If you are a fan-loving person like me, you may want to take your fan on a cruise.
Can you take a fan on a cruise?
You can take a fan on a cruise as long as the fan is electric, portable, and certified. Most major cruise lines allow them. Extra-large fans, fans powered by lithium batteries, fans with heating capabilities, and noncertified fans are often not allowed on cruise ships.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about taking a fan on a cruise ship.
Can You Take a Fan on a Cruise? (9 Things You Need To Know)
I recommend always thinking about four factors and knowing the answers to 9 related questions when taking fans on a cruise.
Consider these four factors:
- What kind of fan do you want to take?
- How the fan is powered or charged?
- The size and shape of the fan.
- Whether or not the fan is certified.
Along with those considerations, here are the answers to 9 common questions about fans and cruises.
Can I Bring a Portable Fan on a Cruise Ship?
One of the most frequently asked questions by first-time cruisers is whether or not they can bring a portable fan onboard.
The good news is that, in most cases, the answer is, “Yes.”
Be sure to check with your cruise line about any rules or size restrictions. Most ships will allow small, handheld fans, but may not allow larger ones.
You may also want to double-check with the cruise company about rules related to how the fan is charged (electric, battery, etc.).
Can I Bring a Battery-Powered Fan on a Cruise Ship?
In general, battery-powered fans are allowed as long as they don’t have lithium batteries.
Lithium batteries are generally not allowed on cruise ships due to the risk of fire. If your fan has lithium batteries, you’ll need to leave them at home or pack them in your checked luggage.
Personally, I think it’s best to bring an electric or plug-in fan.
You may want to check with your particular cruise line to see if they allow you to bring lithium battery-powered fans onboard in carry-on luggage (but not inserted into your fan).
Can I Bring an Electric Fan on a Cruise Ship?
Yes, you can, as long as it is UL certified.
Almost all modern fans from reputable stores like Amazon, Lowes, or Walmart will be UL certified.
You might want to make sure your cord is long enough to reach your bed from across the room—just in case. At the end of the article, I give my recommendations for some specific fans that my family, friends, and I have all successfully taken on cruises.
Can I Bring a Neck Fan on a Cruise?
You can bring neck fans on a cruise.
In fact, I highly recommend bringing a neck fan on your cruise. I mistakenly forgot to bring one on my first cruise, and I was miserable.
The entire trip was blazingly humid, and I was constantly sweating.
But on my second cruise, I brought a neck fan and it made all the difference in the world. I was able to walk around without getting sweaty, and I even put it on when we went on excursions off the boat.
I’m never going on a cruise without one again.
If you’re considering bringing a neck fan on your cruise, just do it—I promise you that you won’t regret it.
Can I Bring a Box Fan on a Cruise?
Surprisingly, yes, you can bring a box fan on a cruise.
Even a 20-inch fan. As long as you can pack it, you can take it on board. Just attach a luggage tag to it and add the box fan to checked luggage.
I know friends who swear by their box fan.
Once they realized they could take one on board, they have never gone on a cruise without one.
Note: The risk you take is that a crew member will confiscate your fan until the end of your trip. That probably won’t happen but I’ve heard it is a possibility.
Can I Bring a Desk Fan on a Cruise?
Yes, you can bring a desk fan on a cruise.
I bring a small desk fan with an extension cord on every cruise. Once I get settled into my cabin each night, I plug it in and run it non-stop until we leave the room the next day.
For me, the fan circulates the air, keeps me cool, and helps me sleep (especially during daytime naps).
Can I Bring a Fan on a Cruise in Carry On Luggage?
You can bring any allowable fan onboard a cruise in carry-on luggage.
And I highly recommend it.
You never know when a cruise line staff member might confiscate your fan in checked luggage. Sometimes it happens even if the cruise rules allow fans.
If you bring a backup fan in your carry-on luggage, you are safe either way.
Do Cruise Ships Have Fans?
When you board the cruise ship, be sure to ask for a fan right away.
They have a limited supply, and if you wait until your room gets stuffy, it may be too late. The fans are usually free, so don’t hesitate to request one.
If you’re not sure where to find a staff member, just ask someone at the front desk.
They’ll be happy to point you in the right direction.
Do Cruise Ship Bathrooms Have Fans?
