11 Things You Should Never Pack For A Cruise

Packing for a cruise can feel like solving a puzzle. With limited cabin space and rules about what you can and can’t bring, it’s not always easy to know what deserves a spot in your suitcase. While some items can make your trip more comfortable, others could take up valuable room, or worse, get confiscated before you even board.

“There are lots of things you do want to bring with you on your next cruise ― shout out to magnetic hooks to increase useable storage space in some cabins,” Summer Hull, senior director of content at The Points Guy, told HuffPost. “But there are also plenty of things you should not pack as the cruise line will not allow it on board.”

Because the specifics can vary from cruise line to cruise line, she advised checking the rules for your specific voyage.

“That said, there are a few common items that often come up when discussing prohibited items,” Hull added.

Plus, there are certain items that are allowed on board but aren’t worth the luggage space. Below, Hull and other cruise experts share 11 items they recommend leaving behind.

“While modern cruise ships do have USBs and some outlets, it’s likely that you won’t have enough charging spaces for all your cellphones, computers, cameras and more,” said Don and Heidi Bucolo, the founders of Eat Sleep Cruise. “Whatever you do, don’t bring a power brick with a surge protector. It will be confiscated at embarkation.”

They noted that surge protectors and extension cords pose fire hazards and are thus banned on cruise ships.

“Instead, bring European adapters, as most cruise ship cabins contain both 110-volt and 220-volt outlets,” the Bucolos added. “You can also look for USB-only charging blocks for charging items like phones, cameras, and smart watches. Most cruise lines do allow these types of power stations and adapters.”

Take some time to research the rules around these kinds of items on your cruise and invest in a non-surge multiport or power cube.

“One of the most common things I see cruise passengers pack that they shouldn’t is towels,” said Emma Le Teace, aka Emma Cruises, co-founder of The Cruise Globe. “They take up a lot of space in the suitcase, and they just aren’t needed. Cruise lines provide towels in your cabin and also separate towels to use by the pool. If you need anything, you can just ask your cabin steward. On some cruises they have so many towels they make them into towel animals!”

So ditch the bulky towels as you pack for a cruise. You won’t even need them for your outings.

“You can also take towels from the ship ashore for beach breaks and excursions,” the Bucolos said. “Just make sure to return them when back onboard, as some cruise lines charge guests for lost towels.”

“Many popular cruise lines do allow you to bring some alcohol onboard, but there are often restrictions on the quantity and type,” Hull said. “For example, a bottle of wine vs. a bottle of hard liquor may have different rules of what is allowed.”

If you buy alcohol during a port visit, you’ll have to hand it over to the cruise line for safekeeping until the end of your voyage.

“Many cruise lines allow each guest 21+ in a stateroom to carry on one 750 ml bottle of wine onboard during embarkation day,” the Bucolos noted. “Make sure to double-check your cruise line’s policies and see if they have a corkage fee.”

They added that many cruise lines also permit guests to bring up to 12 12-ounce cans of non-alcoholic beverages, such as soda or sparkling water, but prohibit plastic or glass bottles for these drinks. Generally speaking, it’s best to abide by the rules of the ship and consider purchasing a beverage package for your libations.

“People have been trying to sneak on alcohol using Listerine bottles or fake shampoo bottles, umbrellas, feminine products, and filling them with alcohol,” said Richard and Jasmine Ramnarine of the travel vlog A Rich And Jazzy Life. “But now cruises will not only confiscate these items ― they will give you a lifetime ban for trying to sneak on alcohol on the cruise ship. It’s just not worth it.”

“Travel irons and clothes steamers should be left at home,” said Ilana Schattauer, founder of the blog Life Well Cruised. Cruise lines prohibit these common travel accessories, as they are a potential fire hazard, and they’ll usually be confiscated until the end of the trip.”

If you want your clothes to look nice and wrinkle-free, there are other options.

“Some cruise ships offer self-service launderettes where you can press your clothes for free,” the Bucolos said. “Guests can also opt for the upcharged pressing services available on all ships. Or, you can purchase a travel-size container of wrinkle release. Spray a little bit on and then steam your clothes in the shower for a few minutes to make them look neat and clean.”

