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Can you bring a small pocket knife on a Carnival Cruise?

Prohibited Items Knives, scissors and open razors (Recreational dive knives are allowed, but must be held in the custody of the Guest Services Manager or Chief Security Officer and must be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise.



No, as of 2026, Carnival Cruise Line strictly prohibits all knives, including small pocket knives and Swiss Army knives, regardless of the blade length. In previous years, some cruise lines allowed blades under 4 inches, but the industry has moved toward a "Zero Tolerance" policy to simplify security screenings and ensure passenger safety. If a pocket knife is found in your luggage during the X-ray scan at the terminal, it will be confiscated, and you may not get it back until the end of the voyage—or it may be disposed of entirely. This rule also applies to multi-tools that contain a blade. The only exceptions are for blunt-tipped scissors (under 4 inches) used for crafts and specialized dive knives that must be declared and held by the ship's security officer until you go on a shore excursion. For everyday needs, Carnival recommends leaving the cutlery at home and using the provided dining utensils on board.

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Guests are not allowed to bring hard liquor, beer or plastic/glass bottled beverages, (e.g., water, sodas and other non-alcoholic drinks) on board. Please review our Beverage Policy for more information. Large speakers/radios are also prohibited and will be confiscated and discarded.

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Carnival allows its passengers to carry swiss army knives but the blade has to be less than 4 inches. Royal Caribbean completely prohibits its passengers to carry any form of knives or blades in their luggage aboard the ship.

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All weapons are prohibited on cruises due to cruise ship security regulations. Guns are not allowed, with or without a concealed carry permit. Mace, pepper sprays and knives of any type are prohibited. The information contained on this website is provided as a service to USCCA, Inc.

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As for your person, you will go through a metal detector. We have yet to go through a port that has the body scanners that have caused so much controversy at airports. This means you can keep things in your pockets, as long as is isn't metal. You also do not have to remove belts or shoes.

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If you're planning to go on a cruise, you might be wondering whether cruise lines check your luggage. The answer is yes, they do.

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No sneaking drugs or alcohol on board Contraband booze will be confiscated if discovered, and you might not get it back. Bring illegal drugs on board and you risk fines, disembarkation and jail time. You're not allowed to bring marijuana on a cruise, even if it's legal in your departure port or port of call.

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Contrary to people who want to believe that the ships are armed but the cruise lines don't want to tip their hand to the terrorists, there is in fact no hidden cache of weapons ready to be deployed by the cruise ship's security forces. Cruise ships are flagged in foreign countries like the Bahamas or Panama.

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Carnival's cruise fare includes plentiful snacks and food, available nearly 24/7. However, for passengers who just have to have their favorite pretzels or chips for a midafternoon snack, Carnival permits cruisers to bring onboard prepackaged, ready-to-eat snacks.

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Guests cannot take liquor bottles with them to public areas. Only wine or champagne that was ordered through The Fun Shops can be served in the dining room or Steakhouse.

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Sodas and other applicable non-alcoholic beverages remain unlimited and will not be counted toward the 15 alcoholic beverages limit, and all other policies and procedures remain the same. Guests are expected to enjoy alcohol responsibly and staff members are trained not to serve guests who appear to be intoxicated.

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If you wonder whether cruise ships have jails, the answer is yes. Jails are called brigs on a cruise ship and tend only to be used in serious circumstances when no other options are available. Cabin arrest is typically used before the brig is needed.

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Cruise ships do not have police. Instead, an onboard Security Director will oversee the ship's own dedicated security department, staffed by former federal, state and military law enforcement personnel from various countries.

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Cruise ship crime is not the norm — but since it does occur sometimes, it's wise to know how to avoid being a victim. First, it's important to understand that while a cruise is a vacation, that doesn't mean crime doesn't happen.

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Shelf-stable snacks like chips, pretzels, protein bars or any other items packaged in sealed wrappers are permitted on every major cruise line. Just stick with store-bought goodies including candy, savory snacks, cookies or granola bars instead of whipping up a batch of homemade muffins or sandwiches to bring with you.

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The Head of Household must declare all merchandise purchased or acquired abroad and which he/she is bringing back into the United States. That includes items purchased in duty-free shops (on board) and in port as well as items received as gifts. It also includes items the guests have begun to use or are wearing.

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Men may wear slacks with collared dress shirts or sweaters, but jackets are optional. Women should choose dresses, pantsuits or skirts or slacks with nice tops. On formal nights, proper attire includes tuxedos, suits or slacks (jackets required) for men and evening gowns, cocktail dresses or dressy pantsuits for women.

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To sum up, you can bring a vape on a cruise. However, there are strict guidelines on where to smoke once on the ship. Vapes are treated identically to cigarettes on a cruise ship, so it's essential to follow the rules to avoid getting your vape confiscated or facing fines. Find out more about us here.

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They are also great for keeping wet clothes separate from dry. We also like to put liquids that we bring onboard in the bags in case they accidentally spill. No matter what you might need them for, Ziplocs are a great thing to have and take up practically no room in your luggage.

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