Cruise day has finally arrived—you’re packed, excited, and ready to sail. But as you head through security, you’re pulled aside. Your fan? Gone. Wine? Tossed. That new Bluetooth speaker? Confiscated, even though it was fine the last time. Even your homemade cookies? Trashed without a second thought.
Cruise lines have been quietly tightening the rules, and some of them make zero sense. Even seasoned cruisers are getting tripped up by items they’ve brought on board for years. Seems the banned list keeps growing.
Want to start your cruise vacation with a welcome drink instead of a lecture? These are 21 shockingly normal things that are now flagged, confiscated, or flat-out banned. Know them before you pack, or your luggage will get surprisingly lighter at security.
Homemade Cookies, Cakes, or Fresh Fruit? Tossed. Every Time
You packed grandma’s famous cookies to surprise the crew. Or maybe a few apples for the cabin. Doesn’t matter—if it’s homemade, fresh, or unpackaged, it’s gone. Cruise lines claim it’s about pest control and safety. Some say foodborne illness risk, while others blame agricultural rules. Either way, your banana bread is now contraband.
One cruiser shared that they had baked muffins for the steward—and watched security toss them right into the trash. Another said, “It felt weirdly personal.” You meant well. They’ll still take it. Just not how you hoped.
Cheeky Wellness Products You Thought Were Legal
They help you sleep. Calm your nerves. Totally legal at home. So why not toss a few of those “relaxation gummies” in your cruise carry-on? Bad idea. Why? Cruise lines ban them because they’re viewed as “controlled substances” under federal law. And it doesn’t matter if they’re sold over the counter in your state.
Even though the gummies hint at being natural herbal remedies to relieve anxiety, they’ll not do your stress levels any good if security catches you. One report told of a woman being denied boarding and banned for life for having a pack of “wellness gummies.” No refund, compensation, or appeal. Just straight back to the airport.
If “sleep gummies” are banned, don’t even consider taking any on board that you can roll and light up for a discreet puff when the crew isn’t around, as this can get you banned from the cruise ship.
Drones: You Might Get It Back—But Not Always
Bringing a drone in your luggage? Usually fine. Flying it over the ship or while docked? Big mistake. Most cruise lines allow you to bring a drone but will confiscate it if you launch it onboard—or even nearby in port. It’s a safety and privacy issue, they say, and some ports ban them entirely.
One traveler shared their drone was held until disembarkation. Another? Got flagged for flying it on a sea day and never saw it again. The rule: bring it, don’t fly it, or you might lose it.
Toy Pirate Sets, Including Nerf or Water Blasters? Banned
That pirate costume set you packed for theme night? If it includes a toy sword, plastic, or otherwise, it’s probably not getting past security. Even bright orange Nerf guns, water blasters, or plastic cutlasses raise red flags. Port security treats anything weapon-like seriously, even if it’s clearly a toy.
One parent on Reddit said they were stunned when their kid’s plastic pirate sword and water blaster were taken. The couple posted, “It was a costume set from Target, still in the package. How mean!” Didn’t matter. On cruise day, toy weapons are off to the recycling center or landfill.
Decorations With Tape or String? Security Might Remove Them
Imagine your disappointment at packing banners, cute décor, and a “Happy Anniversary” sign to make your cabin feel festive. But you come back from dinner, and they’re gone. This usually happens if you’ve used tape, string, or adhesives to hang them. Cruise lines also claim that they are tripping hazards or fire risks if dangling near lights.
The same goes for fairy lights and LED string lights, regardless of whether they are battery-powered or plugged into an outlet. They can overheat, short-circuit, or mess with the electrical system.
Traveling on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship? They’ve now banned all types of cabin and door decorations, including paper and magnetic ones.
The good news is that some cruise lines still let you use magnets to hang non-flammable décor.
Hanging Curtains for Privacy? Fire Hazard, Says Security
Trying to DIY some privacy in your cabin with hanging curtains or makeshift dividers? You can no longer do that on Carnival cruise ships. They say that drapes and hanging room dividers like pinned sheets are a fire hazard and a risk to emergency access, even if it’s just for splitting beds at nighttime.
One cruiser said they used to love hanging lightweight curtains to separate their kids’ beds from theirs. It was a win-win for a bit of privacy in a cramped cabin. They lamented on Reddit that the cabin attendant asked them to take it down.
Bluetooth Speakers Can Be Confiscated for Noise Complaints
You brought a Bluetooth speaker to set the cruise mood—poolside playlists, balcony sunsets, maybe a little dance party in your cabin. But on some cruise lines, especially Carnival, these are now banned. Others allow them but get one noise complaint? You’ll not see it until the end of the cruise.
