1. Irons and steamers 

Items that generate heat are prohibited from cruises as they are viewed as potential fire hazards. Anyone wanting to iron their clothes once onboard should check to see if their ship provides a public laundry room that includes irons and board for passengers. Dry cleaning and pressing services are also available on many luxury ships.

For those traveling on luxury cruise lines, many cabin grades will include free laundry and pressing service. People staying in suites will often enjoy the services of a dedicated butler who will react swiftly to impromptu requests for a shirt or dress to be pressed before dinner for example. 

2. Extension leads/cords 

Most newer ships are designed with accessibility in mind, with lots of power sockets around every cabin, stateroom, or suite. However, older ships may not be as well equipped. However, due to fire and safety regulations, passengers are prohibited from bringing their own multi-outlet extension cord or lead to boost the number of plugs in their cabin. 

If needed, 220-volt cruise-compliant extension cords with USB charging ports are usually sold in the ship’s onboard shop. Check first with your cruise line to see if they prohibit extension cords or not and always err on the side of caution.  

3. Homemade food 

Pre-packaged, unopened snacks are allowed on a cruise, but any homemade food is banned. These limitations are related to concerns for food safety and contamination, as cruise lines are not able to provide refrigeration or storage for personal food items. One of the best things about cruising is there are lots of culinary options available on-board so there is no need to bring food from home. 

4. Alcohol 

Most cruise lines don’t allow passengers to bring beer or liquor onboard, but they allow one bottle of wine per passenger. This must be in your carry-on bag rather than checked luggage and bottles must be unopened and sealed. Some lines charge a corkage fee, so be sure to check with your cruise line before packing your favorite wine. 

If you are flying to meet your cruise ship, this adds another layer of complexity. Whilst you can carry alcoholic beverages in your hold luggage on an aircraft (under 70% proof) or buy alcohol at the duty-free store at the airport, these items may well be confiscated when boarding your ship. All baggage is x-rayed before going on a cruise ship and often alcohol will be removed to meet the regulatory standards at specific ports of call. 

5. Inflatable pool toys 

If your ship has a pool onboard, it may be tempting to bring along inflatable pool toys or noodles for young children, but these must be left at home. Most cruise lines only allow you to bring inflatable armbands for your little ones which must be deflated at the time of boarding. Other cruise lines will allow you to bring buoyancy vests on board for children but this is not usually the case. It is always sensible to check with your cruise line before packing and leaving home. 

6. Baby monitors 

Baby monitors are not permitted on many cruise lines, and the metal walls of many ships don’t allow the monitors to work properly anyway. On the cruise, it is likely you will either be in the same room or an adjoining room to your baby so there is no need to worry about being away from them or needing to monitor them as you will always be close by. 

Parents are reminded that many cruise lines operate babysitting services at different times of the day. The support services offered vary hugely by cruise line, however.  Some cruise lines do not supervise under 3s or might only offer childcare in a ‘kids club’ style environment. It is always best to check with your specialist cruise agent before booking.

7. Helium balloons

Anyone planning a celebratory cruise for a birthday, anniversary, or other occasion should refrain from bringing balloons. Most cruise lines have banned inflatables of all kinds, but some offer a service to buy balloons from the ship and have them delivered to your room for the big day. 

8. Pets 

Household pets like dogs and cats are not allowed on the majority of cruise lines, but service dogs (e.g. guide dogs / seeing eye dogs) are an exception. You will need to get permission from the cruise line before bringing a service dog onboard, however, and the dog must be officially registered.

9. Bottle warmers and sterilizers 

Some cruise lines prohibit bottle warmers and sterilizers but may permit travel sterilizers. It is important to check with your cruise agent or provider before packing so you are sure there is no chance of it being on the list of banned items. Some cruise lines provide a number of sterilisers on board which can be hired as required. 

10. Young babies

Family-friendly cruises allow babies on board, but some ships specify the age of the babies, with some saying they can only be older than six months, and some with a 12-month-old requirement. Some cruise ships do not allow children at all, so take this into consideration when planning your trip. Some ships will be better suited to families and young children so ask your cruise agent for advice on the best cruise line for you.