Summer is on its way, and millions of people are planning their holidays. Cruises are a fabulous way to get out and see the world – but if you’re heading off on a cruise it’s crucial to know the items you can and can’t bring.

Trying to pack can be stressful – but if you know what you can and can’t bring then you’re already ahead. Will Sarson, a travel expert with cruise operator Riviera Travel, has shared the five things you cannot bring aboard a cruise to make your journey easier. He said: “When packing for a cruise holiday, it’s important to do your research to understand the list of prohibited items. This can help better planning while packing and help avoid disappointment when items are confiscated.”

His first item you should leave behind is alcohol. Although not strictly banned, many companies have restrictions in place to stop passengers bringing their own. He said: “Often, travellers are restricted to just a single bottle of wine or champagne – with potential corkage fees for drinking in public spaces.

“With so much alcohol available on board, we recommend leaving the bottles at home to avoid further costs and instead making use of the available liquor found throughout the ship and at varying ports across the world.”

His second item to leave behind is your clothes steamer or iron. Will said: “Many cruise liners do not allow irons or steamers onboard as they pose a fire hazard. This is an item that constantly catches people out, with travellers forced to part ways with their iron or steamer.

“To avoid disappointment, it’s best to leave these items at home. Many ocean and river cruises have irons or steamers onboard that can be borrowed by guests during their stay.”

In a similar vein, candles and incense are banned due to the fire risk they pose. Cruise staff will confiscate these immediately – so it’s best to leave them behind.

If you love your CBD oil, you’re not alone – it’s a very popular wellness product for help with muscle pain and mental health but due to its varying legality around the world, it’s not allowed on cruises. Will said: “While the product is 100% legal for sale and tender throughout the UK, this is not the case in certain cruise ship stop-off destinations. As a result, the substance is not allowed on board the ship.

His final recommendation may seem entirely self-explanatory, but according to Will, a lot of people don’t realise their pets cannot come with them on their cruise.

He said: “ You’d be surprised at how many people try to gain access to their cruise alongside pets. Domestic animals are typically not allowed on cruises due to the allergy risk and general health and safety aspects that come with allowing cats or dogs on board.

“However, animals such as guide dogs are granted access due to the medical assistance they provide. If you’re a pet owner with a cruise holiday booking, it’s best to seek arrangements for your animals, as they generally won’t be allowed to join you on board.”