When packing to go on holiday, many tourists stress over making sure that they have everything they may need for two weeks away from home.
However, much like going on an plane, cruise passengers must be mindful that they avoid travelling with a wide number of items, with all companies banning a unique set of goods that could pose a risk for staff members and other passengers.
Royal Caribbean, one of the world’s most popular cruise lines, requires passengers not to bring any items that produce heat or flames. Their website states that there are only a few exceptions.
They advised: “Items that generate heat or produce an open flame. This includes heating pads, clothing irons, hotplates, candles, incense, and any other item that may create a fire hazard.
“The only exception to this policy is curling irons and hair straighteners. Matches and normal lighteners are allowed onboard. However, ‘torch lighters’ and novelty lighters that look like guns are not allowed onboard.”
Whilst almost all cruise passengers would expect items such as sharp objects that could be used as weapons to be banned on board, few are likely to anticipate that hoverboards are prohibited.
With their flagship vessel Icon of the Seas being a staggering 1,197ft (365 metres) long, a compact mode of transportation may sound ideal for effortlessly getting from one attraction to the other.
However, with some public spaces being particularly crowded, passengers on hoverboards could cause serious accidents that result in injuries and, in limited cases, could also catch fire when charging.
Similarly, Royal Caribbean’s website also states that passengers cannot bring any extension cords with them, with faulty devices creating a higher risk of a fire breaking out on board.
They continued: “Electrical Extension Cords — including power strips/surge protected strips and multi-plug outlets [are not prohibited].
“We do allow consumer-type power conversion device USB chargers (multi-plug blocks on which the outputs are for USB cables).”
Finally, Royal Caribbean also prohibits passengers from bringing certain items of food and drink on board. Whilst cruise ships almost always offer a wide range of buffets and restaurants, some passengers may wish to bring additional consumables on board with them.
Whilst this is generally allowed, items should be non-perishable, pre-packaged, and unopened in order to avoid contamination and in order not to breach border control laws that countries the ship is visiting may enforce.
Similarly, the cruise line will confiscate any alcohol passengers may wish to bring on board, such as beer, largely due to prevent smuggling. Nevertheless, guests embarking can bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne, which will be delivered to their room.