Michael Turner
Short answer: Security teams will screen bags and passengers at the terminal and crew may inspect personal items onboard; arrive 90–120 minutes before scheduled boarding, keep passport and boarding pass handy, and carry medications and valuables in your cabin-side carry-on.
Typical procedures: Terminal screening usually includes X-ray scanning of baggage, walk-through metal detectors for people, random handheld scans and occasional sniffer-dog sweeps. Onboard staff perform visual inspections or open individual cases if prohibited or hazardous items are suspected. Allow extra time for peak embarkation periods.
Alcohol, prohibited items and examples: Many major operators permit two 750 ml bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom at embarkation; excess alcohol is commonly confiscated and returned at the first port. Firearms, explosives, most self-balancing scooters (hoverboards), and illegal narcotics are universally banned. Carry clear documentation for prescription drugs.
Porter service and tagged suitcases: If handing oversized suitcases to terminal porters for delivery to the cabin, attach a durable tag with name and contact, remove cash/jewelry/electronics, and keep medical supplies with you. Photograph bag contents and tags prior to handing items over to speed recovery in case of loss.
Customs and disembarkation: International customs officers may inspect baggage on return to port; have receipts for high-value electronics and declare amounts of currency that meet the local threshold (for example, U.S. customs requires reporting cash over $10,000 USD). Expect random secondary inspections at tendering or immigration checkpoints.
Electronics and batteries: Spare lithium cells and power banks must remain with carry-on items and not be placed in bags handed to terminal staff. E-cigarettes and vaping devices are often restricted to carry-on only; check operator rules to avoid confiscation.
Practical checklist: 1) Arrive 90–120 minutes early; 2) Keep passport, boarding pass, prescriptions and valuables with you; 3) Photograph checked tags and contents; 4) Pack prohibited items out of your bags handed to porters; 5) Verify the operator’s alcohol and battery rules before travel.
What security checks occur at the terminal and gangway?
Have passport and boarding document ready for identity verification at the terminal entrance.
Terminal procedures
Port officers will verify identity and travel authorizations (passport, visa, government ID) against the passenger manifest; biometric kiosks or fingerprint readers are used at many major terminals for faster processing. Immigration and customs officials may conduct passport stamping and ask routine questions about itinerary and possessions. Health-screening protocols can include temperature scans, submission of digital health forms, or presentation of vaccination/test documentation depending on port requirements.
Security screening typically involves walk-through metal detectors and X‑ray screening of carry‑on items; electronics larger than a phone should be presented separately and devices may be powered on on request. Vehicle inspections are common for drive-on passengers: trunks and interior compartments will be opened and inspected. Prohibited-item enforcement focuses on weapons, explosives, flammable fuels, compressed gas canisters, and unapproved medical oxygen cylinders without paperwork. Unattended parcels are removed and held for secondary inspection.
Gangway and final boarding controls
At the gangway, personnel perform final identity reconciliation between the manifest and the ID presented; staff may scan boarding credentials again and compare facial images with pre-registered photos. Security officers conduct random secondary inspections and use handheld metal detectors on selected passengers. Access control measures include physical barriers, badge checks for crew and contractors, CCTV monitoring of the ramp, and log entries for late returns or deliveries. Unauthorized deliveries or last-minute contraband are intercepted and documented.
Practical recommendations: arrive 90–120 minutes before scheduled boarding for domestic departures and 2–3 hours for international ports; keep prescription medications in original containers with a doctor’s note; declare mobility aids, oxygen, and pets to the port office before arrival; remove belts and metal accessories prior to passing through screening; have electronic devices charged and accessible for power-on requests; keep valuables and critical documents in a personal carry item. Failure to comply may result in denied boarding or confiscation of restricted items.
Which items commonly trigger manual searches onboard?
Keep knives, spare batteries, aerosols, unlabelled liquids, fresh produce and loose powders accessible in a carry-on or cabin bag for immediate presentation to onboard security staff.