One traveler shared, “It was fine for two days—then someone complained, and I had to give my Bluetooth speaker up.” The problem? Thin walls, shared balconies, and way too many clashing playlists.
Want to listen to music at any volume on your cruise? Use headphones. Want your speaker? Best to leave it at home to be safe.
Can’t Hear the Baby? Too Bad—Monitors Are Banned
Baby monitors feel like a no-brainer for travel, but no longer on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. It’s supposed to be something about interference with ship systems and security concerns about signal privacy. Doesn’t matter if it’s audio-only or digital—many are flagged during screening.
One parent shared, “We were told to take it out of our carry-on—it never made it to the cabin.” The irony? Cruise lines don’t offer alternatives. Traveling with little ones? It’s best to make other arrangements for babysitting if you plan to attend a theater performance or enjoy specialty dining.
Even if a cruise line permits baby monitors, parents say that they only provide patchy signals at best.
Surge Protected Power Strips? Confiscated on Sight
You want to charge your phone, tablet, fan, and maybe a curling iron—all at once. So you packed your trusty surge-protected power strip. Bad move. Cruise lines ban anything with surge protection, claiming it interferes with ship electrical systems and poses a fire risk.
Many rookie cruisers complain on forums about how their power strips are pulled from luggage at check-in. Another posted about having theirs removed from the room mid-cruise.
Of course, the problem is that many cruise ship cabins only have a couple of outlets, and older ships have no USB sockets. The workaround? Bring a cruise-approved non-surge strip or USB hub. Otherwise, your charging station goes straight to Davy Jones’ Locker.
Even Your Extension Cord Can Get You Flagged
Brought a simple extension cord to keep your CPAP running or charge your phone bedside? Don’t be surprised if it gets flagged and even removed at security. Even without surge protection, some cords get confiscated. Why? Seems that there’s a greater risk of overloading electrical circuits, which can cause overheating and increase fire risks.
One cruiser said their extension cord was “just a basic one from Walmart,” but was still taken. Another shared that they always packed an extension cord. But it was confiscated on their last cruise. Moral of the story? Even basic power cords now come with baggage. Multi-USB adapters seem to be okay, but multiple AC outlets are not.
What if you rely on a CPAP machine? Contact the cruise line before you sail to organize the extension cord.
That Fan You Can’t Sleep Without? Not So Fast
Can’t sleep without the sound of your little bedside fan? You’re not alone—but cruise security might take it anyway. Fans are often allowed, but they get flagged more than you’d think. Size, wattage, or simply the mood of the port agent can result in your device being confiscated without warning.
One cruiser posted, “It made it through security five times—this time, they said no.” Another said they had to wait until the end of the cruise to get it back. The best advice? Bring a small one, pack it smart, and hope for the best.
Hair Straighteners Are Allowed—But Keep Them in Sight
Most cruise lines allow personal grooming devices, including hair straighteners. Just remember not to leave it plugged in or unattended. Anything that heats up says “fire risk,” and cabin stewards can confiscate it. Cruisers recommend packing your grooming items away in a drawer after use.
Bringing a Heating Pad? Your Cozy Home Comforts Are a No-No
That trusty heating pad for sore muscles or your cozy USB blanket? Usually, it is on the “Banned Items” list of most cruise lines. Even small pads or low-voltage throw blankets are flagged as fire hazards. Cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean specifically call out “electric blankets” and “electric heating pads” as prohibited items.
One cruiser shared, “I’ve brought it on planes, hotels—never had a problem until the cruise.” It’s about the risk of overheating in confined spaces, they say. But still, losing your comfort item on day one? That stings more than the backache you packed it for.
Hot Plates, Coffee Makers, and Electric Kettles
Believe it or not, people actually pack hot plates, electric kettles, and coffee machines for a cruise! With 24/7 food, free room service (sometimes), and coffee on every deck, it’s wild what some travelers try to sneak onboard. Cruise lines ban all personal heating appliances—fire risk, they say, and totally unnecessary.
Honestly, this one makes sense. I’ve read stories of people setting off smoke detectors with mini toasters or trying to boil water in their cabins. It’s baffling. You’re literally surrounded by food—leave the kitchen gear at home.
The same goes for the endless TikTok hacks involving DIY wrinkle-release hacks with kettles and how to sneak on travel irons. I’ve seen people try to “upgrade” their cabin kitchen like it’s a college dorm.
Doesn’t matter how small or clever it looks—if it heats, it’s banned. Cruise ships aren’t built for DIY appliances.
What’s Wrong With Bottled Water? I’m Not Allowed to Take it On Board
Used to bringing a case of bottled water on board? Not anymore. Most cruise lines have banned them—no more handing off a 24-pack to the porter and finding it in your cabin. It’s one of the most frustrating changes I’ve seen in years of cruising.
