I'm a cruise expert and these are the five items I would NEVER bring on board

By Sophie Foster, Deputy Travel Editor For Mailonline

Published: | Updated:

When packing for a cruise, certain items should always be left at home. 

Some are a fire hazard, some are illegal and some pose an allergy risk. And yes, they do scan your bags to check.

Will Sarson, product director at Riviera Travel, shares his insight on the matter - revealing the five items that should never be brought along on a cruise holiday.

Will says: 'When packing for a cruise holiday, it's important to do your research to understand the list of prohibited items. 

'This can help better planning while packing and help avoid disappointment when items are confiscated.' 

Will Sarson, product director at Riviera Travel, shares his insight on items you should never take on a cruise

Will Sarson, product director at Riviera Travel, shares his insight on items you should never take on a cruise

Alcohol

Yes, you are allowed to drink alcohol on board most cruises (so long as you're of legal age), but bringing lots of bottles is ill-advised. 

Will notes: 'While alcohol is not strictly banned from cruise ships, most companies have a range of restrictions in place to avoid travellers bringing large quantities along for the trip. 

'Often, travellers are restricted to just a single bottle of wine or Champagne - with potential corkage fees for drinking in public spaces.

'With so much alcohol available on board, we recommend leaving the bottles at home to avoid further costs and instead making use of the available liquor found throughout the ship and at varying ports across the world.'

An iron or steamer

Will says: 'Much like extension leads, many cruise liners do not allow irons or steamers onboard as they pose a fire hazard'

Will says: 'Much like extension leads, many cruise liners do not allow irons or steamers onboard as they pose a fire hazard'

This one is considered a major safety risk when at sea, but is often forgotten about by holidaymakers.

Will says: 'Much like extension leads, many cruise liners do not allow irons or steamers onboard as they pose a fire hazard. 

'This is an item that constantly catches people out, with travellers forced to part ways with their iron or steamer.

'To avoid disappointment, it's best to leave these items at home. Many ocean and river cruises have irons or steamers onboard that can be borrowed by guests during their stay.'

Candles and incense

Will notes: 'Any flammable items, such as candles and incense, are rightfully banned from cruises due to the fire risk they provide'

Will notes: 'Any flammable items, such as candles and incense, are rightfully banned from cruises due to the fire risk they provide'

For reasons similar to the ban on irons and steamers, the naked flame and ash of incense and candles are considered risky. 

Will notes: 'Any flammable items, such as candles, are rightfully banned from cruises due to the fire risk they provide. While candles can supply a relaxing aroma and are great for setting the mood, they're also incredibly dangerous - therefore, cruise staff are quick to confiscate these popular items.

'Similarly, incense products fall under the same category. Like the rest of the items on this list, leave the candles and incense behind!'

CBD Oil

'CBD oil is not allowed on cruises due to its varying legality around the world,' says Will

'CBD oil is not allowed on cruises due to its varying legality around the world,' says Will

'CBD oil is a popular wellness product that provides relief for physical pain and mental health disorders,' says the cruise expert. 'But it's not allowed on cruises due to its varying legality around the world.

'While the product is legal for sale and tender throughout the UK, this is not the case in certain cruise ship stop-off destinations. As a result, the substance is not allowed onboard the ship.'

CBD is legal in the UK, the United States, Mexico, Spain, Italy and more countries around the globe according to FlawlessCBD. However, each country has different regulations on whether you need a prescription and the permitted THC content.

Pets 

Will notes: 'Domestic animals are not allowed on cruises due to the allergy risk and general health and safety aspects that come with allowing cats or dogs on board'

Will notes: 'Domestic animals are not allowed on cruises due to the allergy risk and general health and safety aspects that come with allowing cats or dogs on board'

Will says: 'While this one should go without saying, you'd be surprised at how many people try to gain access to their cruise alongside pets. Domestic animals are not allowed on cruises due to the allergy risk and general health and safety aspects that come with allowing cats or dogs on board. 

'However, animals such as guide dogs are granted access due to the medical assistance they provide. If you're a pet owner with a cruise holiday booking, it's best to seek arrangements for your animals, as they won't be allowed to join you on board.'

So what can you bring on board? 

The expert lists four essentials to remember, commenting: 'While the items listed above are forbidden, it's also important to remember the essentials, including travel documents, swimwear, toiletries and a travel guide or map of upcoming destinations.'

Will adds: 'Overall, when packing for a cruise holiday, it's vital to research the list of prohibited items. Many cruise liners will differ in strictness and restrictions can vary depending on the type of cruise - highlighting the importance of research.'