Carnival Cruise Line recently left many passengers stunned with an unexpected ban on a common household item.
Like other cruise lines, Carnival has a long list of prohibited items that aren't allowed onboard their fleet, many of which are common sense. You wouldn't, for example, try to smuggle a dangerous weapon or explosives on your Caribbean cruise.
Sometimes, however, the line between what's banned and what guests think is harmless can get blurry. For example, Bluetooth speakers, which many guests might assume are no big deal, are not allowed on Carnival ships.
Recently, Carnival shared an update to its prohibited items list. Though not technically a new ban, guests were shocked to learn that aerosol cleaning products aren't allowed onboard.
"Dear Mr. Heald, I read yesterday that Lysol was banned, when did this happen and if it is true are all aerosol sprays banned?" asked Sandy Weeks.
John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, was clear in his response, stating, "It's not one specific brand it's the disinfectant or whatever the right word is aerosol sprays that are not allowed."
"You can bring aerosols for personal grooming such as hairspray or deodorant, but not disinfectant. Thank you, you can bring them in wipe form."
Molly Freestone asked a similar question, inquiring specifically about a travel-sized bottle of Lysol spray: "Good morning John! Can you put an end to this group discussion and confirm whether or not a mini travel size 2.5 ounces of Lysol spray is a prohibited item and will be confiscated from your checked luggage?"
Like with Weeks, Heald stood firm and asserted Carnival's policy banning aerosol cans. "No, I'm afraid it can't be brought on board. Only the wipes," he said.
Read more: Cruise ship prohibited items: 23 things you can't bring on a cruise
Carnival's website states that "Compressed gas tanks, bottles, cylinders including dive tanks, propane tanks and aerosol cans" are banned from its ships. However, aerosol cans containing personal grooming products, such as hairspray, sunscreen, or deodorant are allowed.
Banning aerosol cans might seem odd; however, the reasoning is rooted in safety concerns. Fire safety is a top priority for cruise lines, and if a fire broke out on a cruise ship, it could spread quickly due to the release of flammable contents in the can. Personal grooming products are considered lower risk because the contents aren't as flammable as industrial aerosols.
If you want to bring cleaning supplies onboard, stick with disinfecting wipes versus aerosol spray. Wipes provide a safer alternative, and they can help clean any surfaces for cruisers who prefer to sanitize their cabins upon arrival.
Not heavily enforced
Heald posted a poll on his Facebook asking cruisers whether they bring cleaning supplies onboard with them. Though he affirmed that aerosol cans are prohibited, many comments indicated they successfully brought disinfectant sprays on the ship.
Janice Blackwell VanWagoner said, "I do bring a [travel-sized] Lysol spray and wipes, mainly because I think the cabin steward has too many cabins now to be able to wipe down all those [high-touch] areas."
"I bring both wipes and Lysol and I use both. Once on board I spray my bathroom and wipe all the counters, doors, [and] phones. I understand that the Steward cleans the after debarkation, but the [turnaround] time is so little. They possibly do a great cleaning. This is just my opinion and maybe they do. I bring Both for my safety," added Linda Ward-Stuart.
Ultimately, the ban on aerosol products prioritizes the safety of passengers and crew members. Though it might be annoying for guests worried about the cleanliness of their stateroom, there are other alternatives, such as disinfecting wipes.
While the rule isn't always enforced, it's smart to adhere to Carnival's guidelines. If you bring an aerosol can hoping to clean your stateroom just to find that it has been confiscated, you'll be disappointed! It's best to bring wipes that you can also carry ashore with you.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
