If you’re planning your first Virgin Voyages cruise, knowing what to pack is important. But knowing what not to pack can save you a lot of headaches once you arrive at the port.

This topic actually came from a recent experience with an influencer I invited onboard. Travel Foodie Guide was sailing on his very first cruise and ended up getting called down to security after boarding. The funny part? He had no idea he brought something that wasn’t allowed.

That experience inspired this list of Virgin packing tips to help you avoid having your belongings confiscated before your vacation even begins.

Why These Virgin Packing Tips Matter

Every cruise line has a list of prohibited items, and Virgin Voyages is no exception. While some of these restrictions may seem obvious, others catch first-time cruisers completely by surprise.

Let’s go through some of the most common items people accidentally bring onboard.

1. Irons and Steamers

One of the most common prohibited items on cruises is an iron or clothing steamer.

Everyone wants wrinkle-free clothes, but irons and steamers are not allowed onboard due to fire safety concerns. If your clothes arrive a little wrinkled, don’t stress. Most people won’t even notice.

2. Power Strips and Extension Cords

This was the item that got our influencer called down to security.

Power strips, surge protectors, and extension cords are generally prohibited on Virgin Voyages. If security finds them in your luggage, they’ll be removed and held until the end of your sailing.

If you use a CPAP machine and need special accommodations, contact the cruise line before your trip.

3. Coffee Makers, Kettles, and Hot Plates

You cannot bring:

• Coffee makers
• Electric kettles
• Hot plates

One traveler actually managed to get a coffee maker onboard before housekeeping discovered it and had it confiscated.

The good news? You’ll have access to coffee onboard, so there’s really no need to pack your own machine.

4. Candles, Incense, and Wax Warmers

Anything involving an open flame or heating element is generally prohibited.

This includes:

• Candles
• Incense
• Wax warmers

When in doubt, ask yourself: “Does this create heat?” If the answer is yes, leave it at home.

5. Drones

Drones have become incredibly popular, but many cruise lines restrict or prohibit them entirely.

Virgin Voyages does not allow guests to bring drones onboard, so make sure yours stays home.

6. Weapons of Any Kind

This may seem obvious, but weapons are prohibited onboard.

That includes:

• Firearms
• Pocket knives
• Swiss Army knives
• Other self-defense weapons

Even small knives can be confiscated during the boarding process.

7. Scuba Tanks and Compressed Air Equipment

Water sports equipment that uses compressed air is not permitted onboard.

While you may be planning Caribbean adventures, leave scuba tanks and similar equipment at home unless specifically approved through an excursion provider.

8. Marijuana and CBD Products

Another important Virgin packing tip is to leave all marijuana and CBD products at home.

Even if these products are legal where you live, cruise lines operate under different regulations and policies. Bringing them onboard can result in confiscation or more serious consequences.

9. Hard Liquor

Most cruise lines allow limited quantities of wine or champagne, but hard liquor is generally prohibited.

If you’re planning to enjoy drinks during your vacation, check Virgin Voyages’ current alcohol policy before sailing.

10. Heating Pads

Heating pads fall into the same category as other heating devices.

Because they generate heat, they are generally not allowed onboard and may be confiscated during the screening process.

11. Fishing Poles

Many travelers are surprised to learn that fishing poles are prohibited on most cruise ships.

As tempting as it might be to fish from your balcony or deck, leave the fishing gear at home.

12. Metal Detectors

Metal detectors may seem like a fun thing to bring for beach days, but they are not permitted onboard.

If you’re planning to search for treasure, you’ll need to leave the detector behind.

Honorable Mention: Clotheslines

This one surprised me.

Some guests attempt to bring their own clotheslines onboard. The funny part is that many cruise ship cabins already have clotheslines built into the shower area.

There’s really no need to pack one.

What Happens if You Bring a Prohibited Item?

In most cases, prohibited items are confiscated either during embarkation or after your luggage is screened.

If security finds an item in your checked baggage, you may be called down to discuss it, just like Travel Foodie Guide was.

The good news is that most items aren’t thrown away. Instead, they’re typically stored and returned to you at the end of the cruise.

Many experienced cruisers jokingly refer to the collection area as the “naughty table” because it’s usually covered with confiscated steamers, extension cords, and other prohibited items.

Final Virgin Packing Tips Before You Sail

The easiest way to avoid problems during embarkation is to review your cruise line’s prohibited items list before you leave home.

While this list covers many of the most common mistakes travelers make, every cruise line has its own policies and restrictions.

A few minutes of research can save you time, frustration, and an unexpected trip to security.

If you’re sailing Virgin Voyages soon, keep these Virgin packing tips in mind and you’ll start your vacation off on the right foot.

Samantha Robichaud is a Top 10 Virgin First Mate 4 years in a row and has sailed over 50 times! Check out her podcast, Talk Virgin to Me, if you would like more Virgin Voyages tips and tricks!