Another silly question - knives on board

[asebastian]

Hey all,

 

I want to buy a couple of kitchen knives from a shop I know in Osaka during our port stop in Oct. I now about the "no knives" policy on board, but can the knives be kept in secure/bonded storage for me until I disembark? Or will the knives just be confiscated and not returned? Do I need to speak to the security officer beforehand, need a permit or something? Perhaps John (@Copper10-8) can provide a clue...

 

I'm also exploring the option of posting the knives back home to me, but logistically challenged (knives need to be boxed apparently).

Edited February 1, 2023 by asebastian
typo

[Copper10-8]

2 hours ago, asebastian said:

Hey all,

 

I want to buy a couple of kitchen knives from a shop I know in Osaka during our port stop in Oct. I now about the "no knives" policy on board, but can the knives be kept in secure/bonded storage for me until I disembark? Or will the knives just be confiscated and not returned? Do I need to speak to the security officer beforehand, need a permit or something? Perhaps John (@Copper10-8) can provide a clue...

 

I'm also exploring the option of posting the knives back home to me, but logistically challenged (knives need to be boxed apparently).

 

Any knives that are confiscated are kept in a secure area inside the security officer's office. You will be given a receipt with your name, your stateroom number, the date they - the knives - were temporary confiscated, and a description of your property (the knives). The second half of said receipt will stay attached to the knives.

 

You will receive instructions as to when your property will be returned to you which correlates with your last day onboard. The SOP has been to return confiscated items on disembarkation day morning inside the terminal, outside the gangway where a security guard will "man" a table with all confiscated items. In the past, those items have also been returned on the evening prior to disembarkation day. Guest Services will advise you re: date, time and location

[DaveOKC]

On time in Vancouver we changed ships after a week in Alaska.  Got a call from security that we had to come down and visit them, that there was a problem with our luggage. Turns out that the Ulu knife my wife had purchased ON THE PREVIOUS HAL SHIP was the issue, even though it was in a gift box with HAL all over it!  After some discussion they finally relented and let us return it to our cabin, with strict instructions to keep it hidden away.  Why was HAL selling these things in the first place if they had a no knife policy???

[3rdGenCunarder]

1 hour ago, DaveOKC said:

On time in Vancouver we changed ships after a week in Alaska.  Got a call from security that we had to come down and visit them, that there was a problem with our luggage. Turns out that the Ulu knife my wife had purchased ON THE PREVIOUS HAL SHIP was the issue, even though it was in a gift box with HAL all over it!  After some discussion they finally relented and let us return it to our cabin, with strict instructions to keep it hidden away.  Why was HAL selling these things in the first place if they had a no knife policy???

 

That has occurred to me when I've seen the Ulu knives for sale on board. Friends bought a letter opener with a Murano glass handle in Italy, and that was confiscated and held on board. Then two days later, it was delivered to their cabin. This was on Cunard, so it isn't just HAL that has confusing rules.

[Copper10-8]

1 hour ago, DaveOKC said:

On time in Vancouver we changed ships after a week in Alaska.  Got a call from security that we had to come down and visit them, that there was a problem with our luggage. Turns out that the Ulu knife my wife had purchased ON THE PREVIOUS HAL SHIP was the issue, even though it was in a gift box with HAL all over it!  After some discussion they finally relented and let us return it to our cabin, with strict instructions to keep it hidden away.  Why was HAL selling these things in the first place if they had a no knife policy???

 

Alaskan Ulu knives seem to always present a problem and they shouldn't! If one goes by blade length, which HAL does on any other knife, they can easily be used as a weapon to do significant, or even fatal, harm to a human being. If they - HAL - want to sell them in the onboard ships, they should be treated like any other knife with a blade of a certain length, temporary confiscated, and returned to the purchaser upon completion of that cruise. Get rid of the wishy washy stuff! 

[Tampa Girl]

10 hours ago, asebastian said:

Hey all,

 

I want to buy a couple of kitchen knives from a shop I know in Osaka during our port stop in Oct. I now about the "no knives" policy on board, but can the knives be kept in secure/bonded storage for me until I disembark? Or will the knives just be confiscated and not returned? Do I need to speak to the security officer beforehand, need a permit or something? Perhaps John (@Copper10-8) can provide a clue...

