So I'm pretty much aware that there is NO WAY to carry a firearm onto a cruise ship (even though I have my CHL).  What about small knives or even pepper spray?

My wife and I have been "invited" on a cruise with her parents this winter.  I found out today that the tickets were already bought before I got a chance to formally decline the offer.  It is through Norwegian Cruise Lines and it's in the Carribbean.

Anyways, I'll probably end up going after all.  Who has tips for self-defense on a cruise ship...like nabbing a steak knive from the table at dinner?  (No, I don't have time or money to learn a martial art.) h
Thanks!

I'm assuming this cruise goes to states or countries where your CHL is not valid?  If that is the case, that is why.  If you want to risk it, i'm not sure how thoroughly they check the passengers and their luggage, though carrying in a foreign country is a good way to end up in a foreign jail.  First time offender doesn't mean much in some places.

If all else fails, there's pepper spray, knives and batons, though learning to effectively use the knives and batons kinda amounts to learning a martial art.  Looks like something to consider for next time grasshopper.

For this time, a can of fox labs can turn your awkward haymakers and clumsy untrained movements into gold because you're essentially whooping a blind man.

from carnival:
(f) Weapons, firearms, ammunitions, explosives, incendiary devices, or other dangerous goods are strictly prohibited aboard the vessel. The Guest warrants that no such articles are contained in any receptacle or container carried or presented by him as baggage. Carnival may deny boarding to any Guest travelling with any weapons, firearms, ammunitions, explosives, incendiary devices, or other dangerous goods and no refund of the cruise fare will be issued. Carnival will confiscate and turn over to the appropriate governmental authorities any of the above articles found on the Guest or his baggage. The Guest will be solely responsible for any and all damage and/or loss caused by his violation of this policy.



Royal Carribean:

Possession of a Weapon, Illegal Substance or other Prohibited Item  All weapons, illegal substances and other prohibited items will be confiscated and turned over to the appropriate  authorities. If confiscation occurs in a shoreside cruise facility, the guest may be denied permission to board or  re-board the ship as applicable. If confiscation occurs onboard the ship, the guest may be required to depart the  ship at the next available port of call. All such incidents will be reported to applicable government and law  enforcement authorities. Certain vacation related items such as dive knives may be allowed, but will be held in  safe custody by the ship’s Security Staff when not in use ashore.  

And then NCL:

What can't I bring onboard?

Passenger is not allowed to bring onboard the vessel without the previous written permission of the Carrier any intoxicating liquors, or beverages, firearms, weapons of any kind, ammunition, explosive substances or any goods of a dangerous nature, nor animals of any kind, except service or guide animals, provided the passenger notifies Carrier prior to the cruise of his intention to bring such animal and agrees to take sole responsibility for any expense, damage, injuries or losses associated with or caused by such animal.



My Wife says that the security here in Seward allows pocket knives smaller than 4".  I would call the cruise line.

Learn hand to hand combat and stop relying so heavily on weapons.  

That bum knee of yours is acting up again isn't it? That's why you need to carry your cane with you.

Put a roll of quarters, slot machine tokens or a padlock in a sock.  Bring along a can is insect repellent.  Wear a belt with a heavy buckle.  

Don't be so damn paranoid.  If you seriously can't go for a week cruise without a sidearm you have some issues.   The majority of folks on the ship are old or married with kids or teenagers on vacation.  The only times bad things happen are when you put yourself in  stupid positions.

Always scope out the skeet guns!(after smuggling in some 00 or #4)

I don't think any of the cruise lines do skeet shooting anymore.

i wouldn't do the oc spray w/out checking out everything, ie registry of ship, ports of call, etc.

the cane idea is about your best bet of slipping something to your favor.

The only times bad things happen are when you put yourself in  stupid positions.

Be prepared!!

Bad stuff happens when you least expect it!!

I am going on a cruise with Royal Majesty in November and will be CC'ing my Desert Eagle .50 AE in my Speedo with Thunderwear, baby...

A Wilderness instructor's belt (http://thewilderness.com; either buckle closed or buckle open) makes a nice striking weapon with good reach. Keep it on the nightstand or under the pillow for quick deployment if you are awakened in the middle of the night by an intruder. Next time you’re at a hotel / motel, give it a swing and thump the wall with the buckle. It’s vicious.

Quoted: Don't be so damn paranoid.  If you seriously can't go for a week cruise without a sidearm you have some issues.   The majority of folks on the ship are old or married with kids or teenagers on vacation.  The only times bad things happen are when you put yourself in  stupid positions.

Two words:  Leon Klinghoffer

Don't be so damn paranoid. If you seriously can't go for a week cruise without a sidearm you have some issues.

Huzzah!!  A little good sense pops up.  Folks, if you are afraid to go there without a weapon, you probably shouldn't go there with a weapon.

