6 Things to Always Leave at Home When You Cruise
This is the cruising time of year. At least for me. The majority of my cruise groups are in preparation for their upcoming cruises that happen during the summer months. During this time I get a so many questions about what to pack and “can I take this”. Yet, rarely does anyone ask what NOT to take on their cruise. Cruise ships are floating hotels and they have problems similar to hotels but problems that are unique to sailing vessels.
I am going to share 6 things that should never go with you on your next cruise. Actually if these items are found in your luggage they can very well be confiscated. So, save yourself the heartache and avoid the items I list below. Let’s get started.
By Kavonda L. Rogers
Household Appliances
I know some people love their morning cup of coffee or a crisply ironed shirt but these items are not allowed on cruise lines. Fire is the biggest issue for any ship at sea. Household appliances pose a huge fire threat. Two cruise lines offer laundry facilities: Holland America (some ships) and Carnival Cruise Lines (fleet wide). Also, Downy Wrinkle Releaser works wonders when an iron is not around. As for the coffee you can order it from room service on any ship or find a cup on the pool deck.
Any and All Candle Products
Open flames of any type are completely forbidden. Remember the fire hazard on cruise ships I mentioned in Household Appliances? Instead bring a spray air freshener or linen spray to help keep your cabin fresh. If you are flying their are tons of non-aerosol sprays that can be added to your checked luggage.
Weapons and Restraints
Guns, handcuffs, brass knuckles and martial arts equipment (flails, throwing stars, belt buckle knives, etc.) aren’t allowed on-board cruise ships. Swiss army knives aren’t banned on all cruises; Carnival allows knives on-board, as long as the blades are less than 4 inches long, while Royal Caribbean prohibits all knives. The TSA has its own set of rules for flying. So, if you are flying to your cruise port; do not pack these items at all.
Liquor or Beer
Many cruise lines allow you to bring up to two bottles of wine or sparkling cider on-board. Beer and liquor of any kind is forbidden. You are allowed to bring a 12 pack of canned sodas on to most cruise ships but this rule changes frequently so ask your travel professional or check with your cruise line.
Toys for big kids and little kids
The idea of bringing motorized toys on-board to help you navigate the ship; sounds great. Yet, items like segways and in-line skates are a no-no. Also, items that can propel from the ship like kites, motorized cars, floaties, noodle tubes are not allowed. Leave the drones at home as well since maritime law forbids such items. If you are worried about a child being bored travel sized board games, or handheld video games are a great alternative.
large amounts of cash
Cruise ships are cashless environments. Many guests chose not to use their credit or debit cards for their shipboard accounts. I think this is a great idea but be careful. Purchases are made via cards that are issued by the cruise ships and double as room keys. If you wish to apply cash to your account then do it as soon as you arrive on the ship as not to make yourself a target. If you want to shop at ports then use your credit card at a reputable store and keep smaller amounts of cash for booth shopping.
Were you aware of the forbidden items on cruise ships? Are you planning a cruise vacation in the near future? If so tell me where you are going. Also, if you want more tips and info about all things travel sign up for my newsletter below.
I’m Kavonda L. Rogers and I’m a Certified Travel Agent who specializes in Destination Weddings, Honeymoons and Group Travel in Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean.