When you go on a cruise and have done your homework beforehand, you know the cruise line will have a list a mile long with things you aren’t allowed to bring on the ship. Most cruise lines have similar items in their respective lists, because, in the interest of safety, no cruise wants you to bring firearms, open flames, anything with a heating element, sharp stuff, dangerous chemicals, non-medication drugs, etc.
Here are some popular cruise lines’ lists:
If you’re smart, you’ll make sure you don’t bring anything that appears on your cruise line’s Prohibited Items list. If you do, you may wind up with your luggage delayed by a few hours before it’s brought to your cabin, with a note that looks like this attached to the bag:
Or so I’ve heard…
OK, OK, it was me. It wasn’t anything nefarious – it was just an extension cord that I always keep in the “bag o’electronics” I always bring on vacation. You know, the bag with the chargers for my phone, watch and computer, my mouse, extra batteries for said mouse and, yes, an 8-foot extension cord. I didn’t even think about it; it’s so natural for it to be in there.
It wasn’t a huge deal; they included a receipt for the extension cord, and I did get my property back at disembarkation. However, it made my disembarkation take about 10 extra minutes because I had to stand in line with the other people who had to claim their respective items. And y’all, the piles of portable irons, steamers and fake handcuffs (I didn’t even want to know…) were incredible.
So yeah. Cruise lines have lists of things they don’t want you to bring on their ships. I get it.
However I just read about a newer cruise ship that has some things I have never, ever seen on a prohibited item list.
Aroya Cruises
PC: Aroya.com
Aroya Cruises began cruising in late 2024. Owned by the state of Saudi Arabia, she currently sails from Jeddah, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dammam and Istanbul, depending on the departure date.
From aroya.com:
Because the cruise line is owned by a deeply religious Muslim country, the activities and rules of the ship, along with the list of items you can’t bring onto the boat, are very different from those of other cruise lines.
Gender-segregated
Aroya utilizes gender-segregated public spaces at certain times of the day. I’m not Muslim and wasn’t quite sure of the reasoning behind why that would happen, so I asked my friend Nowal, my “Guru of All Things Muslim™” to explain. She says:
Gender-segregated spaces/times are often provided in public places so that hijabi passengers can uncover and enjoy spaces such as the facilities, pools, breezes, etc. in comfort.
Alcohol-Free Ship
Drinking alcohol is considered haram, or forbidden, in Islam. With that, there’s no alcohol allowed on the ship; it’s not sold anywhere on the ship and, not surprisingly, you can’t bring it with you on board, either.
Aroya is said to be the first cruise line where alcohol consumption is prohibited.
Prohibited Items
It’s not just the lack of alcohol, though. There are several items on their Prohibited Items list that I’ve never seen on ANY other cruise line. Things such as:
- Scissors (most cruise lines let you bring blunt scissors, or ones with blades less than X number of inches long)
- CDs (I’m still not sure about that one. They’re including it under “Any additional items that may impact safety procedures, cause panic, or disrupt public decency.” I’m guessing they don’t want anyone playing things with profanity or suggestive lyrics, but couldn’t that still be played on a phone? But wait…)
- Devices that contain non-removable batteries (ummm…could cell phones be included in that?)
- Magazines that violate public decency (because, again, the rules of Islam forbid nudie magazines)
- Any substances that may affect mental health or similar items
- Tools and chains resembling military clothing (it’s against the law for non-military personnel to wear camouflage).
Perfect for some, definitely not intended for all
Just like other “niche” entities such as Kosher restaurants and Christian schools, Aroya Cruises fulfills a specific need. I understand and respect that, even if it’s not a cruise I would personally want to go on. And although their Prohibited Items list makes sense because of the rules surrounding being Muslim, it’s still the most restrictive list I’ve ever seen.
*** As always, many thanks to Nowal, my “Guru of All Things Muslim™” for her assistance (and persnickety-ness LOL)
Feature photo: PC: Aroya.com
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