Can you bring a metal detector on a cruise?
It depends on your cruise line. Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Disney ban it. Princess, Celebrity, MSC, Holland America and Virgin Voyages don't say.
Pick your cruise line
BAG CHECKMETAL DETECTOR → CARNIVAL
Leave it at home
Not allowed
Metal detectors are on Carnival's banned list.
All 9 lines side by side
- Not allowed Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney
- Not stated Princess, Celebrity, MSC, Holland America, Virgin Voyages
| Cruise line | Status | What the rule says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Not allowed | Metal detectors are on Carnival's banned list. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean | Not allowed | Not named, but Royal Caribbean bans electrical items that aren't made for personal grooming. Not named on the page; this comes from a general rule. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Norwegian | Not allowed | Metal detectors are on Norwegian's banned list. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Princess | Not stated | Princess's pages don't mention metal detectors. Ask Princess before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Celebrity | Not stated | Celebrity's pages don't mention metal detectors. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Disney | Not allowed | Metal detectors are banned by name. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| MSC | Not stated | MSC's pages don't mention metal detectors. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Holland America | Not stated | Holland America's pages don't mention metal detectors. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | Not stated | Virgin's pages don't mention metal detectors. Ask the line before you pack one. | 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
Can I use one on a beach in port?
Even if your line allows it, many beaches and countries limit metal detecting. Check the port's local rules first.