5 surprising items that are banned from most cruise ships

• Ilana Schattauer blogger of Life Well Cruised shares five things commonly banned on cruise ships.
• People are usually surprised to learn that they can't bring CBD or marijuana on board.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Ilana Schattauer, a 52-year-old avid cruiser and cruise travel content creator. It has been edited for length and clarity.

I started cruising in 2004 and over the course of two decades I've been on 33 cruises. I've taken a lot of those cruises with my family and many of them on the Royal Caribbean, Princess, and Norwegian cruise lines.

Then about five years ago, I started a website called Life Well Cruised as a way of connecting with other cruise goers and sharing information about cruising.

When going on a cruise, I've learned there are things you can't bring on board. While it's always important to check with your specific cruise line to see what's allowed, here are five things I've learned to watch out for.

1. Perishable foods and alcohol

This one surprises a lot of people but you can't bring homemade food, fruits, vegetables, fresh meats and cheese onto the ship. But you can bring packaged foods. For example, you can bring goldfish crackers for your kids and granola bars for yourself.

But really, you want to stay away from anything that will spoil and foods that are homemade. Realistically, when you're on a cruise there's so much food to eat, you wouldn't need to do that anyway.

Many cruises that run out of North America also ask that you don't bring hard alcohol on board. However, some of them do allow you to bring one bottle of wine per adult.

2. CBD and marijuana products

People are usually surprised to learn that they can't bring CBD or marijuana products onto cruise ships. While it may be legal where you are, it is still illegal under federal law. Even if it's a prescription or is used for medical purposes, it's not allowed on cruise lines.

3. Fans

You're allowed to bring portable fans on most cruises, but it's important to look at the guidelines to see what's allowed and what's not. For example, Norwegian allows small portable fans but security may check them and may stop you from bringing them on.

I think sometimes people will find the air in their cabins to be a bit stuffy, so they will want to bring a fan with them. Usually, small portable ones are okay, but the big ones might not be.

4. Electrical items

On most cruise lines you can't bring electrical items. In most cases this includes things like rice cookers, coffee pots, kettles, irons, steamers or electrical blankets. This surprises people because often when you go to a hotel they will want to bring these things with them, but you can't on a cruise as things like irons are often seen as a fire hazard.

5. Drones

Cruise lines are very restrictive on drones and you're not allowed to fly it on the cruise ship. Some will allow you to bring a drone onto the cruise but it will need to be held with the ship's security or they may allow you to store it in your cabin. Then when you get off the ship, you can grab it then. Of course, even when that's the case, you still have to follow the rules of that destination.

Bonus tip: Sunscreen

Sunscreen isn't usually banned on cruise ships, but common brands aren't allowed in certain destinations including Hawaii. This is because many popular sunscreens have a chemical in them that is seen as damaging to the coral reef.

So instead if you want to bring sunscreen with you, it's important to research which ones you can bring, specifically, which ones are considered reef friendly. While most cruise lines won't stop you from bringing it on board, whenever you travel somewhere, you have to be aware of what the rules are and sunscreen is one to look into.

One thing I like to bring on a cruise ship is magnetic hooks

Cruise cabins, especially the older ones, are known for having limited space. So to increase storage, I like to bring magnetic hooks. Although it might not look like it, cruise ship walls are usually metal and magnetic.

I find that magnetic hooks are great for hanging up backpacks, baseball caps, or other items that might clutter up the counters and floors. They are also great for those who have multiple people in a cabin and who may need the extra room.

Either way before going on any cruise line, it's always important to check the guidelines to see what you can and can't bring.

If you have a travel hack or regret and would like to share your story, email Alyshia Hull at ahull@insider.com.