There’s nothing more embarrassing than having items of your luggage being confiscated at the cruise terminal or security station. Find out more in this article of items you should not think about taking on board a cruise ship.
There are many things that cannot be taken aboard a cruise ship, and it is important to know what they are before embarking on any trip. Some things include weapons, travel irons, kettles, animals, and even musical instruments.
Weapons
You may be surprised to learn that it is illegal for passengers to bring weapons onto board ships, even if they are unloaded from their checked baggage and stored safely away until disembarkation time. The reason behind this rule is simple: If someone were to use a weapon against another passenger, there would be no way to prove who was responsible. This could lead to an international incident with serious consequences.
If you do decide to carry a firearm aboard a cruise ship, make sure that it has been registered by law enforcement authorities before boarding. You will need to fill out forms stating where you obtained the gun and when you purchased it. It must also have its serial number clearly visible so that it cannot be altered after purchase.
It is important to note that firearms carried as part of personal protection equipment such as pepper spray, stun guns, etc., are allowed on board. However, these devices must be kept locked up during all times while the vessel is underway. They must never leave the possession of the owner unless he/she gives permission to other people to handle them.
Cigarettes
Smoking cigarettes is prohibited on most cruises because smoking causes health problems for both smokers and non-smokers alike. In addition, cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals which can cause respiratory illnesses among those around you. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas on some vessels. Some cruise lines prohibit smoking altogether.
Clothing Irons
You might also be surprised to learn that clothing irons are banned from cruise ships These appliances heat clothes which therefore introduces a fire hazard.
Kettles
Kettles are often used to prepare hot drinks like tea, coffee, cocoa, soup, etc. While kettles are usually safe to use on land, they pose a risk to life and property onboard a cruise ship due to the high temperatures involved. Therefore, kettles are generally prohibited on cruise ships.
Pool Noodles and Inflatables
Pool noodles are small plastic tubes filled with water. When heated, they expand into long thin shapes similar to spaghetti. Because pool noodles are made of polyethylene, they melt easily and become slippery when wet. As a result, they present a danger to swimmers and deckhands alike. As pool noodles have the potential of going overboard it’s banned from use on any kind of boat or ship.
Balls
Yes! There are many reasons why balls should not be taken on board a cruise ship. For one thing, ball games require large amounts of space. Also, balls tend to roll off decks and get lost at sea.
Drones
The Federal Aviation Administration prohibits drones from being flown within five miles of airports. The FAA does allow drone flights over open bodies of water but requires operators to keep their distance from boats and aircraft. Drones may fly above 400 feet if they remain outside this zone. If your cruise line allows drones then you’ll want to check with them first about how close they’re willing to let passengers fly their unmanned aerial vehicles.
Homemade Food
Cruise ships do not permit food prepared by passengers aboard the ship. This includes homemade meals, snacks, desserts, beverages, etc. It’s against maritime law to serve anything that isn’t pre-packaged or commercially available. You will need to bring everything you plan to eat or drink onto the ship yourself.
Toy Guns
While toy guns aren’t technically illegal, they could potentially damage other people’s belongings as well as injure crew members who come across them during routine duties. Toy guns are typically confiscated upon boarding so make sure you don’t pack yours before leaving home.
Baby Monitors
If you’ve got kids along for the trip, there is no way around it: baby monitors must stay behind in port. Baby monitors emit radio waves that interfere with navigation equipment and cause interference with communication systems.
Kayaks And Surfboards
You might think kayaks and surfboards would fit right in on a cruise ship since both items float. However, these two things are considered “floating hazards” because they can capsize and sink vessels. Kayaks and surfboards are also dangerous to handle while underway because they can tip over and fall out of control. They can also break apart and create floating debris which can lead to collisions between ships.
Kites
Yes, kiteboarding is allowed onboard most cruises. But like all activities involving wind power, kiting has its limitations. While cruising, winds are generally too light to support kite flying. Wind speeds rarely exceed 15 knots and often drop below 10 knots. In addition, some cruise lines prohibit kite surfing due to safety concerns. Some cruise lines even ban kites altogether.
Candles
Yes they are and anything that produces an open flame including lighters and incense.
Wheeled Items
Cruise ships are designed to move smoothly through water without any obstacles. Therefore, wheeled items like bicycles, skateboards, rollerblades, scooters, golf carts, motorcycles, tricycles, wagons, baby carriages, strollers, shopping trolleys, dollies, hand trucks, handcarts, and similar vehicles are strictly forbidden on board. Even if they are packed into suitcases, they still pose a risk of damage to the hulls of the boats.
HAM Radios
Ham radios are often used by amateur radio operators but they are usually restricted to licensed ham stations. Most cruise ships ban the use of ham radios due to safety concerns. There have been cases of hams being injured or killed by passing ships. Ham radios are considered dangerous since they transmit signals at high power levels. As well, many ships’ antennas pick up transmissions from nearby ships and broadcast them throughout the entire area. This means that anyone within range can receive your transmission.
Laser Pointers
Laser pointers are not allowed onboard cruise ships. The reason behind this rule is that laser beams can blind passengers who look directly into their beam. Also, lasers emit light which may interfere with navigation systems. If caught using one, you could face fines or even jail time.
Animals
If you plan to bring animals aboard a cruise ship then there are certain rules you need to follow:
Animals Must Be Caged Or Restricted To One Area Of Your Boat’s Deck
Most cruise ships do not allow pets or wild animals onto their decks. It is important to keep your pet caged when it is outside so that it does not wander off and get lost overboard. Pets should always wear identification tags and owners should carry proof of vaccination records.
