Packing for a cruise feels deceptively simple.

You’re not hopping between hotels. You’re unpacking once. You’ve got a cabin, daily cleaning, food everywhere, and a floating city designed to make life easy. That’s exactly why people tend to get creative with what they bring, and exactly how perfectly normal items end up confiscated at the pier.

Cruise ship security isn’t trying to ruin your vacation. They’re trying to keep thousands of people safe in a self-contained environment where fire, power, food safety, and local laws matter more than convenience.

The tricky part is that many prohibited items don’t feel dangerous. Some feel clever. Some feel cozy. Some feel like things you’ve brought on every other vacation without issue.

Before your dream cruise turns into an awkward conversation with ship security, here are the things that seem harmless, but really aren’t, and what to bring instead.

Curtains, DIY Cabin Dividers, and Hanging Fabric

This one surprises people.

Bringing your own curtains, room dividers, or hanging fabric panels might feel like a smart way to create privacy or block light. On a cruise ship, it’s a safety problem. Anything hung in a cabin can interfere with fire suppression systems or block escape routes during an emergency.

Why it’s a problem:
Ships are designed with very specific airflow, sprinkler coverage, and evacuation paths. Extra fabric changes all of that.

What to do instead:
Use what’s already there. Cabin curtains are fire-rated. If light is the issue, bring a sleep mask. If privacy is the concern, reposition furniture slightly or use built-in partitions in suites or accessible cabins.

Smart Luggage With Non-Removable Lithium Batteries

Smart luggage sounds like a great idea until you remember where you are.

Lithium batteries are a known fire risk, especially when they can’t be removed. That’s why cruise lines ban smart luggage with sealed batteries outright.

Why it’s a problem:
A battery fire at sea is extremely dangerous and difficult to manage.

What to do instead:
If you love smart luggage, make sure the battery is removable. Otherwise, stick with traditional luggage and bring a power bank that meets cruise line size limits.

Camouflage Clothing

This one feels absurd until it isn’t.

Camouflage prints are illegal in several countries where they are reserved exclusively for military use. Wearing camo in port can result in fines, questioning, or worse.

Why it’s a problem:
Local laws apply when you dock, not just cruise line rules.

What to do instead:
Leave camo at home. Neutral colors, solids, and casual resort wear won’t attract unwanted attention from port authorities.

Reef-Harming Sunscreen

You’re protecting your skin. Totally reasonable.

But many destinations, including Hawaii, parts of Mexico, and Bonaire, have banned sunscreens containing chemicals that damage coral reefs. Some cruise lines will confiscate them before you even leave port.

Why it’s a problem:
These chemicals contribute to reef degradation and are illegal in certain destinations.

What to do instead:
Buy reef-safe sunscreen. Look for mineral-based formulas with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. You’ll protect your skin and the places you’re visiting.

Power Strips, Surge Protectors, and Extension Cords

This is one of the most common confiscations.

Cruise cabins are wired differently than hotel rooms. Anything that increases the number of outlets or includes surge protection is considered a fire hazard.

Why it’s a problem:
Surge protectors can overload ship electrical systems.

What to do instead:
Bring a USB-only charging hub with no surge protection. These are generally allowed and solve most charging needs.

Upside-Down Pineapples and Door Decorations

Cruise doors are not billboards.

While some ships still allow small magnets or signs, many now ban door decorations entirely. The upside-down pineapple in particular has become an issue because it’s widely recognized as a swinger symbol, and cruise lines aim to avoid guest conflicts.

Why it’s a problem:
Hallways must remain clear, uniform, and non-provocative.

What to do instead:
If door décor is allowed, keep it minimal and neutral. When in doubt, skip it.

Smoking or Vaping on Your Balcony

This is a hard no on most major cruise lines.

Balcony smoking has caused fires. It’s also a major source of complaints from neighboring cabins.

Why it’s a problem:
Fire risk and secondhand smoke drifting into nearby rooms.

What to do instead:
Use designated smoking areas. Breaking this rule can result in fines or removal from the ship.

Personal Wi-Fi Routers and Starlink Minis

Even if you’re just trying to improve your connection, this won’t end well.

Personal routers, boosters, and satellite units are banned.

Why it’s a problem:
They interfere with ship navigation and communications, and cruise lines strictly control onboard networks.

What to do instead:
Use the ship’s Wi-Fi or disconnect and enjoy the break.

