5 Things You Should Never Bring On A Cruise - Tips from A Travel Advisor
So you've booked your cruise and now it's time to begin packing. Not so fast here's my list of the
Top 5 things you should never bring on a cruise:
I've spent hundreds of days at sea over the years, and I still feel that taking a cruise is an exhilarating experience, always promising a unique blend of relaxation, exploration, and fun memories.
As you excitedly prepare for your cruise journey, it's important to keep in mind the specific guidelines set by the individual cruise carriers and the unique environment you'll be in once you're on board. To help you have a seamless and very enjoyable cruise adventure, let's delve into five items that should never bring on a cruise ship.
What items should I not bring on a cruise?
Illegal Substances: Recreational Drugs, CBD, etc.
It's paramount to adhere to all of the laws of both your departure and destination ports. Bringing any illegal substances on board not only jeopardizes your safety but can lead to severe consequences, including legal repercussions, arrest, fines, and immediate removal from the ship along with a lifetime ban on cruising. Cruise ships operate under stringent international regulations, making it compulsory for passengers to be aware of and comply with all applicable laws to ensure a smooth and trouble-free journey.
Marijuana or CBD. Simply put, the answer is no.
Regardless of the fact that marijuana may be legal in your state, the state you are departing from, or the destinations you may be visiting along the way. It is 100% expressly forbidden to bring any marijuana or products containing CBD and/or THC aboard a cruise ship. The cruise lines and federal, state, and local authorities, don't care if you have a medical card, a prescription, or are just a recreational user. The answer again is no. Attempting to smuggle these products onto a vessel can land you in jail, fined, and even a lifetime ban on cruising. Leave the weed at home!
Hot Stuff: Irons, Clothes Steamers, Heating Pads and Other Heating Devices
Safety is a top priority on cruise ships, prompting most cruise lines to restrict the use of irons, clothes steamers, heating pads, and other heating devices anywhere within guest staterooms. The inherent fire hazard associated with these items and the potential risk of massive loss of life at sea from fires caused by items like clothes irons means that their use is typically limited to on-board designated laundry rooms equipped with proper fire prevention and other safety measures.
Rather than packing a travel iron, or clothes steamer, consider opting for wrinkle-resistant clothing, using a wrinkle release spray, or taking advantage of the ship's onboard laundry, pressing, or dry cleaning services. Many cruise lines offer both self-service laundry facilities or professional dry cleaning & pressing services, ensuring your outfit still looks good, without the potential for compromising everyone's safety on the ship.
Power Strips with Surge Protectors
The limited availability of electrical outlets in cruise ship cabins can necessitate the need for some people to bring on an extension cord or power strip to support the powering of their items such as phone chargers, laptops, fans, CPAP machines, etc. Always remember that the electrical systems on board ships are very sensitive. Most cruise lines will expressly forbid you to bring any sort of power strip or extension cord on board that contains a surge protector.
However, never fear! You can still power these items by using a cruise line approved power strip that doesn't contain a surge protector. Some of the cruise lines have started putting USB and electrical outlets near the beds. However on older ships (pre-2019 construction) most still do not have these plugs built in. I always highly encourage you to bring one of these essential cruise ship approved extension cords with you in your carry-on luggage.
Many of the cruise lines have reduced cabin steward staffing levels and have drastically increased their workloads, so as a common courtesy to them please pick up your cords and power strips whenever you are out of your cabin. Your steward doesn't need to be tripping over your cords while they are working hard to clean your cabin on a very tight time schedule.
Excessive Valuables & Too Much Cash
We all love our bling and want to look glam on formal night right? While it's perfectly natural to want to bring valuables such as jewelry, high-end electronics, or gobs of cash on your cruise, use caution! Although cruise ships are generally very safe places, it's advisable to avoid bringing unnecessary valuables that might end up lost or stolen. Making use of the ship's in-cabin safe for items like passports, extra cash, electronics, laptops, and jewelry when not in use helps to add an extra layer of security and protection.
I always strongly recommend investing in a comprehensive travel insurance policy that can help to provide peace of mind as many companies offer protection for your belongings in case of theft both while traveling to the cruise ship embarkation point as well as during your cruise and on the way home.
Certain Food and Beverages
Cruise ships take pride in offering a diverse range of food and beverage options, from expansive buffets to specialty restaurants, ensuring that passengers are always well-catered to. Most cruise lines will not permit you to bring any non-commercially packaged and homemade outside food and hard alcoholic beverages, (excluding wine & champagne), onboard, these items may result in confiscation by cruise ship authorities or even a denial of boarding without a refund.
Leave the hard alcohol at home!
We've all heard of people thinking that they can "save a little bit of money" by trying to smuggle hard liquor onto a cruise ship by disguising it in mouthwash containers, in water bottles, or even attempting to hide it inside the lining of a suitcase or handbag. While you may think that you've got a leg up on the cruise line. Guess what? They already know, and chances are pretty good that they will find it, confiscate it, or even deny you boarding or debark you at the next port. So instead of ruining your entire vacation just because you thought you were slick. Leave the booze at home in your own bar!
Wine and/or Champagne may be permitted!
Most cruise lines sailing from US home ports will permit you to bring only 1 (one) 750ml bottle of champagne or wine per passenger over the age of 21. Always bring wine or champagne in your carry-on luggage and never put it in your checked luggage. Check with your cruise line for their specific policy prior to leaving home.
Conclusion:
As you prepare for your cruise, thoughtful packing that aligns with the ship's rules and regulations is key to a safe and enjoyable experience. By avoiding the inclusion of illegal substances, irons, large power strips, excessive valuables, and outside food and beverages, you'll contribute to a seamless and memorable adventure. Pack wisely, follow the guidelines, and set sail for a vacation filled with relaxation, exploration, and fond memories that will last a lifetime.