 

I'm also exploring the option of posting the knives back home to me, but logistically challenged (knives need to be boxed apparently).

 

Wouldn't the shop in Osaka be able to box and mail them back to you, perhaps in care of a friend or relative?  I can't imagine that any seller would attempt to mail a knife other than in a box.

[scooter6139]

Thanks for the reminder, I need to lookup the pocket knife policy on HAL.  I always have one with me.

[GeorgeCharlie]

When we were in Japan a few years ago I purchased a special made & engraved knife from one of shops. When I queried about having it mailed, I was told that they do not use the postal system, due to high loss rates and even if you have it insured, you only get reimbursed money, but the knife & memories related to having it made are lost forever. They would have shipped it by bonded carrier, which increases the likelihood of actual delivery, but the cost would have been over one hundred dollars.

 

The process of taking it back onboard the ship was quite painless. It came in a nice presentation box and I turned it over to security when I got back to the ship. On the evening prior to disembarkation, the knife was delivered to our cabin. This allowed us to pack it in our checked luggage. If we were to have received the knife as we got off the ship, we would then have to get access to our checked luggage. Not impossible, but an unnecessary hassle during the hectic time of disembarkation.  

[1025cruise]

In all honesty, I would ask on board before you go shopping to see what will happen.

[TiogaCruiser]

19 minutes ago, 1025cruise said:

In all honesty, I would ask on board before you go shopping to see what will happen.

And then see what happens when you return with your purchase.😬

[bennybear]

Or you could just buy the wonderful Global knives, Costco even sells them at times

[Copper10-8]

1 hour ago, scooter6139 said:

Thanks for the reminder, I need to lookup the pocket knife policy on HAL.  I always have one with me.

 

 

Any Knives, scissors and open razors with blades longer than two and a half inches are on the prohibited items list 

Edited February 1, 2023 by Copper10-8

[USN59-79]

Thanks, Copper.  Just checked my pocket knife and the blade is 2 and a quarter inches.

Ray

[Copper10-8]

23 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

 

 

Any Knives, scissors and open razors with blades longer than two and a half inches are on the prohibited items list 

 

Small locking pocket knives with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed.

[Copper10-8]

Been a while since this was posted so here it goes

 

Holland America Line Prohibited Items

 

The following list is provided to assist in determining what items are not allowed onboard without a valid, lawful reason. This is not an all-inclusive list, and there may be other items found at the checkpoint that may be dangerous and that should not be allowed onboard

 

All firearms, including non-firing weapons. An exception to this rule are law enforcement agents acting in an official capacity and certified armed security guards acting in an official capacity (with full permission of the ship’s Master).

