Texas Parents Cruising With Kids – Leave This Toy At Home, Always

When my kids were about 15 or so years younger we had the pleasure of boarding a Carnival Cruise Ship out of the Port of Galveston. We'd spent some time in Houston. We visited Moody Gardens and Space Center Houston before we boarded. But knowing that we still had Mexico in front of us, we managed to curtail the kids' toy buying at those pre-cruise destinations. And toys do figure into this story.

If you've ever traveled with your kids on a cruise you know just how helpful the cruise "crew" can be in assisting them and you with keeping everyone entertained and still allowing for some parental relaxation. Your cruise "crew" is there for you and will do just about anything for you, but one thing.

What your cruise "crew" can't do is break the rules and believe it or not there are some items that you just can't bring on board an ocean-going vessel. Things that start fires are among the most confiscated items that cruise line security collects. Candles, lamps, or anything with a flame is a major No No at sea.

In recent weeks we've told you about some high-tech items that you won't be allowed to bring on cruise ships. Among those items are multi-plug power strips, travel routers, and other communication devices that could affect some of the ship's radio, satellite, and internet services.

All of that makes sense, or at least it should make sense to anyone who lives in the world of reasonable people. Now, for those who don't live in the world of reasonable people, we offer this reminder about a specific toy that you may not bring onboard any cruise ship. At least it is my understanding that this toy is banned.

It doesn't matter if you brought the toy from home and have had it in the family for years. Or in the case of the Carnival Cruise Lines incident that sparked this article, you bought it while at a theme park. Or for that matter, you might even be tempted to pick up this toy while on a port of call stop while on your cruise.

But no matter how much you are tempted to buy this for your kid, don't. Unless you are okay with not seeing the item until your cruise is over. And in the case of most kids and toys that is not a workable solution.

If you haven't figured out the "toy" in question is a toy gun. It doesn't matter if it's a replica six-shooter from the Old West or a Star Wars Nerf Gun. If it looks like a weapon it is not allowed. The same would go for a toy archery set, toy swords and knives, BB guns, pellet guns, paintball guns, or anything that is "made, adapted, or intended for use as an offensive weapon".

In the Carnival incident at Christmas time, an irate parent wrote the cruise line suggesting that had "ruined Christmas" because they confiscated a child's Christmas present. That present happened to be a Nerf Gun and as you can see, the rules are very clear.

If you have any questions you can always reach out to the cruise line via their social media sites or contact an agent via their website. They will gladly clarify any questions or concerns you might have regarding what you can and can't bring on your cruise.