Confiscated at the Port? What Royal Caribbean Won’t Let You Bring Onboard

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Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise? To ensure passenger safety and a smooth and enjoyable journey, it’s essential to be aware of what items are prohibited onboard. Understanding these restrictions will help you avoid any last-minute surprises during embarkation.

Here’s a Detailed List of Items That Are Not Allowed on Royal Caribbean Ships

Symphony of the Seas slides And top deck msn
Photo Credit: Donna Vallance

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The list ranges from everyday objects to specific items that could pose safety or security risks. Familiarise yourself with these guidelines to ensure hassle-free packing and seamless embarkation.

Firearms & Ammunition, Including Realistic Replicas

Water Pistol
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All forms of firearms, whether they are real or look-alike replicas, are strictly forbidden. This includes guns, rifles, air guns, BB guns, and any other type of firearm. Ammunition for any firearm, even if it is unused, is also banned. These restrictions apply regardless of the gun’s intended use, such as for sport or collection.

Sharp Objects, Including All Knives And Scissors

Scissors
Photo Credit Deposit Photos

Items like knives, scissors with blades longer than 4 inches, and other sharp objects are not allowed. The only exceptions are personal grooming items like safety razors, which are permitted. Scissors with a blade length of less than 4 inches are also allowed onboard, provided they are used for personal grooming and not as a weapon.

Illegal Drugs & Substances

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Any drugs or substances that are illegal under U.S. federal law or the laws of the departure or arrival ports are prohibited. This includes recreational drugs like marijuana, even if it is legal in the passenger’s home country or state. The possession, use, or sale of illegal drugs onboard will result in severe penalties, including disembarkation and legal action.

CBD Oil / CBD Products

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Despite the growing legality of CBD products in many places, they are not permitted onboard. This includes all forms of cannabidiol (CBD) oils, edibles, creams, and other related products. The ban is due to varying laws and regulations regarding CBD in different countries and regions.

Candles, Incense, Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, Travel Steamers & Hot Plates

Photo Credit Deposit photos

Any items that generate heat or produce an open flame are banned for safety reasons. This includes candles, incense, coffee makers, clothes irons, travel steamers, hot plates, and similar items. Such items pose a significant fire hazard on board the ship.

The only exceptions to this rule are curling irons and hair straighteners, which are allowed. Regular matches and standard lighters are permitted, but torch lighters and novelty lighters shaped like guns are not due to their potential danger.

Hoverboards

Photo Credit Deposit Photos

Self-balancing scooters, commonly known as hoverboards, are not allowed on the ship. This restriction is in place due to safety concerns, particularly the risk of battery-related fires. Other similar devices like motorised scooters may also be restricted depending on their battery type.

Martial Arts, Self Defence, And Sports Gear, Including Handcuffs, Pepper Spray, Nightsticks

Credit Sarah Christie Made on Adobe Firefly

Items associated with martial arts, self-defense, or certain sports gear, like handcuffs, pepper spray, nightsticks, and other similar items, are not allowed. These items could be used as weapons, and their presence could pose a risk to passengers and crew members.

Flammable Liquids And Explosives, Including Lighter Fluid And Fireworks

Credit Sarah Christie Made on Adobe Firefly

Any flammable liquids or explosive materials are strictly prohibited. This includes lighter fluid, fireworks, firecrackers, gasoline, paint thinners, and other hazardous materials. These items can easily cause fires or explosions, which is a significant safety concern on a ship.

Hookahs & Water Hookah Pipes

Credit Sarah Christie Made on Adobe Firefly

Hookahs, including water hookah pipes, are not allowed onboard. These items can create a fire hazard due to the open flames required to use them and are therefore prohibited.

Electrical Extension Cords, Including Power Strips/Surge-Protected Strips

Power Cord
Photo Credit Deposit Photos

Bringing electrical extension cords, including power strips or surge protectors, is not allowed. These items can be a fire hazard due to the potential for overloading circuits or improper usage. The ship’s cabins are equipped with sufficient outlets, and additional power needs can be requested from the crew.

Dangerous Chemicals, Including Bleach and Paint

Photo Credit Deposit Photos

Any chemical that could be considered dangerous, such as bleach, paint, or other hazardous substances, is not permitted. These chemicals can pose a health risk or cause damage if spilled, leaked, or mishandled onboard.

Perishable Food & Meat Products

Starters from MDR on Princess
Pate Starter on Regal Princess

Passengers are not allowed to bring perishable food items or meat products onboard. This rule is in place to prevent contamination, spoilage, and the introduction of pests. The ship offers a wide variety of dining options, and any specific dietary needs can be accommodated by the onboard culinary team.

Alcoholic Beverages (Beer, Seltzer, or Hard Liquor) Seized on Embarkation Day Will Not be Returned

Fruit Plate and wine on the Balcony
Photo Credit: Sarah Christie, Cruising with Kids

Passengers are not allowed to bring their own Beer, Seltzer, Or Hard Liquor onboard, however can bring one bottle each of wine or champagne. If found, these items will be confiscated at embarkation and will not be returned. The ship has its own selection of alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Knowing What Not To Pack

What to pack for a cruise

By adhering to these guidelines and avoiding prohibited items, you can help ensure a safe and pleasant cruise experience for yourself and others aboard the ship. Remember, the restrictions are in place to protect everyone on board and to maintain a secure environment throughout your journey. Packing wisely and following the rules will allow you to fully enjoy all the amenities and adventures that Royal Caribbean has to offer. Happy cruising!

Also Take A Tour of Ambassador Ambition

The Library Stocked with Books
Photo Credit Sarah Christie

Photo tour of Ambassador Ambition.

Author

  • Sarah Christie is a passionate family travel expert. With years of experience exploring the world by sea, Sarah specialises in helping families plan unforgettable cruise holidays with practical tips, honest reviews, and insider advice. From navigating mega ships with little ones to finding the best family-friendly excursions, she’s on a mission to make cruising stress-free and magical for all ages. Now that her children are grown up, Sarah is also embracing a new chapter of cruising as a couple, exploring adult-only experiences, romantic escapes, and bucket-list destinations with a fresh perspective.

    She also co-hosts the popular Magically Cruising Podcast, where she shares cruise news, destination insights, and first-hand experiences to inspire both first-time cruisers and seasoned sailors.

    Contact me on travelingchristie@gmail.com

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