• All forms of ammunition, explosive materials and propellants, projectiles of all kinds, cartridges.
• All imitation or replica weapons including de-commissioned weapons, those not capable of being fired and realistic imitation/toy weapons.
• Air/Pellet guns or any other variety of projectile-firing weapon.
• All explosives and explosive device components including but not limited to military, civilian and safety devices, detonators, detonation cords, blasting caps, smoke cartridges, grenades, mines, and imitation explosives /devices.
• Fireworks, Flares and Pyrotechnics
• Knives with a blade over 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches), or ½ inch at its widest point. This includes bladed weapons, sharp pointed weapons, daggers, sabers, swords, axes, ice axes, hatchets, straight razors (shaving safety razors are allowed), razor blades not in a cartridge, box cutters, ice picks, meat cleavers and utility knives.
• Concealed bladed weapons, such as belt buckles knives, cane and umbrella knives/swords, pen knives and credit card knives.
• Recreational Diver’s Knives unless accompanied by other diving/snorkeling equipment and a valid diving ID card/license (must be held in the custody of the Security Officer). Dive knives may be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise.
• Diver’s spears and spear guns/slings.
• Ceremonial knives/swords as well as entertainment props are at times permitted with prior notification from the Fleet Security Department (must be held on-board in the same manner as dive knives).
• Flick knives, gravity knives, switchblades or lock knives. Small locking pocket knives with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed.
• Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches.
• Telescopic or regular truncheons/batons/clubs/coshes (a thick heavy stick or bar used as a weapon; a bludgeon)/nightsticks/Billy clubs/blow pipes/ASPs (expandable batons) and or any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon.
• Archery equipment including crossbows and bolts.
• Catapults
• Martial Arts Equipment including flails, throwing stars, nunchakus/nunchucks, kubatons, bostaff, etc.
• Knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, or any other item constructed for use as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
• Stun Guns, Tasers or any other electroshock device.
• Handcuffs
• Items containing Incapacitating Substances such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, pepper/mace cartridges, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable.
• Flammable liquids and hazardous chemicals/substances including gasoline/petrol, cooking fuel, acid, spill able batteries (except those in wheelchairs), phosphorous, oil, lighter fluid (common lighters are permitted), methylated spirits, paint thinners, turpentine, spray paint, chlorine, bleach, and any other dangerous chemicals that could burn, maim, incapacitate or disable.
• Compressed gas bottles/cylinders including propane tanks and aerosol cans (except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities). Dive Tanks are not permitted, empty or full. Medical gas bottles are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to the Purser’s Office and stored in a designated safe area. Oxygen cylinders are not x-rayed. Restrictions may apply to guests that require supplemental Oxygen during the COVID-19 Pandemic – please review Health Protocols page and FAQs.
• Drones, also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), and any other remote controlled aerial devices/toys.
• Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as a weapon.
• Hookah and Water Hookah Pipes, candles and incense, strike-anywhere matches, clothing irons, heating pads, hot plates, kettles, coffee makers, toasters and other electronic cooking appliances.
• Alcohol in violation of the company alcohol policy.
• All illegal drugs, including medications without proper prescriptions. This includes legal intoxicant synthetic or “designer” drugs also known as “Legal Highs” such as Lysergamides, Opioids, Methoxetamine, Synthetic Cannabis, Betel Nuts or Kava (Cava).
• Medical Marijuana
• Poisons
• Noxious Items
• Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, and skateboards.
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Ham radios, transformers, lasers, laser pointers, *electric extension cords with surge protectors.
• Bicycles
• Tools of trade/hobby including any type of hand or power tool. This includes hammers, drills, drill bits, crow bars, saws, power saws, chef/cooking knives/utensils, tools greater than 7 inches in length such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers (unless prior authorization is provided by Corporate Headquarters and strict controls are maintained on-board).
• Surfboards - (Boogie boards no longer than 42 inches in length are allowed).
• Coolers, only coolers approximately 12 x 12 x 12 inches in size (holds 6-12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages) are allowed. Guests carrying larger sizes will be directed to return them to their vehicle. If the guest is without a vehicle, the cooler will be destroyed in the same manner as other prohibited items.
  Exception: if the cooler is larger and contains baby food/formula, kosher food/special diet food or medication — these must be hand-carried. Coolers cannot be accepted as checked baggage. Whenever there is doubt an embarkation supervisor or shipboard personnel can be contacted to make the decision.
• Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility), boats/canoes/kayaks, Segways (only permitted ashore if used for mobility limitations – cannot be used onboard the ship ), Heely Shoes, Hoverboards/self-balancing scooters.

·       

Electrical devices such as small fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords without surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution.  However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard they will be confiscated.

Confiscated prohibited items are to be returned to Guest(s) ONLY on the actual day of disembarkation/end of voyage and ONLY after guest has scanned off at the gangway. Item(s) to be returned at a designated location shore-side (whether this be inside the terminal, a tent or table on the quay …) against and after verification of Confiscated Items Receipt and Guest’s Signature confirming return.”

 

The above list is not exhaustive. The SSO/Staff Captain are authorized to make a professional judgment as to the legality of any item declared, detected or discovered on board.

[Destiny0315]

42 minutes ago, Copper10-8 said:

The above list is not exhaustive.

