Can you bring handcuffs on a cruise?
It depends on your cruise line. Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America and Virgin Voyages ban it. Royal Caribbean and MSC don't say.
Pick your cruise line
BAG CHECKHANDCUFFS → CARNIVAL
Leave it at home
Not allowed
Handcuffs and any other restraint devices are banned.
All 9 lines side by side
- Not allowed Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Disney, Holland America, Virgin Voyages
- Not stated Royal Caribbean, MSC
| Cruise line | Status | What the rule says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Not allowed | Handcuffs and any other restraint devices are banned. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean | Not stated | Royal Caribbean's pages don't name handcuffs. Self-defense and martial arts items are banned. Ask the line before you pack them. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Norwegian | Not allowed | Handcuffs and other restraints, like leg and head straps, are banned. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Princess | Not allowed | Handcuffs are on Princess's banned list. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Celebrity | Not allowed | Handcuffs are banned as self-defense gear. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Disney | Not allowed | Hand and leg cuffs and other restraining devices are banned by name. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| MSC | Not stated | MSC's pages don't mention handcuffs. MSC bans any item that can be used as a weapon, and security can take anything it thinks is dangerous. Ask the line before you pack them. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Holland America | Not allowed | Handcuffs are on Holland America's banned list. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | Not allowed | Handcuffs and other restraining devices are banned by name. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
Rules checked on Nov 6, 2026. Independent guide. Not affiliated with any cruise line. Rules change, so confirm with your cruise line before you sail. Security staff have the final say at the terminal.
Questions people ask
Do fuzzy or costume handcuffs count?
The lines that ban restraints don't make an exception for novelty cuffs. Leave them out of your theme-night bag.