Sharp implements: pocketknives, scissors with blades longer than a few centimetres, corkscrews, box cutters, fishing knives and multitools routinely prompt hands-on inspection and confiscation if prohibited; stow medical or specialty blades in original packaging with a prescription or usage note.
Rechargeable battery packs and spare lithium cells: portable chargers over ~100 Wh will usually attract scrutiny; batteries between 100–160 Wh may require written manufacturer specs or operator approval, while cells above 160 Wh are frequently disallowed. Mark capacity (Wh) on the cell or bring the spec sheet; tape exposed terminals and place each cell in separate plastic sleeves.
Smoking devices and liquids: e-cigarettes, vape pens and bottled e‑liquid are often subject to cabin-only rules and manual inspection. Carry devices, spare tanks and nicotine bottles in the stowed personal bag and keep manufacturer labels visible.
Flammable and pressurised items: lighter fluid, camping gas canisters, paint thinners, fireworks, aerosol spray cans and fuel-treated camping gear result in immediate removal from passenger areas; small disposable lighters are sometimes allowed but may still be examined by crew.
Food and agricultural products: fresh fruit, raw meat, fish, plants, seeds and unprocessed dairy produce prompt biosecurity searches at sea; declare items in advance or discard prior to boarding to avoid seizure and possible fines.
Powders and bulk powders: large quantities of protein powder, spices, powdered supplements or industrial powders can be sampled or analysed; keep infant formula and medically prescribed powders in original containers with documentation to speed verification.
Medications and medical supplies: controlled substances, injectable medications and syringes require original pharmacy labels and a physician’s note. Store prescriptions in a cabin-accessible place and advise the onboard medical centre if multi-day refrigeration or special handling is needed.
Weapons, replicas and tactical gear: firearms, BB/pellet guns, stun devices, pepper spray, hatchets and military-style folding knives generate immediate escalation and onboard law-enforcement involvement; do not attempt to conceal replicas or inert weapons in bags.
Valuables and cash: large amounts of currency, high-value watches and loose jewellery may be opened for verification during cabin inspections; use the cabin safe, register valuables with guest services or keep receipts to minimise handling and delays.
How onboard personnel handle and inspect checked bags
Label every bag with full name, cabin number and mobile contact; keep passports, cash, medications and electronics in carry-on rather than sent for porter delivery.
At the terminal port agents tag each bag with a barcode and destination code, then scan it into the carrier database. Tagged items pass through X‑ray machines or explosive trace swabs before loading. After scanning, porters transport bags to a secured baggage hold on the vessel; a manifest links every tag to the guest record for chain‑of‑custody tracking.
Security teams perform targeted physical examinations when alarms occur or if a manifest flag exists. Manual openings take place in a designated inspection room, with two trained staff members present, nitrile gloves, and a documented inventory of contents. Photographs and a written report are produced when items are removed, damaged or deemed prohibited; guests receive notification by phone or a notice slipped under the cabin door.
Prohibited items (illegal drugs, undeclared weapons, excess flammable liquids) are confiscated and either surrendered to local authorities at port or retained for disposal per company policy; alcohol above the allowed limit is logged and may be held until disembarkation. Perishables packed for porter delivery are at risk of spoilage–transport cold items as carry‑on or ship refrigerated separately with prior arrangement.
If a bag arrives damaged or contents are missing, file a claim with onboard guest services within 24–48 hours; preserve tag receipts, take photos of damage and keep original packaging for fragile goods. Most lines recommend carrying insurance documentation and registering high‑value items with guest services if an unavoidable transfer is required.
