17 New Items That Are Banned On Cruises In 2026
Cruise ship rules are always changing. What was okay to bring last year might not be allowed this year.
Cruise lines update their policies to make sure everyone onboard stays safe, respects each other’s privacy, and helps protect the environment.
Some stuff have always been banned on cruises, like guns, fireworks, and drugs – but things are always changing and that list is getting longer and longer…
That’s why it’s important to check the latest rules before you pack.
Some new bans for 2026 might surprise you!
From tech gadgets to simple everyday items, this list covers what’s no longer allowed on many cruise ships and why these changes were made.
Things That Are Banned By Cruises In 2026
Smart Glasses With Cameras
Wearable tech is the fastest growing category on prohibited items lists right now. Smart glasses like Ray-Ban Meta models can record photos, video, and audio without most people around you noticing, and cruise lines have decided that’s a problem on a ship full of strangers, children, and crew.
MSC Cruises moved first. In late 2025 it added devices that can covertly or discreetly record or transmit data to its forbidden items list, naming smart glasses specifically. They aren’t allowed in the ship’s public areas, which covers essentially everything outside your cabin.
Royal Caribbean followed in February 2026 with a narrower rule. You can still bring smart glasses on board, but you can’t wear them in the casino, spa service areas, public restrooms, locker rooms, medical facilities, security screening locations, youth program areas, crew areas, or on behind-the-scenes tours. The rule also covers anywhere guests or crew would reasonably expect privacy. Guests caught breaking it can have their glasses confiscated.
If your smart glasses have prescription lenses, Royal Caribbean recommends packing a regular backup pair so you aren’t squinting your way through the casino or spa.
Travel Routers and Other Networking Gear
Portable Wi-Fi routers were a popular cruise hack for years. You’d buy one internet package, plug in a travel router, and connect the whole family’s devices without paying for each one. Cruise lines have shut that down.
In January 2026, Royal Caribbean widened the wording on its list to ban cybersecurity and electronic interference equipment, including satellite dishes, routers, and other networking equipment. Phones, laptops, tablets, and smartwatches are still fine.
Carnival went further in its April 2026 update. Its list now names satellite phones, routers, communication scanners, wideband receivers, and satellite dishes as prohibited. If a device creates its own network or listens in on radio frequencies, leave it at home.
CBD Gummies, Oils, Creams, and Vapes
Marijuana has always been banned on cruise ships, even when you sail from a state where it’s legal. What changed in 2026 is that Carnival now names CBD (cannabidiol) products specifically.
The updated policy says marijuana, cannabis, and CBD products are prohibited, and it gives CBD gummies, oils, creams, and vapes as examples. That catches a lot of people who use CBD lotion for sore joints or gummies for sleep and never thought of them as drugs. Ships sail through international waters and into foreign ports with their own laws, so cruise lines treat all cannabis products the same way, no matter how much THC they contain.
Collapsible Wagons
Beach wagons became a favorite with cruise families for hauling towels, snorkel gear, and tired kids around port. Carnival’s April 2026 update put limits on them.
You can bring a wagon on board, but you can only use it where the port allows it, and wagons aren’t permitted at Carnival’s private destinations. Brand ambassador John Heald addressed the rule in an April 21, 2026 guest update after a wave of questions from families. If you were planning to roll a wagon around Celebration Key, plan again.
Beach Gear at Carnival’s Private Destinations
The same Carnival update added a new section listing items you can’t use at its private destinations, including Celebration Key in the Bahamas.
Along with wagons, that list includes:
- Beach chairs
- Kites
- Golf clubs
- Pool floats
- Metal detectors
Carnival provides loungers and amenities at its destinations. These limits keep walkways clear, protect the beaches, and stop guests from claiming huge spaces with their own setups. Pack light for island day and use what’s provided.
Electric Heating Pads
Items with heating elements have been banned on most ships for years because of fire risk, which is why irons, steamers, coffee makers, and hot plates get confiscated so often. Carnival’s 2026 update now names electric heating pads too.
This one stings for cruisers who rely on a heating pad for back pain or cramps. If you need heat therapy, look into air-activated disposable heat wraps, which don’t plug in. You can also ask the cruise line’s accessibility team before you sail what’s allowed for medical needs.
Vapes and E-Cigarettes in Mexico
This is a port ban rather than a ship ban, but it can cause much bigger problems than a confiscated item. Mexico prohibits vapes and e-cigarettes, and in 2026 Royal Caribbean added a warning to its prohibited items page telling guests they can’t bring them ashore.
Mexico has also banned smoking in public places since 2023. Cozumel, Costa Maya, Ensenada, Cabo San Lucas, and Puerto Vallarta are among the most visited cruise ports in the world, so this affects a huge number of sailings.
Violators can face fines or even jail time, and your cruise line can’t get you out of it. If you vape, leave the device in your cabin on Mexico port days.
Long Selfie Sticks and Tripods on Disney
Starting June 3, 2026, Disney Cruise Line added selfie sticks, tripods, and other extending camera poles to its prohibited items list, with an important catch. They aren’t banned outright. You can use them in most areas of the ship as long as they’re folded and under 18 inches long.
Anything longer has to stay in your stateroom and can only be used off the ship. If you love your extendable tripod for family photos, measure it before you pack.
