Cruising is an exciting way to relax, explore new places, and indulge in the luxurious amenities onboard. But along with all the fun comes a set of rules designed to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. While most rules are easy to follow, some passengers still try to bend or break them. Having cruised myself and read countless stories from fellow travelers, it’s clear that breaking these rules can lead to bigger consequences than you might think.
Here’s a look at 15 common cruise rules passengers often break, why it’s better to follow them, and some personal insights from my experiences and other cruisers.
1. Sneaking Extra Alcohol on Board
Cruise lines typically allow passengers to bring a limited amount of alcohol—usually a bottle of wine or champagne per cabin. But many passengers still attempt to sneak extra alcohol onboard, hiding it in their luggage or disguised containers.
A fellow passenger I spoke to on a recent Royal Caribbean cruise shared, “I’ve seen people get really creative, but it’s not worth it anymore.” Security screenings are thorough, and most attempts to sneak alcohol onboard are quickly caught. Trying to smuggle alcohol often leads to it being confiscated, and in some cases, passengers might face fines or penalties.
Tip: Save yourself the stress by checking the cruise line’s alcohol policy before you board. Most lines offer reasonably priced drink packages that let you enjoy your beverages without the risk of getting caught.
2. Lying on the Pre-Cruise Health Form
Before boarding a cruise, passengers are required to fill out a health form confirming that they haven’t experienced symptoms like stomach bugs, diarrhea, or vomiting within the past 24 to 48 hours.
Many passengers lie on these forms because they fear being denied boarding or facing other consequences such as quarantine in their cabin. However, this behavior puts the entire ship at risk, as illnesses can spread quickly in close quarters. Ports of call can also deny entry to ships with known outbreaks, affecting the entire experience.
Tip: If you’re feeling unwell before your trip, don’t take the risk. Many cruise lines will work with you to reschedule your cruise rather than risk a potential outbreak at sea.
3. Skipping the Muster Drill
The muster drill is a required safety briefing that ensures all passengers know what to do in an emergency. In the past, some passengers would try to skip it, but today, modern cruise ships track attendance electronically, making it nearly impossible to avoid.
I remember one couple on a past cruise who thought they could skip the muster drill by hiding in their cabin. In the end, they were called back for a private drill later, which ended up taking even more time.
Tip: Muster drills have become much easier, with many ships offering virtual or simplified briefings. Get it done quickly and enjoy the rest of your trip, knowing you’re prepared for any situation.
4. Breaking Dress Codes
Most cruise lines have dress codes for certain events or venues to maintain a certain atmosphere or level of formality. For example, formal nights might require evening gowns or tuxedos, while specialty restaurants may have “smart casual” dress codes, asking for collared shirts and dresses.
Some passengers attempt to break the dress code by wearing casual clothes like jeans or flip-flops. The chances of them being turned away, however, are pretty slim, as most cruise lines don’t heavily enforce these rules. That said, some lines do take their dress codes more seriously, so it’s worth being cautious.
Tip: Check the dress code before packing. Many cruise lines provide detailed guidelines on what’s appropriate for different events and restaurants. Packing both formal and casual attire will ensure you’re ready for any occasion.
5. Reserving Pool Chairs
Chair hogging, where passengers reserve pool chairs by leaving towels or personal items early in the morning, is a constant complaint on cruise ships. Most lines have a rule against reserving chairs for more than 30 minutes, but enforcement can be inconsistent.
On several cruises, I’ve spoken to other passengers who’ve mentioned walking past rows of chairs with towels on them all morning, yet no one ever returned to claim them. While some cruise lines now remove items left unattended for too long, it’s still a frustrating issue for many guests.
Tip: If you want a prime spot by the pool, be considerate—don’t leave your belongings for hours. If you need to leave, free up the chair so others can use it. Alternatively, look for quieter deck areas that offer more seating options.
6. Smoking or Vaping in Prohibited Areas
Cruise ships typically restrict smoking to designated areas, usually known as outdoor smoking zones. On some lines, smoking is permitted in specific locations like casinos while gambling, nightclubs, or cigar lounges. Certain cruise lines, including Costa, Aida, and TUI, allow smoking on balconies, but this is rare.
Most cruise lines enforce strict no-smoking policies, particularly inside cabins and on balconies, due to fire risks. However, passengers often try to break these rules by smoking in restricted areas or on balconies where it’s not allowed, which can lead to hefty cleaning fees if they are caught or reported.
Tip: Stick to the designated smoking areas. This keeps the experience safe and pleasant for everyone onboard, and you’ll avoid fines or penalties.
