Surprising Things You Can't Bring On A Cruise Ship

While you're sailing to the sandy beaches of the Caribbean, the glorious glaciers of Alaska or another one of the most gorgeous coastlines in the world, the last thing you need is the buzzkill of learning that you packed a prohibited item. Most cruise lines have fairly clear packing tips on their websites, offering suggestions about what to bring (you may need at least one fancy outfit) and, equally important, what not to bring, and you might be surprised by some of the items that aren't permitted on cruise ships.

There's no universal list of items that are banned across the board, so we combed through lists of prohibited items for the world's largest cruise lines — with a few smaller lines, just for balance. Some of the prohibited items are no-brainers, but others were legitimately surprising. We also picked up some tips from Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of CruiseCritic.com, a leading cruise resource. 

One note: our list doesn't cover every item banned by every line. Don't wait until the last minute to check your own cruise line's website or travel agreement to make sure your careful planning job doesn't get sunk at the security checkpoint.

It's understandable that nervous parents might want to keep track of their little ones on board (especially on one of the best cruises for kids), just as they would at home. Some lines ban baby monitors, and others have special rules about them, so verify before you go. Disney Cruise Lines notes on its prohibited-items list that baby monitors will be collected for inspection by the ship's chief electrician and, if approved, will be returned for onboard use.

If you want to turn the onboard buffet into a bottomless booze brunch, we suggest you purchase the beverage package instead of smuggling liquor bottles on board, as alcohol policies vary widely by line. Some lines allow any alcohol, others may allow only a bottle or two of wine or Champagne, and others don't allow any booze to be brought on board. "Do be aware that for lines that allow guests to bring wine on board and consumed in the ship's restaurants, you might incur a corkage fee," McDaniel said.

You may want to order room service, light some candles and turn your stateroom into a romantic restaurant, but quench that flame. "Cruise lines are vigilant about fire safety, and guests are prohibited from using open flames on board, which also means flame-lit candles are not permitted on board," McDaniel said. In fact, the biggest difference between cruise ship kitchens and restaurant kitchens is the fact that all cruise ship stoves and ovens are electric, with no open flames.

Real guns aren't the only issue — realistic toy guns, whether they're water pistols or part of a Halloween costume, are most likely banned on your cruise line, too. The reason is obvious: They can be mistaken for the real thing. However, Disney Cruise Line notes that store-bought lightsabers, plastic toy pirate swords and plastic toy replicas of Thor's hammer are allowed.

A small pair of scissors might seem like one of those things you should never vacation without, but if you decide to bring a pair of scissors with you, stick to nail scissors. Generally, cruise lines disallow scissors with blades that exceed 4 inches.

Many travelers take cruises to celebrate a birthday or anniversary and may want to deck out their stateroom with balloons and decorations. Again, check with your line. Helium tanks, even small ones, are probably forbidden, and Disney Cruise Line, for one, bans both balloons and kites.

Yes, many of us cannot live without our daily caffeine fix. Rest assured your ship will serve plenty of java, and will likely forbid packing you from your own Mr. Coffee, Keurig, espresso machine or any other type of coffee maker.

Drones can be an entertaining diversion, soaring through the sky and capturing great aerial video, but don't assume you can bring yours. Not only is operating a drone from the pool deck one of the most annoying things you can do on a cruise, many lines ban them as a safety hazard, McDaniel said, and the ones that do allow them do not allow onboard use. It's also not a guarantee that the ports where the ship stops will permit the use of drones on shore, she said.

Outlets are never where you want them to be, it seems, whether in a hotel room or a cruise ship stateroom. An extension cord might seem harmless (and bringing one to a hotel is a genius hotel room hack), but some cruise lines do prohibit or restrict them. Holland America Line, for example, says they are allowed "when used with proper caution," but prohibits the type that come with surge protectors.

Boating and kayaking can be the cornerstone of a memorable summer adventure. But don't try to bring your own lifeboat, inflatable or other watercraft, on the ship. There may be opportunities for memorable boating excursions in the ports, but you won't have to BYO boat.

All weapons are prohibited on cruise ships due to security regulations, even for those who have permits to carry a weapon back home. Guns aren't the only weapon banned. Don't try to take other brass knuckles or throwing stars either.