Items You Can Bring on a Plane—but Not on a Cruise

When it comes to packing for your vacation, most people assume if it’s fine to fly with, it’s also fine to cruise with. After all, airplanes have some of the strictest rules around, right? Well, not always. Cruise ships operate under their own policies designed to keep thousands of guests safe while living together on the water for days—or even weeks—at a time.

That means there are plenty of items you might breeze through TSA security with, but they’ll never make it past the cruise terminal. To help you avoid surprises (and keep your luggage out of the “confiscated” pile), we’ve rounded up some of the most common items you can carry on a plane but should leave behind when you board your ship.

🔌 1. Power Strips & Extension Cords

While airports don’t care if you travel with power strips, cruise lines view them as a fire hazard—especially those with surge protectors. Ships are equipped with special electrical systems that don’t play well with outside devices. Some cruise lines allow simple extension cords (without surge protection), but most confiscate multi-plug adapters immediately.

Pro Tip: Bring a cruise-approved power cube or USB hub instead. These provide extra charging ports without violating ship safety policies.

🔊 2. Bluetooth Speakers & Boomboxes

You might use your portable speaker on the plane, in the hotel, or at the beach, but on a cruise, they’re often banned or strictly limited. Why? Ships are floating neighborhoods, and no one wants to hear your playlist echoing down the hall at midnight.

Better Option: Pack a pair of headphones or earbuds so you can still enjoy your music or podcasts without disturbing your neighbors.

📡 3. Wi-Fi Hotspots, Routers & Satellite Gear

Travelers who love staying connected often carry mobile hotspots when they fly—but cruise ships don’t allow them. Personal internet equipment can interfere with the ship’s own communication systems. Some guests have even had devices like Starlink dishes confiscated at embarkation.

What to Do Instead: Buy an internet package directly from your cruise line. It may not be lightning-fast, but it’s reliable and approved for onboard use.

🌿 4. CBD Oil & Cannabis Products

In the U.S., you might legally bring CBD oil or gummies on a flight. On a cruise, however, these items are usually strictly prohibited, even if they contain no THC. Why? Cruise lines visit multiple countries, each with its own laws—and even a small amount could cause legal trouble at a foreign port.

Word of Warning: Some passengers have been denied boarding or even banned from future cruises for carrying CBD products. It’s not worth the risk—leave them at home.

🕯️ 5. Candles, Incense & Anything with Flames

Candles and incense are cozy on land, but they’re a massive fire risk at sea. Open flames of any kind are forbidden on cruise ships, even if TSA would let you pack them in your carry-on bag.

Safer Swap: If you like a relaxing atmosphere, bring a battery-powered LED candle or room-safe essential oil roller.

🍷 6. Alcohol (Beyond the Allowance)

When flying, you can carry mini liquor bottles in your quart-size liquids bag (as long as they’re under 3.4 oz). On cruises, however, alcohol rules are much stricter. Most lines prohibit passengers from bringing spirits or beer onboard. Some allow one or two bottles of wine or champagne per adult at embarkation, but anything more is confiscated.

Insider Tip: Don’t try to smuggle it—bags are x-rayed, and security knows all the tricks. Instead, check if your cruise line offers drink packages; they often save money in the long run.

🔪 7. Sharp Objects & Multi-Tools

TSA has a fairly clear rule: no large knives or scissors with blades longer than 4 inches. But some multi-tools, craft scissors, and even small pocketknives may get through at the airport. On a cruise ship, those same items are banned outright. Security will seize anything that could be used as a weapon or tool.

Alternative: If you need scissors for crafts or knitting, pack a small pair of blunt-tip travel scissors—these are usually allowed.

🛹 8. Hoverboards, Scooters & Wheeled Shoes

If you’re flying with a hoverboard, airline approval depends on the lithium battery size. But cruises are different: anything self-balancing, battery-powered, or scooter-like is typically not allowed. That includes hoverboards, electric scooters, hover shoes, and even Heelys (the sneakers with wheels).

Fun Swap: Bring collapsible folding chairs or pool floats instead—you’ll use them way more than a hoverboard while onboard.

🍍 9. Strange Decorations (Yes, Even Pineapples)

Here’s a quirky one: airplanes don’t care if you decorate your luggage with pineapples or stickers. Some cruise ships, however, may ban certain decorations—like upside-down pineapple symbols—because of their association with adult “swinger” culture.

Save Yourself the Awkwardness: Stick to festive magnets or family-friendly door signs when personalizing your cabin door.

🧳 10. Household Appliances & Heating Devices

Electric kettles, coffee makers, hot plates, clothing irons, and even steamers are usually fine in checked airline baggage. On a cruise, though, they’re considered fire hazards and are banned outright. The only heating devices you’ll find onboard are the ones provided by the ship.

Cruise Hack: Use the ship’s laundry service or request a garment steamer from your cabin attendant if available.

✅ Final Thoughts: Pack Smart, Sail Happy

When you’re preparing for a trip, it’s easy to assume cruise packing rules are just like airline ones—but ships have stricter policies to keep thousands of guests safe while at sea. Items like power strips, CBD products, alcohol, sharp tools, and open flames might make it through TSA but won’t pass cruise terminal security.

The golden rule? If in doubt, leave it out. And always double-check your cruise line’s prohibited items list before you pack.

By traveling smart, you’ll avoid losing items at embarkation—and focus on what matters most: sipping your favorite drink by the pool, exploring new destinations, and enjoying the adventure of a lifetime.