(Tips) 9 things not to do on a cruise

Cruise holidays have become one of the vacation options for many people in recent years, as passengers can enjoy gourmet food and entertainment on board while also experiencing local sights upon reaching their destinations.

However, what should be noted when cruising? It turns out that inappropriate behavior on a cruise can result in being asked to disembark, and there is even a chance of being blacklisted by the cruise line, preventing one from ever boarding their ships again.

Here, we have compiled a list of things you should not do on a cruise, as well as items that are prohibited from being brought on board.

1. Don't Wear Casual Attire for Dinner

Most people go on a cruise to relax, but there may be dress codes for certain occasions. Some cruise lines require passengers to wear smart attire during dinner, prohibiting overly casual clothing such as jeans, shorts, T-shirts, sweatshirts, and flip-flops in the dining areas. If you wear such attire, you may be denied entry to the restaurant. Swimwear, bare feet, or bare torsos are strictly prohibited at all times in dining areas.

2. No Smoking on Balcony Rooms

Cruise passengers can only smoke in designated smoking areas, which are equipped with specific ashtrays for identification. Please refrain from throwing ashes or cigarette butts into the sea. Smoking in public areas and rooms is not permitted; rooms generally have smoke detectors, and smoking in a room can activate the sprinkler system, which will not only wet items in the room but also lead to the cruise line pursuing damages. Even if a room has a balcony, smoking is still prohibited there.

3. Minors Are Not Allowed in Casinos

Cruise lines have strict age restrictions for drinking, gambling, and nightclubs. Most cruise lines prohibit individuals under 21 (some limit this to under 18) from purchasing alcoholic beverages, entering casinos, or going to nightclubs late at night.

4. Curling Irons May Be Confiscated

Even if a product is not legally restricted in the area, it may be considered a prohibited item in another country. Prohibited items also include certain drugs and narcotics. Additionally, heated products like curling irons are not allowed on board.

5. Room Items Are Not Souvenirs

Many people like to take items from their hotel rooms as souvenirs; however, whether in a hotel or on a cruise, the equipment and supplies in the room are rented to guests. If you take items without permission, you may receive an additional charge on your bill.

6. Drinking May Cost Corkage Fees

Many luxury cruise lines prohibit passengers from bringing alcoholic beverages. Some cruise lines allow a specified number of bottles of wine (but not beer or spirits) to be brought on board; however, some limit these wines to be consumed only in the rooms, while others may impose corkage fees for drinking in public areas, depending on the cruise line's policy.

7. Damaging Facilities Will Result in Fines

If the cruise company discovers that room facilities have been damaged, they will impose compensation fees. It is advisable to check the room upon entering to ensure everything is functioning properly and has not been damaged. If you find any issues, you should report them to the staff immediately.

8. Harassing Other Passengers Can Lead to Disembarkation

If cruise staff determine that a passenger is destructive, threatening, or insulting, or if they cause distress to others, they may be asked to disembark. In the past, a couple who immediately became intimate in their room after boarding left the balcony door open, causing their sounds to disturb the adjacent room. They subsequently were asked to leave for disturbing other passengers.

9. Climbing Railings Can Result in a Lifetime Ban

To ensure the safety of guests, cruise lines prohibit passengers from standing, climbing, or sitting on railings or any protective barriers. In the past, a passenger climbed over the balcony railing to take a selfie, and staff requested that the passenger disembark at the next port of call and imposed a lifetime ban from their ships. So, please refrain from attempting to mimic scenes from the movie "Titanic" by climbing out over the railings.

Prohibited Items on Cruises

High-alcohol beverages: Generally, passengers are not allowed to bring any alcoholic beverages on board. However, some cruise lines allow passengers to bring a limited amount of alcohol, such as Princess Cruises, where passengers over 21 may bring one 750ml bottle of wine or champagne. High-proof spirits like whiskey and vodka are considered flammable and are not permitted on board, so it is still advisable not to bring alcoholic beverages or to consult relevant personnel beforehand.

High-power appliances: Since cruise trips may last longer than flights and require overnight stays, many cruise lines provide most household appliances, like hairdryers and kettles. However, due to safety concerns, high-power appliances are not allowed. Additionally, power strips are also prohibited. Low-power electronics like laptops, cameras, and chargers can be brought along, but drones may interfere with navigation and are thus prohibited.

Flammable items and sharp objects: Cruises do not allow flammable items and corrosive hazardous materials, including candles, fireworks, gasoline, etc., although lighters do not have a clear restriction. Additionally, sharp objects, including knives, scissors, glass, and other sharp or fragile items, are not allowed.

Food and beverages: Although there are fewer restrictions on cruises compared to flights, due to safety and hygiene reasons, fruits, meat products, and beverages cannot be brought on board.

Pets: Generally, cruise lines prohibit bringing pets on board, although some allow service dogs. For example, Royal Caribbean International defines service dogs as those trained to assist individuals with disabilities. It is recommended to carry documentation proving that the dog is a service dog.

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