They claim it’s about the environment. But the word on the street? Drain your wallet faster and stop people from sneaking in booze. A few too many vodka-filled water bottles may have ruined it for everyone.
Want to stay hydrated without paying over-the-top prices for water? Bring a refillable bottle. Water’s free at bars, buffets, and drink stations.
Help! My Wine and Liquor Were Confiscated at Security
Bringing alcohol on board a cruise ship is always a touchy subject. Most cruise lines let you bring one bottle of wine per adult, but only if they’re in your carry-on. Pack them in checked luggage? Security won’t hesitate to pull them. Best case scenario—you get it at the end of the cruise. But many cruisers never see the bottle again. No refund, no apology—just gone.
Of course, there’s the old “mouthwash bottle trick” to sneak in liquor. But be sensible. One cruiser shared on Reddit that their “four bottles of Listerine must have looked suspicious.” No wonder it disappeared from their luggage, and they got a warning.
While trying to sneak booze onboard may result in a reprimand, sharing your top liquor hacks online has more serious consequences. Carnival Cruise Line has started tracking down influencers who share TikTok tips on sneaking booze onboard and issuing them with lifetime bans!
Sharp Souvenirs Bought in Port
That cool souvenir dagger from Cozumel? Or the decorative knife from a Caribbean market stall? It might seem harmless—until you try to bring it back onboard. Cruise lines flag any sharp souvenir as a potential weapon. Even if it’s clearly ornamental, it may get confiscated during the port security check.
One cruiser posted, “We bought it at a tourist shop—still had the tags. Security didn’t care.” You may or may not get it back at disembarkation. If it’s got a blade, even for display, expect it to be treated like contraband.
Packing Ice Picks or Utility Tools? Don’t
Packing an ice pick for scaling a glacier in Alaska? Or a multi-tool “just in case”? Or what about a pair of scissors with a long blade? Don’t. Cruise lines ban all knives and utility tools, even if they’re meant for safety.
There are a few exceptions—sort of. Recreational dive knives are technically allowed, but they must be checked in with the Chief Security Officer and can only be accessed for dive excursions. Alaskan Ulu knives bought legally in port are also permitted, but they must stay locked away in your cabin and never leave it. If it’s visible or unsupervised, expect a problem.
One cruiser wrote, “It was still in the original packaging—we had to hand it over.” Another was shocked to lose a small tool with a blade under 2 inches.
Mobility Scooters Aren’t Always Welcome—Here’s Why Some Don’t Make It
Mobility scooters aren’t banned, but they can be denied if they don’t meet cruise guidelines. That shocks a lot of first-timers. Ships require scooters to fit through standard cabin doors, turn in tight spaces, and be safely stored when not in use. Oversized or non-collapsible models? Risky bet.
One cruiser posted, “We were stopped at embarkation—they said it was too big for our cabin. Thing was, we’d brought it before for a similar-sized cabin with no issues.” Others say scooters left in hallways get flagged by the crew.
Tip: check size limits before cruising, or you might be asked to leave it behind. Some companies rent cruise-friendly mobility scooters.
Walkie-Talkies? Generally Allowed—But Useless on Cruise Ships
Most cruise lines, apart from NCL, allow walkie-talkies on ships. However, that doesn’t mean they’re practical. Between the steel walls, dead zones, and constant interference, they’re usually just expensive noisemakers. One cruiser said, “Worked fine, as long as we were in sight of each other.” Another joked they were great for yelling, “Can you hear me now?” over static.
Some passengers even had theirs confiscated after noise complaints. So why not move with the times and use the cruise line’s messaging app? It’s quieter, less bulky, and won’t draw unnecessary attention from the crew.
Candles and Incense: Fire Hazards = Immediate Confiscation
Nothing says “romantic getaway” like a flickering candle—until cruise security sees it in your bag. Candles, incense sticks, wax warmers—banned across the board. Even unlit, they’re considered a serious fire hazard. Cruise ships take open flame rules seriously. No exceptions and no second chances.
Want the cozy glow without the drama? Pack LED tea lights or flameless candles. They’re cabin-safe, mood-friendly, and won’t get you flagged at the gangway.
From Rookie to Pro—You Know What Not to Pack
Some of these rules? Yeah, they sound over-the-top. But it hits differently when security pulls your stuff and starts laying it out like evidence. That bottle of wine? Gone. Your fan? “Not allowed.” Now you’re standing there, trying to laugh it off—but it’s awkward. Really awkward.
And the kicker? The rules keep changing. What sailed last year might get flagged this time. Even seasoned cruisers are getting caught off guard. You’re smarter now. You’ve seen the list, dodged the drama, and you’ll breeze through while others get the lecture.
Pack like a legend. Cruise like you’ve done this before.
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