Planning a cruise? Remember, there are things you can’t bring on board. There are cruise rules, and some items aren’t allowed, which might surprise you:
- Homemade Snacks: Surprisingly, you can’t bring homemade snacks on a cruise, unlike pre-packaged ones. Cruise ships are crowded, raising food safety concerns. While sealed food is allowed, homemade treats are not due to contamination risks.
- Surge Protectors: Smart cruisers bring outlet adapters because many staterooms have limited outlets. These adapters offer more plug space for charging devices and using appliances. Avoid surge protector adapters, as they can disrupt the ship’s electrical system.
- Clothes Iron: Wondering about wrinkles on formal night? Leave the iron at home; it’s not allowed on the ship due to safety reasons. Ships may have passenger laundry rooms or offer laundry services for pressing clothes at a cost. Alternatively, use wrinkle release spray to smooth out your clothing.
- Candles or Incense: While cruise ships offer romance, candles, incense, or any open flames are strictly prohibited due to fire risks. With thousands of passengers, safety is paramount. Avoid bringing candles to ensure everyone’s safety onboard.
- Marijuana/CBD and Other Drugs: Marijuana and CBD products are not allowed on board due to varying international laws. If found, they can be confiscated or involve law enforcement, even in foreign ports. Avoid packing them to avoid legal issues.
- Beer and Liquor: Most major cruise lines allow limited non-alcoholic drinks and one bottle of wine or champagne upon boarding. However, bringing beer or liquor is not allowed. You can enjoy drinks at the ship’s bars. If you buy something ashore, the cruise line will hold it until the trip’s end and return it the night before departure.
- Hoverboards or “Heelys”: Hoverboards and “Heelys” are not allowed on cruise ships due to safety concerns. While kids enjoy them, these items pose risks to users and other passengers onboard. Leave them at home to ensure everyone’s safety.
- Weapons: Weapons, including guns, knives, brass knuckles, pepper spray, and tasers, are strictly prohibited on cruises. Don’t bring anything that could be seen as a weapon due to various international laws in ports of call. Follow these rules and leave such items at home.
What do you do with your luggage on a cruise ship?
When embarking on a cruise adventure, you have the convenience of checking in your larger luggage upon boarding. However, it’s important to note that it might take a few hours for your checked bags to reach your stateroom. To ensure you have everything you need right away, it’s a good idea to pack essential items like a swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry-on bag. This way, you can dive right into the onboard activities and enjoy the pool or beach without any delays. Having these essentials readily available in your carry-on ensures a smooth and enjoyable start to your cruise experience.
Do cruise ships check your luggage?
Cruise lines prioritize the safety and well-being of all passengers by conducting thorough luggage checks. This process is designed to adhere to strict regulations and guidelines. Utilizing advanced scanning machines, the staff meticulously examines bags to ensure that prohibited items on cruise ship such as weapons, drugs, or excessive alcohol (mentioned above) are not brought on board. Additionally, the staff vigilantly searches for potentially hazardous items like fireworks or drones, which could pose risks to passengers and the ship’s integrity. Adhering to these rules is crucial, as it guarantees a secure and enjoyable cruise experience for all travelers on board.
How do you pack for a cruise without overpacking?
Use the “twos” rule for packing wisely. Prepare two outfits (one for day and one for night) for each day of your trip. Also, bring workout clothes, swimsuits, and PJs for every two days. To reduce the load, halve the total number of items. Remember, it’s okay to wear the same shirt more than once – nobody will notice!
Are cruises strict about luggage weight?
Preparing for a cruise provides travelers with a remarkable degree of flexibility, allowing them to cater to their individual needs and preferences. While cruise lines often recommend a practical approach by suggesting a limit of two suitcases, each weighing less than 50 pounds, passengers are also allowed to bring a carry-on bag. This unique freedom empowers travelers to pack according to their specific requirements while still adhering to the general guidelines set by the cruise line. This balance between following basic recommendations and having the liberty to pack comfortably ensures that passengers can embark on their cruise adventure fully prepared and stress-free.
