CRUISE NEW
6 THINGS THAT WERE ONCE ALLOWED ON CRUISE SHIPS BUT ARE NOW BANNED
Sep
Imagine stepping out of your cruise cabin at 8:30 at night and immediately smelling cigarette smoke.
You turn down the corridor.
A passenger is standing outside his cabin with a lit cigarette in his hand.
“WAIT! You’re SMOKING out here?! Is that even allowed?!”
The man looks confused.
“What?! People used to smoke all over cruise ships!”
A crew member approaches and gives him the answer that matters today:
“Not here, sir. Smoking is restricted to designated areas under current onboard rules.”
That short confrontation reveals something every cruiser should understand:
Cruise rules change.
Things passengers remember doing years ago may now be restricted. Items that travelers once packed without much thought may be prohibited by a particular cruise line today.
But there is an important catch.
Not every cruise line has the same rules, and not every item on this list is universally banned across the entire cruise industry.
Some are prohibited by specific cruise lines. Others are allowed only under narrow conditions. And some may be allowed onboard but prohibited from being used on the ship.
Here are 6 things that were once allowed on cruise ships but are now banned or heavily restricted by major cruise lines—and what today’s passengers need to know before sailing.
1. SMOKING ON YOUR CABIN BALCONY 6 THINGS THAT WERE ONCE
Smoking is one of the clearest examples of how cruise culture has changed.
Years ago, passengers on some cruise lines could smoke in areas that would surprise many modern cruisers—including private cabin balconies.
Today, that freedom has dramatically narrowed.
Can You Smoke on a Cruise Ship Balcony Today?
On major lines such as Norwegian Cruise Line, smoking is currently prohibited in staterooms and on stateroom balconies.
Instead, smoking is restricted to designated locations.
Carnival likewise states that smoking is limited to designated areas and is not permitted in staterooms or on balconies.
So if you’re standing in a cabin corridor or relaxing on your balcony, don’t assume that lighting a cigarette is acceptable just because you remember seeing passengers do it years ago.
The Penalties Can Be Serious
This isn’t simply a matter of etiquette.
Carnival’s current policy says smoking in undesignated areas—including staterooms and balconies—can result in a $500 charge per violation.
That makes this one cruise rule you definitely don’t want to learn after you’ve already sailed.
Cruise Tip
Before lighting anything, find the ship’s officially designated smoking area.
Do not assume that:
- your cabin is private enough,
- your balcony is outside, so smoking must be permitted,
- the rules are the same as your previous cruise,
- or another cruise line’s policy applies to your ship.
THEN: Smoking was permitted in more locations on some cruise ships.
NOW: Major cruise lines increasingly restrict smoking to designated areas.
2. CERTAIN CABIN-DOOR DECORATIONS
Decorating a cruise cabin door has become a popular tradition.
Birthday cruises.
Anniversaries.
Family reunions.
Honeymoons.
Cruisers may use signs and decorations to make their cabin easier to find and add some personality to the hallway.
But here’s where things get interesting:
Not every cruise line permits the same decorations.
Norwegian Cruise Line Has a Specific Restriction
Norwegian Cruise Line’s current prohibited-items guidance says paper door decorations are not allowed because of their flammable nature.
That is an important detail.
It doesn’t mean:
“All cruise door decorations are banned on every cruise ship.”
It means passengers must check the policy of the cruise line they’re actually sailing.
A decorating tradition that appears perfectly normal in cruise photos or older travel advice may not comply with your current ship’s rules.
Why Cruise Lines Care About Decorations
Ships take fire safety extremely seriously.
Materials placed in corridors, on doors or around cabins can create safety concerns depending on what they’re made from and how they’re attached.
That’s why passengers should never assume:
“It’s only a decoration, so nobody will care.”
The material itself can matter.
Cruise Tip
Before packing door decorations, check:
- whether your cruise line permits them,
- what materials are prohibited,
- whether adhesives are allowed,
- and whether there are restrictions on where decorations can be placed.
THEN: Cabin-door decorating became a familiar cruise tradition.
NOW: Some cruise lines prohibit particular types of door decorations.
3. BOTTLED BEVERAGES BROUGHT FROM HOME
This one catches travelers off guard because bringing your own water or soda can seem completely harmless.
But beverage policies have changed.
Carnival provides one of the clearest examples.
Carnival Restricts Bottled Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Under Carnival’s current rules, guests are prohibited from bringing onboard water, soda and other non-alcoholic beverages packaged in bottles.
However, there is an important exception.
A limited quantity of non-alcoholic beverages packaged in sealed cans or cartons can be brought onboard under Carnival’s stated conditions.
That distinction matters.
It means the rule isn’t simply:
“You can’t bring drinks.”
