Most cruise lines — such as Norwegian, Royal Caribbean and Holland America — ban scissors and knives with blades longer than 4 inches. Other lines, including Disney, prohibit knives regardless of blade length; this includes straight razors. Safety razors for personal grooming are allowed on all lines, though.
79% of all crimes reported onboard cruise ships are sexual assaults, as per the US Department of Transportation. This statistic is a stark reminder of the prevalence of sexual assaults on cruise ships, and serves as a powerful reminder of the need for increased safety measures to protect passengers.
When you arrive at the Port Authority Security in the cruise terminal, you will pass a security checkpoint where all carry-on luggage goes through X-rays and other baggage is checked in. All checked bags on cruise ships are scanned.
Royal Caribbean does sometimes use drug dogs to identify passengers carrying illegal substances. The dogs may be used at the home port, foreign ports or on the ship if someone is suspected of possessing drugs.
Those who use CBD regularly are often comfortable having it on hand and don't think twice about carrying it around. However, it's an item you'll have to leave behind when you book a cruise. Many industry experts think this might change in the future, but current regulations do ban CBD onboard cruise ships.
Carnival's drug-detection dogs have become integral to the cruise line's security detail. The K-9 unit, featuring an Italian drug-sniffing dog named Cucciolo, is being deployed across Carnival's fleet and home ports to inspect passengers and their luggage.
Guests may also bring non-alcoholic beverages as carry-on items on boarding day. Non-alcoholic beverages may not exceed 12 standard (17 oz.) cans, bottles or cartons per stateroom. Milk and distilled water brought on for infant, medical, or dietary use are permitted.
You aren't allowed to vape in your stateroom on a cruise ship – this includes your own balcony. Cruise lines view vaping as being the same as normal cigarettes and so will only permit you to use them in designated areas around the ship. These areas will vary depending on your cruise line and ship.
If you're taking lube, then it's fine to put it in your checked bag. If you're only taking hand luggage, then make sure it's 100 milliliters/3.4 ounces or under. Anything over that and you'll have to hand it over to security to dispose of — and that includes a 250-milliliter bottle that's only half-full.
In addition to picking a midship stateroom, which are usually spread out across several levels, it's also a good idea to opt for one that's below the water level. This is because this part of the ship, its lowest and most central area, is the most stable during rough sea conditions.
Approximately 400 people have gone missing from cruise ships in the past 20 years. While this is no cause for general alarm, given that approximately 30 million people take cruise ship vacations each year, it is still a dangerous and concerning statistic.
A small quantity is considered a maximum of 12 sealed, unopened cans/cartons of 12-ounces/354-ml each or less, per person.
Household appliances
Home appliances such as irons and steamers are typically not permitted aboard a cruise ship. The reason for this prohibition is however a very practical one. Irons and steamers carry a potential fire risk along with them and accidents do tend to happen.
While airlines have restrictions on what size of toiletries you can bring on a flight, at least in your carry on or personal bag, cruise lines do not. If you're not concerned about packing space, you can bring full size toiletry items including shampoo and conditioner bottles, shaving cream and other hygiene products.
There is an international rule prohibiting vape pens in checked bags. Just like when you board a plane, when you board a cruise your vape pen must be packed in your carry-on. You should also turn it off and remove the battery to prevent the heating element from accidentally being switched on.
To pack your vape for a cruise, power it off and disconnect the battery, if possible. Make sure that it is packed in your carry-on, and if possible, pack it in its original box to avoid any damage.
All cruise ships allow smoking in certain areas, which are typically designated in outdoor smoking zones and sometimes in casinos, nightclubs, cigar lounges and cabin balconies (depending on the cruise line). The rest of the ship is firmly nonsmoking, however, and that includes all staterooms, restaurants and theaters.
Water is always free of charge on most cruise ships. You may be asked to pay a fee for some versions of bottled water. However, you can likely ask for a jug of iced water in any restaurant or bar for no added cost. There are several water dispensers present on a cruise ship so that you can help yourself.
Generally, water bottles have been seen as the perfect place to smuggle illegal alcohol on board. Many cruise lines claim that the issues they have had on their ships in the past have resulted from smuggled alcohol.
Each Interior stateroom includes: Either a Royal king size bed or two twin beds, private bathroom with shower, vanity area, a TV and telephone, fridge or minibar, hair-dryer and 24 hour room service.
These days, dogs can be trained to identify a huge variety of smells. They can be used to find human remains, firearms, explosives, and even invasive species. Dogs are also good at sniffing out illicit drugs.