# The Cruise Packing List That Knows What Ship Security Confiscates

> A cruise-specific packing list: magnetic hooks, non-surge power strips, formal night, port-day gear — and the items security will take at the gangway.

Updated: 2026-07-21 · Source: https://cruiseshiptime.app/guides/cruise-packing-list

Generic packing lists fail cruisers in two directions: they skip the weirdly cruise-specific gear (your cabin walls are steel — bring magnets!), and they let you pack items that ship security will cheerfully confiscate at embarkation.

## The items first-timers never think of

- **Magnetic hooks (strong ones).** Cruise cabin walls and ceilings are steel. Six to ten heavy-duty magnetic hooks turn a tiny cabin into a organized one — hats, lanyards, wet swimsuits, the daily program.
- **Non-surge power strip / USB hub.** Cabins have shockingly few outlets. But note the next section before you buy.
- **Lanyards with card holders.** Your keycard is your room key, ID and wallet on board. Around your neck beats the fourth "which pocket?" search of the day.
- **Over-door shoe organizer.** Instant shelving for sunscreen, meds, chargers and small chaos.
- **Towel clips.** Deck chairs + sea breeze = towels overboard.
- **Sea-sickness remedies.** Bands, tablets, or patches — buy before you sail; the onboard shop charges triple.
- **Reef-safe sunscreen.** Required by law in several ports (Mexico's marine parks, USVI) and just good manners toward the reef you're snorkeling on.
- **Small bills.** For crew tips, port vendors and taxis — see [what currency each port uses](/ports).

## What security confiscates at the gangway

Every cruise line publishes a prohibited-items list, and these show up in the confiscation bins every single sailing:

| Item | Why it's banned |
|---|---|
| **Surge-protected power strips** | Fire risk with ship electrical systems — the #1 confiscated item. Non-surge strips are usually fine. |
| Travel irons & steamers | Fire risk. Use the laundry service or wrinkle-release spray. |
| Candles & incense | Fire risk (noticing a theme?). |
| Extension cords with surge protection | Same as power strips; check your line's rules. |
| Alcohol beyond the allowance | Most lines allow 1–2 bottles of wine at embarkation only. |
| Drones | Banned on board by most lines even if you only plan to fly them ashore. |

The rule of thumb: if it heats, burns or conditions power, read your line's list before packing it.

## Formal night, decoded

Most 7-night cruises have one or two "formal" or "elegant" nights. Reality check: a collared shirt and slacks or a simple dress clears the bar on most mainstream lines. Pack one step up if you enjoy it — the lobster is the same either way.

## Port-day kit

A small dry bag or day pack with: waterproof phone pouch, reef-safe sunscreen, a printed copy of the ship's daily program (all-aboard time!), small bills, and your keycard. Leave your passport in the safe unless your cruise line says otherwise — the keycard plus a photo ID is standard for re-boarding.

## Don't pack your memory

Thirty days out you should check in online; fourteen days out, print luggage tags; the week before, start the actual packing. The ShipTime app ships with cruise-tested packing templates (Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean, family) and milestone reminders for each of those deadlines — plus the [ship-time clock](/guides/what-is-ship-time) and gangway alarms for when you're actually on board.

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From ShipTime Companion (https://cruiseshiptime.app) — the offline-first
cruise app: ship-time clock, gangway alarms, duty-free tracking and
offline currency conversion.