Two words: Leon Klinghoffer

If you really think that the lone brave CCW is going to prevent the takeover by a band of well-trained and equipped terrorists, you might want to think again.  You're more likely to die from disease and/or drowning than violence.  Proper risk analysis goes a long way!

Quoted: Don't be so damn paranoid. If you seriously can't go for a week cruise without a sidearm you have some issues. Huzzah!!  A little good sense pops up.

What we're really trying to say is you should be comfortable killing people with your bare hands, needless to say a butter knife.

Seriously though, the most common problem on a cruise ship is petty larceny.  The cost of a cruise generally keeps the unwanted elements of society on shore.  You can usually afford to accidentally slip to condition white on the boat.  Just keep your shit togeather when in port.

Another idea could be a SureFire E2D Defender flashlight - the one with the strike bezel on it. That way you could strike or blind your attacker.

Quoted: Another idea could be a SureFire E2D Defender flashlight - the one with the strike bezel on it. That way you could strike or blind your attacker.

And they're pretty nice flashlights

You also must remember that I said shit happens when you put yourself in stupid positions.  That dude Leon or whatever was talking shit in the casino to two strange russians about how he was cleaning up.  He then let them in his room.    STUPID!!!!!!!!

I was beat to the punch on the Surefire Defender.  

Importantly, you are more likely to need a strong flashlight to guide your family up a smoked-out stairwell than to have to use it in defense.  The flashlight, however, covers both roles here.

Additionally, I brought a Leatherman Wave on both trips to India.

And I was glad that I had it with me, though I didn't run into any trouble even in the almost-worst of slums.

When your ship docks and you are exploring the local paradise, a flashlight and small knife is very beneficial on multiple levels.

"That dude Leon or whatever was talking shit in the casino to two strange russians about how he was cleaning up. He then let them in his room. STUPID!!!!!!!!"

That doesn't sound like the hijacking of the Achille Lauro to me.

Quoted: Quoted: Two words:  Leon Klinghoffer Don't go to the ship's bar and order that drink.  It's 2 shots and a splash.

Anyone actually order that on a cruise before.  I'd bet the guy tending bar was 3 when that happened.

PLO = Push Leon Overboard.

Quoted: You also must remember that I said shit happens when you put yourself in stupid positions.  That dude Leon or whatever was talking shit in the casino to two strange russians about how he was cleaning up.  He then let them in his room.    STUPID!!!!!!!!

check your history book.

Quoted: If you really think that the lone brave CCW is going to prevent the takeover by a band of well-trained and equipped terrorists, you might want to think again.  You're more likely to die from disease and/or drowning than violence.  Proper risk analysis goes a long way!

Does that fine reasoning go for the airline passengers on 9/11 also?

Personally, I'd rather have a small chance versus no chance.

Does that fine reasoning go for the airline passengers on 9/11 also?

Since there was no lone brave CCW there, and there wasn't a well-armed band of terrorists, your question is rather silly, isn't it?  Trying to take a set of facts that are applicalble in situation "A" and then trying to equate results into a situation "B" where they are impossible to apply makes absolutely no sense at all.

Quoted: Quoted: Don't be so damn paranoid.  If you seriously can't go for a week cruise without a sidearm you have some issues.   The majority of folks on the ship are old or married with kids or teenagers on vacation.  The only times bad things happen are when you put yourself in  stupid positions. Two words:  Leon Klinghoffer

Beat me to it.
Bring your pistol.
Be smart - if a terrorist can do it, so can you.

just don't stray from the highly populated tourist sections of the banana republics the cruise stops in

Quoted: Does that fine reasoning go for the airline passengers on 9/11 also? Since there was no lone brave CCW there, and there wasn't a well-armed band of terrorists, your question is rather silly, isn't it?  Trying to take a set of facts that are applicalble in situation "A" and then trying to equate results into a situation "B" where they are impossible to apply makes absolutely no sense at all.

Wow -- you told me!

Quoted: A: If you really think that the lone brave CCW is going to prevent the takeover by a band of well-trained and equipped terrorists, you might want to think again. B: You're more likely to die from disease and/or drowning than violence. Proper risk analysis goes a long way!

Have you ever heard of non sequitur?  

Because a "lone brave CCW" should not take on the "well-trained" terrorists, he is "more like ly to die from disease????"   Ohhhhhh, I get it -- situation 'A' has nothing to do with situation 'B,' and makes no sense at all...

Proper risk analysis goes a long way!

I now realize that it is better to raise your hands and beg the terrorists for mercy.

It is better to have it and not need it then to need it and not have it.  
IMO hug.gif

Wow -- you told me!

More importantly, did you understand what you were told?

Have you ever heard of non sequitur?

Yes, why?