The container, quantity and beverage type matter.
Why This Can Cause Problems at Embarkation
Imagine packing several bottles of your favorite soda because you brought them on a cruise years ago.
You reach security.
Now the policy is different.
That is exactly the kind of avoidable embarkation problem passengers can prevent by checking the current rules before packing.
Cruise Tip
Never assume another passenger’s beverage policy applies to you.
Before sailing, check:
- bottle restrictions,
- can/carton allowances,
- maximum container size,
- quantity limits,
- alcohol restrictions,
- and whether drinks must be carried in hand luggage.
THEN: Some travelers remember broader allowances for bottled beverages.
NOW: At least some major cruise lines impose specific restrictions on bottled drinks.
4. POWER STRIPS, EXTENSION CORDS AND CERTAIN ELECTRICAL ITEMS
Cruise cabins often have fewer conveniently located outlets than travelers expect.
So the obvious solution seems to be:
Pack a power strip.
Be careful.
This is one of the biggest areas where copying another cruiser’s packing list can backfire.
Royal Caribbean Restricts Several Electrical Items
Royal Caribbean’s current prohibited-items policy includes electrical equipment such as extension cords, power strips and multi-plug outlets among prohibited electrical items, while providing specific exceptions for qualifying device and USB chargers.
Royal Caribbean also separately states that guests cannot bring electrical extension cords, including power boards or surge-protected power boards.
But here’s the important part:
Other cruise lines may have different rules.
So a video saying:
“Power strips are banned on every cruise ship.”
would be too broad.
The accurate lesson is:
Electrical-device policies vary by cruise line, and an accessory that seems ordinary at home may be prohibited onboard your ship.
Why Electrical Rules Are So Strict
Cruise ships operate in a specialized marine environment where fire prevention is critical.
An electrical accessory that appears harmless can still be restricted because of shipboard safety requirements.
Cruise Tip
Don’t search only for:
“Best power strip for cruises.”
Instead search the official website of your cruise line for:
“prohibited electrical items.”
Then check the latest policy.
THEN: Travelers may remember packing electrical accessories with fewer questions.
NOW: Some major cruise lines specifically prohibit certain power strips, extension cords or multi-plug devices.
5. FLYING A DRONE FROM THE SHIP
Drones have completely changed travel photography.
Aerial footage of tropical islands, beaches and cruise ships can look incredible.
But bringing a drone and using a drone onboard are two different questions.
And that distinction is critical.
Don’t Assume “Drone Allowed” Means “Fly It From the Deck”
Depending on the cruise line and applicable policy, a drone may face strict restrictions.
The rule can also depend on whether you’re asking:
“Can I bring it?”
or:
“Can I operate it onboard?”
Those are not necessarily the same thing.
Some policies may permit storage or transportation while prohibiting onboard operation. Other cruise-line terms or regional conditions can be more restrictive.
That is why cruisers should never stand on an open deck, launch a drone and assume it’s okay simply because security allowed the equipment into their luggage.
Ports Can Have Their Own Rules Too
Even when a cruise line permits a drone to be transported, the destination may have separate laws governing:
- drone registration,
- launch locations,
- restricted airspace,
- photography,
- permits,
- and recreational drone use.
Your cruise line’s rules do not override local law.
Cruise Tip
Before packing a drone, check three separate things:
- Can the drone be brought onboard your specific ship?
- Can it be operated anywhere onboard?
- Can it legally be used at your ports of call?
THEN: Consumer drones entered travel culture with fewer standardized cruise-specific expectations.
NOW: Drone carriage and operation can face strict cruise-line and destination restrictions.
6. HOVERBOARDS AND SELF-BALANCING DEVICES
Remember when hoverboards seemed to appear everywhere?
For a while, they became one of the hottest personal transportation gadgets.
But lithium-battery and safety concerns changed the way transportation companies treated them.
Cruise lines are no exception.
Some Major Cruise Lines Explicitly Prohibit Them
Norwegian Cruise Line currently lists self-balancing hoverboards, air wheels, scooters and Segways among items passengers cannot bring onboard.
Royal Caribbean guidance also identifies hoverboards among prohibited sporting or recreational items in relevant policies.
That means your expensive personal transportation gadget can create a problem before the vacation even begins.
Don’t Assume a Small Device Is Automatically Acceptable
Travelers sometimes think:
“It’s not a weapon. It’s not alcohol. It’s not dangerous. Why would security care?”
But cruise prohibited-item lists cover much more than obvious dangerous objects.
They can include:
- electrical devices,
- recreational equipment,
- heating appliances,
- mobility-style devices,
- flammable items,
- and equipment considered unsuitable for shipboard use.
