What not to bring on a cruise

10 things on our list are banned on all 9 cruise lines we cover. Most bans are about fire on board: anything that heats up, burns or could spark. Here's the full list, built from each line's own rules.

By GangwayCheckUpdated Nov 6, 2026From 9 lines' official pages

Banned on every line

  • Clothing steamer
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.
  • Clothing iron
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.
  • Coffee maker or kettle
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.
  • Liquor
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.
  • Marijuana or THC
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.
  • Candles and incense
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.
  • Pets
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.
  • Heating pad or electric blanket
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.
  • Hot plate, rice cooker or toaster
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.
  • Pepper spray
    Banned on 9 of 9 lines.

Banned on most lines

A few lines allow these with conditions. Check your line before you pack.

  • Beer
    Banned on 8 of 9 lines.
  • Hoverboard, scooter or skateboard
    Banned on 8 of 9 lines.
  • Toy guns and replicas
    Banned on 8 of 9 lines.
  • CBD
    Banned on 7 of 9 lines.
  • Handcuffs
    Banned on 7 of 9 lines.
  • Drone
    Banned on 6 of 9 lines.

It depends on your line

Lines disagree on these. Tap an item to see each line's rule.

  • Extension cord
    Banned on 5 of 9 lines.
  • Travel router
    Banned on 5 of 9 lines.
  • Bottled water
    Banned on 5 of 9 lines.
  • Knife or scissors
    Banned on 5 of 9 lines.
  • Bicycle
    Banned on 5 of 9 lines.
  • Surge protector
    Banned on 4 of 9 lines.
  • Soda
    Banned on 4 of 9 lines.
  • Scuba gear
    Banned on 4 of 9 lines.
  • Metal detector
    Banned on 4 of 9 lines.
  • Sound machine or humidifier
    Banned on 3 of 9 lines.
  • Bluetooth speaker
    Banned on 3 of 9 lines.
  • Power strip
    Banned on 2 of 9 lines.
  • Multi-plug outlet adapter
    Banned on 2 of 9 lines.
  • Baby monitor
    Banned on 2 of 9 lines.
  • Fan
    Banned on 2 of 9 lines.
  • Pool floats and inflatables
    Banned on 2 of 9 lines.
  • Fishing gear
    Banned on 2 of 9 lines.
  • Musical instrument
    Banned on 2 of 9 lines.
  • Balloons
    Banned on 2 of 9 lines.
  • Wine
    Banned on 1 of 9 lines.
  • Snacks and food
    Banned on 1 of 9 lines.
  • Walkie-talkies
    Banned on 1 of 9 lines.
  • Door decorations
    Banned on 1 of 9 lines.

Marijuana and THC

Every line we cover bans marijuana, including medical marijuana, even where it's legal at home. Ports have their own drug laws, and some lines warn that guests can be arrested ashore. See each line's rule on its cruise line page.

What happens if security finds something

It depends on the item and the line. Many lines hold items like hair tools, fans or liquor bought in port and hand them back near the end of the cruise. Banned drinks and dangerous items are often thrown away. Each line's page explains its own rule.

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.