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When packing for a cruise, there are certain items that are always a good idea to leave at home.
Some are a fire hazard, some are illegal, and some pose an allergy risk. And yes, they scan your luggage to check it in.
Will Sarson, Product Director, Riviera Travels, shares his take on the topic, revealing the five items you should never bring on a cruise vacation.
Will says: ‘When packing for a cruise vacation, it’s important to do your research to understand the list of prohibited items.
‘This can help you plan your packing better and avoid disappointment when items are confiscated.’
Will Sarson, Product Director at Riviera Travel, shares his insight on the items you should never bring on a cruise
Alcohol
Yes, drinking alcohol is allowed on board most cruise ships (as long as you are of legal age), but it is not advisable to bring too many bottles.
Will notes: ‘While alcohol is not strictly prohibited on cruises, most companies have a number of restrictions in place to prevent travelers from bringing large amounts on board.
‘Travelers are often restricted to a single bottle of wine or champagne, with potential corkage charges for drinking in public spaces.
‘With so much alcohol available on board, we recommend leaving the bottles at home to avoid additional costs and instead using the available liquor found throughout the ship and in various ports around the world.’
An iron or steamer
Will says: ‘Like extension cords, many cruise ships do not allow irons or steamers on board because they are a fire hazard.’
This is considered a major safety risk at sea, but is often forgotten by tourists.
Will says: ‘As with extension cords, many cruise ships do not allow irons and steamers on board because they pose a fire hazard.
‘This is a topic that constantly surprises people, and travelers are forced to part with their iron or steamer.
‘To avoid disappointment, it’s best to leave these items at home. Many river and ocean cruises have irons or steamers on board that guests can borrow during their stay.’
Candles and incense
Will notes: ‘Any flammable items, such as candles and incense, are prohibited on cruises due to the fire risk they pose.’
For reasons similar to the ban on irons and vaporizers, naked flames and the ashes of incense and candles are considered dangerous.
Will notes: ‘All flammable items, such as candles, are banned on cruise ships due to the fire risk they pose. While candles can provide a relaxing scent and are great for setting the mood, they are also incredibly dangerous; therefore, cruise staff are quick to confiscate these popular items.
‘Likewise, incense products fall into the same category. Like the rest of the items on this list, ditch the candles and incense!’
CBD oil
‘CBD oil is not allowed on cruise ships due to its different legality around the world,’ says Will
“CBD oil is a popular wellness product that provides relief for physical pain and mental health disorders,” says the cruise expert. “But it is not allowed on cruise ships due to its varying legality around the world.
‘While the product is legal for sale and transport throughout the UK, this is not the case in certain cruise ship port destinations. The substance is therefore not permitted on board the ship.’
CBD is legal in the UK, USA, Mexico, Spain, Italy and more countries around the world according to Flawless CBDHowever, each country has different regulations regarding whether a prescription is required and the permitted THC content.
Pets
Will notes: ‘Pets are not allowed on cruises due to the risk of allergies and the general health and safety aspects of allowing cats or dogs on board.’
Will says: ‘While this should go without saying, you’d be surprised how many people try to bring their pets on board their cruise ship. Pets are not allowed on cruise ships due to the risk of allergies and the general health and safety issues involved in allowing cats or dogs on board.
‘However, animals such as guide dogs are allowed on board due to the medical assistance they provide. If you have a pet and have booked a cruise holiday, it is best to make arrangements for your animals as they will not be able to accompany you on board.’
So what can you bring on board?
The expert lists four essential items to remember and comments: “While the items listed above are prohibited, it is also important to remember essential items including travel documents, swimwear, toiletries, and a travel guide or map of upcoming destinations.”
Will adds: “In general, when packing for a cruise vacation, it’s essential to research the list of prohibited items. Every cruise line is different in terms of their strictness and restrictions can vary by type of cruise, which highlights the importance of research.”