Cruise ship expert explains why he would never bring these five everyday items on board
A cruise ship expert has revealed the items you should avoid packing if you're planning to set sail anytime soon.
You may be looking at cruises as a possible option this holiday season, but there are a number of things you should consider when you start packing.
They could be a fire hazard, an allergy risk, or they could simply be illegal, so to avoid breaking any laws, you may want to double check before your bag leaves the house and goes through the scanner.
In case websites were being too vague though, or if you aren't sure if you can pack a certain item, product director at Riviera Travel, Will Sarson, has weighed in on the subject and highlighted the five items you should not bring on your cruise travels across the world.
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Will said: "When packing for a cruise holiday, it's important to do your research to understand the list of prohibited items.
"This can help better planning while packing and help avoid disappointment when items are confiscated."
So, here are the items you should be wary of.
Alcohol
There is alcohol on board a lot of cruise ships, so you can get your cocktail fix while at sea - just make sure you don't bring a ton of bottles.
Will explained: "While alcohol is not strictly banned from cruise ships, most companies have a range of restrictions in place to avoid travellers bringing large quantities along for the trip."
It turns out that guests are limited to just one bottle of wine or champagne with potential corkage fees to drink in public.
"With so much alcohol available on board, we recommend leaving the bottles at home to avoid further costs and instead making use of the available liquor found throughout the ship and at varying ports across the world," he stated.
An iron/steamer
This is a huge safety risk while you're at sea given that it's a fire hazard, but it seems to go over a lot of holidaymakers' heads.
Will compares them to extension leads in that most cruise liners prohibit you from bringing these aboard.
"This is an item that constantly catches people out, with travellers forced to part ways with their iron or steamer," he explained.
"To avoid disappointment, it's best to leave these items at home. Many ocean and river cruises have irons or steamers onboard that can be borrowed by guests during their stay."
Candles or incense
Once again, these are an obvious fire hazard, with the naked flame or ash created already risky enough for many cruise companies.
Will acknowledged that they can be relaxing and good at 'setting the mood', but but labelled them as 'incredibly dangerous', with cruise staff certain to confiscate these items.
He highlighted: "Similarly, incense products fall under the same category. Like the rest of the items on this list, leave the candles and incense behind!"
CBD Oils
"CBD oil is a popular wellness product that provides relief for physical pain and mental health disorders," Will explained. "But it's not allowed on cruises due to its varying legality around the world.
"While the product is legal for sale and tender throughout the UK, this is not the case in certain cruise ship stop-off destinations. As a result, the substance is not allowed onboard the ship," he revealed.
It is legal in a number of European countries such as the UK, Spain and Italy, and the North American countries of the US and Mexico, but the majority of the world still haven't legalised the product.
Every country has different laws and requirements for a prescription over the THC content.
Pets
Hopefully you weren't planning on bringing your furry friends on board, 'cause they're a big no-no.
"While this one should go without saying, you'd be surprised at how many people try to gain access to their cruise alongside pets," the product director said.
"Domestic animals are not allowed on cruises due to the allergy risk and general health and safety aspects that come with allowing cats or dogs on board."
The allowance here is that guide dogs are permitted as they provide medical assistance, but if not, it's time to call your nearest pet hotel or kennel.
Topics: Travel, Holiday, Cruise Ship
Joshua Nair