The cruise ship balcony—a private slice of paradise on the high seas. But be warned, it’s not a free-for-all and definitely not as private as you think. Break cruise ship balcony rules, and you could get kicked off the ship faster than you can say “bon voyage.” From risky stunts to excessive noise, nude sunbathing, and vaping, breaking cruise ship balcony etiquette could cut your vacation short.
Ready to avoid the pitfalls of using a personal balcony as your playground, laundry room, or party zone? Let’s explore the dos and don’ts to make your balcony time unforgettable—for all the right reasons!
Avoid climbing or lean over the cruise ship balcony rail
Cruise balcony railings are there for a purpose—to keep you safe. So, climbing or leaning over the railings is a disaster waiting to happen. This reckless action could get you kicked off the ship or banned for life. Why? It’s life-threatening, which is why cruise ships strictly ban climbing on balcony railings.
Did you hear about the woman in 2019 who was banned from Royal Caribbean for life? The crime? She climbed over the balcony cabin railing to take a selfie. One newspaper branded her an “absolute idiot.”
But more tragic—a 12-year-old boy fell to his death in 2024 while playing with friends. It was reported he was trying to climb into his room from the balcony because he had forgotten his room key. Unfortunately, it’s not an isolated incident.
Want to soak in the views? Stay seated or lean on the railing safely. Remember, no daredevil stunts are required to enjoy the ocean views. So, safety first, selfies second!
Avoid playing loud music or making excessive noise
It’s not just your balcony that should be a haven of peace—everyone else wants a relaxing time. So, don’t turn your cruise balcony into a party zone pumping out the latest grooves. Sound carries easily across balconies, and what’s fun for you may infuriate your neighbors.
One cruiser shared online that they book a cruise ship balcony room for relaxation, not to experience lido-deck-level chaos next door. Another ranted, “Not everyone shares your taste in music, so please keep the racket down.” Repeat violators risk warnings or even removal from the ship at the next port.
Remember cruise ship balcony etiquette—keep the noise down and don’t disturb others. You can use headphones for music or keep the volume low. Your neighbors will appreciate it when you respect the calm atmosphere onboard.
Never leave balcony doors open
Don’t make the common blunder of leaving the door open on a cruise ship balcony cabin. You risk creating an unintentional mess, inviting unwanted guests, or messing with the cabin’s air conditioning system. So, always keep the balcony doors shut. Here’s why.
Wind tunnel effect: A sudden, powerful rush of air will flow through the cabin if the balcony door is open, and someone opens the cabin door. Apart from papers flying everywhere, the door can slam shut, potentially causing injuries.
Air conditioning systems: It might sound romantic, falling asleep to the sounds of waves lapping at the ship. But sleeping with the balcony door open disrupts the ventilation and air conditioning system. You’ll end up sleeping in humid conditions with fluctuating temperatures.
Unwanted guests: We’re not talking about a nosy neighbor climbing over the balcony railing into your cabin—although it’s possible. I’m talking bugs—mosquitoes, beetles, and birds.
One couple on a Carnival Cruise Line ship returned to their cabin to find a flock of birds frantically flapping around. Another couple on a forum shared how their cabin was infested with tiny black bugs after leaving the balcony door open with the lights on at night.
Don’t leave items unattended
It’s a common mistake to leave items unattended on your balcony. Imagine putting your glass of bubbly down on the table, popping in the cabin to get something, and then hearing the glass smash. Yes, a gust of wind blew the champagne glass over.
There’s also the risk of balcony winds sweeping belongings overboard—shawls, jackets, and other light items of clothing. You cannot even store luggage on a balcony to save cabin space. For example, Royal Caribbean clearly states: “Guests may not leave items unattended on balconies, as the wind may cause items to fall overboard.”
To ensure safety and prevent loss, always secure personal items inside your cabin when not in use. This way, you’ll maintain a clean environment and protect your belongings—a worry-free cruise experience.
Don’t use your balcony as a drying rack
You might hang your laundry out to dry at home, but don’t try it on a cruise ship balcony. Most cruise lines ban using balconies as a makeshift laundry. The sea breeze can send swimsuits and towels flying into the ocean. This contributes to pollution and creates hazards for passengers on lower decks.
