Cruisers love making their stateroom feel a little more like home, which often leads to the question: Can I bring a candle or diffuser onboard? The short answer: candles are not allowed, but some non-flame fragrance options may be okay.
Are Candles Allowed on Royal Caribbean?
🚫 No. Open-flame candles are strictly prohibited.
This includes:
- Regular scented candles
- Tea lights
- Birthday candles
- Decorative candles with wicks
Fire is the biggest safety risk at sea, which is why anything with an open flame is banned. If security finds candles in your luggage, they’ll be confiscated and returned at the end of your cruise.
What About Aromatherapy Diffusers?
It depends on the type:
- ✅ Reed diffusers (passive, no heat, no flame) may be allowed if sealed and small.
- ⚠️ Plug-in or USB diffusers are risky. Since Royal bans appliances that heat up, some cruisers report having them confiscated.
- ❌ Wax warmers or electric oil burners are not allowed.
If you want to bring fragrance, stick to reed diffusers, essential oil roll-ons, or battery-powered scent fans that don’t generate heat.
Safer Alternatives
If you want a fresh-smelling cabin, here are safe and approved options:
- Essential oil roller bottles for personal use.
- Reed diffusers that don’t require heat or electricity.
- Travel-sized air freshener sprays (non-aerosol).
- Fresh air from your balcony (the simplest option!).
FAQs About Candles & Diffusers on Cruises
Can I bring birthday candles for a cake?
No. Open flames are not allowed, but staff can provide flameless LED candles or special celebration desserts.
Can I bring wax melts or Scentsy warmers?
No. They use heat, which is banned onboard.
Are battery-powered LED candles allowed?
Yes, as long as they don’t have a heating element. These are a safe way to add ambience.
Can I bring essential oils?
Yes, small bottles of essential oils are allowed, but you should avoid applying strong scents in public areas out of courtesy to other guests.
What if my reed diffuser leaks?
Always pack diffusers in a sealed plastic bag to prevent spills in your luggage.
Bottom Line
- 🚫 Candles: never allowed.
- ⚠️ Diffusers: only passive or battery-powered options are safe bets.
- ✅ Alternatives: reed diffusers, LED candles, or essential oil rollers.
You’ll have a much smoother boarding experience if you leave candles and heated fragrance devices at home and bring only non-flame options.
👉 Want to avoid packing items that could get confiscated? Check out my Cruise Approved Electronics & Cruise Essentials lists on Amazon, where I’ve already vetted what’s actually allowed onboard.
Charity Bradley 
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