The Popular Baby Gadget That Breaks A Little-Known Cruise Rule

Cruise ships are hosts to some of the most chaotic neutral energy. They are very similar to airports in the way that the rules of normal everyday life don't apply. You're on a giant floating slab of steel and aluminum in the middle of the ocean with a finite amount of activities to entertain yourself as you wait to reach your destination.

You can drink any time of the day without being judged. You tend to eat more than usual, since most meals are included in the price of the voyage, so you want to get your money's worth. Some cruise ships even offer theme park-like rides, casinos, spas, live entertainment, and more. As fun as cruise ships can be, they truly are some of the stranger experiences in life.

One thing that adds to that is the list of items you are banned from packing for your cruise vacation. Many of these are seemingly mundane items that you wouldn't think would cause an issue, but there are very real and valid reasons as to why they're banned. For example, if you're setting sail with infants or young children, you may be inclined to bring a baby monitor for your own peace of mind. You may need to leave your kiddos alone or with another adult in the cabin for a bit. A baby monitor will help you keep tabs and make sure everything is okay. However, this innocent item is banned from some cruises, and why might shock you.

The reason for the baby monitor ban comes down to safety. Signals transmitted by the monitors have the ability to interfere with cruise navigation. Signals must be clear so the captain and other cruise operators can communicate and navigate the ocean safely. It's similar to the reason why you're supposed to switch your phones to airplane mode before a flight.

Not all cruises have a total ban on this item, so if this is a deal-breaker for you, be sure to check with your desired cruise line. For example, Disney Cruise Line does allow baby monitors, you just need to pack them in your carry-on so they can be inspected by the chief electrician prior to boarding a cruise ship.

Other cruises, such as Royal Carribean, don't allow baby monitors at all. Other strange items that travelers are banned from bringing on a cruise include hair irons, camouflage clothing, drones, and homemade snacks.