Of course, doing laundry in the bathroom sink is a fantastic cruise hack to save money. This is one of the tricks that I use to pack for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on. So, pack some laundry detergent and a clothesline to wash and dry small items in your cabin.
Don’t throw anything overboard
Tossing items into the sea from your balcony is a big no-no. Never throw food scraps, plastic cups, cigarette butts, or other trash into the ocean. Not only is it obnoxious behavior, it harms marine life and pollutes the environment.
Did you know you risk getting booted off the ship for throwing items overboard? For example, Carnival Cruise Line’s overboard policy states the following:
- Guests are liable for any illegal dumping of any item into the ocean.
- Willful throwing unauthorized items overboard can result in a $500 fine.
- Guest violating the policy may be required to disembark and be banned from sailing with Carnival.
To prevent pollution and avoid penalties, always dispose of waste in designated bins onboard. Also, do your bit for the environment and use the ship’s recycling facilities.
Skip the nude sunbathing or intimate activities
Don’t risk getting reported to security because you’ve got everything on show on your balcony. Remember, cruise balconies are not private retreats. Instead, they are usually visible from nearby cabins, public areas, or even during port calls—far from private! Also, security cameras in public spaces may inadvertently capture shenanigans.
Many cruisers report that they enjoy some naked time on the balcony at sea when they’re sure no one can see them. Just be mindful of neighboring balconies, balconies above yours, and where cameras may be pointing.
To be sure you’re not providing free entertainment for other passengers or crew, reserve intimate moments for the privacy of your cabin. If you must get into your birthday suit on a cruise, why not consider booking a nude cruise?
Avoid leaving balcony lights on at night
OK, you’re not paying utility bills on your cruise, but that doesn’t mean you can be inconsiderate and wasteful. Leaving lights on unnecessarily may disrupt the nighttime experience for others who want to enjoy the starry heavens. It also wastes energy.
Another issue is that lights on a balcony at night attract insects, especially in tropical ports. Bugs are drawn to the glow and can invade your cabin if the door is open. As one cruiser told me how they once woke up to a cabin full of moths because they forgot to turn off the light!”
Instead, turn off the light when not in use and enjoy the natural beauty of the night sky. If you need illumination, consider using some LED candles—they provide a romantic ambiance for enjoying your cruise balcony cabin at night.
Don’t smoke or vape
It’s standard cruise balcony etiquette that you cannot smoke or vape on your balcony. All major cruise lines strictly prohibit smoking or vaping onboard, apart from in designated areas. Smoking increases the risk of fire, and it is inconsiderate of fellow passengers who don’t smoke.
The consequences of smoking onboard are more than getting kicked off the ship. In 2006, a fire broke out on the Star Princess in the Caribbean, where one person died and 11 seriously injured. The cause? A stray cigarette that caused fire damage in 150 rooms.
Want to smoke onboard? Stick to designated areas onboard for your nicotine fix. These spots are designed for safety and ventilation, ensuring you enjoy your habit without risking fines—or your vacation.
Never party on your balcony
Fancy celebrating your birthday, a life event, or having some cruise buddies round to your cabin? Great! Just don’t throw a party on the balcony. There’s a place for partying until the “wee hours”—it’s the nightclubs. Your neighbors don’t want to be kept awake with loud music, rowdy laughter, and party antics.
Here’s what the policy on Celebrity Cruises says about onboard behavior: “Boom boxes, loud radios, or other noise nuisance(s) are not permitted.” Repeat offenders risk warnings, fines, or being confined to their cabins. Some cruise lines have even removed passengers for excessive noise and unruly behavior.
Save the balcony for peaceful moments and leave the partying to the party decks!
No fishing!
Casting a line off your cruise balcony might seem like a quirky idea, but it’s wrong on so many levels. First, fishing from a moving ship is dangerous and may violate international maritime laws. Plus, you risk injuring marine life or fellow passengers below. It’s also against cruise line policies.
