What to NOT pack for a cruise

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Some people want to bring the kitchen sink with them when they go on vacation (well hopefully not literally), but some common household items actually are prohibited by the cruise lines.  Should be common sense in some cases, but in other cases not.  So stop packing and read this carefully before you zip up that bag.  We thank Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Lines for contributing to this article.

• Clothing Irons/Steamers: sorry, these are fire hazards; buy either wrinkle release spray or hang your clothes in the bathroom after a hot shower.  They do have laundry on board some places so maybe just pay to use the dryer.
• Actually, most household small appliances too: fall under fire hazard category.  Amazing how people want to bring their coffee makers, toasters, hot pots, and heating pads;they are just a no.
• Liquor: check with your cruise line about how much is allowed to be brought on board.  Carnival allows one 750 ml bottle of wine or champagne. Royal Caribbean allows 2 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne.  Most cruise lines frown on bringing any hard liquor.
• Non-alcoholic beverages: cruise lines make money off those beverage packages, so don't plan to bring any more than 12 cans of juice/soda per person.  Check with your cruise line to see the actual limits.
• Drugs: illegal or designer drugs are definitely a no-no, but check with your cruiseline to see if medical marijuana is allowed.  In a lot of countries it is illegal so the cruise lines enforce it.   Also, no hookahs - fire hazard. 
• Candles/incense - we get you want to keep the zen on aboard, but no because of fire hazard.
• Weapons: this includes all ammunition, firearms (including realistic looking replicas), martial arts weapons, incapacitating substances like pepper spray, paintball guns, tasers and other items that could be modified to become a weapon (so no components) - again see your cruise line for a complete list
• Flammable substances like paint thinners, gas, kerosene
• Pets: only service animals are allowed on board and Cunard is the only ship that allows bringing furry pets with a kennel on board. 
• Sharp objects like knives (greater than 4 inches), large scissors (greater than 4 inches), open razor blades etc.  Exceptions will be specialty knives used for quilting or diving, but you will have to get the ship security office to give approval.
• Extension cords: these also pose a fire hazard if they don't meet certain conditions in a marine environment.  You can bring charging banks but anything else will be confiscated. Exception for this is if you have medical equipment you need plugged in and the cord can't reach your bed (or something).

Other items to consider:

• Drones are becoming popular items, but every line has a different policy.  It is a safety risk for those on board - wind could make one go out of control very easily.  Most will allow you to pack it, but only use at port off the ship.
• e-cigarettes are treated much like cigars and cigarettes.  Only allowed in certain areas but never in your cabin or on the balcony.
• Bicycles are sometimes permitted but have to be stored in your room and only used while at port; I've seen people bring the foldable ones which are pretty cool for getting around town.
• Musical instruments are allowed, but if there are complaints registered it will be confiscated and given back at the end of the cruise.

What do think of our list?  Did we miss anything?  Let us know with comments below.