What items are banned onboard royal caribbean cruise

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise is exciting—but packing the wrong item can quickly turn that excitement into frustration. Every year, thousands of passengers unknowingly bring prohibited items to the port, only to have them confiscated during security screening.

This authoritative guide explains exactly what items are banned onboard Royal Caribbean cruises, why they are restricted, and how to pack smartly to avoid delays, confiscation, or denied boarding.

Drawing on official Royal Caribbean policies, international maritime safety regulations, and public health guidance from organizations like the CDC and WHO, this article provides clear, actionable advice for first-time and experienced cruisers alike.

Why Royal Caribbean Restricts Certain Items

Royal Caribbean operates under strict international maritime laws, including:

SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea Convention) – overseen by the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
U.S. Coast Guard maritime safety regulations
CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) for health and hygiene
International port security requirements

According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), even small onboard hazards—such as overheating electronics or open flames—can pose serious risks at sea due to confined spaces and limited emergency access.

Expert Insight: Unlike hotels, cruise ships are self-contained environments. A single fire, chemical spill, or disease outbreak can impact thousands of passengers at once.

How Security Screening Works at the Port

Before boarding, all luggage and carry-on items pass through:

X-ray scanners
Manual inspections (if flagged)
Prohibited item checks

If an item violates Royal Caribbean’s policy:

It may be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise
Or disposed of permanently if deemed dangerous

Complete List of Banned Items on Royal Caribbean Cruises

Fire Hazards (Strictly Prohibited)

Fire prevention is Royal Caribbean’s top safety priority.

Banned Fire-Related Items:

Candles (real or battery-powered with flame effect)
Incense and incense burners
Fireworks and flares
Portable heaters
Hot plates or cooking devices
Extension cords and surge protectors

Why?According to the U.S. Coast Guard, electrical overloads and open flames are among the leading causes of shipboard fires.

Allowed Alternative:

Cruise-approved USB charging hubs (without surge protection)

Electrical & Electronic Restrictions

Not all electronics are banned—but some are restricted due to voltage and safety risks.

Item	Allowed?	Reason
Hair dryer		High wattage
Curling iron		Overheating risk
CPAP machine		Medical exemption
Laptop & phone chargers		Low wattage
Power strips		Surge risk

CDC Guidance: Overloaded circuits in confined spaces significantly increase fire risk in maritime environments.

Weapons, Ammunition & Self-Defense Items

Royal Caribbean follows international port security laws.

Prohibited Weapons:

Firearms (including replicas)
Ammunition
Knives (including pocket knives)
Pepper spray or mace
Martial arts equipment
Handcuffs or batons

Even items legal in your home country may be illegal in international ports.

Drugs, CBD & Cannabis Products

Despite legalization in some regions, marijuana remains illegal under federal maritime law.

Strictly Prohibited:

Marijuana (medical or recreational)
CBD oil (including THC-free products)
Cannabis edibles or vape cartridges

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, cannabis remains illegal at U.S. ports—even in states where it is legal.

Important: Medical marijuana cards are not accepted onboard.

Alcohol Restrictions (Highly Regulated)

Royal Caribbean tightly controls alcohol consumption.

Banned or Restricted:

Hard liquor (rum, vodka, whiskey)
Beer cases
Homemade alcohol

What Is Allowed:

Up to two 750ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom (carry-on only)

Alcohol Type	Allowed	Notes
Wine (2 bottles)		Carry-on only
Spirits		Confiscated
Duty-free alcohol		Held until end

Drones & Remote-Control Devices

Drones are not permitted for guest use
Confiscated at boarding
Returned at the end of the cruise

Reason:Drones pose collision and privacy risks. The FAA and international aviation authorities prohibit unauthorized drone flights from vessels.

Smoking & Vaping Restrictions

Royal Caribbean is largely smoke-free.

Prohibited Items:

Hookahs
Shisha pipes
Cigars outside designated areas

Allowed:

Cigarettes and e-cigarettes (use only in designated smoking zones)

Chemicals, Cleaning Supplies & Hazardous Materials

Not Allowed:

Bleach or strong disinfectants
Industrial cleaners
Corrosive chemicals
Large aerosol containers

CDC VSP Guidelines prohibit passengers from bringing unregulated chemicals onboard.

Sports & Recreation Items (Partially Restricted)

Item	Allowed?	Notes
Baseball bats		Considered weapons
Skateboards		Safety risk
Snorkel gear		Personal use
Scuba tanks		Pressurized
Golf clubs		Stored by crew

Items That Are Often Confused (But Allowed)

Many passengers unnecessarily leave items at home.

Generally Allowed:

Medications (prescription & OTC)
Vitamins and supplements
Baby food and formula
Small personal fans (battery-operated)
Travel-sized toiletries
WHO Guidance: Passengers should bring adequate personal medications to avoid reliance on limited onboard medical supplies.

Step-by-Step Packing Checklist (Expert Method)

Step 1: Review Official Policy

Always check Royal Caribbean’s official “Prohibited Items” list before sailing.

Step 2: Separate Carry-On Items

Pack:

Medications
Wine bottles
Travel documents

Step 3: Avoid Multi-Use Electronics

Choose cruise-approved USB hubs only.

Step 4: Declare Medical Equipment

CPAP machines and medical oxygen require advance notification.

What Happens If You Bring a Banned Item?

Item is flagged during screening
Confiscated by security
Logged and tagged
Returned at end of cruise (if permitted)

Some items (drugs, weapons) may be reported to authorities.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bring a power strip on Royal Caribbean?

No. Surge protectors and power strips are prohibited due to fire risk.

2. Are hair straighteners allowed?

No. High-wattage styling tools are banned.

3. Can I bring CBD oil if it’s THC-free?

No. CBD products are prohibited regardless of THC content.

4. Are drones ever allowed onboard?

No. Drones are confiscated and returned after the cruise.

5. What happens to confiscated alcohol?

It is stored and returned on the final day.

6. Can I bring prescription medication?

Yes. Keep medications in original containers.

7. Are scissors allowed?

Small grooming scissors may be allowed; larger scissors are prohibited.

8. Can I bring food onboard?

Yes—sealed, prepackaged snacks are generally allowed.

9. Is medical oxygen allowed?

Yes, but requires pre-approval and documentation.

10. Are e-cigarettes banned?

No, but usage is restricted to smoking-designated areas only.

Authoritative Sources & References

Royal Caribbean International – Guest Safety Policies
International Maritime Organization (IMO) – SOLAS Convention
CDC Vessel Sanitation Program (CDC.gov)
U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Safety Guidelines
World Health Organization (WHO) – Travel Health Guidance
Consumer Reports – Travel Safety & Electronics
Harvard Business Review – Risk Management in Transportation
Disclosure: Based on publicly available information, there is no confirmed data on exceptions beyond those officially listed by Royal Caribbean.

Final Expert Takeaway

Understanding what items are banned onboard Royal Caribbean cruises is not about inconvenience—it’s about safety, compliance, and ensuring a smooth vacation.

By packing smartly, following official guidelines, and understanding the why behind restrictions, you’ll avoid delays and enjoy your cruise stress-free.

If you’d like, I can also provide:

A printable banned-items checklist
Ship-specific rules (Oasis, Icon, Quantum class)
Alcohol & beverage policy breakdown
Cruise packing list by destination

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