A viral photo shows just how many cruise passengers try to bring this banned item aboard

If you’re heading out on a cruise anytime soon, you might want to double-check your packing list — especially if you were planning to bring along a Bluetooth speaker.

A now-viral photo posted to a cruise-themed Facebook group and cited in Yahoo News Australia shows a table piled high with more than 20 portable speakers and boom boxes, all reportedly confiscated by a Carnival Cruise Line employee before departure. Each speaker appears to be tagged for return, indicating they’ll be held for the duration of the trip and returned to their owners when the ship docks.

The surprising crackdown has sparked a wave of reactions from cruise fans online — some shocked to learn speakers aren’t allowed, and others relieved by the policy. “They ban them because guests who think we should have to listen to their music in a cabin four levels away spoil it for those of us who just like to relax,” one commenter wrote.

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A Carnival spokesperson confirmed to Yahoo News Australia that portable speakers have officially been on the cruise line’s prohibited item list since late 2024, citing noise pollution as the primary reason.

“Portable speakers and boom boxes fall under this list due to the potential for noise disturbances in the ship’s shared environment,” the rep said.

While most seasoned cruisers know they can’t bring items like alcohol, kettles, steamers, or drones aboard, Bluetooth speakers might come as a surprise — especially since many travelers pack them without thinking twice for beach days or hotel stays.

Other banned items on many major cruise lines include:

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Irons and steamers (fire hazard)

Power strips and surge protectors

Drones (due to privacy and airspace regulations)

Candles or anything with an open flame

Alcohol and non-prescription drugs

Every cruise line has its own policies, but if you want to avoid a surprise visit to the security desk on embarkation day, it’s best to check the list of restricted items before you pack.

So while it might be tempting to curate the perfect poolside playlist, you’re better off leaving the speaker at home — and packing a good pair of headphones instead.

Yahoo CreatorAlesandra DubinAlesandra (Alice) Dubin is an award-winning travel and lifestyle journalist. She has a BA from UC Berkeley and an MA in journalism from NYU. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband and their twins.FollowFollow