“Cash is an area where many people overpack,” Le Teace said. “Cruise ships are cashless and everything is charged to your onboard account. You usually can pay this off in cash at the end of the cruise if you want to, or you can pre-load cash onto your account ― but day to day on the ship, guests don’t need cash.”

Carrying lots of cash is also not advisable for excursions to busy tourist ports where petty theft is more common.

“Staterooms generally have safes, but it’s still best to limit how much jewelry, cash or other valuables you bring,” French said. “Credit cards and digital payments are widely accepted in port cities. Meanwhile, most ships operate cashless onboard.”

“Cruise lines have strict rules about bringing food onboard, often tied to customs rules,” French said. “While prepackaged snacks are often OK, you likely cannot bring on fresh produce, meats, and dairy, due to agricultural and health regulations. I’ve seen parents pack things like berries or apples for picky kids, only to have security confiscate them.”

Beyond rules considerations, there are other reasons to avoid packing edible items.

“Cruise ships are famous for round-the-clock dining, from buffets to room service, so there’s really no need to lug snacks from home unless you have a severe food allergy, in which case check with the cruise line,” French said.

“It’s easy to overpack ‘just in case’ dinner wear, but cruises usually lean casual except for perhaps one formal night,” French said. “Space in cabins is limited, and hauling extra evening gowns or multiple pairs of heels is unnecessary. Even the most well-designed cabins may not have space for bulky suitcases to fit under the bed or in the closet.”

She recommended opting for pieces that can be easily dressed up or down with the right accessories.

“Too many shoes or heavy clothing can clutter your stateroom,” echoed Donald “DC” Smith, a cruise expert and travel advisor at DC Smith Personalized Travel. “Instead, bring versatile outfits and lightweight layers that fit your destination.”

Prioritize things you feel good wearing, rather than impractical clothes that only take up space.

“Many people end up rewearing their most comfortable outfits and shoes,” Schattauer said. “When it comes to jewelry, it’s best to leave expensive or sentimental pieces at home. While cruise cabins do have safes, it’s not recommended to wear flashy jewelry in ports of call, as it increases the risk of loss or theft.”

“Another thing I’ve seen people try to bring on board are drones,” Le Teace said. “The only way you can take a drone on a cruise ship is with permission from the cruise line, which is very hard to get. You can’t fly drones on the ship, or near the ship.”

She added that cruise ship security spots and confiscates drones regularly.

“Leaving your drones at home not only keeps you in compliance but also ensures a smoother, stress-free vacation,” Smith said.

“While marijuana is legal in some parts of the country, this often does not translate to being able to bring it on board with you,” Hull said. “Even medical marijuana won’t necessarily be permitted on your next cruise.”

The same goes for CBD products with no trace of THC, so be mindful of any gummies, creams or other such items.

“Although it is legal in a lot of states for recreational use, marijuana is not legal at sea on any cruise line,” the Ramnarines said. “It is best to leave that those items at home because that also can result in a lifetime ban.”

You’ll want to check the rules on your specific cruise regarding certain electronics — for instance, some ban baby monitors.

“They interfere with ship radio frequencies, and leaving kids unattended isn’t allowed anyway,” said Alyssa Griffin of the travel vlog duo Griff & Alyssa. “Many lines offer childcare, for example, MSC has free nursery hours during certain parts of the day.”

Bluetooth speakers also tend to be banned on cruises to prevent noise issues and interference with safety announcements.

Beyond the restrictions, there are other reasons to be mindful about the electronics you pack for a cruise.

“Vacations are for disconnecting,” Smith said. “While Wi-Fi is available onboard, consider leaving some gadgets at home so you can truly unplug and enjoy the experience.”

“If you can acquire a just-in-case item for less than $10 and in under 10 minutes, don’t pack it,” French said. “Cabins are small, and you don’t want to have to cram in unnecessary stuff. Ports typically have excellent pharmacies and plenty of stores where you can easily buy anything you run out of or forgot.”

Similarly, Hull recommended paying attention to the random leisure items that aren’t allowed on board.

“While fun-to-use items such as goggles, snorkels and fins are often permitted,” she said, “things like surfboards, canoes, inflatable baby pools and helium balloons are often not permitted at sea.”