with you.
You might sometimes smell weed on a cruise but it is not allowed and the people who bring it onboard risk being kicked off at any time and potentially being ban from the cruise line for life.
Even if it is prescription or legal in your state, cruise lines do not allow weed or CBD on their ships.
7. Candles/Insense
If you’re wanting to make your room smell good or enjoy some aromatherapy you will have to bring other options besides a candle or insense, as they are not allowed.
They are a fire hazard so the cruise line would never allow them to be brought onboard.
Alternatives
If you still want some fragrance in your room I would recommend bringing some room spray for your room and/or bathroom.
8. Hookah Pipe
Another item I have seen on the ‘things you can’t bring on a cruise ship’ table while going through security is a hookah pipe.
You would think this might be allowed since you can bring cigarettes and cigars on a cruise, but it is not. Just like the other products though, you don’t have to worry about them throwing it away. It will be labeled with your information and ready for your to pick up when you get off your cruise.
9. Handcuffs
This is one that people might not be aware isn’t allowed on a cruise ship. For whatever reason, good or bad that you wanted to bring handcuffs on a cruise with you, you will not be able to.
10. Homemade food
If you have a particular diet that you stick to you might be curious on if you can bring homemade food with you on a cruise. The answer is unfortunately, no.
There are TONS of food options that are included in the cost of your cruise fare. If you have special dietary needs I would suggest emailing customer service for the cruise line to make sure your needs are met. They are always happy to help!
Do some research before your cruise depending on your cruise line and where you are sailing from to see what types of food they offer.
Things You Can Bring On A Cruise
1. Hair tools
A question I see more than any other possibly on cruise Facebook groups is, “Can I bring my hair dryer on a cruise?”
The answer is YES!
It is a common misconception that you can’t bring your hair tools with you on a cruise. A hair dryer, straightener, curler etc. Be sure to check with your cruise ship to see if you need to bring an outlet converter.
Ships also provide you with a hair dryer in your stateroom. It isn’t the best quality but can work in a pinch. If you have long and/or thick hair though I would recommend bringing your own.
2. Electric shavers
If you would like to bring your electric shaver you are also allowed to do this!
Some people think this is an electronic that you might not be able to bring but that isn’t the case.
3. CPAP machine
If you require a CPAP machine no need to worry, you can bring your own device on the cruise ship with you.
I would advise not to put it in your checked luggage though and to carry it on with you. If you have any questions about your medical requirements be sure to call or email the cruise line for additional information.
4. Alcohol
If you’re going on a cruise you might not be aware (depending on the cruise line) that you can bring some forms of alcohol.
Now I do want to say you can’t bring anything you want. Beer, liquor, and seltizers are not allowed.
You are allowed to bring wine or champagne though. The rules will vary on each cruise line with how much each person can bring but it is an option if you don’t want to pay for a drink package or just want something extra for your room/dinner.
5. Packaged food
While you can’t bring homemade food as listed above, you are allowed to bring some prepackaged food with you on your cruise.
Parents find this especially helpful with little ones to be able to bring some snacks they are familiar with. Be sure to check your exact cruise line’s rules for how much and what you can bring if you are interested in doing so.
6. Fans
Some people when they go on a cruise can’t seem to get their stateroom cool enough. It is really common to bring a portable fan with you on your cruise to keep in your room. Other people might bring one for the added noise in their room to help them sleep better.
This post was all about things you can’t bring on a cruise ship.