7. Taking Food On or Off the Ship
In some countries, it’s illegal to bring food from the ship onto land, especially agricultural products like nuts or fruit. Similarly, cruise lines have restrictions on bringing certain foods back on board. However, these rules can be hard to enforce as searching every passenger’s bag thoroughly is time-consuming. As a result, many passengers often sneak food on and off the ship without being caught.
Tip: Always check with the ship’s staff before taking food ashore or back onboard. They can tell you what’s allowed and what isn’t, sparing you any fines or customs issues.
8. Climbing or sitting on railings
For safety reasons, passengers are not allowed to climb or sit on railings while on the ship. Many passengers will still attempt to break this rule, especially when intoxicated, for the sake of taking photos, a better view, or having fun. Unfortunately, this behavior can lead to accidents, including serious injury or falling overboard.
Tip: Instead of risking your safety, use the ship’s designated photo spots or lookout points. These areas offer great views and are perfect for snapping that ideal picture.
9. Lighting Open Flames
Open flames, such as candles, are strictly prohibited on cruise ships because of the fire risk they pose. Some passengers still try to bring candles for romantic evenings, only to have them confiscated during security checks or cabin inspections.
“On a recent cruise, I overheard a passenger complaining after having their candles confiscated during a luggage check,” one fellow cruiser shared. It’s a safety issue that cruise lines take seriously.
Tip: Use battery-operated LED candles to set the mood. These provide the same ambiance without the fire risk or the chance of getting your items confiscated.
10. Not Returning Towels or Pool Gear
Towels and other poolside items are usually provided for passengers’ use, but some guests either forget or intentionally take towels back to their cabins, creating shortages for others. While many cruise lines now track towels using passengers’ keycards, unreturned towels can still lead to charges.
On one cruise, I noticed there were hardly any towels left by the pool, even though it wasn’t particularly busy that day. The only reason that came to mind was that people must have forgotten to return them to the designated spots, as the pool area wasn’t crowded at all.
Tip: Always return towels and pool gear to the designated spots. This ensures everyone can enjoy the amenities, and you won’t face surprise charges at the end of your trip.
11. Overstaying in the Spa or Gym
On sea days, the spa and gym areas are in high demand, and some passengers overstay their time in the sauna, hot tub, or gym equipment, preventing others from using these facilities.
Tip: Try visiting the gym or spa during off-peak times to avoid the crowds. And always respect time limits so others can get their turn.
12. Bringing Prohibited Items on Board
Items like irons, candles, and certain electronic devices are prohibited for safety reasons, yet many passengers try to smuggle these onboard. This can lead to potential confiscation or even potential fines if found during inspection.
I spoke to a cruiser who mentioned frequently seeing people’s irons and power strips taken away at security because they didn’t know they were banned. So, it’s better to check what’s allowed rather than risk having your items taken away.
Tip: Review the cruise line’s list of prohibited items before you pack. This will prevent any surprises at the security checkpoint and ensure your items make it onboard.
13. Disregarding the “Adults-Only” Areas
Many cruise ships have designated adults-only areas, such as pools or lounges, for those seeking peace and quiet. However, some passengers disregard these rules and bring children into these spaces, frustrating other guests who are looking for a child-free zone.
“I was relaxing in the adults-only pool area when someone brought their kids over to swim, completely ignoring the signs,” one cruiser shared. Adults-only areas exist for those who want a break from the bustling family areas, and bringing children into them spoils that atmosphere.
Tip: Respect the “adults-only” designations and avoid bringing children into these areas. There are plenty of family-friendly spots on the ship that cater to all ages.
14. Ignoring the Curfew for Teens
Some cruise lines have curfews for teenagers, especially in public areas, to ensure a safe and quiet environment for all passengers at night. However, some teens (or their parents) ignore this rule, allowing them to roam the ship late into the night.
Tip: If you’re traveling with teenagers, make sure they understand and respect the curfew. It’s for their safety and the comfort of other passengers.
15. Refusing to Sanitize or Wash Hands
Cruise lines are vigilant about cleanliness and preventing the spread of illness. You’ll often find hand sanitizer stations before dining areas, but some passengers ignore them, walking past without cleaning their hands.
I can say from my own experience, I’ve seen many people walk right past the hand sanitizer stations without using them. It’s disappointing because such a small action can make a big difference in preventing illness.
Tip: Always use the provided hand sanitizers, especially before meals or after returning from shore excursions. It’s a simple way to keep yourself and others healthy.
Final Thoughts
Cruise rules are in place for good reason—whether it’s to ensure safety, maintain fairness, or enhance everyone’s experience on board. While breaking the rules might seem harmless, the consequences can range from fines to putting others at risk. By following the guidelines and being considerate of your fellow passengers, you’ll enjoy a smoother, more relaxing cruise—and so will everyone else on board.
Have you ever seen someone breaking the rules on a cruise? Share your experiences and thoughts!
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