Can you bring a guitar or other instrument on a cruise?
It depends on your cruise line. Carnival and Virgin Voyages allow it with limits. Disney and Holland America ban it. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity and MSC don't say.
Pick your cruise line
BAG CHECKMUSICAL INSTRUMENT → CARNIVAL
Pack it, but read the rules
Allowed with limits
Musical instruments are allowed. If people complain about the noise, Carnival can take the instrument and give it back when the cruise ends.
All 9 lines side by side
- Allowed with limits Carnival, Virgin Voyages
- Not allowed Disney, Holland America
- Not stated Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, MSC
| Cruise line | Status | What the rule says | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival | Allowed with limits | Musical instruments are allowed. If people complain about the noise, Carnival can take the instrument and give it back when the cruise ends. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Royal Caribbean | Not stated | Royal Caribbean's pages don't mention musical instruments. Loud noise isn't allowed onboard. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Norwegian | Not stated | Norwegian's pages don't mention musical instruments. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Princess | Not stated | Princess's pages don't mention musical instruments. Ask Princess before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Celebrity | Not stated | Celebrity's pages don't mention musical instruments. Loud noise isn't allowed onboard. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Disney | Not allowed | Musical instruments are banned by name on Disney's household items list. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| MSC | Not stated | MSC's pages don't mention musical instruments. Loud noise that bothers other guests is not allowed. Ask the line before you pack one. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Holland America | Not allowed | Holland America doesn't allow guests to bring musical instruments, such as guitars, drums, keyboards and horns. Playing them can disturb other guests. | Official pageChecked Nov 6, 2026 |
| Virgin Voyages | Allowed with limits | Musical instruments are allowed. They must fit through the terminal's screening machines, and the crew may ask you to play more quietly. | 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 play it on deck?
Plan on keeping the volume down. Carnival can hold an instrument if people complain about noise, and Virgin may ask you to play more quietly.