First-time and experienced cruisers alike may be surprised to know some of the everyday items that are prohibited onboard the most popular cruise ships. From irons to homemade food, helium balloons, and even young babies, some things are best left behind before setting sail.
With this in mind, British-based Panache Cruises has produced a shortlist of seven common items cruisers may have to do without before sailing in the seven seas.
“Data from both our customers and the CLIA suggest there is (currently) a big intent to cruise, from both experienced and novice cruisers,” says James Cole, Founder and Managing Director of Panache Cruises, adding “No two cruise lines are exactly the same, but many of them view prohibited items in the same way.”
But he says, “Often, these luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines work to make passenger’s trips as easy, comfortable, and hassle-free as possible by providing comprehensive services and amenities. For many of the banned items, cruise lines will offer alternatives. So, if you are heading off on the cruise, be sure to check prohibited items with your cruise line before packing.”
Here are 10 banned items:
- Irons/steamers: Items that generate heat are prohibited from cruises as they are viewed as potential fire hazards. Anyone wanting to iron their clothes once onboard should check to see if their ship provides a public laundry room which includes irons and board for passengers. Dry cleaning and pressing services are also available on many luxury ships.
For those travelling on luxury cruise lines, many cabin grades will include a free laundry and pressing service. People staying in suites will often enjoy the services of a dedicated butler who will react swiftly to impromptu requests for a shirt or dress to be pressed before dinner for example.
- Extension leads/cords: Most newer ships are designed with accessibility in mind, with lots of power sockets around every cabin, stateroom, or suite. However, older ships may not be as well equipped. However due to fire and safety regulations, passengers are prohibited from bringing their own multi-outlet extension cord or lead to boost the number of plugs in their cabin.
If needed, 220 volt cruise-compliant extension cords with USB charging ports are usually sold in the ship’s on-board shop. Check first with the cruise line to see if they prohibit extension cords or not and always err on the side of caution.
- Food & alcohol: Pre-packaged, unopened snacks are allowed on a cruise, but any homemade food is banned. These limitations are related to concerns for food safety and contamination, as cruise lines are not able to provide refrigeration or storage for personal food items. One of the best things about cruising is there are lots of culinary options available on-board so there is no need to bring food from home.
Most cruise lines also don’t allow passengers to bring beer or liquor onboard, but they allow one bottle of wine per passenger. This must be in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage and bottles must be unopened and sealed. Some lines charge a corkage fee, so be sure to check with the cruise line before packing your favourite wine.
If you are flying to meet your cruise ship, this adds another layer of complexity. While you can carry alcoholic beverages in your hold luggage on an aircraft (under 70% proof) or buy alcohol at the duty-free store at the airport, these items may well be confiscated when boarding your ship. All baggage is x-rayed before going on a cruise ship and often alcohol will be removed to meet the regulatory standards at specific ports of call.
- Inflatable pool toys: If your ship has a pool onboard, it may be tempting to bring along inflatable pool toys or noodles for young children, but these must be left at home. Most cruise lines only allow inflatable armbands for little ones, which must be deflated at the time of boarding. Other cruise lines will allow buoyancy vests on-board for children, though this is not usually the case. It is always sensible to check with the cruise line before packing and leaving home.
- Baby monitors/bottle warmers & sterlizers: Baby monitors are not permitted on many cruise lines, and the metal walls of many ships don’t allow the monitors to work properly anyway. On the cruise, it is likely you will either be in the same room or an adjoining room to your baby so there is no need to worry about being away from them or needing to monitor them as you will always be close by.
Similarly, some cruise lines prohibit bottle warmers and sterilisers, but may permit travel sterilisers. Some cruise lines provide a number of sterilisers on board which can be hired as required.
Parents are reminded that many cruise lines operate babysitting services at different times of the day. The support services offered vary hugely by cruise line however. Some cruise lines do not supervise under threes or might only offer childcare in a ‘kids club’ style environment. It is always best to check before booking.
- Helium balloons: Anyone planning a celebratory cruise for a birthday, anniversary or other occasion should refrain from bringing balloons. Most cruise lines have banned inflatables of all kinds, but some offer a service to buy balloons from the ship and have them delivered for the big day.
- Young babies & pets: Family-friendly cruises allow babies on board, but some ships specify the age of the babies, with some saying they can only be older than six months, and some with a 12-month-old requirement. Some cruise ships do not allow children at all, so take this into consideration when planning a trip.
At the same time, household pets like dogs and cats are not allowed on the majority of cruise lines, but service dogs (e.g. guide dogs) are an exception. You will need to get permission from the cruise line before bringing a service dog onboard however, and the dog must be officially registered.