What items are prohibited on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship?

For safety and security reasons, certain items are prohibited onboard Royal Caribbean cruise ships. Prohibited items may be confiscated at the terminal or onboard. Where exceptions exist, they are explicitly labeled and narrowly defined. All items—whether prohibited, permitted by exception, permitted with review, or permitted with use restrictions—remain subject to review by the ship’s Security team, which retains sole discretion to determine whether any item is allowed. Any item deemed questionable will be reviewed and decided upon by the Chief Security Officer and the Staff Captain.

Prohibited Items - Items that are not allowed onboard under any circumstances. No exceptions apply. These items will be denied boarding or removed from the vessel. In certain cases (*), items may be retained by Security for the duration of the cruise and returned to the guest upon departure, subject to applicable local regulations and customs requirements.

• Illegal drugs and illegal substances, including marijuana, are prohibited regardless of medical authorization or local legality.
• Weapons and dangerous items, including firearms, ammunition, explosives, incendiaries, replicas, and gun parts, are prohibited. Royal Caribbean does not permit weapons onboard and does not provide storage on the ship or pier.
• Fire and flammable hazards, including fireworks, sparklers, flammable materials, and items with open flames, are prohibited.
• Martial arts and self‑defense items (*), as well as disabling chemicals including mace and pepper spray, are prohibited.
• Recreational vehicles (*), including motorcycles, mopeds, ATVs, and similar conveyances, are prohibited.
• Clothing irons and garment steamers are prohibited.

Items Prohibited Except Where Specifically Noted - Items in this category are prohibited by default. Only the exceptions explicitly listed apply. All other items remain prohibited and are subject to confiscation. In certain cases (*), items may be retained by Security for the duration of the cruise and returned to the guest upon departure, subject to applicable local regulations and customs requirements.

• Knives, sharp objects, scissors, and tools (*), including hardware tools and screwdrivers exceeding seven (7) inches in length, are prohibited.
  Exceptions: Small grooming items, including nail files, cuticle tools, and scissors used solely for trimming facial hair with blades under four (4) inches; and recreational diving knives, when retained by Security and checked in and out exclusively for organized dive excursions.
• Sporting equipment is prohibited onboard.
  Exception: Sporting equipment may be brought onboard if stored in the stateroom and not used in public areas.
• Alcoholic beverages of any type are prohibited onboard.
  Exception: As permitted under the Royal Caribbean Beverage Policy. See Beverage Policy FAQ.
• Pets are not allowed onboard.
  Exception: Service Animals are permitted in accordance with Royal Caribbean’s Service Animal policy. Animals not meeting Service Animal requirements will be denied boarding or removed from the vessel. See Royal Caribbean’s Service Animal policy.

Items Permitted Only With Review or Special Handling - Items in this category are otherwise prohibited unless reviewed or permitted under specific technical or handling conditions. Items not reviewed where required or not meeting stated conditions remain prohibited and are subject to removal or confiscation.

• Baby bottle cleaners, sanitizers, and warmers are prohibited onboard.
  Exception: These items may be permitted following case‑by‑case review by the Access team. Guests must contact Special_needs@rccl.com prior to sailing.
• Electrical items and electronic equipment not designed for personal grooming—including baby monitors, clothing irons, garment steamers, extension cords, power strips, multi‑plug outlets, HAM radios, cybersecurity devices, and electronic‑crime equipment—are prohibited.
  Exceptions: Device and USB chargers marked with a recognized U.S. or European conformity certification; and two‑way radios (walkie‑talkies) limited to a maximum range of ten (10) miles, a power output of five (5) watts, internal voice communication only, and no external antenna
• Personal hair appliances are prohibited onboard.
  Exception: Hair dryers, curling irons, and flat irons are permitted for personal use.
• Ulu knives purchased in port (Alaska) are prohibited onboard.
  Exception: Ulu knives may be brought onboard if they remain stored in the stateroom for the remainder of the cruise.

Items With Use Restrictions in Designated Spaces - Use in restricted areas is a violation of this policy and may result in confiscation.

• Smart glasses may be brought onboard; however, they may not be used in the following areas: the casino; spa service areas; restrooms; locker rooms; medical facilities; security screening locations; youth facilities; during back‑of‑house tours; crew areas; or any location where there is a reasonable expectation of guest or crew privacy.

Prohibited Items Based on Destination‑Specific Legal Restrictions - Items restricted due to local laws in ports of call. These restrictions apply regardless of onboard policies or exceptions. Violations may result in fines or imprisonment under local law.

• Mexico:
  Vapes and e‑cigarettes may not be taken ashore.
• Barbados:
  Camouflage or military‑style attire is prohibited for non‑military personnel.

Important - please note: 

Items not expressly listed, or items subject to an exception, review, or use restriction, may still be prohibited if deemed unsafe or inappropriate for onboard operations. All items brought onboard—whether prohibited, permitted by exception, permitted with review, or permitted with use restrictions—are subject to inspection and review by the ship’s Security team. Any item deemed questionable will be reviewed and decided upon by the Chief Security Officer and the Staff Captain. Royal Caribbean reserves the right to deny boarding, remove, retain, or confiscate items at any time in accordance with onboard safety requirements, applicable laws, and the Guest Conduct Policy.