16 Of The Worst Things You Can Pack For A Cruise Vacation
Planning a cruise should be exciting, not stressful! But packing the wrong items can quickly turn your dream vacation into a nightmare.
Cruise ships have unique space limitations and safety regulations that many first-time cruisers don’t consider.
So, before you zip up that suitcase, take a moment to review what you should leave behind.
1. Iron Or Steamer
Forget about wrinkle-free fashion onboard! These heat-generating devices pose serious fire hazards in the confined spaces of cruise cabins. Most ships strictly prohibit them in passenger rooms.
Cruise ships typically offer pressing services or have self-service laundry rooms with ironing boards. Pack wrinkle-resistant fabrics instead, or hang clothes in the bathroom while showering to let steam work its magic naturally.
2. Candles Or Incense
Longing for ambiance might lead to disaster at sea. Open flames represent one of the biggest dangers on any vessel, where evacuation options are limited and fire can spread quickly.
Candles and incense are universally banned across cruise lines. For pleasant cabin aromas, consider flameless alternatives like essential oil diffusers (without heat) or cruise-approved air fresheners that won’t trigger smoke alarms or create hazards.
3. Surge Protectors Or Extension Cords
Power management seems practical until you learn most standard surge protectors and extension cords violate cruise ship safety codes. Regular versions can overload the ship’s electrical system or create tripping hazards in tight quarters.
Cruise cabins typically offer limited outlets. If you need additional power sources, look specifically for cruise-approved power strips without surge protection. These specialty items meet maritime safety regulations while still letting you charge multiple devices.
4. Inflatable Pool Toys
Dreaming of floating lazily in the pool with your giant flamingo? Think again! Pool space comes at a premium on cruise ships, and large inflatables quickly become nuisances for other passengers.
These bulky items are banned by most cruise lines. The pools onboard are designed for swimming and cooling off, not for floating loungers that take up excessive space. Save your luggage room for essentials and enjoy the ship’s amenities as designed.
5. Homemade Food Or Snacks
Smuggling grandma’s famous cookies might seem harmless, but cruise lines maintain strict policies about bringing food onboard. These rules exist to prevent pest infestations and comply with international agricultural regulations.
Prepackaged, sealed snacks are generally permitted in limited quantities. However, homemade or fresh foods can introduce unwanted insects or contaminants. Besides, with endless food options available 24/7 on most cruises, bringing your own edibles is usually unnecessary.
6. Drones
Serial photography enthusiasts beware! Flying drones from cruise ships is universally prohibited by major cruise lines. Privacy concerns, safety risks, and potential legal issues in international waters make these devices unwelcome companions.
Even if you plan to use your drone only in ports, many destinations have their own strict regulations about drone usage. Additionally, storing these delicate devices safely in cramped cabin spaces presents challenges. Leave the photography to your smartphone or traditional camera.
7. Excessive Cash
Carrying wads of bills might seem convenient for tipping and port shopping, but it creates unnecessary risk. Cabin safes, while available, aren’t impenetrable, and misplacing cash means it’s gone forever.
Modern cruise ships operate largely cashless, with onboard purchases charged to your room account. For ports of call, a small amount of local currency and credit cards offer better security. Many cruise lines also allow pre-paid gratuities, eliminating another reason for carrying cash.
8. Valuable Jewelry
Glittering diamonds might complement your formal night attire, but they also attract unwanted attention. Cruise vacations involve numerous activities where jewelry can be lost or damaged.
High-value accessories create anxiety about safekeeping rather than relaxation. Cabin safes provide limited security, and insurance claims for lost items can be complicated. Opt for costume jewelry that delivers sparkle without stress, leaving irreplaceable family heirlooms securely at home.
9. Full-Size Toiletries
Cabin bathrooms rival airplane lavatories in their compact design. Those jumbo shampoo bottles and family-size toothpaste tubes waste precious storage space and add unnecessary weight to your luggage.
Travel-sized toiletries make more sense for cruise vacations. Many ships provide basic amenities like shampoo and soap. For specialty products, transfer them to smaller containers before departure.
10. Noisy Toys Or Speakers
Sound travels remarkably well through cruise ship walls and hallways. Bringing loud electronic gadgets or toys can quickly make you the least popular passenger on your deck.
Bluetooth speakers might seem perfect for balcony parties, but they disturb neighboring cabins. For children, pack quiet entertainment options instead of noisy toys. Headphones provide a considerate alternative for enjoying music or videos without disturbing fellow travelers enjoying their hard-earned vacation time.
11. Over-The-Door Organizers
Storage hacks from home don’t always translate to cruise life. Many ships explicitly forbid over-the-door organizers because they damage door finishes and create maintenance issues.
Cabin doors on ships often differ from standard home doors. Hanging organizers can prevent doors from closing properly, creating safety hazards. Instead, utilize under-bed storage for luggage and choose magnetic hooks for lightweight items, as most cruise cabin walls contain metal that works perfectly with these travel accessories.
12. Formal Outfits For Every Night
Overpacking elegant attire wastes valuable suitcase space. While some cruises maintain formal nights, the dress code has relaxed significantly across the industry in recent years.
Research your specific cruise line’s evening dress requirements beforehand. Most ships now request “cruise elegant” rather than black-tie formal. Pack versatile pieces that can be accessorized differently for various evenings. One or two dressier outfits typically suffice for a week-long voyage.
13. Too Many Shoes
Footwear frequently claims excessive luggage space. Those six pairs of sandals in different colors might seem necessary, but they’ll monopolize valuable storage in your cabin.
Most cruise vacations require just three or four versatile shoe options. Comfortable walking shoes for excursions, water-friendly sandals for the pool deck, and one dressier pair for evenings typically suffice. Focus on multipurpose styles that coordinate with various outfits to maximize your limited closet space.
14. Multiple Heavy Books
Literary enthusiasts often underestimate the burden of physical books. Hardcovers quickly consume weight allowances and precious shelf space in compact cruise cabins.
E-readers provide the perfect solution, storing thousands of titles in a device thinner than a single paperback. If you prefer physical books, limit yourself to one or two favorites. Many ships feature libraries where passengers can borrow books during their voyage.
15. Heating Pads
If you’re thinking about bringing heating pads for your aching back during your cruise vacation, think again! These seemingly innocent comfort items are actually fire hazards that most cruise lines strictly prohibit.
How exactly would you use them anyway? Cruise cabins have limited electrical outlets, and the voltage on ships can differ from what you’re used to at home. Your heating pad might short-circuit or worse – start a small fire in your cabin!
16. Live Tarantulas
Arachnid enthusiasts, prepare for disappointment! Your eight-legged friends won’t be welcome aboard, no matter how well-behaved they might be.
One passenger actually attempted to smuggle a collection of tarantulas onto a Caribbean cruise in ventilated containers. The discovery created quite the commotion at the security checkpoint, with nearby passengers scrambling for higher ground.
Cruise ships maintain strict policies against bringing pets or exotic animals onboard for good reason.