Before handing over your suitcase at the cruise terminal, pause and double-check what’s inside. Packing the wrong items in your checked luggage can lead to delays, confiscation, or even a stressful start to your vacation.
Every cruise line has its own set of policies regarding what cruise passengers can and cannot bring on board. Certain items are strictly prohibited and will be removed during security screening.
Others are technically allowed. However, only if carried with you during embarkation.
Beyond official regulations, experienced cruisers know that how you pack can make or break your first day on the ship. Smart planning can help you avoid frustration or even being denied boarding.
From essential medications to surprisingly common mistakes, here are 12 things you should never pack in your checked cruise luggage.
Avoid Packing These Items in Checked Luggage for a Cruise
1. Prescription Medications and Medical Essentials
This is the most important item to keep in your carry-on. Prescription medications should never be packed in checked luggage.
Bags can be delayed, misrouted, or, in rare cases, not made it onto the ship. Once you’re at sea, you won’t have access to a pharmacy.
Always carry essential medications, including prescriptions, EpiPens, insulin, motion sickness remedies, and inhalers. While cruise lines recommend bringing medications in their original containers, this is not always required unless you’re traveling internationally. Still, it’s a good idea to keep them clearly labeled!
Plan ahead by packing a few extra days’ worth of medication in case of unexpected delays at the end of your trip. Furthermore, if you’re traveling with medication that requires refrigeration, such as insulin, contact your cruise line in advance.
They can usually provide a mini fridge in your stateroom or arrange secure storage.
2. Passport and Travel Documents
Your passport and travel documents should never be packed in checked luggage. These are among the most essential items to keep with you at all times when traveling, especially on embarkation day.
Cruise lines require passengers to present their passports, boarding passes, and government-issued ID in person before boarding. If these documents are in a checked bag and that bag is delayed or misplaced, you may be denied boarding, even if your luggage has already made it onto the ship.
Be sure to keep the following items in your carry-on or personal bag:
- Passport or government-issued ID
- Cruise boarding pass
- Travel visas, if required for your itinerary
Store them in a dedicated travel wallet or zippered pouch that stays with you from the moment you leave home until you’re safely in your stateroom.
It’s also wise to take photos or digital scans of your travel documents and email them to yourself. Having a backup can be a lifesaver if anything is lost or stolen during your trip.
3. Drinks and Beverages
This is one of the most common mistakes first-time cruisers make. While many cruise lines allow passengers to bring a small amount of beverages onboard, there are strict rules about how those drinks must be packed.
Most cruise lines permit each adult to carry one or two bottles of wine or champagne. The key detail is that these bottles must be packed in your carry-on bag.
If you place them in checked luggage, they may be confiscated during screening. Worse, if a bottle breaks in transit, you could end up with red wine soaked through your clothes before your vacation even begins.
The same caution applies to non-alcoholic drinks like canned soda or juice boxes. Some cruise lines allow them, but typically only if they are sealed and brought on during embarkation in your carry-on. Bulk items like cases of bottled water are usually prohibited altogether.
Cruise line beverage policies can vary significantly and are updated often. Always check the latest rules directly with your cruise line before packing.
4. Heat-Related Items
Let’s talk about prohibited items, specifically heat-related products. Cruise lines take fire safety extremely seriously.
Unlike a hotel on land, some common travel essentials are banned at sea. That means clothing irons, steamers, hot plates, coffee makers, heating pads, and candles are all strictly prohibited on most cruise ships.
Even small travel steamers that seem harmless? They’ll likely be flagged during luggage screening, removed from your suitcase, and held until disembarkation.
This often means that your luggage will be delayed for delivery to your cabin on embarkation day. In this case, don’t pack them in your checked luggage or carry-on.
5. Toiletries and Personal Essentials
Toiletries are not prohibited in checked luggage, but how you pack them can make a big difference in your comfort on embarkation day. When you board a cruise ship, it is common for staterooms and checked bags to be unavailable for several hours.
If you want to freshen up after traveling, be sure to keep your essential toiletries in your carry-on. Pack items such as a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, facial wipes, sunscreen, and any prescription contacts or glasses.
These basics can help you feel refreshed and ready to enjoy your first few hours onboard, especially if you are flying in the same morning or heading straight to lunch or the sail away party.
If you are flying before your cruise, remember that liquids in your carry-on must comply with the TSA 3-1-1 rule. Full-size items are allowed in checked luggage. However, anything in your carry-on should be travel-sized and packed accordingly.
6. Electronics and Devices
Electronics should always be packed in your carry-on. While cruise lines allow personal devices onboard, they are not responsible for any lost, damaged, or stolen electronics from checked luggage.
Items like your phone, tablet, e-reader, camera, laptop, and chargers should be kept with you during embarkation. Not only are these items valuable and sometimes fragile, but they are also things you will need immediately.
Whether you want to take photos, access the cruise line’s app, or pass the time until your stateroom is ready, having your devices on hand is important.
Unlike airlines, most cruise lines do allow lithium-ion batteries onboard. This includes power banks, wireless headphones, camera batteries, and electric toothbrushes.
These items should also be carried with you rather than placed in checked luggage for safety and convenience.
Pack smart by keeping your electronics close. It is the best way to protect your devices and ensure a smoother start to your cruise.
Related: 25 Genius Travel Gadgets & Tech Items to Bring on a Cruise]
7. CPAP Machines and Medical Equipment
If you rely on a CPAP machine or other essential medical equipment, you must pack it correctly. These items must always be carried on and never placed in checked luggage.
