Security and Prohibited Items
What screening looks for, and what will not make it aboard.
Get Free Cruise QuotesEvery guest and every bag is screened before boarding, much like at an airport. Each cruise line publishes its own list of prohibited items, and the lists differ, so always read your own line’s page before packing. Carnival’s published rules are a good example of what to expect.
How Terminal Screening Works
- Checked bags are scanned after porters collect them, out of your sight.
- You and your carry-on pass through scanners at the terminal entrance.
- Items that are not allowed are confiscated or held until the end of the cruise, depending on the item and the line.
- Bags flagged for a closer look may be opened in your presence later on board.
Example: Carnival’s Prohibited Items
Carnival Cruise Line’s help pages group prohibited items into categories. Among them:
- Heating appliances such as clothing irons, coffee makers and hot plates.
- Open flame items including candles, incense and hookahs.
- Audio and signal equipment such as Bluetooth speakers, routers and satellite phones.
- Recreation items like surfboards, skateboards and hoverboards.
- Decorations including helium-filled balloons.
- Weapons, explosives, fireworks and illegal drugs, including marijuana and cannabis.
Example: Carnival’s Beverage Rules
Carnival says that on embarkation day only, guests aged 21 and over may bring one sealed, unopened 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne per person in carry-on luggage; fortified wines are not included, and beer and liquor are not allowed. Guests may also bring up to 12 sealed cans or cartons of non-alcoholic drinks per person, each 12 ounces or less. Other lines set different limits, and some charge a corkage fee to open wine in their restaurants.
Before You Pack
Read your line’s own prohibited-items page, which is usually in the help or FAQ section of its website, and check again shortly before sailing because lists are updated. Our sister site Cruising Checklist has a broader what not to pack guide. For a calm look at onboard safety and security generally, see Cruising Is Safe.
Medications and Medical Equipment
Medications and medical devices are generally allowed, but keep them in your carry-on with prescriptions or labels, and tell your line in advance about equipment such as oxygen or mobility devices. Lines publish separate procedures for these items, and some must be arranged before sailing.
If an Item Is Taken
Depending on the line and the item, confiscated items may be held and returned at the end of the cruise or disposed of. Ask the security officer what will happen to anything removed from your bag.
When in doubt, leave it at home or ask the line before you sail. A quick question by e-mail or in the app avoids losing a favorite item at the terminal.
Questions About What You Can Bring?
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can point you to your line’s current rules and send free quotes for your next cruise.
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