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9 NEW Things that HAD to Be BANNED on Cruises in 2025

January 13, 2025
Banned on cruises

Hey there, cruise enthusiasts! 🚢 Ready to have your mind blown about what’s banned on cruises? It’s 2025, and some things on cruises had to be seriously banned. Yes, cruise lines have upped their game when it comes to banning stuff. Some of these bans totally make sense, while others will leave you scratching your head!

Trust me, you won’t believe some of the things that have been added to the list. But don’t worry—I’ve got all the details so you don’t get caught bringing something on board that’ll get you in trouble. From gadgets to decorations to, yes, even things that used to be totally normal—these new rules will definitely surprise you.

Stick around for #7—because you won’t believe it! Now, let’s dive into the top 9 banned items on cruises this year, and trust me, you’re going to want to hear this before your next trip!

1. Non-Surge Protected Power Bars or Cubes

Let’s kick things off with one you might already know about that’s been banned on cruisest: non-surge protected power bars and cubes. But wait—this only applies to Royal Caribbean. That’s right, Royal Caribbean has banned these little fire-hazard potential gadgets from its ships. The reasoning is solid, though. Apparently, these devices can overload the ship’s electrical system, causing short circuits and fires. Nobody wants a fire in the middle of the ocean, right?

Pro Tip: USB multi-plug outlets and portable chargers are still allowed! So, if you’re a tech-lover, bring your gadgets—but keep them surge-protected, folks.

2. Boom Boxes, Radios, and Bluetooth Speakers

Carnival Cruise Lines has stuff that is banned on cruises and they are making sure your relaxing cruise stays, well, relaxing. Boom boxes, Bluetooth speakers, and radios are now totally banned in public areas. Why, you ask? Apparently, some people were turning the adults-only areas into impromptu nightclubs. As much as we all love a good dance party, not everyone wants to hear your playlist while they’re chilling by the pool.

So, if you want to jam to your favorite tunes, you’re going to have to keep the party in your cabin with headphones. 🎧

3. Satellite Dishes and Internet Gadgets

Here’s one for the techies that has been banned on cruises: Carnival and other major cruise lines have banned satellite dishes, personal routers, and other internet-boosting gadgets. Believe it or not, some passengers were smuggling in Starlink Minis to get better Wi-Fi. I get it, cruise ship Wi-Fi can be painfully slow, but people were getting so into it that it became a problem. So, no more sneaky DIY internet setups.

Fun Fact: One YouTuber even had his Starlink Mini confiscated mid-cruise! Don’t be that person.

4. Pineapple Door Decorations 🍍

Ah yes, the infamous pineapple has been banned on cruises. This might be one of the weirdest bans, but it’s definitely one you’ll want to know about. On Carnival Cruises, the upside-down pineapple is officially banned. For those of you who don’t know, this symbol is rumored to be an indication of certain “lifestyle preferences” among cruisers, if you catch my drift. Some people were using pineapples as a prank, sticking them on random doors, and confusing other passengers.

Carnival said, “No thanks, we’re keeping it family-friendly,” and banned the pineapple décor outright. So, leave the fruity pranks at home, folks!

5. Baby Monitors

This one’s for all the parents out there that has been banned on cruises. If you’ve ever thought about bringing a baby monitor to keep an ear on your little one while enjoying some peace and quiet elsewhere on the ship, think again. Royal Caribbean added baby monitors to their banned list after some influencers were caught using them to leave their kids unattended.

Royal Caribbean wasn’t having it—they banned them for safety reasons and to avoid interference with ship communication systems. So now, you’ll have to rely on the ship’s childcare services or—dare I say it—parent in person. 😅

6. Camouflage Clothing

Here’s a surprising one that has been banned on cruises: Camo gear. Planning to channel your inner action hero with some camo shorts or a cool jacket? Well, think twice before packing that outfit if you’re cruising to certain Caribbean ports like Barbados. Wearing camouflage in some countries is a serious no-no. In fact, it’s illegal in some places, as the military reserves camo for official use only. Cruise lines are warning passengers ahead of time to avoid any run-ins with the law.

7. Walkie-Talkies

Okay, this might sound like a throwback to the ‘90s, but did you know walkie-talkies were a cruise essential for some families? Not anymore! Now, it is banned on cruises. Norwegian Cruise Line has officially banned them. Why?

Passengers were complaining about constant, loud chatter all over the ship. I mean, I get it. You’re trying to enjoy a peaceful sunset, and you overhear, “Hey, can you hear me now?!” over and over again. The Norwegian Cruise Line said, “Enough!” and banned them completely.

Pro Tip: Use the cruise line’s app or old-fashioned texting instead.

Banned on Cruises
9 things banned on cruises

8. Portable Curtains 🚪

If you’ve traveled with a group on a cruise before, you might have brought along some portable curtains to create a little privacy. But Carnival has had enough of this DIY cabin hack. It’s now banned on cruises. People were getting creative with how they set up their curtains—sectioning off parts of the room like it was a mini apartment. However, it turns out those curtains pose a fire hazard, so Carnival put the brakes on that trend. You’ll just have to make do with the standard cabin layout, privacy be damned.

9. Inflatable Pools

Last but not least, this one takes the cake: inflatable pools. It’s been banned on cruises. Yes, people were actually bringing inflatable pools onboard to splash around in their cabins or bathe their kids. Carnival, in particular, had to draw the line. There’s already a perfectly good pool on deck, folks! But apparently, some people wanted their own private pool experience. Not anymore! Inflatable pools are now banned to avoid potential leaks and spills that could cause damage or accidents.

So, there you have it—9 things that are officially banned from cruise ships in 2025! Whether it’s for safety, sanity, or just keeping things classy, these cruise lines aren’t playing around anymore. Make sure to check the list before you pack for your next voyage, or you might find yourself saying goodbye to your beloved gadgets, decorations, and portable pool party.

Do Your Research

We’ve covered some pretty wild stuff that’s now banned on cruises in 2025, but before you pack your bags and set sail, here’s one more  pro tip to keep in mind: Always double-check the prohibited items list on the cruise line’s website right before your trip.

You never know when new rules might pop up, and you definitely don’t want to be that person who has to leave their favorite gadget behind at the port. Also, remember that even if you don’t see something on the banned list, it’s always a good idea to pack light and only bring the essentials. The less you have to lug around, the more time you’ll have to enjoy the fun parts of your cruise!

And hey, if you’re still unsure about what to pack, don’t worry! I’ve got you covered. Check out the link in the description for my Ultimate Travel Guide, which breaks down everything you need for a stress-free adventure. Plus, there’s a super handy and FREE packing checklist you can download, so you won’t miss a thing.

Final Thoughts

If you found this video helpful or fun, don’t forget to hit that thumbs up and subscribe to my youtube channel where I discuss all the things related to travel tips and hacks. I hope you got value from the things that have been banned on cruises so you can be prepared next time

And wait a minute, before you go—quick last-minute tip! If you want to stay on top of all the dos and don’ts of packing, I’ve created a video on this topic right here. It covers everything about what you should absolutely avoid bringing. Check out my main website for even more travel tips and hacks. And, also my active blog posts here! Safe travels and see you in the next video! So, please remember to subscribe here. 

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