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Cruise prohibited items: what you can't bring on a cruise
Cruise lines are stricter than airports about some things and looser about others. Here is what the big lines ban, and where their rules differ enough that you have to check your own.
Updated on September 2, 2026
Prohibited-item lists vary by cruise line and change over time. This covers the major US lines (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess and Disney). Always confirm the current list on your own line's page before you pack.
Commonly banned on major cruise lines
Rules vary by line, so always check yours, but these are prohibited on most of the big US lines.
- Clothing irons and steamersThe most commonly banned item, and a fire risk. Ships have self-service laundry with irons. Hair dryers and flat irons are usually fine.
- Surge protectorsAny power device with surge protection interferes with the ship's electrical system and is banned across the board.
- Power strips and extension cordsThis one varies. Non-surge strips are allowed on Carnival and Princess, but banned on Royal Caribbean and Disney. Check your line.
- Candles, incense and diffusersOpen-flame and fire hazard.
- Hoverboards and self-balancing scootersLithium-battery fire risk.
- DronesUsually not confiscated but held by security and returned at the end of the cruise. Rules differ by line.
- WeaponsFirearms, ammunition, replicas and imitations, brass knuckles, tasers, throwing stars.
- Illegal drugs, including marijuana and CBDBanned even with a medical card and even where a port has legalized it. Ships follow federal and maritime law.
- Homemade and perishable foodSealed, commercially packaged snacks are usually fine. Homemade or perishable food generally is not. Confirm your line's policy.
Bringing your own alcohol (varies by line)
No major line lets you bring spirits, and wine or champagne is sealed and for boarding day only. Always check your line's current policy.
| Line | What you can bring aboard |
|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | 1 bottle (750 ml) wine or champagne per guest, sealed, boarding day only. Corkage $15. |
| Carnival | 1 bottle (750 ml) wine or champagne per person 21+, boarding day only. No fortified wine over 15%. |
| Norwegian (NCL) | Sealed wine and champagne only; a corkage fee applies. All other drinks, including beer and liquor, are prohibited. |
| Princess | 1 bottle (750 ml) wine or champagne per guest per voyage, at embarkation. Corkage $20. |
| Disney | 1 bottle (750 ml) wine or sparkling, or 6 beers (12 oz), per guest 21+, sealed carry-on, embarkation. |
Common questions
Can I bring an iron on a cruise?
No. Irons and clothes steamers are banned on every major cruise line as a fire risk. Ships have self-service laundry rooms with irons, and personal grooming tools like hair dryers and flat irons are usually fine.
Are power strips allowed on a cruise?
It depends on the line. Any power strip with surge protection is banned everywhere. Non-surge power strips are allowed on Carnival and Princess, but banned on Royal Caribbean and Disney, so check your line before you pack one.
Can you bring your own alcohol on a cruise?
Usually one sealed bottle of wine or champagne per guest at boarding, and no spirits. Disney also allows six beers per guest. Allowances differ by line, so check the table above and your line's current policy.
Can I bring CBD or marijuana on a cruise?
No. Marijuana and CBD are banned on the major lines, even with a medical card and even where a port has legalized it, because ships follow federal and maritime law.
Flying to your port? See TSA prohibited items for planes.
Sources
Airlines and cruise lines can be stricter than these rules and can change them without notice. For the final word on any item, check TSA's What Can I Bring? tool and your airline or cruise line's own page.