Short answer
Usually, yes. Most large cruise lines allow guests to bring a curling iron or flat iron for personal use in the cabin, often with safety conditions. Rules differ by cruise line and can change, and some lines have been stricter in the past, so check your cruise line’s current list of permitted and prohibited items before you pack.
Cruise ships do not usually supply curling irons in cabins, though most provide a hair dryer.
Rules by cruise line
Public guidance from cruise sites and travel writers suggests the following general picture. Treat it as a starting point, not a rule book:
- Carnival: Personal hair tools are generally allowed, but should be used responsibly and not left plugged in unattended. Damaged items may be removed and returned at the end of the cruise.
- Royal Caribbean: Personal grooming devices are generally allowed, and an automatic shut-off feature is commonly recommended or required.
- Norwegian: Hair tools are generally allowed with caution. Guests have been asked to use them carefully.
- MSC: Earlier restrictions on hair straighteners have reportedly been relaxed, but check the current policy.
- Celebrity and Princess: Commonly listed as permitting them, subject to safety rules.
If you are unsure, contact the cruise line before you travel. Policies on the line’s website take priority over any blog, including this one.
Safety rules for hair tools
A cabin is a small, enclosed space, so cruise lines take heat sources seriously. Common sense rules:
- Choose a tool with an automatic shut-off.
- Never leave it on and unattended.
- Let it cool completely before storing it, and use a heat-resistant pouch or cover.
- Use it only in your cabin, not in public areas such as the pool deck or dining rooms.
- Keep it away from curtains, bedding and ceiling smoke or heat detectors.
- Do not use a damaged cord or plug.
- Unplug it before you leave the cabin.
If your tool is cordless or battery powered, check airline rules for packing it in a carry-on if you are flying to the port.
Items usually banned
Lists vary by line, but these items are frequently prohibited in cabins:
- Clothes irons and garment steamers, because of fire risk
- Candles, incense and anything with an open flame
- Hot plates, toasters, kettles and other cooking appliances, with some lines making allowances for specific items
- Illegal drugs, including cannabis, even if legal where you live
- Weapons and fireworks
- Drones, which many lines restrict or ask you to leave at home
- Certain extension cords and surge protectors, with rules varying by line. A basic power strip without surge protection is sometimes allowed, but check first.
Items with limits
Some items are allowed in limited amounts or under conditions:
- Alcohol: Many lines limit how much wine or other alcohol you can bring on board (see bringing alcohol on a cruise), and some do not allow spirits at all. Policies differ widely.
- Bottled water and soft drinks: Allowed in limited quantities on some lines.
- Medications: Allowed in reasonable amounts. Keep them in original containers and in your carry-on.
- Electronics: Chargers and small fans are usually fine, but check the line’s rules on other appliances.
What not to pack for a Royal Caribbean cruise
For Royal Caribbean, avoid packing items its guest policy lists as prohibited, which has included clothing irons, steamers, candles, certain extension cords and surge protectors, hot plates and similar appliances, along with illegal items. Check its site for the current list before you pack.
Alternatives to bringing your own
- The onboard salon. Almost every large ship has one, with professional tools and stylists. Prices are often higher than on land, and popular times such as formal nights fill up quickly.
- Heat-free styling. Braids, rollers or twist-outs can create waves without a hot tool.
- A travel-size tool. If you do bring one, choose a compact, dual-voltage model with automatic shut-off. This is especially useful on ships with different outlets, and on European sailings.
Packing tips
- Check your cruise line’s prohibited items list a week before you leave.
- Put hair tools in your carry-on, since luggage can be delayed. On Carnival, check the carry-on bag size limits.
- Pack a heat-safe case.
- Bring only what you will use. Cabin outlets can be limited.
- Keep receipts and manuals for new items in case security asks to see them.
Wrinkled clothes and tipping
If you cannot bring a clothes iron, see our guide on how to unwrinkle clothes on a cruise. And if you are planning your budget for the week, read about tipping your room steward, as well as the other hidden costs of a cruise.