Yes, cruise ships perform security screenings on all luggage, both checked and carry-on, in a process very similar to airport security. When you drop your bags at the pier, they are passed through X-ray machines to scan for prohibited items. The primary things security is looking for are weapons, illegal drugs, and "fire hazards" such as irons, candles, or multi-plug surge protectors. Additionally, most cruise lines have strict rules about alcohol; security will look for bottles of liquor, and if they find them, they will usually "confiscate" the bottles and return them to you on the final morning of the cruise. In 2026, security technology has become even more advanced, with some ports using AI-assisted scanners to identify "hidden" items. If security sees something suspicious on the X-ray, they will not open your bag in private; instead, they will hold the bag in a "security room" (often jokingly called the "naughty room") and ask you to come down and open it in their presence.