The Strange Cruise Security Rule EVERYONE Should Know

Cruise ships are basically floating resorts—but with surprisingly strict rules that can catch even seasoned travelers off guard.

The Disney Wish

You probably know you can’t bring weapons or illegal stuff on a cruise, but did you know that some of the most common things people pack for convenience, comfort, or just plain fun are completely banned? Before you zip up that suitcase, here’s what cruise lines don’t want you bringing onboard (and why).

Surge Protectors and Extension Cords

Let’s start with the big one: surge protectors. We get it. Cruise cabins are not exactly known for having a ton of outlets, and when you’re trying to charge phones, tablets, cameras, and whatever else, bringing your own power strip seems like a no-brainer.

But here’s the deal—all cruise lines ban surge protectors. That’s not an exaggeration. They’re considered a legit fire hazard, and cruise security will pull them from your bag during the screening process. Some cruise lines even extend the ban to anything that allows multiple plugs, so even a basic multi-plug adapter could land you in hot water (or at least send your gear to the confiscated bin).

Bottom line: don’t try to sneak one in. If you need more outlets, look for cruise-approved non-surge power cubes or USB-only charging stations. Check the cruise line’s site for specifics before you pack.

Bluetooth Speakers Are a Nope

Here’s a rule that surprises a lot of people—Bluetooth speakers are banned on several cruise lines, most notably Carnival.

According to Carnival, if you try to bring a Bluetooth speaker onboard—or even buy one from a shop at port—it’ll get confiscated. If you buy one on the ship itself, they’ll hold it until the end of the cruise.

The reason is that people were blasting music around the pool, in the hallways, on their balconies. It turns out, not everyone wants to hear your personal hype playlist. While we get the annoyance factor, this one especially stings for folks who rely on white noise to sleep. If you’re used to using a Bluetooth speaker for that, you’ll want to check if your cruise line allows you to pack a small, non-Bluetooth sound machine instead.

Paper Pineapples

You read that right. Paper pineapples—specifically the decorative kind people hang on their doors—are banned on Carnival Cruise Lines. And no, it’s not because they clash with the interior design.

Here’s the backstory: in cruise culture, an upside-down pineapple is a not-so-secret signal that you and your partner are open to “swinging.” So while a cute paper pineapple might seem innocent to you, Carnival doesn’t want any confusion—or guests unintentionally advertising something they weren’t planning to.

The official rule bans them as inappropriate decorations, and yes, security can remove them from your cabin door. So maybe stick with towel animals and save the fruit for the buffet.

No Hanging Laundry on the Balcony

This one’s less bizarre and more of a you might not think of it situation: don’t hang clothes or towels on your balcony railing.

It might seem like a harmless way to dry your swimsuit or beachwear, but it’s not allowed. Not only does it mess with the cruise line’s polished look (yes, they care), it’s also a safety concern. Strong winds at sea can easily blow garments off the ship, creating environmental hazards and potential fines. Some lines have even charged passengers for lost items if they’re caught doing this.

Use the provided drying lines in your bathroom, or ask your stateroom attendant for extra hangers. Don’t give them a reason to write you up on day two.

Cruise lines are serious about these rules, and they will absolutely confiscate or even bar you from boarding over certain items. So before you pack, triple-check what’s allowed and what’s banned—because no one wants their vacation derailed over something like a power strip.