Oversized Mobility Scooters or Wheelchairs Without Accessible Cabins

Accessibility planning happens before you sail, not at the pier.

Large scooters and wheelchairs require accessible cabins with proper turning space and storage.

Why it’s a problem:
Hallways and standard cabins aren’t designed for oversized devices.

What to do instead:
Book an accessible cabin in advance and confirm device dimensions with the cruise line.

Walkie-Talkies and Baby Monitors

These feel harmless and practical, especially for families.

Unfortunately, they operate on radio frequencies that can interfere with ship operations.

Why it’s a problem:
They disrupt internal communications.

What to do instead:
Use the cruise app’s messaging system.

Homemade or Perishable Foods

This one breaks hearts.

That banana bread you lovingly baked? It will be confiscated. Not because it’s bad, but because it will spoil, attract pests, and violate food safety rules.

Why it’s a problem:
Perishables can rot quickly in cabins.

What to do instead:
Bring sealed, commercially packaged snacks in your carry-on. Granola bars, crackers, chips. There is also no shortage of food onboard.

Livestreaming in Public Areas

Filming is usually fine. Livestreaming is another story.

Many cruise lines prohibit live broadcasting in public spaces, especially near kids’ clubs or security areas.

Why it’s a problem:
Privacy and safety concerns.

What to do instead:
Record clips and post them later.

Game Consoles and HDMI Cables

Cruise TVs aren’t meant to be entertainment hubs.

HDMI ports are often disabled, and onboard Wi-Fi isn’t built for gaming.

Why it’s a problem:
It simply won’t work.

What to do instead:
Bring handheld games, books, or embrace ship activities.

Drones

No exceptions.

You cannot bring drones onboard, even if you promise to only use them in port.

Why it’s a problem:
Airspace laws, safety risks, and port restrictions.

What to do instead:
Leave it at home.

Bluetooth Speakers and White Noise Machines

What feels relaxing to you may not be to your neighbors.

Cruise lines increasingly restrict these to ensure guests can hear announcements and to reduce noise complaints.

Why it’s a problem:
Safety announcements matter.

What to do instead:
Use headphones or phone-based white noise at low volume.

Candles, Incense, and Open Flames

This should be obvious, but it still happens.

Why it’s a problem:
Fire risk. Period.

What to do instead:
Battery-powered tea lights or room sprays.

Weapons and Self-Defense Gear

Yes, even small items.

Brass knuckles, batons, knives, and similar gear are banned.

Why it’s a problem:
Security is handled by trained personnel.

What to do instead:
Trust the ship’s security team.

Selling or Fundraising Onboard

Your cabin is not a pop-up shop.

Selling handmade items or running fundraisers onboard is prohibited.

Why it’s a problem:
Unlicensed commerce is not allowed.

What to do instead:
Enjoy your cruise and leave the hustle ashore.

Single-Use Plastics

Cruise lines are tightening sustainability rules.

Single-use cups, cutlery, and sometimes toiletry bottles may be restricted.

Why it’s a problem:
Environmental impact.

What to do instead:
Reusable bottles and containers.

Oversized Pool Floats and Personal Inflatable Pools

Fun in theory. Chaos in practice.

Why it’s a problem:
Safety and storage issues.

What to do instead:
Use ship-provided loungers and floats.

CBD, Cannabis, and THC Products

This is where people get into real trouble.

Federal maritime law applies. What’s legal in your state may be illegal onboard or in ports.

Why it’s a problem:
Serious legal consequences, including bans.

What to do instead:
Leave it at home.

Flags and Banners on Balconies

Sports, political, or decorative, they’re not allowed.

Why it’s a problem:
Safety and brand appearance.

What to do instead:
Keep expressions personal and inside your cabin.

Hard Liquor (Including the “Sneaky” Stuff)

TikTok makes it look clever. Cruise lines do not.

Smuggling alcohol, including disguised bottles, can earn you a lifetime ban.

Why it’s a problem:
Safety, liability, and revenue protection.

What to do instead:
Have a drink at the bar. It’s easier and legal.

The Bottom Line

Cruise rules aren’t about being restrictive. They’re about safety, fairness, and keeping thousands of people comfortable in a shared space.

When in doubt, leave it out. If something feels clever, it’s probably not allowed. And if you’re unsure, check your cruise line’s prohibited items list before packing.

Your vacation should start with a welcome aboard, not a security bin.

See you at the gate.

– Ted and Fauna