With numbers expected to rise, cruise ships are expecting an influx of new-to-cruise guests who may not be well-versed when it comes to what can - or can’t - be brought onboard a vessel. 

To help guests navigate their stay at sea, specialist agency Panache Cruises has recently released a list of everyday items that are forbidden – including homemade food, baby monitors and clothing steamers. 

“No two cruise lines are exactly the same, but many of them view prohibited items in the same way,” said founder and managing director James Cole. “So if you are heading off on the cruise of a lifetime this summer, be sure to check prohibited items with your cruise line before packing.” 

Irons and steamers are among the among most common everyday items confiscated before passengers board a cruise, as they represent a fire hazard, while extension leads and cords also cannot be brought onboard due to fire and safety reasons.

Many first-timers wouldn’t necessarily know homemade food is also prohibited over contamination concerns, as most cruise lines cannot guarantee adequate storage and refrigeration.

With the exception of wine – which needs to be brought onboard in carry-ons, unopened and sealed – passengers are also banned from bringing their own alcohol onboard.

Families, Panache Cruises says, should also be aware that some lines will not allow babies, with some saying they can be older than six months, while others putting in place a 12-month-old requirement.

Certain childcare objects and toys are also not permitted to be carried onboard – including pool inflatables, baby monitors and bottle warmers.