Cruise security is stricter than you'd think and looser than you'd hope. Here's what actually makes it past the scanner in 2026, and what gets pulled out of your bag and stored until debarkation.
Allowed on every major cruise line
- Sealed snacks and packaged food
- Pre-packaged formula, baby food, milk (in reasonable quantities)
- Distilled water for CPAP machines
- Up to 12 cans or cartons of non-alcoholic beverages per cabin (Royal Caribbean policy; varies by line)
- Wine or champagne: most lines allow 1-2 bottles per adult at embarkation
- Medications in original containers
- Strollers, car seats, mobility aids
- Hair tools (curling irons, flat irons, hair dryers)
Banned on every major cruise line
- Power strips with surge protection (fire hazard)
- Extension cords
- Irons or steamers (yes, even travel ones)
- Candles, incense, anything with an open flame
- Coffee makers, hot plates, kettles
- Drones (on most lines unless permitted and registered)
- Hoverboards and self-balancing scooters
- Weapons of any kind, including pocket knives
- Recreational drugs including marijuana and CBD (yes, even where legal at home)
Alcohol rules by line
Every line allows some alcohol at embarkation; specifics vary. Spirits and beer are almost universally banned in luggage. Bottles purchased in port are usually stored and returned at debarkation.
- Royal Caribbean: 2 bottles of wine (750ml) per stateroom at embarkation
- Celebrity: 2 bottles of wine per stateroom
- Carnival: 1 bottle of wine or champagne per adult at embarkation
- Norwegian: 1 bottle of wine per adult; no spirits
- Disney: 2 bottles of wine or 6 beers per adult per port
- MSC: 1 bottle of wine per adult
What I recommend instead of banned items
- USB charging hub instead of a power strip
- Packing cubes instead of vacuum bags
- Wrinkle-release spray instead of an iron
- Reef-safe sunscreen (a few ports require it)
Frequently asked questions
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Written by Marissa Wright
Cruise & Beach Vacation Specialist
Marissa is a cruise specialist focused on Royal Caribbean and a lifelong cruiser. In her first year as an advisor she booked 300+ cruises across Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Disney. Her planning service is always free.