Thanks! I'm exhausted just reading that list. I think I will stick to the basics like how many pairs of socks and underwear to pack.🙂

[Copper10-8]

23 minutes ago, Destiny0315 said:

Thanks! I'm exhausted just reading that list. I think I will stick to the basics like how many pairs of socks and underwear to pack.🙂

 

Just make sure you leave your handcuffs and catapults at home............😉

[cruisingdj]

1 hour ago, Copper10-8 said:

Been a while since this was posted so here it goes

 

Holland America Line Prohibited Items

 

The following list is provided to assist in determining what items are not allowed onboard without a valid, lawful reason. This is not an all-inclusive list, and there may be other items found at the checkpoint that may be dangerous and that should not be allowed onboard

 

All firearms, including non-firing weapons. An exception to this rule are law enforcement agents acting in an official capacity and certified armed security guards acting in an official capacity (with full permission of the ship’s Master).

• All forms of ammunition, explosive materials and propellants, projectiles of all kinds, cartridges.
• All imitation or replica weapons including de-commissioned weapons, those not capable of being fired and realistic imitation/toy weapons.
• Air/Pellet guns or any other variety of projectile-firing weapon.
• All explosives and explosive device components including but not limited to military, civilian and safety devices, detonators, detonation cords, blasting caps, smoke cartridges, grenades, mines, and imitation explosives /devices.
• Fireworks, Flares and Pyrotechnics
• Knives with a blade over 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches), or ½ inch at its widest point. This includes bladed weapons, sharp pointed weapons, daggers, sabers, swords, axes, ice axes, hatchets, straight razors (shaving safety razors are allowed), razor blades not in a cartridge, box cutters, ice picks, meat cleavers and utility knives.
• Concealed bladed weapons, such as belt buckles knives, cane and umbrella knives/swords, pen knives and credit card knives.
• Recreational Diver’s Knives unless accompanied by other diving/snorkeling equipment and a valid diving ID card/license (must be held in the custody of the Security Officer). Dive knives may be checked out/in by the owner for dive excursions during the cruise.
• Diver’s spears and spear guns/slings.
• Ceremonial knives/swords as well as entertainment props are at times permitted with prior notification from the Fleet Security Department (must be held on-board in the same manner as dive knives).
• Flick knives, gravity knives, switchblades or lock knives. Small locking pocket knives with blade lengths less than 6.35 cm (2 ½ inches) and widths ½ inch or less are allowed.
• Scissors with blades longer than 4 inches.
• Telescopic or regular truncheons/batons/clubs/coshes (a thick heavy stick or bar used as a weapon; a bludgeon)/nightsticks/Billy clubs/blow pipes/ASPs (expandable batons) and or any other item made, adapted or intended for use as an offensive weapon.
• Archery equipment including crossbows and bolts.
• Catapults
• Martial Arts Equipment including flails, throwing stars, nunchakus/nunchucks, kubatons, bostaff, etc.
• Knuckle dusters, brass knuckles, or any other item constructed for use as a weapon in hand-to-hand combat.
• Stun Guns, Tasers or any other electroshock device.
• Handcuffs
• Items containing Incapacitating Substances such as gas guns, tear gas sprays, pepper/mace cartridges, phosphorus, acid and other dangerous chemicals that could be used to maim or disable.
• Flammable liquids and hazardous chemicals/substances including gasoline/petrol, cooking fuel, acid, spill able batteries (except those in wheelchairs), phosphorous, oil, lighter fluid (common lighters are permitted), methylated spirits, paint thinners, turpentine, spray paint, chlorine, bleach, and any other dangerous chemicals that could burn, maim, incapacitate or disable.
• Compressed gas bottles/cylinders including propane tanks and aerosol cans (except for personal care or toiletries in limited quantities). Dive Tanks are not permitted, empty or full. Medical gas bottles are allowed in connection with a certified medical condition but cannot be packed in baggage. Oxygen cylinders must be delivered to the Purser’s Office and stored in a designated safe area. Oxygen cylinders are not x-rayed. Restrictions may apply to guests that require supplemental Oxygen during the COVID-19 Pandemic – please review Health Protocols page and FAQs.
• Drones, also referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or Remotely Piloted Aerial Vehicle (RPA), and any other remote controlled aerial devices/toys.
• Any other item made, adapted or intended for use as a weapon.
• Hookah and Water Hookah Pipes, candles and incense, strike-anywhere matches, clothing irons, heating pads, hot plates, kettles, coffee makers, toasters and other electronic cooking appliances.
• Alcohol in violation of the company alcohol policy.
• All illegal drugs, including medications without proper prescriptions. This includes legal intoxicant synthetic or “designer” drugs also known as “Legal Highs” such as Lysergamides, Opioids, Methoxetamine, Synthetic Cannabis, Betel Nuts or Kava (Cava).
• Medical Marijuana
• Poisons
• Noxious Items
• Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, and skateboards.
• Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), Ham radios, transformers, lasers, laser pointers, *electric extension cords with surge protectors.
• Bicycles
• Tools of trade/hobby including any type of hand or power tool. This includes hammers, drills, drill bits, crow bars, saws, power saws, chef/cooking knives/utensils, tools greater than 7 inches in length such as screwdrivers, wrenches and pliers (unless prior authorization is provided by Corporate Headquarters and strict controls are maintained on-board).
• Surfboards - (Boogie boards no longer than 42 inches in length are allowed).
• Coolers, only coolers approximately 12 x 12 x 12 inches in size (holds 6-12 cans of non-alcoholic beverages) are allowed. Guests carrying larger sizes will be directed to return them to their vehicle. If the guest is without a vehicle, the cooler will be destroyed in the same manner as other prohibited items.
  Exception: if the cooler is larger and contains baby food/formula, kosher food/special diet food or medication — these must be hand-carried. Coolers cannot be accepted as checked baggage. Whenever there is doubt an embarkation supervisor or shipboard personnel can be contacted to make the decision.
• Scooters (only permitted if used for mobility), boats/canoes/kayaks, Segways (only permitted ashore if used for mobility limitations – cannot be used onboard the ship ), Heely Shoes, Hoverboards/self-balancing scooters.

