Cruise vacations promise stress-free adventures, but packing the wrong items can cause unnecessary problems, delays, or even get you kicked off before the ship sets sail. As cruise lines get stricter with policies and technology changes the rules of travel, 2025 brings a fresh list of must-avoid items. This isn’t just about saving space — it’s about avoiding hefty fines, security issues, or flat-out confiscation. Before zipping up that suitcase, double-check this list to make sure you’re not sabotaging your trip before it even begins.
Irons and Steamers Are a Fire Hazard
Packing an iron or garment steamer might seem like a smart move to keep clothes looking sharp, but these items are banned on nearly all cruise ships. Fire is one of the most serious risks at sea, and cruise lines take no chances with heat-producing appliances in cabins. These devices can overheat, spark, or overload circuits in confined quarters — making them a major safety concern.
Instead of risking delays or confiscation at check-in, cruisers can use wrinkle-release sprays or opt for onboard laundry services. Many cruise ships even offer designated ironing rooms for guests. It’s safer, simpler, and saves packing space — all without the threat of a fire drill ruining your vacation.
Candles and Incense Are Strictly Prohibited
Trying to bring a little ambiance into a cabin with scented candles or incense might sound harmless, but these items are high on the no-pack list. Open flames are never permitted onboard, and smoke-producing items can trigger fire alarms that cause serious disruptions.
Instead of bringing anything flammable, travelers can pack battery-operated flameless candles or essential oil rollers. These safer alternatives deliver the same relaxing effect without violating any safety rules. Plus, they won’t lead to awkward conversations with security or warnings from cruise staff.
Full-Sized Liquor Bottles Will Get You Flagged
While enjoying a drink during vacation is part of the experience, trying to smuggle full-sized liquor bottles into checked luggage is a quick way to attract attention — and not the good kind. Most cruise lines have clear alcohol policies, allowing only a small quantity of wine or champagne and banning hard liquor outright.
Cruisers caught violating these rules often find their bottles confiscated and may face additional scrutiny for the rest of the trip. To enjoy drinks legally and stress-free, it’s best to explore drink packages or take advantage of happy hour specials onboard.
Hard Coolers Waste Space and Are Banned
A hard-sided cooler might seem helpful for storing drinks or snacks, but cruise ships don’t allow them for a reason. They take up too much space in compact cabins and pose storage issues for the crew during boarding.
For passengers who genuinely need to keep items cool — like medication — a small, soft-sided cooler is usually allowed. These are more flexible, lightweight, and cruise-approved. Going with this option avoids delays and unnecessary baggage inspections at the terminal.
Sharp Objects Could Trigger a Security Delay
Packing scissors, knives, or tools in a suitcase can result in slowdowns during the embarkation process. Cruise security treats anything with a blade, no matter how small, as a potential threat. Even items like sewing kits or manicure tools can be flagged.
Travelers should review the cruise line’s list of restricted items ahead of time and stick to compact, TSA-style versions of any grooming gear. Anything questionable should be left behind or purchased on board if needed. It’s not worth the hassle of extra screening or delayed luggage delivery.
Drones and Hoverboards Are a No-Go
Tech-savvy travelers might think about packing drones to capture aerial footage or hoverboards to zip around port areas, but both are strictly banned on most cruise lines. Drones pose risks of interference with ship systems or passenger safety, while hoverboards are a fire hazard and liability nightmare.
Passengers who attempt to bring them aboard often have the devices confiscated and stored for the entire cruise — or worse, denied boarding altogether. Travelers should instead check local port regulations to see if drone use is allowed on land or stick to handheld gimbals and cameras.
Unnecessary Tech That Takes Up Space
With fast Wi-Fi, smart apps, and digital booking on most ships in 2025, it’s tempting to overpack tech gear. But things like large speakers, gaming consoles, or desktop monitors often go unused and just clutter the already-limited cabin space.
A smartphone, charger, tablet, and maybe a Kindle are usually more than enough for the modern cruiser. Extra gadgets take up room and add weight, and they’re often impractical in the salty, humid conditions of the open sea. Keeping it simple means more time to enjoy the trip and less time dealing with tangled cords.
Excessive Toiletries and Hair Tools
Many travelers still bring full-size shampoo bottles, large cans of hairspray, and a lineup of heated styling tools. Not only do these clutter bathrooms, but some high-powered hair tools can be banned outright. Cruise cabins also tend to have limited electrical outlets, making bulky tools a burden.
Cruise lines provide basic toiletries and offer onboard salons for professional styling. Travel-sized bottles and compact styling brushes are the smarter way to go. They free up space, reduce mess, and keep the cabin more organized — especially when multiple people are sharing the space.
Leave These Behind and Sail Smoothly
Packing mistakes on cruises don’t just create headaches — they can lead to delays, confiscated items, or even a denied boarding pass. As cruise ships modernize and tighten their rules in 2025, travelers need to be more strategic than ever about what goes in their bags. From banned tech to fire hazards, skipping these ten items means faster check-in, smoother sailing, and less stress at sea. A great cruise starts long before the ship leaves port — and it begins with what not to bring.