What Items Are Prohibited on a Cruise Ship? The Complete Banned Items List

Safety-Related Prohibited Items

**Weapons and dangerous items (will not be returned):** - Firearms (even with permits) - Knives with blades over 4 inches - Brass knuckles, tasers, pepper spray (some lines) - Explosives or flammable materials

**Fire hazards:** - Irons and clothes steamers (use the ship's laundry service) - Candles and incense - Heating pads - Cigarette lighters with double-action triggers - Extension cords with surge protectors (basic power strips may be allowed — check your line)

**Note:** Items confiscated for safety reasons may not be returned.

Beverage and Food Restrictions

- Hard liquor (beyond permitted wine/champagne) - Beer (on most lines) - Outside food in amounts beyond personal snacks - Fresh fruits and vegetables (some itineraries with agricultural restrictions, especially Hawaii) - Canned goods in excess quantities

Electronics and Technology

- **Drones:** Prohibited on most cruise lines due to safety, privacy, and regulatory concerns - **Laser pointers:** Prohibited or severely restricted - **Ham radios and signal jamming devices:** Prohibited - **Walkie-talkies:** Allowed on most ships for onboard communication

Medical and Chemical Items

- Recreational drugs (illegal and subject to legal consequences) - Large quantities of prescription medications without documentation - Oxygen concentrators (require advance cruise line approval) - Certain over-the-counter medications in countries where they're controlled

**Note:** Always travel with prescriptions in original labeled containers and carry documentation for medical equipment.

What Happens to Confiscated Items

**Stored and returned on last evening:** Alcohol over allowed limits, some electronics.

**Confiscated permanently:** Weapons, illegal drugs, and items posing genuine safety risks.

**Denied boarding:** In rare cases (weapons, drugs found during embarkation security), guests may be denied boarding without refund.

Can I bring a CPAP machine on a cruise?

Yes. CPAP machines are medical devices and permitted. Many cruise lines provide distilled water for CPAP use — request it through guest services or when booking. Extension cords for medical devices are typically allowed.

Can I bring scissors on a cruise?

Small scissors (less than 4 inches blade) are generally allowed. Larger scissors may be confiscated at the security screening.

Can I bring playing cards and board games on a cruise?

Yes. Personal games and entertainment items are welcome. Most ships also have game libraries and activity rooms.

Are power strips allowed on cruise ships?

Basic power strips WITHOUT surge protectors are allowed on most cruise lines. Surge-protected strips are prohibited as a fire safety measure. Always bring a small non-surge power strip to accommodate multiple device charging.