·       

Electrical devices such as small fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors, and extension cords without surge protectors are allowed onboard when used with proper caution.  However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard they will be confiscated.

Confiscated prohibited items are to be returned to Guest(s) ONLY on the actual day of disembarkation/end of voyage and ONLY after guest has scanned off at the gangway. Item(s) to be returned at a designated location shore-side (whether this be inside the terminal, a tent or table on the quay …) against and after verification of Confiscated Items Receipt and Guest’s Signature confirming return.”

 

The above list is not exhaustive. The SSO/Staff Captain are authorized to make a professional judgment as to the legality of any item declared, detected or discovered on board.

Tools of Hobby ... so I can't bring any horses aboard? 🤨🤣

[Sea42]

1 hour ago, Copper10-8 said:

Baseball bats, hockey sticks, cricket bats, lacrosse sticks, pool cues, ski poles, and skateboards.

I was hoping to bring my hiking poles. Would they be allowed?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4O3HF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

[RD64]

@asebastian - this is not a silly question at all. This is actually a valid question unlike the 1057 questions posted weekly regarding, tipping, chair hogs, alcohol smuggling, etc.

[scooter6139]

12 minutes ago, Sea42 said:

I was hoping to bring my hiking poles. Would they be allowed?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4O3HF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

I'd call and ask on that one.  They are similar to ski poles, but without the pointy end. 

[Sea42]

3 minutes ago, scooter6139 said:

I'd call and ask on that one.  They are similar to ski poles, but without the pointy end. 

 I would have never given them a second thought if I hadn't read this thread!

[Copper10-8]

1 hour ago, cruisingdj said:

Tools of Hobby ... so I can't bring any horses aboard? 🤨🤣

 

You should be OK with this "hobbel paard" (rocking horse) 😉 

 

[Copper10-8]

55 minutes ago, Sea42 said:

I was hoping to bring my hiking poles. Would they be allowed?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4O3HF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

You should be fine with those with no sharp ends, unlike ski poles. To put your mind at ease, I would ask HAL ahead of time with the attached pic 

[Earplug]

1 hour ago, Sea42 said:

I was hoping to bring my hiking poles. Would they be allowed?

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01N4O3HF3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1

We have been on Holland and Royal last year and no questions asked about the hiking poles.  Also so many others using them.