Bringing knives (or guns) on cruises?

[SteelyDan]

A post in another thread got me thinking about this, since we're taking our first family cruise in just over a month. It's a Caribbean thing on a big Carnival ship.

When we first signed up last summer, I did a little research and came away with the distinct impression that any kind of gun was strictly forbidden. I'd happily be corrected, but I'm pretty sure guns are not allowed.

Which raises the question of what knives are permitted. I didn't see anything about knives during my summer research, and I don't care to invite any extra scrutiny by calling the cruise line and asking. Normally I don't go anywhere overnight without a 5 or 6 inch fixed blade, but I don't want to have one of these confiscated. How about a Swiss Army knife, or a Leatherman? Or a steak knife for in-room snacks? Or a small pocketknife?

I'd really appreciate any help or suggestions.

 

[clubsoda22]

seeing as how that caribbean cruise goes to a lot of countries, it's best not to bring a gun. Now, if it were an alaska cruise, where you can carry concealed without a permit, i wouldn't think twice.

 

[Skibane]

IMO, safest approach is to carry a keychain knife. Being attached to your keys, it doesn't call much attention to itself, unlike a pocket knife or Leatherman. Bring anything much larger, and you're pushing your luck...

The only other suitable weapon that comes to mind is a cane or walking stick.

 

[feedthehogs]

All the cruises I've been on have you walk thru a metal detector before boarding. You are also at the becken of the ships registered port laws to some extent not to mention when you pull into waters of other countries.

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Wouldn't do the gun, too many issues there and too much to lose.

I have used mid-priced fixed blades that I often travel with (in the checked baggage). Not a big issue if they get seized. However, they will perform well.

I would put one in the checked baggage and roll with it.

Maybe look at a Ti blade for the trip or one of the "plastic" knives.

Another reason to buy something

 

[Ed]

I went on a Norwegian cruise in 1998 for my Honeymoon and carried a Benchmade AFCK the whole time ( well most of the time ) Noone said a thing. Just throw it in your suitcase before you board if you are worried, then as soon as you get the bag onboard take it out. If there are metal detectors throw it in your wifes purse and get it back after you get by. I say that only because I don't think they are illegal, but why go through the hassle? As an asside my cruise had trap shooting off the back deck.

 

[geekWithA.45]

We did the Alaskan cruise on Princess this summer....they do the whole airport metal detector xray thing. I saw people put bags with recently purchased blades on the belt, no one said anything, but I'd still put them in your luggage if possible.

As for firearms......you'd better check your carrier's policy regarding them....facing charges of piracy would be no fun.

As for the Alaska cruise, you might touch ports in Canada, and many of the cruises originate in Vancouver, so that complicates the issue.

Bring money. In Alaska, you can always magically (and lawfully!) turn it into a longarm for SHTF purposes.

 

[shootist2121]

Forget the knife...The cruise lines almost every one is now making you board and debark through full metal detectors. No matter what port. Get a good walking stick. Preferably the collasable style and find a martial arts school and take a lesson or two on how to use it.

Be safe

 

[fmjcafe]

I`m going on a cruise over Christmas and have been thinking about what to carry on the ship as well as on the flight to the port. I have settled on my Surefire e2e. I can`t think of a single reason I wouldn`t be permitted to carry it anywhere I want.

For defensive use it is very bright and would blind an attacker and will make a very nice fist pack. I`ve been thinking about gatting a TID for it and installing it once I get on board. I also plan on including a cheapo folder in my checked baggage.