| Staff action | Guest action | Typical outcome / timing |
|---|---|---|
| Tagging and barcode scan at curbside | Keep claim tag; verify name and cabin number before handing over | Bag appears on manifest immediately; retains tracking code |
| X‑ray and limited ETD swab screening | Avoid packing aerosols, batteries loose, or unlabelled liquids in transported bags | Clear items proceed to load; unresolved alarms trigger manual exam |
| Manual search in secured area with documentation | Be available for questions; provide receipts for declared items | Contents inventoried; passenger notified; prohibited items seized or logged |
| Delivery to cabin by porter team | Expect delivery window; keep valuables onboard | Typical delivery within 4–8 hours after boarding; late arrivals may see next‑morning delivery |
| Damage/claim handling | Report within 24–48 hours; submit photos and tag copy | Guest services opens claim file; follow up at port or with home office |
Rules and documentation for carrying medications and valuables
Pack prescription medications in original pharmacy-labeled containers and carry a dated physician’s letter listing diagnosis, generic names, dosages, and administration times.
For controlled substances (opioids, benzodiazepines, stimulants): bring only the quantity prescribed for the trip plus a small emergency supply (typically 30–90 days limit varies by jurisdiction); include prescriber contact details and registration numbers where applicable.
Injectables and temperature-sensitive drugs: transport in an insulated case with reusable cold packs inside a carry-on; attach a brief medical statement indicating required storage temperature and bring extra syringes/needles if used. Keep spare insulin pens and refrigerator-dependent meds in an easily accessible bag and notify onboard medical staff at first opportunity.
When medications are from non-English-speaking countries, prepare English translations of labels and a single-sheet list of active ingredients and equivalents; store printed copies in a document pouch and digital scans in cloud storage plus an offline copy on a phone.
Create a medication master list with allergies, chronic conditions, emergency contacts, insurance policy numbers and dosing timestamps for crossing time zones. Leave one copy with a travel companion and one in the in-cabin safe.
Carry high-value items (jewelry, large amounts of cash, cameras, laptops) in a carry-on or the cabin safe; keep original receipts, serial numbers, and recent appraisal certificates. Photograph each item clearly showing serial numbers and hallmarks; email images to yourself and insurer.
For watches and fine jewelry obtain a current appraisal, consider micro-engraving or discreet identification marks, and insure items with a policy that covers theft and transit. Avoid wearing multiple high-value pieces during port visits.
Request written receipts for any temporary storage with onboard staff and for items placed in the safe; obtain a signed inventory when handing valuables to personnel. Retain proof of deposit until retrieval.
Confirm destination import rules for prescriptions and cash limits before departure; carry prescriptions and purchase receipts for customs presentation and limit quantities to stated allowances to prevent seizure during port entry.
Label medical devices with owner name, diagnosis code and physician contact; pack spare batteries, chargers and compatible power adaptors. Secure fragile equipment in a hard-sided carry-on for transport and minor repairs (see best umbrella fold pushchair for compact umbrella options and best luggage repair san antonio for repair resources).
X-ray scanners, drug-detection dogs and other port technologies
Keep electronics, liquids and powders easily accessible for X-ray or CT screening and separate fragile items so staff can open containers without damage.
Dual-energy X-ray systems produce 2D color-coded images that distinguish organic, inorganic and metallic materials; computed tomography (CT) units create 3D reconstructions and support automated threat-recognition algorithms that can flag occluded items without manual unpacking. Typical ionizing-radiation exposure from baggage X-ray units is well under 1 μSv per scan, several orders of magnitude lower than a diagnostic chest radiograph (~100 μSv); equipment operators position conveyors and shields to minimize stray dose to people.
Explosive-trace detection (ETD) devices use swab sampling with ion mobility spectrometry (IMS) or mass spectrometry confirmation. IMS yields on-site positive/negative results within seconds and routinely detects residue at nanogram levels; positive ETD prompts sealed-item opening, targeted swabbing of surfaces, or laboratory confirmatory testing via GC–MS. Portable Raman and FTIR instruments can identify powders or chemicals without destroying packaging when sufficient sample is presented.
