Whether it’s a spilled drink or a port being skipped due to weather, not everything will go perfect on your cruise. But it’s important not to let these minor frustrations ruin your trip.
Thankfully, most rookie mistakes are avoidable. Here are a few things you should not do on a cruise ship:
1. Bringing Your Own Alcohol
Many cruise lines have a strict drink policy and will confiscate any alcohol that you try to sneak onboard at embarkation. Sneaking in alcohol is not only illegal, but it can also ruin your vacation if you get caught.
Instead, be sure to check out your cruise line’s alcohol policies and recommendations for the best drink packages.
2. Smoking
Cruise ships are extremely careful about anything that could cause a fire and they’re always looking out for their passengers. That’s why you should never smoke or vape on a cruise ship balcony, especially if it’s not permitted. It’s also important to know your cruise line’s smoking policy and research it before you book a trip so you are aware of what to expect when it comes to this issue.
Most cruise lines do not allow you to smoke inside your cabin or on the balcony unless you’re a smoker who is booked into a smoking room. The reason why is that smoking poses a huge fire risk and in the worst-case scenario it could sink the ship. Smoking also causes a lot of damage to the furniture and it can make rooms smell like smoke for the next guests.
3. Illegal Drugs
Cruise lines are strict about not allowing drugs aboard. Marijuana and CBD oil, even if legal in some jurisdictions, are not allowed on a ship. This is because they can cause psychoactive reactions and have been known to exacerbate seasickness.
4. Opening Your Balcony Door
If you open your balcony door on a cruise ship and leave it slammed, it creates a wind tunnel through the cabin and can overwork the air conditioning system. It also disturbs passengers in adjacent cabins.
Another danger is that the door may blow open and let things flying in, like your daily newsletters or shore excursion tickets. It could also let in cigarette butts or lighted matches that get blown and sucked back onto the ship.
Sitting or standing on the balcony railing is a bad idea too, as you can fall and hurt yourself. It’s also against cruise ship policy, and you can be banned for life if you break this rule. It’s just not worth it.
