The list of things you can't bring on a Royal Caribbean cruise has been revised with a new look to it and a focus on certain policies.
The policy governing what you cannot bring on a cruise has been a "living document" that has updated to reflect trends. Some of the items have been prohibited for decades, while others are new.
This week, the prohibited item list got an overhaul and a new look. Instead of it being a simple list, there's more context and even a few changes.
This is a good reminder to check up on what's been revised to prevent bringing the wrong things on vacation that could get you in trouble.
A new look
The first thing you'll notice about this list of items that are prohibited on a Royal Caribbean cruise is the format.
You can find the list on Royal Caribbean's website, and it's a page that gets regular updates. We monitor it closely to look for policy changes.
Compared to a copy of the webpage from January 31, 2026, the list has undergone an update to flesh out select areas and rearrange others.
Revised prohibited items list
Old list format
Certain prohibited items now have their own section with explanations, likely to further elaborate on what's not allowed.
In fact, Royal Caribbean even goes as far as to add what's included on your cruise to give reassurance that not being allowed to bring an item won't ruin your vacation. As an example, the list of which drinks you cannot bring now includes the free drinks that come with your cruise fare.
Ironically, the banned item list now includes many things you can bring.
For example, the entire toiletries section talks about you're allowed to bring them, with no restrictions mentioned. The same is true for most of the baby things section.
This is likely to clear up any confusion if something not mentioned, but frequently asked about, is permissible to bring onboard.
The list also says there's a hair dryer included in every stateroom, even though hair curling irons, straighteners and hair dryers are permitted
At the bottom of the page is the traditional format of a list of banned items.
New banned items and policy adjustments
Snacks have been added to the prohibited item list, although there isn't an actual allotment defined.
"You can bring on a sensible amount of your favorite pre-packaged sealed snacks. Keep in mind there are lots of complimentary grab and go items and food all around the ship."
Previously, there was no mention of snacks on the banned item list. Perhaps this change reflects a change in the amount of food guests are attempting to bring on a cruise.
Similarly, luggage is now included on the list with an explanation there is no limit, but their bags will be scanned.
Royal Caribbean also added a section that pets are not allowed on its cruise ships, with the exception of service animals.
This is an important step as our team has witnessed an increase in the amount of passengers who bring their pets onboard while trying to pass them off as service animals. Perhaps our anecdotal data is reflected in calling out the ban now on the full list.
Lastly, the recent addition of smart glasses has gotten an update.
In February 2026, Royal Caribbean added smart glasses to its banned list, but restricted them from being worn in certain areas.
The verbiage is now more plain spoken and explains the restriction on where you can and cannot wear them.
"There are limits to where smart glasses can be worn onboard. Smart glasses cannot be worn in the casino, spa service areas, restrooms, locker rooms, medical facilities, security screening locations, youth facilities, during back-of-house tours, in crew areas, or anywhere there is a reasonable expectation of guest and crew privacy."
Guests violating the rule will have them taken away, "Smart glasses users who are seen violating this policy will have the glasses confiscated."
New ban on smoking in Mexico
Smokers should be aware that Royal Caribbean has updated its policy regarding smoking to match Mexico's new rules.
Mexico has a total ban on smoking in public places that has been in place since 2023.
This includes beaches, parks, hotels, restaurants, and workplaces.
Nothing has changed with where and when you can smoke onboard, but there's a warning to passengers to be aware you could face jail time if you try to smoke while ashore.
"In Mexico, vapes and e-cigarettes of any kind are banned and cannot be brought ashore. Regular cigarettes cannot be smoked in public places including at beaches, hotels, restaurants and parks. Violators face fines or even jail time."