Cruise Tip
If a device has a large lithium battery, heating element or unusual propulsion system, don’t guess.
Check first.
THEN: Personal mobility gadgets entered consumer travel before many modern restrictions were established.
NOW: Major cruise lines can explicitly prohibit hoverboards and similar devices.
WHY HAVE CRUISE SHIP RULES BECOME STRICTER?
When passengers hear about these restrictions, the reaction is often:
“Why are cruise lines banning everything?”
But many rules make more sense when you consider the environment.
A cruise ship isn’t a hotel sitting on land.
It’s a complex vessel carrying thousands of passengers and crew.
Fire prevention matters.
Electrical safety matters.
Crowded corridors matter.
Emergency access matters.
Local laws matter.
Passenger safety matters.
Security screening matters.
That’s why an ordinary household object can receive very different treatment at sea.
“BANNED” DOESN’T ALWAYS MEAN THE SAME THING
This is perhaps the most important section of the entire article.
When people search for things banned on cruise ships, they often expect a simple universal list.
Reality is more complicated.
An item might be:
Completely prohibited — you cannot bring it onboard.
Permitted with restrictions — you can bring it, but only under certain conditions.
Permitted but not usable onboard — transportation may be allowed while operation is prohibited.
Allowed by one cruise line but prohibited by another.
Allowed only in designated areas — smoking is a classic example.
So never turn a cruise packing rule into an industry-wide assumption unless the rule actually applies industry-wide.
WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU PACK A PROHIBITED ITEM?
Consequences depend on the item, cruise line and circumstances.
Cruise-line security may inspect baggage and remove prohibited items.
Some items may be retained and returned later where policy permits.
Others may not be returned.
Certain violations can carry additional consequences.
For example, Royal Caribbean’s current prohibited-items guidance explains that prohibited items may be denied at boarding or removed from the vessel, with treatment depending on the category.
Carnival’s current rules likewise state that certain prohibited beverages can be confiscated and discarded without compensation.
And smoking violations can have their own charges and consequences.
The best strategy is obvious:
Don’t wait for security to explain the policy to you.
HOW TO CHECK WHAT’S BANNED BEFORE YOUR CRUISE
Do this before closing your suitcase.
Go directly to your cruise line’s official website.
Search for:
“Prohibited Items”
Then separately check:
“Smoking Policy”
“Beverage Policy”
“Luggage Policy”
“Drone Policy”
and any guidance relevant to unusual equipment you’re bringing.
Check again shortly before departure.
Don’t rely entirely on a packing video from three years ago.
Don’t assume your previous cruise had the same policy.
And don’t assume two cruise brands have identical rules.
THE BIGGEST MISTAKE CRUISERS MAKE
The biggest mistake isn’t necessarily bringing something unusual.
It’s saying:
“But I brought this last time!”
That doesn’t prove it’s permitted today.
Cruise policies can change.
A different cruise line may have a different policy.
A different itinerary may create different requirements.
And an item being allowed through security once does not guarantee that it complies with today’s written rules.
That brings us back to the smoker standing in the cabin corridor.
His defense was:
“People used to smoke all over cruise ships!”
Maybe cruise culture was different years ago.
But the crew member doesn’t enforce yesterday’s rules.
The crew enforces the rules that apply today.
QUICK RECAP: 6 THINGS TO CHECK BEFORE YOU PACK
1. Balcony Smoking
Now heavily restricted by major cruise lines, with smoking generally limited to designated areas.
2. Certain Cabin-Door Decorations
Some cruise lines, including Norwegian, prohibit specific materials such as paper door decorations.
3. Bottled Beverages
Carnival currently restricts non-alcoholic beverages packaged in bottles while allowing limited cans/cartons under specified conditions.
4. Certain Power Strips and Extension Cords
Electrical policies vary, and some major cruise lines explicitly prohibit them.
5. Drones
Rules can distinguish between bringing a drone and actually operating it onboard.
6. Hoverboards
Some major cruise lines explicitly list hoverboards or similar self-balancing devices as prohibited.
FINAL THOUGHTS: CHECK THE RULES BEFORE YOU PACK
Cruising has changed.
Something that looked completely normal in an old cruise photo or travel video may be restricted today.
But there’s an equally important lesson:
Don’t assume every cruise line has the same banned-items list.
The safest rule is simple:
Always check your cruise line’s latest prohibited-items policy before you pack.
Pay particular attention to smoking, beverages, electrical equipment, decorations, drones and battery-powered recreational devices.
Five minutes of research before leaving home can save you from confiscated belongings, unexpected charges, arguments with crew—or a very frustrating start to your vacation.
Because the worst place to discover that the rules changed is at the security checkpoint with your suitcase already open.