CPAP machines are considered vital medical equipment and should be brought with you at embarkation. Cruise lines typically require that passengers hand-carry these devices, and this policy is not optional.
If your CPAP machine uses distilled water, most cruise lines offer one of two options. You may be allowed to bring your own supply, carried with you during boarding, or you can arrange to have distilled water delivered to your stateroom.
Check with your cruise line or travel advisor in advance, and be sure to request an extension cord if needed.
For those traveling with medical oxygen, most major cruise lines allow it onboard. However, oxygen must be carried on and not packed in any luggage.
It is also important to contact your cruise line ahead of time to review their medical policy and complete any necessary accessibility forms.
When it comes to health-related equipment, carry it on, label it clearly, and reach out to your cruise line with any questions. Being well-prepared ensures your medical needs are covered and gives you peace of mind for your cruise.
8. Jewelry, Cash, and Other Valuables
Valuable items should never be packed in checked luggage. While placing a jewelry case or watch roll in your suitcase might seem convenient, doing so puts your belongings at risk.
Cruise lines clarify that they are not responsible for lost or stolen items in checked bags. Luggage passes through multiple hands, including port staff and security, and may be left unattended or delayed before reaching your stateroom.
Anything that is small, valuable, or sentimental should stay with you in your personal item or carry-on bag. This includes fine jewelry, designer watches, expensive accessories, and cash. Once onboard, you can secure these items in your stateroom safe.
It is also worth noting that you may want access to your valuables shortly after boarding. You might decide to wear a specific piece of jewelry to dinner or during sail away, and if it is packed away in your checked bag, you will have to wait until your luggage is delivered.
If something is important or irreplaceable, carry it with you. It is the safest and smartest approach every time.
9. Prohibited Items
Some items should never be packed in cruise luggage, whether checked or carried on. Cruise lines have strict safety policies, and bringing prohibited items can result in delays, confiscation, or even being denied boarding.
Many of these items are expected:
- Firearms, ammunition, knives, and self-defense tools such as pepper spray are strictly banned.
- Candles, incense, and anything with an open flame are not permitted due to fire risk.
- Irons, steamers, and heating pads are also prohibited, including travel-sized versions.
- Surge-protected power strips and extension cords are often not allowed. Cruise-approved non-surge protected power cubes or USB multi-outlets are usually acceptable, but policies vary.
- Alcohol such as beer or hard liquor is generally not allowed unless it falls under a cruise line’s specific wine allowance, which must be carried on personally.
CBD and cannabis-derived products are also banned, regardless of legality, in your home state. This includes CBD oils, creams, and edibles such as gummies.
These items can lead to denied boarding or disembarkation at a foreign port if found onboard.
There are also a few newer additions to watch out for:
- Bluetooth speakers are now restricted on several cruise lines, including Carnival, to preserve a quieter onboard environment.
- Personal Wi-Fi routers and satellite devices such as mini Starlink are not allowed, as they can interfere with the ship’s systems.
- Walkie-talkies fall into a gray area. Some cruise lines permit them, others do not due to potential interference. Always check specific guidelines. These devices can be flagged during screening and may delay your luggage if packed.
- Dive knives may be permitted on some lines but often need to be declared and stored with security.
Always consult your cruise line’s official list of prohibited items when packing. If there is any doubt, it is better to leave it out than risk a delay at embarkation.
Related: 13 Items that Are Banned on Cruise Ships (& Why)
10. Swimsuit and a Change of Clothes
Experienced cruisers know that your stateroom and checked luggage are not always immediately available after boarding. If you want to start enjoying your vacation right away, it is important to pack a few first-day essentials in your carry-on.
If you plan to head to the pool, relax in the hot tub, or simply change out of your travel clothes, you will want quick access to a few key items. These should be packed in a small day bag or backpack that stays with you.
Consider carrying:
- Your swimsuit and flip-flops
- A light change of clothes
- Sunglasses, a hat, and sunscreen
- Any personal items you may want before dinner
Depending on your cruise line, you may be onboard for several hours before your stateroom is ready. Planning for this time window helps you settle in, explore, and make the most of your first afternoon.
Generally, pack for the first five hours of your cruise as if you will not see your luggage until later in the evening. That simple step can make your embarkation day much more enjoyable.
11. House Keys, Car Keys, and Irreplaceable Comfort Items
While your house and car keys will not be useful during your cruise, you will absolutely need them when you return. These should always be packed in your carry-on, not your checked luggage.
If your suitcase is delayed or misplaced, being without your keys at the end of a long travel day can quickly become a major inconvenience.
It is also important to think about personal comfort items that cannot easily be replaced. This might include prescription contacts, a favorite travel pillow, or a child’s must-have toy or blanket.
If losing it would affect your comfort or your trip, carry it with you. As a rule of thumb, anything essential or irreplaceable should never be placed in checked luggage.
12. Cleaning Supplies
Cruise cabins are generally well-maintained, but many travelers find bringing a few basic cleaning supplies reassuring for added peace of mind.
Disinfectant wipes are a practical option for wiping down high-touch surfaces such as remote controls, door handles, and bathroom counters. However, be cautious about what types of products you bring.
Aerosol sprays, including brands like Lysol or Febreze, are often prohibited or restricted on cruise ships due to fire safety concerns.
Instead, opt for travel-sized, non-aerosol cleaning products and pack them in your carry-on bag. These are typically allowed and can be useful during the first few minutes in your cabin.
While cruise lines maintain high standards of cleanliness, taking a few moments to sanitize your space can offer an extra layer of comfort, especially during cold and flu season.
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What item do you never pack in your luggage? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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