Trained detection dogs execute systematic passive or active air-scenting in terminals and baggage areas. Canines are trained for narcotics, explosives, and cash detection; alerts are followed by handler assessment and, if necessary, ETD swabs or targeted bag examination. Canine teams reduce throughput impact because a single pass covers multiple items rapidly; handlers are authorized to direct secondary inspection based on an alert.
Advanced non-intrusive inspection of cargo and vehicles
Large freight and vehicle scanners use high-energy X-ray or gamma-ray sources plus image-processing software to reveal dense anomalies, voids, and concealed compartments. Radiographic density metrics and automated anomaly scoring determine which containers receive physical opening, fiber-optic borescope inspection, or canine re-inspection. Remote-operated inspection tools (borescopes, mirror scopes, robotic crawlers) enable internal examination without full unpacking.
How to minimize delays around technology
Present small personal items and one electronic device per tray when instructed; place powders under 350 mL in clear bags and label prescription medications to reduce curiosity-driven swabs. Avoid wrapping items in multiple opaque layers or using excessive tape that can hide shapes; if a swab or canine alert occurs, cooperate with staff and expect possible item opening or targeted sampling. If sensitive materials require privacy for inspection, request an enclosed area before any seal is broken.
Steps to take if your bags are searched, damaged or missing
Immediately notify the Purser/Guest Services desk and onboard security, request a written incident report with timestamps, staff names and signatures, and obtain a copy before leaving the vessel.
- Document the scene: take time-stamped photos of exterior damage, opened compartments, torn seals, visible contents, baggage tags and cabin tags.
- Create an itemized inventory on the spot: list missing items, include brand, model, serial numbers, estimated value and purchase receipts if available.
- Demand placement of the case into the security log and insist on a formal incident number or reference code for future claims.
- If prescription drugs are affected, present prescriptions or pill bottles to onboard medical staff and obtain a written confirmation of shortage or tampering.
- For high-value items (watches, jewelry, electronics), request a signed statement from security noting condition and any apparent entry points; do not accept only verbal assurances.
- Preserve evidence: avoid further handling of damaged items; keep all packing materials, baggage tags and receipts; photograph packaging and contents from multiple angles.
- File formal reports before disembarkation: submit the written incident report to Guest Services and to the operator’s designated claims office; note required deadlines printed on the report.
- Notify the port authority or local police if theft or criminal tampering is suspected; obtain a police report and a copy of the officer’s contact details for insurer submissions.
- Register with onboard lost & found and follow up daily; request an email confirmation containing the incident reference so correspondence is traceable after the voyage.
- Contact travel insurance and the card issuer used to pay for the passage within 24–72 hours, supplying the incident number, police report and all photographic evidence; ask about advance emergency funds if essential items are missing.
Required documentation checklist for claims:
- Written incident report signed by Guest Services/security
- Police report (when applicable)
- Photos (damage, opened zippers, tags, contents)
- Itemized inventory with serial numbers and receipts
- Boarding pass, cabin allocation and baggage tag copies
- Insurance policy number and claim submission confirmation
Wording templates to obtain useful staff responses (read aloud or copy into your notes):
- “Please provide a written incident report with the time, staff name and signature and a reference number I can use for claims.”
- “I need a security log entry describing opened compartments and any observed tampering; please include the officer’s badge number.”
- “Please confirm in writing whether medical staff administered replacement medication or documented a prescription shortage.”
After disembarkation actions:
- Email the operator’s claims department with all attachments; request acknowledgment within 7–10 business days and keep all correspondence.
- If insurers decline, escalate with documented proof: police report, incident report, photos and receipts; use registered mail for paper submissions if required.
- For damaged hard cases with surface dirt or residue from inspections, treat stains promptly; small exterior scuffs and grime can often be removed with a domestic pressure washer model suitable for decks–see best pressure washer for drives and patios for options compatible with plastic and composite surfaces.
Time-sensitive rules: report and obtain a written incident report before departing the vessel; notify insurer within 24–72 hours when policy language demands prompt notice; retain originals and provide copies only when requested.
