P&O cruises has warned holidaymakers that the items will be ‘confiscated at the port’
08:05, 18 May 2026Updated 10:43, 18 May 2026
P&O cruises has banned a number of items for the safety of passengers(Image: Getty)
P&O cruises has warned passengers that four items will be ‘confiscated at the port’ before embarking – amid safety concerns. Many people love cruises because they are a great way to see some of the most iconic locations in the world – all on the same trip.
But although restrictions about bringing items on board aren’t as strict as those on aircraft, four items are ‘red flags’. Officials at the liner company have said that if the items are taken from passengers, there’s a good chance they won’t be returned afterwards.
In its rules, it says: “We kindly ask that you leave all prohibited items at home to ensure the safety of all our guests and staff on board. If you bring a prohibited item with you, please know this will be confiscated at the port and we cannot guarantee the item will be returned to you. This also applies to cultural items such as Skean-Dhus and Kirpans, which are often important heirlooms.”
P&O said that four items are banned – with one exception in each case.
Aerosols are prohibited with the exception of personal deodorant.Lighter fluid/flammable liquids are prohibited with the exception of a small personal lighter (for smokers).Most batteries are prohibited with the exception of small batteries, e.g. for personal cameras, or particular batteries for medical equipment. Please see here for additional information.Electrical equipment with heating elements are not permitted with the exception of hair styling tools ie. straighteners.
On holiday, people like to enjoy themselves – and this often means having a drink too. In terms of the kind of behaviour , P&O said that people may be denied entry to the ship if they appear to be drunk. It also added that it may be confiscated before people board.
Passengers can bring alcohol onto the ship – but only once and a specific amount. P&O said: “Each guest aged 18 years (21 years in the United States of America ports) and older may bring up to one litre of wine or Champagne on board when they embark the ship for the first time only. Wine or Champagne over the one-litre limit will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise. “
However, if people do bring it on board, they’ll be charged a big fee in some public areas of the ship. P&O said: “If this alcohol is consumed in the dining rooms, bars, restaurants or lounge areas, it will be subject to a corkage fee of £20 per bottle, per occasion, which will be charged to the guest’s on-board account. Other alcohol types, such as spirits, are considered restricted items and guests are prohibited from bringing them on board when they first embark the ship.
“Any alcoholic beverages purchased mid-cruise in ports of call cannot be consumed on board. Guests will need to declare and hand over any alcohol bought in port at the gangway. It will be stored and returned to the guest prior to the end of the cruise, at no charge.
“If a bottle of wine/Champagne has been bought for a guest through P&O Cruises gifts, guests will need to ensure they carry the gift card with them to avoid having the corkage charge applied to their on-board account. “
On eligible cruises, P&O says guests are welcome to buy duty-free alcohol from the on-board shops to take home. It will be stored until the end of their cruise.
And there is a final ‘holiday terminated’ warning: “The consumption and enjoyment of alcohol in a public area will always be subject to our responsible drinking policy. Bar staff may refuse service if a guest appears to be inebriated. Any offensive or unruly behaviour may result in individuals or the whole group being asked to leave the venue. Dangerous or violent behaviour is not acceptable and may result in individual guests or whole parties having their holiday terminated and having to make their way home at their own cost. Anyone under the age of 18 (or under 21 when in United States of America waters) will not be served alcoholic beverages on board and must not be in possession of alcohol. Please don’t be offended if we ask you to verify your age.“
For more details on the rules click here.
