What items are banned onboard Royal Caribbean?

Royal Caribbean’s Banned Items Policy

Royal Caribbean’s banned items list is designed with one primary goal: passenger and ship safety. Unlike hotels, cruise ships operate in the middle of the ocean, where even small risks can escalate quickly. Therefore, any item that could cause fire hazards, create onboard disruptions, or compromise passenger welfare is restricted or prohibited.

Why These Rules Exist

Cruise lines follow international maritime laws under organizations such as:

• The International Maritime Organization (IMO)

• U.S. Coast Guard regulations

• Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements

These regulations emphasize fire safety, electrical safety, hazardous material control, and public health—which is why certain items are off-limits, even if they seem harmless.

How Items Are Screened at the Port

At embarkation, luggage goes through:

• X-ray scanning

• Manual inspection if required

• Additional screening for suspicious items

If banned items are found, they are typically confiscated until the end of the cruise—though some can result in more serious consequences.

Major Categories of Banned Items on Royal Caribbean

Below are the key categories of items you cannot bring onboard. Each section includes examples, explanations, and what alternatives you can use.

1. Fire-Hazard Items

Fire is the biggest risk at sea, so Royal Caribbean strictly prohibits anything with an open flame or heating element.

a. Open Flame Devices

Examples include:

• Candles (burning or decorative)

• Incense sticks or burners

• Oil lamps

• Portable torches

These items can easily tip over in a moving ship and are an instant fire hazard.

b. Heating Elements & Irons

These are also banned due to fire risk:

• Clothing irons

• Garment steamers

• Hot plates

• Coffee makers

• Electric kettles

• Toasters

• Travel heaters

Allowed Alternative:Each cabin already includes a professional laundry service and sometimes a shipboard pressing option.

2. Hazardous Chemicals & Flammable Liquids

Royal Caribbean does not permit items that pose chemical or combustion hazards.

a. Flammable Liquids

Banned examples:

• Paints

• Thinners

• Turpentine

• Fuel cans

• Gasoline or kerosene

• Lighter fluid (zippo fuel)

While standard disposable lighters are allowed, bulk flammable liquids are not.

b. Strong Chemicals

Prohibited items include:

• Bleach

• Ammonia

• Strong cleaning agents

• Industrial-grade chemicals

These can corrode ship systems or create toxic fumes.

3. Weapons & Self-Defense Items

For safety reasons, Royal Caribbean bans all types of weapons and weapon-like items.

a. Guns & Firearms

This includes:

• Handguns

• Rifles

• BB guns

• Airsoft weapons

• Replica firearms

• Paintball guns

Even unloaded or decorative weapons are not allowed.

b. Sharp Weapons

Prohibited items include:

• Hunting knives

• Martial arts weapons

• Machetes

• Throwing stars

• Swords

• Large blades

Small travel scissors with a blade under 4 inches are generally acceptable.

c. Self-Defensive Tools

Banned items:

• Pepper spray

• Stun guns

• Tasers

• Batons

• Brass knuckles

These can create safety risks during onboard incidents.

4. Drones, Hoverboards & Transportation Devices

Some personal mobility or recreation devices are restricted due to safety concerns.

a. Hoverboards & Electric Mobility Devices

These are banned because lithium batteries pose fire risks:

• Hoverboards

• Segways

• Self-balancing scooters

• Electric skateboards

b. Drones (UAVs)

While Royal Caribbean allows drones onboard, you cannot fly them on the ship. They must remain stored unless used at approved ports.

Failing to follow this rule can result in confiscation.

5. Dangerous Sports Equipment

Certain sports items pose injury or damage risk.

a. Prohibited Items

These include:

• Archery equipment

• Baseball bats

• Hockey sticks

• Surfboards

• Large fishing gear

Royal Caribbean ships already offer numerous safe recreational options onboard.

b. Allowed Items

Some items like snorkels, fins, and small fishing gear may be permitted but often with limitations.

Always double-check with the cruise line if your equipment is unusual.

Detailed Breakdown of Banned Items with Explanations

Below are the 7 H4 sections required.

1. Cooking Appliances

Items such as air fryers, electric skillets, portable stoves, or rice cookers are strictly banned. Even compact cooking appliances generate heat and can cause electrical overloads or fires.

Reason: Cruise ship electrical systems are sensitive, and unauthorized cooking is unsafe.

2. Personal Laundry Heating Tools

Personal irons, steamers, and hot clothing press machines are not allowed.

Reason: They pose a fire hazard and can tip over with ship movement.

3. Excess Alcohol & Homemade Beverages

While Royal Caribbean allows limited wine, the following are banned:

• Beer

• Liquor

• Homemade spirits

• Large quantities of wine

• Alcohol in non-original containers

Reason: To maintain safety, prevent smuggling, and control responsible alcohol use onboard.

4. Fireworks & Explosive Devices

Even small fireworks like sparklers are prohibited.

Reason: Fireworks are unstable, explosive, and illegal under maritime law.

5. Perishable Foods

Royal Caribbean prohibits passengers from bringing large amounts of perishables such as meats, dairy, or prepared meals.

Reason: Food safety regulations and contamination risks.

Small snacks, packaged foods, and baby formula are allowed.

6. Extension Cords & Certain Electrical Adapters

Unless fire-safe and cruise-approved, many extension cords are banned.

Reason: Risk of overheating and fire in compact cabins.

Royal Caribbean typically provides or sells approved adapters onboard.

7. CBD & Marijuana Products

Even if legal in the U.S. or your home country, all marijuana products are banned, including:

• CBD oils

• Edibles

• THC vapes

• Cannabis accessories

Reason: Ships must comply with international maritime drug laws.

What Happens If You Bring a Banned Item?

Royal Caribbean handles prohibited items in several ways depending on severity.

1. Confiscation at the Port

Most non-dangerous items will be taken and held until the end of your cruise.

2. Security Interview

For questionable or dangerous items, security may question you to clarify intent.

3. Denied Boarding

Extreme cases—such as firearms, explosives, or controlled substances—can result in:

• Immediate denial of boarding

• Possible police involvement

• Expulsion with no refund

4. Cabin Searches if Needed

If security suspects you brought a prohibited item into your cabin, they may conduct a formal inspection.

Items That Are Allowed (But With Restrictions)

Not everything is strictly banned. Some items fall in a grey area with special rules.

1. Curling Irons & Hair Straighteners

Allowed, as long as they are standard household devices.

2. Baby Monitors

Allowed if non-Wi-Fi based.

3. CPAP Machines

Fully allowed, but bring necessary adapters.

4. Medical Equipment

Permitted but may require prior notification.

5. Walkie-Talkies

Allowed with limited range requirements.

Being aware of these exceptions helps you pack more confidently.

Packing Tips to Avoid Bringing Banned Items

Here are some cruise-expert packing strategies:

1. Use the Cruise Line’s Official List

Royal Caribbean updates its prohibited items list regularly—check just before sailing.

2. Avoid Anything With an Open Flame

If it burns or heats, assume it’s banned.

3. Pack Smart Electronics

Stick to portable, travel-safe gadgets.

4. Keep Alcohol Within Limits

Bring only the allowed quantity and type.

5. Use Cruise-Safe Power Strips

Make sure yours is:

• Non-surge protected

• UL-certified

• Fire-safe

6. Don’t Bring Rare or Hard-to-Replace Equipment

If security confiscates it, you’ll regret packing it.