Carnival Cruise Line has announced an update to its official prohibited items list following an unexpected surge in requests for a controversial item aboard the Carnival Spirit. The move, confirmed in a statement released Friday, comes in response to what officials are calling a “growing trend” among guests that raised safety and compliance concerns during recent voyages.
The controversy began when multiple passengers reportedly brought and requested the use of personal steamers and heating devices during their trip on the Spirit, one of Carnival’s most popular ships. Although not explicitly banned before, these devices quickly became a topic of internal discussion after several crew members reported power surges and overheating risks linked to unauthorized appliances in guest cabins.
Carnival’s safety officers conducted a review and determined that certain items posed both electrical hazards and potential fire risks — particularly in older cabins not designed to handle high-wattage devices. As a result, the company revised its prohibited items list, officially banning personal steamers, certain plug-in fans, heating pads, and other small appliances starting May 1, 2025.
A spokesperson for Carnival Cruise Line said in the updated release: “While we aim to accommodate guest comfort and convenience, safety remains our top priority. Items that compromise onboard electrical systems or fire protocols cannot be allowed, even if brought with good intentions.” The cruise line also clarified that professional laundry and garment services are available onboard as safer alternatives.
The change has sparked mixed reactions among passengers. Some guests expressed frustration online, saying they relied on personal steamers to keep clothing wrinkle-free during formal nights. “It’s annoying,” said one frequent cruiser on Facebook. “I always bring my mini-steamer — now I have to pay for a service I didn’t need before.” Others, however, praised the move as a necessary precaution to prevent accidents at sea.
Maritime safety experts weighed in, emphasizing that cruise ship electrical systems are tightly regulated to prevent overload. “A small fire on a ship is a big deal,” said Captain James Fuller, a retired cruise safety consultant. “Anything that adds risk to an enclosed environment needs to be strictly controlled. Carnival is doing the right thing here, even if it inconveniences some passengers.”
Carnival also revealed that the uptick in steamers and heating devices was largely isolated to a few ships — most notably the Spirit — where groups of travelers reportedly shared information about ways to bypass the prior restrictions. This prompted additional security training for embarkation staff, who are now tasked with inspecting bags more thoroughly at check-in.
The cruise line’s updated list will be included in all pre-boarding materials and booking confirmations starting next week. Carnival also launched an awareness campaign titled “Cruise Smart, Cruise Safe,” aimed at educating guests on what can and cannot be brought aboard, with a focus on promoting onboard alternatives for common personal items.
As the cruise industry continues to rebound and expand post-pandemic, Carnival’s proactive stance underscores a larger trend of increased safety enforcement across major cruise lines. With the summer travel season approaching, the company’s message is clear: comfort matters, but safety at sea comes first.