20 Things You Should Never Pack for a Cruise
What NOT to take on a Cruise
Packing for a cruise requires careful planning, but some items should never make it into your suitcase. Whether they’re prohibited, unnecessary, or just impractical, here are 20 things you should leave at home when heading off on your cruise.
Prohibited Items (Banned by Cruise Lines)
1 Weapons
Leave sharp items at home!
I know this goes without saying (I hope), but firearms (including replica guns, BB guns), ammunition or pellets, knives (even small ones), and sharp tools are strictly forbidden for safety reasons. I once e had a pair of sharp nail scissors confiscated.
2 Candles or Incense
Leave those scented candles at home. Photo by Pratiksha Mohanty on Unsplash
Whilst they smell delicious, candles are a no-no on a cruise. Open flames are a serious fire hazard on a ship, so these items are banned. Try bringing some scented sachets instead!
3 Illegal Substances
Just say no!
Cruising gives you a natural high! Don’t smuggle illicit pharmaceuticals onboard. Recreational drugs and any other banned substances can result in serious legal trouble. This includes CBD in any form.
4 Fireworks or Explosives
Leave the fireworks at home.
Don’t be tempted to pack anything containing a charge or gunpowder - not even party-poppers. Even small fireworks or sparklers are prohibited due to fire risks.
5 Irons or Steamers
Who wants to iron when they’re on holiday?
Most cruise lines ban irons and steamers because they pose a fire hazard. Use wrinkle-release spray or the ship’s laundry services instead. Crew Tip: hang shirts/dresses in the bathroom whilst you shower for a quick steam refresh.
6 Non-Approved Power Strips
Surge-protected power strips are usually not allowed. Bring a non-surge-protected travel power strip or USB charging hub instead.
7 Perishable or Homemade Food
Don’t bring food onboard - you aren’t going to go hungry! Photo by Raphael Nogueira on Unsplash
Most cruise lines don’t allow outside food or beverages, with exceptions for small snacks or medical needs. Plus, you’ll have access to plenty of delicious food onboard.
8 Drones
Drones are discouraged and need special permission Photo by Josh Sorenson on Unsplash
In this age of You Tube and Instagram everyone wants to capture THAT footage. However, drones are discouraged for many reasons - privacy of guests being just one. It is likely that you will require a permit to fly a drone at sea. Policies vary by cruise line, but many ban drones entirely, while others allow them in checked luggage for use in ports only.
9 Large Sports Equipment
Large sports equipment can be hired in resorts. Leave yours at home.
Items like surfboards, kayaks, or bulky gear take up space and are unnecessary. If you need equipment, most excursions provide it.
10 Irreplaceable Valuables
Expensive jewellery, family heirlooms, or sentimental items should be left at home to avoid loss or theft.
Unnecessary or Impractical Items
11 Towels
Leave your beach towels at home.
There is no reason to pack beach towels. Cruise ships provide plenty of towels for the pool, beach, and cabin, so bringing your own just wastes space.
12 Hair Dryer
This will be personal choice. If you really can’t do without your special hairstyles, then by all means pack it, but it’s unnecessary. Cabins come with built-in hair dryers, so there’s no need to bring one unless you have special requirements.
13 Excessive Cash
No need for large amounts of cash. Photo by omid armin on Unsplash
The days of changing up huge sums of currency have long gone. Cruise ships operate on a cashless system, with all expenses charged to your onboard account. A small amount of cash is useful for tips and shopping in port, but large sums aren’t necessary. Ashore, credit cards are accepted in most places.
14 Hard-Sided Luggage
Swap your hard shell case for something more easily stored.
Large, rigid suitcases, whilst looking stylish and being easily manoeuvrable, can be difficult to store in your cabin. Use soft-sided luggage that folds down to save space.
15 Too Many Shoes
Whittle down your shoes to just three pairs.
This is a case of “do what I say, not what I do”. I always overpack shoes (I once took 20 pairs). Footwear takes up a lot of space. Stick to three essentials: comfortable walking shoes, casual sandals, and a dressier pair.
16 Books
Visit the ship library rather than take your own books
Books can be heavy and take up space. Instead, bring an e-reader or borrow from the ship’s library (but head there early if you want the latest best seller or a guide book).
17 Expensive or Unnecessary Jewellery
Most cruises have a relaxed atmosphere. Costume jewellery is a safer option for formal nights - or treat yourself onboard.
18 Full-Size Bottles of Toiletries
Swap full size cosmetics for miniatures
Cabins have limited storage, so travel-size toiletries or those provided by the cruise line are better options. I keep a ready-to-go cosmetic bag stocked with travel miniatures.
19 Pool Floats or Large Inflatable Toys
Leave floats at home
Most cruise pools don’t allow large inflatables, and they take up too much space in your luggage.
20 Laundry Detergent in Large Bottles
Some cruise lines prohibit liquid detergent, and bringing a large bottle is impractical. Use travel-size detergent packets or the ship’s laundry service instead.
Final Tip: Always check your cruise line’s prohibited items list before you pack to avoid any surprises at check-in. By leaving these items at home, you’ll save space, avoid trouble, and make packing for your cruise much easier! Happy sailing!