Pets Can Only Stay For 30 Days At A Time
Some cruise lines limit how long dogs and cats can stay aboard. They must remain confined during all times except mealtime. Cats cannot go ashore unless accompanied by their owner. Dogs must be kept under control while walking on the deck. Owners will be fined $500 per day if their dog runs away.
Cats Cannot Go Belowdecks Unless Attended By Their Owner
Many cruise lines prohibit cats from going belowdecks. Some cruise lines require cat owners to sign a waiver stating that they understand the risks involved in bringing their cats along for the trip. In addition, some cruise lines charge extra fees for each animal brought aboard.
Fireworks
Cruise ships are required to comply with federal regulations regarding fireworks. These include restrictions on where fireworks can be set off as well as what types of fireworks can be carried aboard. Firecrackers, sparklers, Roman candles, cherry bombs, bottle rockets, fire balloons, skyrockets, aerial shells, ground bursts, smoke devices, fountains, water pistols, and other small pyrotechnic devices are prohibited.
Metal Detector
Metal Detectors are prohibited items on a cruise ship mainly because they can cause interference in electrical systems.
Dive Tanks
Dive tanks are usually banned on cruises due to safety concerns. Many dive tanks contain compressed air which can become extremely pressurized inside the tank. When the pressure reaches critical levels, the tank explodes causing serious injury or death. Furthermore, diving equipment such as masks and fins can also pose a danger to others. Therefore, most cruise lines ban dive tanks. However, some cruise lines have special areas designated just for divers.
Restraint Devices Such As Handcuffs
Restraint devices like handcuffs are generally prohibited on cruise ships. This includes restraint devices used for medical purposes.
Hair Straighteners (Must Be Inspected)
Hair straighteners are allowed on board but only after being inspected by an authorized representative of the cruise line. If a hair straightener inspection reveals any damage to the device, the passenger may be denied boarding.
Wine
Wine is permitted onboard many cruise ships. It is sold at reasonable prices and there are no limits placed on its consumption. Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring up to two bottles of wine on board. There are exceptions though. Certain cruise lines do not permit alcohol onboard. Others restrict alcoholic beverages to certain age groups. Still, others impose additional charges for carrying more than one bottle of liquor.
Bleach
Bleach is considered hazardous material and therefore it cannot be taken into cabins unless specifically approved by the cruise line.
CBD Oil & CBD Products
Some cruise lines prohibit all forms of marijuana including CBD oil. Other cruise lines don’t care if people use cannabis products while cruising. They simply want everyone to enjoy themselves without getting high.
Martial Arts
Most martial arts gear is not permitted on cruise ships. Some cruise lines even require that students wear protective clothing when practicing their art. For example, karate uniforms must cover the groin area. In addition, belts should never touch the floor.
Electrical Extension Cords
Power Strips are banned from cruises because they could interfere with electronic equipment.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments are often prohibited on cruise ships. These include guitars, drums, trumpets, saxophones, flutes, etc. Although these instruments are typically carried aboard, they will likely need to be checked before entering your cabin. The reason is obvious, they can interrupt other guests onboard.
Some Scissors
Scissor blades are dangerous items that can cause cuts and lacerations. As such, scissors aren’t usually allowed on board cruise ships. However, this rule doesn’t apply to safety scissors which are designed to cut through rope or wire.
Ice Coolers
Ice coolers are sometimes forbidden on cruise ships. While some cruise lines have special rules regarding ice coolers, most cruise lines ban them altogether. Why? Because they pose a danger to crew members who might trip over them in the dark.
Inflatable Mattresses
Many cruise lines forbid inflatable mattresses from being brought on board. This includes airbeds as well as water beds. The reasoning behind this prohibition is simple: they can become very heavy during rough seas and thus endanger the vessel’s stability.
Power Tools
On Cruise Ships, power tools like drills, saws, nail guns, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc., are generally prohibited. If you plan to bring any type of tool on board, make sure to check first with the cruise line. It may also be necessary to obtain permission from the captain prior to bringing anything on board.
Sporting Goods
Sporting Goods aren’t allowed on Cruise Ships for many reasons. First off, there isn’t much room inside staterooms. Second, sporting goods tend to get damaged easily due to bumps and falls. Third, they’re bulky and difficult to store. Fourth, they can create clutter in rooms. Fifth, they can damage furniture.
Paint
You can’t take paint onboard a cruise ship as it’s a flammable substance. Why would you want to bring this aboard?
Large Batteries
Large batteries are not allowed onboard cruise ships. They can be hazardous if dropped overboard. Also, large batteries can weigh up to 100 pounds each!
Samsung Note 7
The Samsung Note 7 isn’t allowed on Cruise Ships
It has been known it can explode when exposed to heat
Heating Pads
Heating pads are not permitted on cruise ships. There are two main reasons why heating pads are restricted. One is that they can emit smoke and fumes which can irritate passengers’ eyes and lungs. Another reason is that they can melt plastic surfaces.
Pepper Spray
Pepper spray is not allowed on cruises because it could potentially harm people.
Bicycles On A Cruise Ship
Most cruise ships don’t allow bicycles on board. The primary reason for this is that bikes require space and storage.
What Happens If You Are Caught Trying To Board With A Prohibited Item On A Cruise?
If you try to enter a cruise ship with an item that is banned, you’ll probably end up getting kicked out. In fact, even trying to sneak something onto a cruise ship can result in fines and/or jail time. So don’t do it!