Packing for a cruise? Great! But before you load up your bags with everything you think you’ll need, take a minute—because cruise ships have strict rules, limited space, and some surprising banned items.
Overpacking or bringing the wrong stuff can lead to delays at check-in, confiscated belongings, or just wasted luggage space. Here’s your no-nonsense guide to what *not* to bring on your cruise—and why these items are better left behind. Continue to read these 21 things to not bring on your cruise.
Power Strips with Surge Protectors
Most cruise lines ban surge-protected power strips due to fire hazards. Instead, bring a non-surge USB hub or cruise-approved power cube to safely charge multiple devices.
Travel Irons or Steamers
Fire risk again. These are typically prohibited and will be confiscated. If you need wrinkle-free clothes, bring wrinkle-release spray or hang items in the bathroom while you shower. Some ships have a self-service laundry room, and others you can pay to have your laundry pressed.
Alcohol (Unless Allowed in Limited Quantities)
Most cruise lines only allow a small amount of wine or champagne (if any) during embarkation. Hard liquor? Likely to be taken and returned at disembarkation. Always check your cruise line’s alcohol policy. Some cruise lines allow you to pre-order a bottle or two of hard alcohol to be delivered to your stateroom. Additionally, you can purchase drinks as you go or pre-purchase the drink package. (additional cost)
Candles or Incense
Open flames on a cruise ship? Big nope. These are a major fire hazard and strictly forbidden. Use battery-operated tealights if you want ambiance. A small bottle of Fabreeze can be brought in your luggage to keep fabric odors from lingering.
Weapons or Self-Defense Items
That includes pepper spray, pocket knives, or even novelty items that look like weapons. All of these can get you flagged or detained during security screening.
Drones
Most cruise lines don’t allow drones on board, even if you plan to fly them at port. Security risk, privacy concerns, and general no-fly policies mean it’s best to leave it home.
Towels (Except Beach Towels for Ports)
The ship provides bath and pool towels. Save space and skip packing extra ones, unless you’re doing a beach-heavy itinerary and prefer your own. If you decide to bring towels for the beach, consider packable towels.
High-Heeled Shoes You’ll Never Wear
We get it—vacation means cute outfits. But unless you’re attending a formal night, those 4-inch stilettos will live in your suitcase. Go for wedges or dressy flats that work on uneven or wet decks.
Too Many Toiletries
Cabins are small, and cruise lines often provide shampoo, body wash, and hand soap. Bring only your essentials in travel sizes—especially if flying in.
Excessive Cash or Too Many Credit Cards
Yes, bring some for tipping or souvenir shopping, but you don’t need stacks of it. Most things on board are cashless and charged to your room key. Bring a couple cards (leave at least one locked in your safe) and small bills.
Books You’ll Never Open
Unless you’re a dedicated reader, 3+ novels or a stack of magazines might just eat up space. Instead, load up a Kindle or tablet, or borrow from the ship’s library.
Hair Dryer & Styling Tools
Cabins usually come with one. If you’re picky, pack a small travel version, but for most, the ship’s dryer is enough.
If you’re traveling with others, consider sharing styling tools to save space in the tiny bathroom.
Too Many Shoes
Limit to 3-4 pairs max: casual, dress, sandals, and maybe sneakers for excursions. Shoes are heavy, bulky, and take up precious real estate.
If traveling by airplane to your cruise, wear your heaviest pair. This way you can save the space in your luggage for other items.
Snorkel Gear (Optional)
If you’re doing a snorkel excursion, they’ll usually provide gear. Bringing your own only makes sense if you plan to do multiple solo swims or want a custom fit, or you need a special mask for your eyesight.
If you decide to bring snorkel gear, you might be able to get away with just bringing the mask and renting the fins or doing without to save space.
Large Coolers
Unless medically necessary, large coolers are generally not allowed. If you bring a small soft-sided cooler for personal drinks, check with your cruise line first. You might even find one that also doubles as a backpack that can be used as your port bag.
Decorations with Tape or Electrical Wires
If you’re planning to decorate your door, use magnets or Command-style hooks, velcro, or stick-ons. Tape, glue, and putty are strictly prohibited. Be sure to check your cruise line’s website for door and stateroom decoration rules. [Carnival Door Decorating Guidelines] Anything flammable will be removed.
Find out more about Decorating your cabin door on Carnival in this post: How to decorate you cabin door on a Carnival Cruise
Portable Fans or Humidifiers
Fire hazard and electrical load concerns make these items commonly restricted. Double-check with your cruise line before packing. Small handheld rechargable fans can be brought and might be a lifesaver, especially in humid Caribbean ports!
Why Your Heating Pad Stays Home (and Electric Blankets Too!)
It might seem harmless, but bringing a heating pad or electric blanket onto a cruise ship is a big safety risk. These devices draw a lot of power and can easily overheat, creating a fire hazard in cabins not built for such continuous electrical loads.
Hoverboards or Scooters
Most ships completely ban these, even foldable ones. Leave any battery-powered transport devices behind unless you need a medically approved mobility aid.
Workout Gear You Won’t Use
If you plan to use the ship’s gym—great! But if you’re packing running shoes and resistance bands “just in case,” think twice. Most people don’t stick to their full fitness routines at sea.
Too Many Outfits
Cabin closets are tiny. You don’t need a different outfit for every single day. Plan to re-wear and mix pieces. Use laundry service mid-cruise if needed.
Learn how to pack light for a cruise using a Capsule Warddrobe
No Hammocks, No Flags on Balconies!
This one’s simple: Cruise ship balconies are not for hanging hammocks or flags. It’s a safety and operational rule, often due to wind hazards and fire prevention protocols. Don’t risk having them confiscated or causing an issue. Enjoy your balcony view, unhindered!
Leave the Fishing Rods at Home!
While the ocean might look inviting, cruise ships generally have strict policies against fishing from the ship. Plus, imagine trying to store and transport that gear in your cabin! Save the fishing for a dedicated excursion or a land-based trip. Keep your packing light and your cruise stress-free.
Ditch the Wagon
Heavy loads or tiny travelers for beach day? We hear you! But traditional wagons are a nuisance on a cruise ship. Think tight spaces, crowded elevators, packed buffets. Opt for a compact, foldable stroller instead. If you need a wagon, choose a collapsible model and use it only when you’re off the ship in port. Make everyone’s cruise smoother!
Also, no need to bring other baby convience items like high chairs and booster seats. Your cruise line probably has a bunch of those. Check with your cruise line for other items like cribs and play yards.
Leave All Bluetooth Speakers at Home!
This one’s non-negotiable. Bluetooth speakers are generally not allowed on cruise ships due to noise disturbance. If you want to enjoy your own music, pack your headphones or earbuds! There are plenty of different music options playing throughout the ship’s public areas for everyone to enjoy.
Clack Fans: Not a Cruise Ship Vibe!
While fun for some settings, the loud “clacking” of these fans really carries on a cruise ship. Think about quiet dining rooms, show lounges, or even just the peaceful hum of the hallways – a clacking fan can disrupt that for others. If you need to cool down, a small, quiet battery-operated fan is a much more considerate choice for shared spaces.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Cruise vacations are about ease and simplicity, not lugging your entire closet or getting held up at security. When in doubt, leave it out. Stick with essentials, cruise-safe gear, and a few personal comforts. You’ll move through boarding quicker, keep your cabin clutter-free, and have fewer things to keep track of.
Did we miss anything you'd add to the "leave it at home" list?
Let’s help each other pack smarter for our next adventure at sea! Drop your tips in the comments!