Cruise ship expert issues warning over 'biggest mistake' passengers make before boarding

A cruise ship expert has shared the common blunders that could see holidaymakers held up at security.

In a video on her Life Well Cruised YouTube channel, expert Ilana Weigensberg Schattauer explained that despite the differences between cruising and flying, passengers still have to go through security checks.

Ilana highlighted several "rookie mistakes" that could delay boarding and offered advice on what can and cannot be brought onto the ship.

READ MORE: 'I always check in late for flights and board the plane last – there's a huge benefit'

READ MORE: Proud Scot shares location of 'paradise' where 'turquoise ocean meets white sands'

Ensuring you have the right documents and downloading the cruise line app were among the tips Ilana shared to help passengers breeze through security.

However, she pointed out that the "biggest mistake" travellers make before setting sail is packing items that are not allowed.

She said: "Big ship or small ship, we're all going to have to go through cruise ship security before embarking and, especially if you're a first time cruiser, it can be a little bit stressful not knowing what to expect."

"However, even for more experienced cruisers, procedures change, and rules change, and avoiding these mistakes will ensure a smooth and stress-free start to the cruise."

Ilana highlighted the common blunders that can hold up boarding, saying: "This is probably the biggest mistake and it can delay boarding, it's bringing prohibited items. Now, a lot of times people might bring prohibited items unintentionally and some of those things can include bringing an iron."

"It's a potential fire hazard, and it's not allowed on a cruise."

She also mentioned that passengers are forbidden from bringing non surge-protected power bars, as well as various items that are also banned on planes; this includes weapons, ammunition or explosives.

Ilana pointed out that expecting security to be akin to airport standards, arriving unprepared, and failing to download the cruise line app before reaching the terminal are the top three security-related errors travellers should avoid.

Other mistakes she noted in her video were not emptying pockets prior to approaching the X-ray machine, ignorance about which drinks are permissible onboard, and lack of awareness regarding sniffer dogs.