Viking Cruises Prohibited Items: What You Can and Cannot Bring Onboard
Packing for a Viking cruise involves more than deciding what clothes to bring. Viking maintains a prohibited-items policy covering weapons, certain electrical appliances, extension cords, candles, hazardous materials and other items that cannot be loaded aboard its ships.
Some of the restrictions are obvious, while others can easily catch passengers by surprise. Coffee makers, heating pads, surge-protected electrical devices and most extension cords, for example, appear on Viking’s prohibited-items list. At the same time, several items passengers might question—such as curling irons, knitting needles, umbrellas and small scissors—are specifically listed as allowable.
The Viking prohibited-items document shown here provides a useful packing reference, and its contents remain consistent with Viking’s currently published prohibited-items guidance. Because Viking states that the list can change without notice, passengers should always check the latest rules before traveling.
CruisePrism readers can also explore our Viking Cruises menus, Viking Cruises drink menus and Viking Cruises onboard guides for more information when planning a Viking sailing.
Viking Cruises Prohibited Items List
Viking divides its luggage guidance into prohibited and allowable items.
The restrictions cover several broad categories, including weapons, hazardous materials, electrical equipment and items that can create a fire or safety risk aboard the ship.
Weapons and Firearms Are Prohibited
Viking prohibits firearms aboard its ships.
The policy includes:
- Working firearms
- Nonfiring firearms
- Replica firearms
- Imitation firearms
- Air guns
- Pellet guns
- Ammunition
The restriction therefore goes beyond functioning firearms. Replicas and imitations are also included on the prohibited list.
Stun Guns and Self-Defense Equipment
Stun guns, Tasers and other electroshock devices are prohibited.
Viking also prohibits martial arts and self-defense equipment. The published list specifically includes examples such as pepper spray, knuckle-dusters, clubs, nightsticks and batons.
Handcuffs are also prohibited.
Passengers should not assume that an item permitted for personal protection at home will automatically be allowed aboard a cruise ship.
Sporting Weapons and Equipment
Viking’s prohibited-items list also covers several types of sporting equipment that could potentially be used as weapons.
These include:
- Archery bows and arrows
- Crossbows
- Darts
- Diver’s spearguns
- Catapults
- Cricket bats
- Other bats
- Hockey sticks
Passengers traveling before or after their cruise with sporting equipment should therefore check Viking’s requirements carefully.
Can You Bring Knives or Scissors on a Viking Cruise?
Viking uses a specific blade-length rule for knives and scissors.
Knives or scissors with blades longer than 3 inches, or 7.6 centimeters, are prohibited.
The allowable-items section of Viking’s list states that knives or scissors with blades shorter than 3 inches, or 7.6 centimeters, are permitted.
Other prohibited cutting instruments include:
- Axes
- Ice picks
- Cleavers
- Scalpels
- Shaving knives or blades
- Wallpaper knives
This makes blade length particularly important when packing scissors or another small cutting tool.
Are Disposable Razors Allowed on Viking Cruises?
Yes. Viking specifically identifies disposable razors as allowable items.
This is an important distinction from the prohibited shaving knives and blades listed elsewhere in the policy.
Are Cigar Cutters Allowed?
Yes.
Cigar cutters appear on Viking’s allowable-items list.
Are Knitting Needles and Crochet Hooks Allowed?
Yes. Viking specifically allows both:
- Knitting needles
- Crochet hooks
Passengers who enjoy knitting or crocheting during sea days therefore do not need to leave those items at home solely because of Viking’s shipboard prohibited-items policy.
Airline security rules can be separate, however, particularly when the items are being carried in hand luggage on a flight to or from the cruise.
Are Candles Allowed on Viking Cruises?
No.
Viking prohibits both candles and incense.
Open flames present an obvious fire-safety concern aboard a ship, so passengers should leave these items at home.
Can You Bring a Coffee Maker on Viking?
No.
Coffee makers are specifically included on Viking’s prohibited-items list.
Passengers should not pack their own coffee maker for use inside the stateroom.
Can You Bring an Extension Cord on Viking?
Generally, no.
Viking lists extension cords as prohibited.
There is an important exception: Viking specifically exempts USB and laptop charging cables.
