It's important for first-time cruisers to understand what is and isn't permitted aboard their ship, as cruise lines have strict rules about what passengers are allowed to bring.
For example, most mainstream cruise lines ban common travel items that pose fire hazards in staterooms, like irons, steamers, and extension cords.
There are also a few surprising banned items that catch passengers off guard.
Most recently, Carnival Cruise Line updated its banned items list to offer more detailed guidance for guests. Now, the cruise line's prohibited items list states that collapsible wagons, which have become popular with families carrying beach gear, kids’ toys, and more, are not allowed to be used on the ship or at Carnival's private destinations.
"Wagons must be collapsed during embarkation and debarkation and may not be used on board (where allowed, wagons may be used in ports other than Carnival's private destinations)," the website reads.
In other words, although guests can bring wagons aboard Carnival's fleet of "FUN" ships, they cannot be used while on the vessel.
Additionally, Carnival's new rule further clarifies that collapsible wagons are not permitted to be used ashore at destinations like Celebration Key and RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay.
Banning collapsible wagons might seem odd; however, the reasoning is rooted in safety concerns. Wagons can quickly crowd hallways, elevators, and gangways, creating tripping hazards and obstructing emergency exit routes.
If you're planning on bringing a wagon aboard your Carnival cruise, prepare to keep it stored in your cabin and only use it in non-Carnival destinations, such as Cozumel, Mexico, or Nassau, Bahamas.
However, per the updated guidance, you will not be able to use the wagon until you are off the ship. This means that you must be prepared to carry all your essentials off the gangway before collapsing and loading the wagon up.
As such, you may want to bring a tote bag to carry your essentials instead. There are many affordable beach bags available on Amazon. And although they aren’t as convenient as rolling wagons, they’re more practical with Carnival's new ban and easy to store in your stateroom without taking up much space.
Plus, they are allowed on the Lido Deck and at Carnival's private destinations.
Can you smoke weed on a Carnival cruise?
Carnival's website also added new restrictions to its ban on marijuana.
"Any illegal narcotics/drugs including synthetic, designer drugs, marijuana, cannabis and cannabis derivatives such as Cannabidiol (CBD) items which may be labeled as medical marijuana. While certain CBD products used for medicinal purposes may be legal in the U.S. based on state and local laws, they are not legal under U.S. federal law and in all the ports we visit and therefore are also considered prohibited items," reads the policy.
Weed has always been banned on Carnival cruises, but the updated policy shows the cruise line is taking a firmer, more explicit stance — especially when it comes to CBD.
Read more: Can I bring weed on a cruise?
Other strange Carnival cruise bans
Carnival Cruise Line also bans Bluetooth speakers from its ships.
"Boom boxes, radios and all types of speakers (including Bluetooth, portable and wireless) [are not permitted onboard]," Carnival's website states.
Speakers can cause noise disruption, making it harder for guests to hear important safety announcements made on the vessel. Not only that, but sound carries easily across pool decks and private balconies, so one speaker can affect dozens of passengers.
Another strange ban is cleaning supplies, specifically aerosol cleaning products.
John Heald, Carnival's Brand Ambassador, took to social media to clarify that wipes can still be brought onboard. However, the aerosol cans are not permitted due to their potential to be pressurized and flammable.
"It's not one specific brand it's the disinfectant or whatever the right word is aerosol sprays that are not allowed," he said. "I'm afraid [travel-sized cans] can't be brought on board. Only the wipes."
That said, aerosol cans containing personal grooming products, such as hairspray, sunscreen, or deodorant, are allowed.
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Having sailed on over 30 cruises across different lines, including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, MSC, Margaritaville at Sea, and Princess, she loves sharing her insight and expertise on all things cruising!
In addition to writing for Cruise.Blog, Elizabeth has bylines in Business Insider, Royal Caribbean Blog, and Cruiseshipfood.com.