Cruise staff take fishing violations seriously. Passengers caught fishing have faced fines, confiscation of gear, and even disembarkation at the next port. Two passengers who posted a video of themselves on TikTok fishing off the balcony got banned for life from Carnival Cruises.
Fancy doing some fishing on your cruise vacation? If so, book a deep-sea fishing excursion or find designated fishing areas onshore.
Keep balconies childproof
Cruise balconies can be exciting for kids but also pose significant risks. Furniture near railings can turn into climbing hazards, and curious hands may try to open doors. Keeping the balcony safe requires constant supervision and a few proactive measures.
Here are some top tips from fellow cruisers who travel with children:
- Always lock the balcony door when you’re not using it (most balcony cabin doors have a child lock)
- Move chairs or tables away from the railing to prevent climbing accidents.
- Set clear rules with kids about balcony safety before the trip.
Still, you can have a fun time on your balcony stateroom when cruising with children. Share the balcony views together or play a quiet game while seated. Simple precautions ensure your little ones stay safe while enjoying their sea adventure.
Don’t move your mattress outside to sleep on the balcony
I must admit, this was new to me—a trend of sleeping alfresco on the balcony. It may sound dreamy to snooze under the stars, but it’s not allowed. It’s inconsiderate to fellow passengers and cabin attendants, most of whom work hard to maintain high standards.
Of course, nothing is wrong if you want to nap in the afternoon on your balcony lounger. But about bringing the mattress outside and sleeping, one cruiser wrote this on a cruise forum: “The damp, salty air and high humidity can damage the mattress and rarely results in a pleasant night’s sleep.”
Cruise lines provide comfortable, climate-controlled cabins for a reason—enjoy them safely!
Don’t use a drone or other unauthorized device
While some cruise lines let you take a drone onboard, they don’t allow you to use it on the ship, including your balcony. Of course, it’s a great way to capture stunning views. But, operating a drone from a balcony has a plethora of risks—malfunctioning, crashing into the ship, or privacy invasion.
Royal Caribbean says this regarding drones: “Guests are welcome to bring drones on their cruise for use on land only and outside of the port area. Drones used on the ship will be confiscated until the end of the cruise.”
Instead, use your camera or phone for balcony shots. If drone footage is a must, check for drone-friendly excursions at port stops where it’s allowed. Respecting ship policies keeps the experience enjoyable for everyone onboard!
How to Handle Neighbors Who Break the Rules
Dealing with disruptive neighbors can sink the cruise experience. And it’s easy to get irate. However, losing your temper can make a situation worse. So, staying calm and letting cruise line staff handle the problems can make all the difference.
Here’s advice and tips I’ve gathered from various cruisers on how to handle the situation effectively and ensure your cruise experience remains enjoyable:
Assess the situation: Do you really need to react? Maybe not. If it’s a one-time noise issue, why not let it go? If the behavior continues, it’s time to act.
Have a polite chat: You could explain the problem respectfully. Often, the person may not realize they’re being disruptive. Many cruisers recommend this as a first step, as it can resolve the issue quickly.
Involve guest services: If the issue persists, contact guest services immediately. Request security intervention if necessary and insist on speaking to a senior staff member if the problem isn’t addressed promptly.
These steps usually resolve issues. But what if the disturbances continue? Most cruisers recommend documenting the problems—times, cabin numbers, and behavior. This gives you evidence to escalate the issue if needed or submit a formal complaint after the cruise.
How to Enjoy Your Balcony Time
Your balcony is the perfect retreat for watching the sunset, stargazing under a cozy blanket, or enjoying quiet moments by the sea. What could be better than starting your day with coffee and vast ocean views? Or why not order room service and enjoy a private dining experience? For relaxation, try mindfulness or light yoga to connect with the calming rhythm of the sea.
My Final Thoughts: Make Your Balcony Time Memorable
Your cruise balcony offers peace, stunning views, and a personal escape. By following straightforward guidelines—like staying safe, respecting others, and following cruise ship rules—you’ll make the most of this unique space.
Enjoy every moment, create unforgettable memories, and let the ocean breeze remind you why cruising is so magical. Happy sailing!
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