Passengers should therefore distinguish between an ordinary charging cable and an extension cord. The fact that USB and laptop charging cables are permitted does not mean a conventional extension cord is allowed.
Surge Protectors Are Prohibited
Viking also prohibits electrical devices equipped with a surge protector.
This is particularly relevant to passengers considering bringing a power strip or multi-outlet device.
A device that may be perfectly normal for use at home can violate a cruise line’s electrical-safety requirements aboard a ship.
Passengers who need additional charging capability should verify that any device they intend to pack complies with Viking’s current electrical-equipment rules.
Electrical Devices That Produce Heat
Viking prohibits a number of electrical appliances that produce heat.
The published list specifically identifies:
- Clothes irons
- Steam irons
- Hot plates
- Heating kettles
- Electrical air humidifiers
- Electrical air refreshers
- Heating pads
These should not be packed for use aboard the ship.
Are Curling Irons Allowed on Viking Cruises?
Yes.
Interestingly, although Viking prohibits many electrical devices that generate heat, curling irons are specifically listed as allowable.
Passengers should therefore not assume that every heat-producing personal-care appliance is prohibited simply because clothes irons and other heating appliances are banned.
Can You Bring a Clothes Iron on Viking?
No.
Both traditional clothes irons and steam irons are specifically prohibited.
Passengers should leave them at home rather than packing one for their stateroom.
Are Heating Pads Allowed on Viking Cruises?
No.
Electrical heating pads appear on Viking’s prohibited-items list.
This is an especially useful rule to know because a heating pad might not immediately strike passengers as something that would be restricted.
Flammable Liquids and Explosives
Viking prohibits flammable liquids and explosives.
Examples on the published list include:
- Lighter fluid
- Fireworks
- Flares
Hazardous chemicals are also prohibited, with bleach and paint given as examples.
Illegal Drugs and Marijuana
Illegal drugs are prohibited.
Viking’s broader passenger terms also specifically prohibit marijuana, including medical marijuana and CBD oil, aboard its ships.
Those restrictions apply regardless of whether marijuana may be legal under the laws of a passenger’s home state or another jurisdiction.
Passengers should therefore not assume that a locally legal cannabis product can be taken aboard a Viking ship.
Are Hookahs Allowed on Viking?
No.
Hookahs appear on Viking’s prohibited-items list.
Are Ham Radios Allowed?
No.
Viking specifically prohibits ham radios.
Can You Bring a Drone on a Viking Cruise?
Viking’s wording concerning drones is important.
The prohibited-items document states that aerial drones are not allowed to be operated from the ship.
That wording specifically addresses operation of the drone from the vessel rather than simply stating that every drone is prohibited from being transported.
However, drone laws and restrictions can also vary significantly between destinations. Passengers planning to travel with a drone should verify Viking’s current policy and the rules of every destination where they intend to use it.
What Items Does Viking Specifically Allow?
In addition to describing prohibited items, Viking’s document provides a useful list of items that are expressly allowable.
These include:
- Cigar cutters
- Disposable razors
- Knitting needles
- Crochet hooks
- Knives or scissors with blades shorter than 3 inches or 7.6 centimeters
- Nail files and clippers
- Tweezers
- Syringes for medical use
- Umbrellas
- Curling irons
Having an allowable-items section removes some of the uncertainty surrounding objects that passengers frequently question when packing.
Are Medical Syringes Allowed on Viking Cruises?
Yes.
Viking specifically lists syringes for medical use as allowable.
Passengers traveling with medication or medical equipment should still make sure they comply with any other applicable travel and medication requirements, particularly when flying internationally or entering foreign countries.
Are Nail Clippers and Tweezers Allowed?
Yes.
Both nail files and clippers are specifically allowed, as are tweezers.
These ordinary grooming items can therefore be packed under Viking’s published shipboard policy.
Can You Bring an Umbrella on Viking?
Yes.
Umbrellas are specifically included on the allowable-items list.
This can be particularly useful on Viking’s destination-focused cruises, where passengers may spend substantial portions of their trip exploring ports and participating in shore excursions.
What Happens If You Bring a Prohibited Item?
Viking warns that prohibited items can be surrendered to the ship’s Security Officer or a delegate during embarkation.
