7 things you can’t take on your cruise
Clearly firearms and explosives (including fireworks) are not allowed on ships as part of your luggage, but there are a few other things that you should also be aware of that you can’t pack in your bags or take on board as carry on when you go on a cruise.
#1 You Can’t Have Weapons and Objects that Could Be Potential Weapons
Just like at airports, sharp objects, knives, guns, ammunition, and weapons of any kind -- including replicas like toy guns -- are not allowed to be brought onboard the ship (but nail clippers and small scissors are fine). Sports equipment such as scooters, skateboards, baseball bats and hockey sticks that could potentially be used as a weapon or otherwise cause damage, injuries and liability are also banned.
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#2 Drugs and Any Other Banned Substances Are Prohibited on Your Cruise Ship
Similar to firearms, even if a narcotic or substance (marijuana or cannabis products, for example) is declared legal in the embarkation state, it is still prohibited to bring it on the cruise. This includes products containing CBD oil, candies and edibles, even if prescribed by a physician as medication.
To detect illicit material, many port authorities employ K9 dog units that will sniff every piece of checked and carry-on luggage (and even every passenger) prior to embarkation. Carnival Cruise Line has even started using drug-sniffing dogs at ports of embarkation to combat cannabis and other illicit substances from being brought onboard.
Drugs are a serious security matter onboard ship, and you definitely don’t want to get on the wrong side of the law. Many countries, too, have strict laws that can land passengers in jail for attempting to bring drugs off the ship that can result in jail time or, in some places, even the death penalty.
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#3 Alcoholic Beverages Are (Mostly) Not Allowed on a Cruise Ship
Check with each cruise line as to how stringent they are with this rule, but on a lot of ships you are not allowed to bring alcohol on board, except on embarkation day where you are allowed to bring onboard a bottle of wine or champagne on most lines, all other alcoholic beverages are not allowed. And you shouldn’t try to sneak them inside your checked bags or other containers such as water or mouthwash bottles.
All luggage going onboard the ship is screened, and any suspicious containers will be opened and removed if the rules are violated. Once the cruise is underway, any alcohol purchased at a port of call or onboard the ship’s shop will be stored by security, and guests can retrieve them on the last evening of the cruise.
#4 Items that Are Fire Hazards Aren’t Allowed on Your Cruise
Fire is the most dangerous hazard onboard a cruise ship, so it makes complete sense that you aren’t allowed to bring anything flammable, that makes an open flame, or has a heating element.
The list includes -- although certainly not limited to -- any flammable liquid or fuel (although disposable cigarette lighters are fine), candles, incense, coffee makers, kettles, hot plates, heating pads, electric blankets and clothes irons.
Not every cruise line has the same rules about curling irons and heat-generating hairstyling tools: some allow them if used with proper care and are unplugged when unattended, while others outright say no.
Hand-held clothes steamers and power bars are another gray area, as they can potentially overheat if left plugged in. If you want to bring these items onboard, it’s best to check with the cruise line you are sailing with for their rules.
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#5 Pets (Except Service Animals) Can’t Board with You on a Cruise
Except for service animals, you aren’t allowed to bring pets onboard the ship. Cruise lines have specific definitions as to what qualifies as a service animal. The animal must perform tasks to aid the human -- for example, a seeing-eye dog -- who otherwise would not be able to function on their own. Although you can double-check with the cruise line you plan to sail with, emotional support animals of any kind typically do not qualify as a service animal.
One exception to the no-pets rule is Cunard Line, where guests can transport their cats and small dogs on any of the Queen Mary 2’s transatlantic sailings that depart from Southampton, Hamburg, or New York. Pets are accommodated in one of the ship’s 24 kennels (which needs to be pre-booked and paid for) and are looked after by a crew member. Pets must remain in the kennel area at all times and are not allowed to be in the guest’s cabin or any public areas, although guests can visit their pets during scheduled hours.
#6 Don’t Bring Fresh Flowers or Plants on Your Ship
Thinking of brightening up your cabin by bringing a bouquet of flowers or a potted plant onboard? Think again because you won’t be allowed to do so, as these items may carry pollen/seeds or agricultural diseases that might inadvertently impact the ecosystems on the ship or in ports of call that you visit.
If you want flowers for yourself or give them as a gift to those cruising with you, order them from the cruise line’s Bon Voyage Gifts department, and they will be waiting in the cabin on embarkation day.
#7 Drones: Flying or Remote-Controlled Devices Are Not Allowed on Cruises
With drones increasingly gaining in popularity, you may consider taking one onboard to record aerial footage of your cruise. Or you or your child might want to bring a remote-controlled vehicle or flying device to play with onboard. Neither is allowed, as drones interfere with the ship’s operations, not to mention they can intrude on people’s privacy, and any remote-controlled toys can be a safety hazard for other guests or have a chance of going overboard.
In addition, many places and ports around the world have outright banned the use of drones or have placed restrictions on their use to those who have approved permits or licenses. Unless you’re one of those folks, leave the drones grounded.
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Info for this story from cruise critic.com and internet sources