Hallway Door Decorations on Disney
Disney cruisers are famous for their elaborate stateroom door displays, and that tradition isn’t going anywhere. What changed in June 2026 is where decorations can go.
Decorations now have to stay on the door itself. They’re no longer allowed on corridor walls or ceilings. Tape and adhesives are still prohibited, and Disney can charge a $100 fee per incident for door damage. One more tip for Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream sailings: those ships have wooden doors, so magnets won’t stick at all.
Extra Wine and Champagne on Disney
Disney Cruise Line used to have one of the most generous carry-on alcohol policies at sea. Guests could bring two bottles of wine at embarkation plus an extra bottle bought in each port. As of June 2026, that’s over.
Guests 21 and older can now bring one bottle of wine or champagne and one 6-pack of beer in their carry-on at embarkation. Bottles bought in port no longer add to the allowance. The new policy rolled out ship by ship, starting with Disney Fantasy on June 3 and finishing with Disney Dream and Disney Wonder on June 8, 2026. Disney says the change brings it in line with standard practice across the cruise industry.
High-Wattage Hair Dryers on Disney
In late 2025, Disney began confiscating personal hair dryers that draw too much power. The limit is 1,500 watts on 110-volt outlets and 2,000 watts on 220-volt outlets, and many salon-style dryers go over it.
If your hair dryer doesn’t clearly list its wattage, assume it’ll be taken and use the one in your stateroom. Curling irons and flat irons are still allowed, but Disney asks guests to rest them on the heat-protectant mat in the cabin while they heat up and cool down.
Flying Drones
Flying drones on cruise ships has become a concern due to security and privacy risks. Drones can capture footage of private areas, which may make passengers uncomfortable.
There are also worries that drones could potentially interfere with the ship’s operations, like navigation or emergency helicopter rescues.
For these reasons, most cruise lines have banned drones from flying anywhere near the ship.
Another big issue with drones is their risk to safety. Drones could disrupt the ship’s safety systems or cause accidents if they fly too close to the ship’s control areas.
However, if you’re a professional filming for a project, some cruise lines might allow drones with special permission. You’ll need to submit a request and get approval before bringing a drone on board.
Smart Luggage
Smart luggage is now banned on most cruise ships due to fire safety concerns. These bags often have non-removable lithium batteries, which can be dangerous in confined spaces.
If the battery malfunctions or overheats, it could cause a fire. To keep everyone safe, cruise lines decided to restrict these types of bags on board.
Another issue with smart luggage is that it can sometimes hide other electronic components that aren’t allowed. These hidden parts could pose security risks.
While smart luggage with removable batteries or approved electronic components is okay, it’s always best to check with your cruise line ahead of time.
Traditional luggage without any electronics is still the safest and simplest option for your cruise.
Powerful Speakers
Many cruise ships have started banning large Bluetooth speakers and other portable sound systems to maintain a peaceful environment.
Loud music can disturb other passengers, especially in relaxing areas like the pool deck or during quiet hours. Cruise lines want to make sure that everyone has a comfortable experience, so controlling noise is a priority.
To ensure a peaceful atmosphere for all guests, these sound systems are not allowed on board. If you still want to enjoy music, the best solution is to bring a good pair of headphones.
That way, you can listen to your favorite tunes without disturbing anyone around you. Just be sure to check your cruise line’s policies to avoid any surprises.
Travel Irons and Steamers
Cruise ships have strict rules when it comes to personal appliances like travel irons and steamers. These items are banned due to fire safety concerns.
Irons and steamers can easily overheat or malfunction, which could lead to dangerous fires on board.
Since cruise ships are confined spaces with many people, it’s important to avoid any potential hazards that could affect everyone’s safety.
If you need to press your clothes, don’t worry! Most cruise lines offer professional pressing services to help you look your best.
Instead of bringing your own travel iron or steamer, simply drop off your clothes with the ship’s staff, and they will take care of the pressing for you.
Balcony Smoking
Many cruise lines have expanded their smoking policies to include bans on smoking and vaping on cabin balconies.
This change aims to enhance health and safety by reducing fire hazards and maintaining a comfortable environment for all guests.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line prohibits smoking in all staterooms and on balconies, enforcing this policy with fines and potential disembarkation for violations.
Note that some cruise lines, such as Costa Cruises, still permit smoking on balconies. However, policies can change at any time, so make sure to verify the current rules with your specific cruise line before your trip.
Bottles with Liquids
Cruise lines have strict rules about bringing liquids onboard to prevent alcohol smuggling and maintain security. Most lines limit the amount of liquid you can bring, especially water bottles.
For example, many cruises only allow small quantities of non-alcoholic drinks in cans or cartons, usually up to 12 per person.
While you can’t bring large bottles of water, cruise lines provide alternatives, like filtered water stations around the ship and drink packages.
Just pack an empty water bottle and fill it up as you go!
Why These Items Are Banned
Cruise lines are continuously updating their policies to stay ahead of new challenges and ensure the safety, privacy, and well-being of passengers.
Many of the items banned in 2026, such as drones and smart luggage, are being restricted due to growing safety and security concerns.
For example, drones can be a privacy nightmare, capturing footage in sensitive areas like pool decks or private cabins.
As cruise ships become larger and more complex, the risk of these devices interfering with onboard systems, including navigation and emergency operations, is a significant concern.
These new rules aim to protect passengers from unexpected disruptions, breaches of privacy, or safety concerns.
