What Items Can You NOT Bring on a Carnival Cruise?

Planning your first Carnival Cruise? Exciting, isn’t it? You’re likely dreaming of sunny skies, ocean breezes, and indulgent days at sea. But before you pack your bags and head for the port, there’s something critical to keep in mind—what you can’t bring onboard. Carnival, like all cruise lines, has strict rules about prohibited items. Violating these rules can result in delays, confiscation, or even being removed from the ship. To save your vacation from a potential disaster, we’ve compiled a complete guide on items you can't bring on a Carnival Cruise.

Here’s everything you need to know about packing responsibly and avoiding costly mistakes.

What Can you Not Bring on a Cruise?

While some rules are straightforward, others may surprise you. Here’s a breakdown of items that are strictly off-limits aboard a Carnival Cruise.

1. No Alcohol or Bottled Beverages

It’s tempting to bring your favorite bottle of wine or spirit for a mid-ocean toast, but Carnival prohibits personal alcohol in your luggage except for one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne per adult over 21 years of age. Hard liquor is a definite no-go.

Additionally, any other non-alcoholic drinks (soda, juice, etc.) must come in cans or cartons—not bottles. This rule helps Carnival manage safety onboard (and cuts down on passengers sneaking in alcohol).

What about alcohol bought in port? If you purchase alcohol during a port day or onboard in Carnival’s shop, rest assured it will be stored safely for you and given back at the end of your trip. Usually the last sea day, near the end of the day. This measure ensures no mid-cruise partying spirals out of control.

You can buy your own bottled water onboard. Either in the fun shops or order online ahead of time for it to be delivered to your room.

$17.64 USD for a 12-pack of bottled water (16.9-ounce bottle/500-ml bottle)

$5.31 USD for 1 large, bottled water (50.72-ounce bottle/1.5-liter bottle)

$29.44 USD for 8-pack of bottled water (50.72-ounce bottle/1.5-liter bottle)

2. Illegal Substances, Including Marijuana

Here’s where things get serious. Illegal drugs and controlled substances are strictly forbidden. This includes marijuana—even if you’re boarding in a state or country where recreational use is legal. Cruise ships operate under federal law while at sea, and marijuana remains prohibited under U.S. federal law. States do have their own laws on this and that is fine, but U.S. Federal Law will still override it when it comes to marijuana on a cruise ship.

Attempting to bring marijuana onboard is not a good idea and can lead to serious consequences, including being denied boarding, legal action, or being disembarked at a foreign port. That’s definitely not how anyone wants to spend their vacation!

This also goes for medical marijuana. If you are allowed in your state to have medical marijuana or CBD gummies, you still cannot have them on a cruise ship. This goes for basically every cruise line out there, not just Carnival Cruise Line. It is illegal on the ship, in cruise terminals, on shore excursions or private islands. Of course, what you do while in port on any island is up to you, just be aware you will be subject to any laws in those ports of call.

If you think you can get away with it because you have a vape, gummies, or other edibles. Think again. I do know people who have gotten away with it, and never smoked their vape in public areas, but I do not recommend it. Drug dogs are in port terminals at embarkation and debarkation and can smell those edibles just as well as other illegal drugs they are watching for in the port.

FYI, this includes Hookah's, even if they are not marijuana related. You still cannot bring them.

3. Weapons or Hazardous Materials

This one might seem obvious, but it bears repeating. Firearms, knives (including pocketknives), pepper spray, and explosives are strictly banned. Carnival prioritizes safety, and weapons of any kind present a risk. If you’re caught attempting to bring a weapon onboard, you’re likely to face severe penalties—and don’t forget, local laws at your port of call could land you in even greater hot water.

I have witnessed this with my own eyes, someone was bringing a knife onboard. It was in their carry-on bag, and the x-ray caught it. Now just because I know what happened in this case does not mean it will happen in every case. The man was let onboard after he apologized and got rid of the item. It was a large knife that he forgot was in his bag. It was a present from a friend he was visiting before the trip, and he meant to leave it in the car when he left his friend's house.

Here is more of a list in case you are concerned

Sharp objects like spears or spear guns, crossbows, crossbow bolts and long bow arrows; blunt weapons, including knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, clubs, coshes, batons, flails or Nunchaku; sharp pointed weapons, including throwing stars; air, BB, pellet pistols or rifles, stun devices and tasers, any projectile-weapon, including paintball guns, etc.
All items containing incapacitating substances, such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, mace, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable
All ammunition and explosives

4. Household and Outdoor Appliances

Sorry, but your trusty travel iron and coffee maker need to stay home. Appliances like irons, kettles, and heaters are prohibited for fire safety reasons. Carnival provides basic utilities like hairdryers, so there’s no need to pack these yourself.

Electrical and household appliances containing any kind of heating element, such as irons, clothes steamers, immersion heaters, heating blankets, water heaters, coffee machines, hot plates, toasters, heating pads, humidifiers, etc. (All Carnival ships offer valet laundry service for a nominal fee, and most ships (excluding Carnival Firenze, Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Venezia) also provide facilities with ironing boards and irons.)

There are a variety of reasons why these items are banned. It could be the heating element, or the type of plug in the wall that causes the issues.

Specific Item Restrictions

Carnival’s prohibited list goes beyond the obvious. Here’s where things get a bit more nuanced. This is due to fire hazard,

The following items are not allowed, and you might not think of it.

