All cruise guests are aware that some obvious items cannot be brought onboard cruise ships. Weapons, illegal drugs, and fireworks – it is not surprising that these items are not permitted.

But guests often have questions about more unique items that a cruise line might or might not allow. What about an iron or steamer to look your best for formal night? Your favorite snacks? Full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner?

Cruise Hive has regularly reported on changes to the prohibited items list, such as the recent ban on smart glasses in certain areas of the ship. Now, Royal Caribbean is making it easier for guests to discover what they can and cannot bring onboard.

The cruise line has revised, updated, and reorganized its prohibited items list specifically to provide answers for guests’ most common questions. Subheadings now make the list easier to scan and explanations are more thorough.

Royal Caribbean’s Prohibited List Before the Changes:

Two key features are unique about the reorganization. First, the very obvious prohibited items, such as illegal drugs and weapons, are no longer at the top of the list. Guests don’t typically ask about these, as it is generally understood that such items are not permitted.

Second, the list also specifies what items ARE permitted in many cases. For example, the second section on the list is about snacks. Snacks are not prohibited and were not previously mentioned on the old list.

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Now, the cruise line explains: “You can bring on a sensible amount of your favorite pre-packaged sealed snacks.”

While a “sensible amount” is not defined, the fact that items must be pre-packaged and sealed is important for guests to understand. So pack along the Little Debbies, Doritos, or beef jerky if you wish (oh wait, that’s my luggage!).

Royal Caribbean’s Prohibited List After the Changes:

The section on pets is also new on the list. Royal Caribbean’s policy on pets has not changed and only service animals are permitted onboard, but now guests get that answer right away. Imagine if someone visited the old list to see if pets were prohibited. They weren’t mentioned, so you can bring your pet onboard, right?

While the answer has always been “no” the new list makes it clear and provides links to the relevant policy and accessibility pages for guests to read further.

Other categories on the new list include “Baby Things,” “Sporting Goods,” “Luggage Size,” and “Hair Tools,” all of which are things guests commonly ask about.

List Always Subject to Change

All cruise travelers should be aware that prohibited items lists are continually being revised and updated, particularly as new technologies evolve or new items begin to cause difficulties.

For example, “cybersecurity and deliberate electronic crime equipment” is a relatively recent addition to Royal Caribbean’s prohibited list. Such equipment, including portable routers and doorbell cameras, did not exist years ago when the list was first created.

At the very top of the new list, in fact, Royal Caribbean notes that the list is fluid and always under review.

“Keep in mind – the ship’s security team may prohibit or confiscate any item they determine is not permissible onboard,” the cruise line explains.

Some items also have geographic restrictions. Cruise Hive has already reported that Mexico has banned public smoking and vapes, and Royal Caribbean has listed that ban and the possible consequences on the list.

Similarly, the restriction on camouflage clothing in Barbados is noted, as well as how ulu knives (very popular souvenirs on Alaska cruises) must be handled.

Cruisers should always double check the prohibited items list for their specific cruise line leading up to their sailing date in case of changes and updates. Otherwise their items could be confiscated or there could be other consequences that put a damper on their vacation.