Because a "lone brave CCW" should not take on the "well-trained" terrorists, he is "more like ly to die from disease?

I did  not make that connection, you did, as you note later.  Rather silly of you to attempt to do so in the first place, right?  Unless you are just trying to confuse the issue instead of joining into a legitimate discussion of the topic.

I now realize that it is better to raise your hands and beg the terrorists for mercy.

Better than what?  I don't find that concept to be of any particular value or importance, as there are many alternatives that would be better than your offered "raise and beg".

It's like travelling to a foreign country with a weapon.  Most won't allow it, and the cruise ship won't let you board with them (although to the best of my knowledge, they only xray your carryon bags, not the luggage you check).  Also remember that US Customs does random screenings after your cruise ship returns.  Actually, now that I recall, I have witnessed Customs doing searches of peoples cabins while away at seas, but that's usually for drugs.  I've been on over a dozen cruises and have only actually had my bags checked by US customs once, although I've seen them checking others bags as I walk on by.  

Be aware that everytime you board the ship (when visiting each of the ports of call), you will go through a metal detector screening as well as baggage x-ray just like when you fly on an airplane, so if you get off the boat with a knife or other type of weapon, you wont be able to bring it back on (unless you can show that it's not a weapon).  It's funny though how you can buy certain 'souvenir' type things that are actually weapons (knives/blades/swords/etc.)  Good luck.

Dude...if you have room in yer speedo for an AR...you got bigger problems....

1)Take Sailing Lessons
2)Rent This
3)Pack This in your checked luggage
4) Have waaaaaaaay more fun.

oops doubletap!

Quoted: Quoted: Quoted: Don't be so damn paranoid.  If you seriously can't go for a week cruise without a sidearm you have some issues.   The majority of folks on the ship are old or married with kids or teenagers on vacation.  The only times bad things happen are when you put yourself in  stupid positions. Two words:  Leon Klinghoffer Beat me to it. Bring your pistol. Be smart - if a terrorist can do it, so can you.

I hope that is sarcasm otherwise its horrible advice.

In all honesty ask yourself what are you going to be doing on the cruise ship.

Are you going to be drinking? If the answer is yes then why carry any kind of weapon when you r judgement is impaired?  

Why not go have a good time with out a gun?  You can still keep your wits about you and properly defend yourself with the items commonly found on the cruise ship.

- Go

Quoted: I did  not make that connection, you did, as you note later.  Rather silly of you to attempt to do so in the first place, right?  Unless you are just trying to confuse the issue instead of joining into a legitimate discussion of the topic.

Well, maybe you should have made the connection.  What you wrote was a prime candidate for misinterpreting -- being either: 1) an unsupported recommendation followed by an unrelated, unsupported assertion; or 2) a recommendation followed by a tenuous supporting statement.  I gave you the benefit of the doubt, and assumed the latter.

You can call me 'silly' and suggest that I am 'trying to confuse the issue,' but trying to make this personal does not help matters.

Pack a folding knife in your checked baggage and carry it as needed onshore, etc.

I would be much more worried off the ship when in port about getting into an incident and being thrown in jail in a foreign country.  Don't go exploring out of the tourist areas either.

Most ships dock early in the AM and leave early in the evening so you don't spend much time at night in any port, but all schedules are different.

I just took out the pocket knife and put it in the plastic tray with my keys and wallet when boarding through the metal detectors and nobody ever said a word on my Celebrity, or Royal Caribbean cruises about my 4" folding knife.

Your bags go through security screening just like at the airport.  At least mine did in Miami last spring.  I took a SAK.



Wow, free cruise and you don't want to go because you can't carry?


If you're that worried, get an ACR ELB with GPS, a couple of shark bags,and rapelling gear.  If the tangos take over the ship, you and the lil woman slip over the edge with your life jacket, get in shark bag, pop the ELB and wait for the coasties.

Quoted: just don't stray from the highly populated tourist sections of the banana republics the cruise stops in

+1

If Jamaica is on the list, let the other idiots get off the boat and have the pool and bar to yourself.  The ports are a waste of $$$.

The time that something bad will happen is when you are least prepared. If you are going to disassemble your pistol, spread the parts out in several sections, and reassemble on the ship, you also need to take into account the foreign penalty for possession. In Mexico, for example, non citizens need permission PRIOR to arriving in country to carry a concealed firearm - AND, (pay attention this is important), in Mexico, ammunition of 9mm and larger is considered restricted and the penalty for possession of the ammo is good for FOUR YEARS!! the handgun can get you SEVEN!

I'm not saying you or your belongings will be searched, but you are taking your chances. Of course, if a b/g were on board, then by the very definition of being a "bad guy" they've already broken the cruise line's rules, and the laws of whatever country your visiting/leaving/returning/whatever.