Candles
Fireworks
Flares
Compressed gas tank
Dive tanks
Propane Tanks
Laser pointers
Handcuffs
Room dividers
Curtains
Satellite Dish
Hover Boards
Shoes with wheels (Like Heelys)
Kiddie Pools, Surf Boards, Kayaks or Canoes
Large coolers- (personal-sized coolers are allowed 12x12x12)
Fish- For example you went on a fishing expedition in port, you cannot bring your catch back on board the ship. (I have seen someone try in Alaska)

Can You Bring Snacks or Beverages?

You’re allowed to bring small quantities of prepackaged snacks, which is great for travelers with dietary restrictions. However, homemade foods or open packages are prohibited for safety and hygiene reasons.

Personal beverages are limited, as mentioned earlier, to non-bottled, non-alcoholic drinks in cans or cartons. Each passenger may bring up to 12 cans/cartons of 12 ounces or less.

Each cruise line is completely different when it comes to this. So be sure to check with your cruise line if it is not Carnival cruise ships. NCL doesn't allow you to bring drinks on board, except for the bottle of unopened wine you have to pay a corkage fee for.

Prohibited Electronics

While laptops and charging devices are fine, leave your surge protectors, extension cords, and power strips behind. Also, drones are not allowed onboard unless stored and disembarked only for certain ports where they are permitted by laws.

Boom boxes, radios and all types of speakers (including Bluetooth, portable and wireless). I have felt that this is more about bothering other guests than anything else. Could you imagine being out on the balcony hearing other balconies around you playing their favorite music. It would be bothersome. In public spaces you must use earbuds to listen to music off of your cell phone.

Personal Care Products

You’re free to bring toiletries, but some restrictions apply. Aerosols, such as hairspray, must comply with size limits (3 ounces or less). If you’re uncertain whether an item is allowed, contact customer service or consult Carnival’s detailed packing guide.

Carnival permits Flat Irons, and Curling Irons are allowed. Personal grooming devices like Electric Razors are allowed too. There is not a need to bring hair dryers, as most major cruise lines provide them, just like Carnival does.

Also, medical devices are allowed like CPAP machines. If you use a CPAP machine, make sure you have it in your carry-on bag, and you can bring your own distilled water for it, but Carnival also can provide distilled water too. Available for purchase at the fun shops or with room service.

If you use oxygen the gas bottles or oxygen cylinders must be delivered to guest services for storage, you cannot pack them in your luggage.

Reach out to Carnival ahead of time if you need help with any medical attention, medical equipment or have questions on disabilities. You can bring your own or rent a scooter if you are disabled, but it has to be stored in your room. For safety reasons, they are not allowed to be left in the hallway, as they have been in the past. You should be able to get a toilet seat lift or a shower chair if need be is disabled. And those that need a sharps container, it will be provided on board. The medical centers on board can also help too.

Carnival Sunshine as seen from Paradise Point in St Thomas

The Consequences of Bringing Prohibited Items

Bringing restricted items can lead to more than just inconvenience; it can derail your entire trip.

Confiscation: During the boarding process, security will screen your luggage. If prohibited items are found, they will be confiscated and not returned.
Denial of Boarding: Attempting to bring illegal items like drugs or weapons may result in being denied boarding altogether.
Disembarkation: Passengers caught with illegal substances or engaging in restricted activities may be removed from the ship, left at the closest port, and subject to local legal repercussions.
Detainment: For severe cases (illegal drugs or violent behavior onboard), passengers may face detainment and criminal charges, either onboard or in a foreign country.

One particularly unnerving tale involves passengers placed under cabin arrest with a security guard stationed outside their door. A far cry from sipping piña coladas on deck, isn’t it?

Tips for Packing Smartly

Want to ensure smooth sailing? Follow these tips to pack like a pro for your Carnival Cruise.

Review the Rules

Before packing, consult Carnival’s official guidelines regarding prohibited items. Carnival updates its policies periodically, so double-check closer to your departure date.

Pack a Well-Organized Bag

Separating items into categories (clothing, toiletries, travel documents) makes security checks faster and minimizes the chance of fumbling around at the port.

Carry a Boarding Day Bag

Always keep your essentials (passport, medications, and travel documents) in a small carry-on rather than the luggage you check. This way, you’ll have easy access while going through security.

Double-Check Specific Items

Uncertain whether an item is allowed? When in doubt, leave it out. Or better yet, contact Carnival customer service to clarify.

Skip the Last-Minute Additions

Resist the urge to toss random items into your bag at the last minute. This is how prohibited items sneak onboard unintentionally.

Smooth Sailing Awaits

By sticking to Carnival’s packing guidelines, you can avoid unnecessary hassle and focus on what really matters—creating unforgettable memories during your cruise. Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned enthusiast, knowing what items Can You Not Bring On a Cruise, is the first step to a stress-free vacation.

Cautious packing ensures more than just compliance; it guarantees peace of mind. Why risk having your trip cut short when resources like Carnival’s official guide make planning so simple?

Still unsure about a specific item? Contact Carnival’s customer service or visit their website for a detailed FAQ. Now that you’re equipped with the dos and don’ts, it’s time to start packing for that ocean breeze and lifetime of smiles ahead.

Bon voyage!

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