The prohibited-items notice also states that such items may be disposed of at the sole discretion of the Ship’s Security Officer.
Passengers should therefore check their luggage before leaving home rather than assuming a prohibited item will simply be stored and returned later.
Viking Can Search Luggage
Viking’s passenger terms provide the cruise line with broad authority concerning shipboard safety and prohibited items.
Passengers consent to reasonable searches of themselves, their staterooms, baggage or other property, and Viking may remove, confiscate, destroy or surrender prohibited or hazardous items to authorities when appropriate.
That makes the prohibited-items policy more than a packing recommendation.
Airline Rules Are Separate From Viking’s Rules
Passengers flying to their embarkation city should remember that Viking’s allowable-items policy only addresses what Viking permits aboard the ship.
Airlines and airport security authorities maintain their own restrictions.
An item allowed aboard a Viking ship may still be prohibited from an airline carry-on bag or subject to other aviation restrictions.
Similarly, passengers participating in pre-cruise extensions, post-cruise extensions or overland portions of their journey may encounter additional luggage requirements.
Viking Cruise Packing Tips for Electronics
Electrical equipment is one area where passengers should pay particular attention to the prohibited-items list.
Viking ships provide electrical outlets and USB charging capability, although the exact configuration can vary by ship and vessel type.
When packing electronics, avoid assuming that a household power strip, extension cord or surge protector will be acceptable simply because you regularly travel with it.
USB charging cables and laptop charging cables are specifically exempt from Viking’s extension-cord restriction, making ordinary device charging considerably simpler.
Viking Prohibited Items FAQ
Can I bring an extension cord on a Viking cruise?
No. Viking lists extension cords as prohibited, although USB and laptop charging cables are specifically exempt.
Can I bring a power strip on Viking?
Viking prohibits electrical devices with surge protectors. Passengers considering any multi-outlet device should verify that the particular device complies with Viking’s current policy before packing it.
Can I bring a curling iron on Viking?
Yes. Curling irons are specifically listed as allowable.
Can I bring a clothes iron or steamer?
Viking specifically prohibits clothes irons, including steam irons. Passengers should verify the current policy for any other garment-care appliance before packing it.
Can I bring a heating pad on Viking?
No. Electrical heating pads are specifically prohibited.
Can I bring scissors on a Viking cruise?
Viking allows knives or scissors with blades shorter than 3 inches or 7.6 centimeters. Those with blades longer than that limit are prohibited.
Are disposable razors allowed?
Yes. Disposable razors appear on Viking’s allowable-items list.
Can I bring knitting needles?
Yes. Both knitting needles and crochet hooks are allowed.
Can I bring a coffee maker?
No. Coffee makers are specifically prohibited.
Can I bring candles?
No. Both candles and incense are prohibited.
Can I bring an umbrella?
Yes. Umbrellas are specifically allowed.
Are medical syringes allowed?
Yes. Viking lists syringes for medical use as allowable.
Can I bring a drone?
Viking’s published prohibited-items wording states that aerial drones are not allowed to be operated from the ship. Passengers should check the current policy and destination-specific drone laws before traveling with one.
Can I bring marijuana or CBD on Viking?
Viking’s passenger terms prohibit marijuana, including medical marijuana and CBD oil, aboard its ships.
Can prohibited items be confiscated?
Yes. Viking states that prohibited items may be surrendered to the Ship’s Security Officer or delegate at embarkation and may be disposed of at the Security Officer’s discretion.
Final Thoughts on Viking Cruises Prohibited Items
Viking’s prohibited-items rules are straightforward once passengers know what to look for, but several restrictions are worth checking before closing the suitcase.
Weapons, hazardous chemicals, explosives and illegal drugs are prohibited, but Viking also restricts less obvious items including extension cords, surge-protected electrical devices, coffee makers, clothes irons, heating kettles and heating pads.
At the same time, Viking specifically permits several items passengers might otherwise question, including disposable razors, knitting needles, crochet hooks, nail clippers, tweezers, medical syringes, umbrellas, curling irons and knives or scissors below the stated blade-length limit.
Because Viking notes that its prohibited-items list is subject to change without notice, passengers should use this guide as a packing reference and verify the latest Viking policy shortly before departure.