Cruise ship bathrooms feature fans.
The bathrooms on cruise ships are typically quite small, and the close quarters can make them uncomfortable for some passengers.
To help avoid the stifling heat and unpleasant odors that can sometimes build up in these spaces, most cruise ship bathrooms come with exhaust fans.
These fans work to suck away stale air and moisture, ensuring that the bathroom remains cool and comfortable.
Furthermore, in order to be legal, cruise ships must adhere to strict safety regulations when it comes to maintaining clean and healthy conditions in bathrooms.
This means that exhaust fans are absolutely necessary for keeping these areas up to code.
Before we leave this section of the guide, here is a good video that gives you specifics on the exact type of fan you can take on Disney cruises:
What Cruise Lines Allow Fans?
To save you travel-planning time, I researched 10 major cruise lines to see if they allowed fans on board.
I checked their websites, forums, and FAQs. When needed, I also contacted each cruise line to make sure my information is the most accurate and comprehensive anywhere on the internet.
Check out this chart with answers for 10 top cruise lines:
| Major Cruise Lines | Do They Allow Fans? |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Yes |
| Celebrity Cruises | Yes |
| Costa Cruises | Yes |
| Cunard Line | Yes |
| Disney Cruise Line | Yes |
| Holland America Line | Yes |
| MSC Cruises | Yes |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Yes |
| Princess Cruises | Yes |
| Royal Caribbean International | Yes |
Here is information for bringing fans on Disney Cruises:
Small fans are allowed onboard. It must be compact, have a stable base and be brought onboard in your carry on bag. The fan does need to be inspected before you can use it, so once you are on the ship you will need to contact Guest Services to have the Chief Electrician approve the use of your fan in your stateroom.
Keep in mind that this protocol may also apply to other cruise lines. Always check with your cruise line before boarding so that you know the proper protocols.
Do You Need a Fan on a Cruise? (No, But Bring One Anyway)
You do not need a fan on a cruise.
However, you may want to bring a fan on a cruise if you are prone to overheating, want to avoid discomfort, or want a backup cooling system.
Here are 8 good reasons to bring a fan on a cruise:
- Cruise Cabins Can Be Stuffy—The air conditioning on a cruise ship can sometimes be weak, especially in older ships. Fans can help prevent stuffiness by circulating fresh air and cooling down your cabin.
- Breezy Balcony—Fans can also be used to create a gentle breeze on your balcony, making it more enjoyable to spend time outdoors.
- Deal With Seasickness—If you get seasickness, a fan may help to cool you down and make you feel more comfortable.
- Prevent Overheating—If you are prone to sweating, a fan can help to keep you cool and prevent body odor.
- White Noise—A fan can also be used as a white noise machine, helping you to block out unwanted sounds and get a good night’s sleep.
- Off-Ship Adventures—A personal fan, like a neck fan, can help you keep cool on your off-ship adventures.
- Dry Wet Clothes—Fans can sometimes be used to dry wet clothes or towels, saving you from having to use an expensive laundry service on the ship.
- Ward Off Mosquitos (And Other Pesky Bugs)—You can use fans to keep bugs away from you while exploring the ship or when you dock at different locations.
Read: Do Fans Deter Pests? (Answers for 14 Pests)
Best Fans for a Cruise Ship
Having enjoyed a number of cruises over the last decade, I have strong preferences for what fans you should take on cruises.
Here are my favorite fans for a cruise:
| Best Fans for Cruises and Boats | Price |
| Efluky Mini USB Table Fan | Check the price |
| Torras Coolify Neck Fan | Check the price |
| Dyson Desk Fan | Check the price |
| Honeywell TurboForce Fan | Check the price |
My two personal favorite fans for cruises are:
- Dyson desk fan (for my stateroom/cabin)
- Torras Coolify Neck Fan (for walking around on the ship and during excursions)
Final Thoughts: Can You Bring a Fan on a Cruise?
The good news is that, even if you forget to bring a fan, you can ask a cruise member for one. Often, they will bring you one immediately.
Before you go, check out these related posts about fans:
- Best Neck Fan for Hot Flashes (Tested and Solved)
- Can You Take Neck Fans on a Plane? (Solved)
- Best Neck Fan for Long Hair (Tested and Solved)