Cruises are meant to be fun, but that doesn’t mean you can do whatever you want once you’re onboard. Cruise ships have their own set of strict guidelines and unspoken etiquette that passengers are expected to follow. Break them and you could face major consequences such as being kicked off at the next port or banned from cruising altogether. Here are some of the worst things you can do on a cruise (and how to avoid them). You’ll want to read this before you board.
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Bringing Drugs (Even “Legal” Ones)
Cruise ships follow federal and maritime law, and that means no drugs onboard—period. That includes marijuana, even if it’s legal where you live. Some passengers have even been permanently banned for bringing items like CBD gummies.
One woman was kicked off and banned for life from Carnival for having CBD in her bag—even though it was legal in Florida. Play it safe: leave any kind of drugs, even medical marijuana or CBD, off your packing list.
Skipping Visa Research for Port Stops
It’s easy to assume your passport is all you need, but that’s not always the case. Each port on your cruise may have its own entry requirements—and if you don’t have the proper visa, you might not even be allowed to board the ship.
Some visas can take weeks to secure, so don’t leave this to the last minute. Know that cruise lines typically don’t handle this for you. You need to do your homework early and double-check with each country’s consulate before you go on your cruise.
Ignoring Time Zone Changes
Cruise ships often cross multiple time zones, and if you’re not keeping up, you could easily miss the boat—literally. Ship time isn’t always the same as local time, so don’t rely on your phone or smartwatch to stay in sync.
Read the daily bulletin, ask the crew, and make sure your watch matches the ship’s clock. Plenty of people have been left behind by the ship just because they didn’t realize there was a time change.
Racking Up an Exorbitant Phone Bill
Forgetting to switch your phone to airplane mode is an easy mistake that could lead to a surprisingly high phone bill. Even if you’re not texting or making calls, background apps can quietly run up massive roaming fees while you’re at sea.
As soon as you board, set your phone to airplane mode. If you need to stay connected, buy the cruise Wi-Fi plan—it’ll be far cheaper than paying for those sky-high roaming fees. Pro tip: many cruise lines offer free texting between passengers via the cruise app, so you don’t even need the paid Wi-Fi for that!
Smoking in the Wrong Spot
Lighting up outside designated smoking areas can lead to major consequences. Cruise lines are strict about this for good reason—fire is one of the biggest risks at sea. Smoking on your private balcony? Big mistake. That’s a sure way to get kicked off the ship. Always check where you can smoke, follow the rules, and make sure your cigarette is completely out. It’s not worth ruining your entire vacation.
Forgetting to Save an Outfit for Disembarkation
It’s the end of your cruise, and you’ve followed instructions: you packed up, put your luggage in the hallway the night before, and now you’re ready to go. Except… you forgot to keep clothes out for the next morning. Oops.
Don’t be that person doing the walk of shame off the ship in sleepwear. Always set aside an outfit, plus toiletries and any meds you’ll need on the last day, and keep them in your carry-on or personal bag. I like this vintage roller luggage.
Climbing on Balcony Railings
Standing or sitting on your balcony railing is incredibly dangerous and a guaranteed way to be kicked off the ship. Cruise lines take safety seriously, and if you’re caught pulling risky stunts (even for that “epic” Instagram shot), you can get kicked off at the next port. It’s happened before, and it will happen again. Don’t be the cautionary tale everyone talks about at dinner.
Leaving Your Passport Behind
It might seem safe to lock your passport in the cabin, but it can be a huge mistake. Some ports require both your cruise card and your passport to get back on board.
Even worse, if you miss the ship for any reason (yes, it happens), you’ll need your passport to fly to the next port and catch up. Keep it with you when heading ashore—tucked safely in an anti-theft crossbody bag. It’s one of those “you’ll wish you had it” items in an emergency.
Underage Drinking (or Enabling It)
Even though you’re out at sea, cruise ships stick to strict drinking age rules. Most U.S.-based cruise lines require passengers to be 21 to drink, though some international cruises allow 18+.
Either way, trying to sneak drinks underage or buying alcohol for a younger friend is a fast track to getting kicked off the ship. Don’t risk ruining your trip over a drink.
Stashing Your Passport in Checked Luggage
This is a rookie mistake you definitely want to avoid: packing your passport in your checked luggage. As soon as you arrive at the cruise terminal, porters collect your checked bags to load them onto the ship—long before you reach the actual check-in desk. If your passport is buried in one of those bags, retrieving it will be a hassle (and could seriously delay your boarding).
Always keep your passport in a carry-on, purse, or travel wallet—somewhere easily accessible when you need it most. I like this travel wallet with RFID blocking.
Fighting
Getting into a physical fight or causing a major disturbance—especially if alcohol is involved—can land you in serious trouble. Ships have actual holding cells (yep, mini jails at sea), and if things escalate, security can either confine you to your cabin or boot you off the ship entirely. Stay calm, even if someone cuts in line at the buffet.
Messing with Emergency Gear
Tampering with life jackets, lifeboats, or alarms is a big no-no and grounds for immediate removal. That lifeboat hanging beside the ship? It’s not for photo ops or curious climbs. Same goes for pulling a fire alarm as a joke—there’s nothing funny about it, and you’ll likely be escorted off at the next port.
Bringing Firearms or Ammo
Trying to board a cruise with a firearm—or even just ammo—is a huge no-no that can lead to way more than just getting kicked off. You could be detained, arrested, or even jailed, depending on the port’s laws.
Even if it’s an innocent mistake- forgetting a few bullets in your backpack could cost you your freedom, especially in countries with strict gun laws like Turks and Caicos. Always double-check your bags before you leave for the cruise—and leave anything weapon-related at home.
Skipping the Carry-On Bag
Don’t leave everything in your checked luggage when boarding the ship. It can take a few hours for your bags to be delivered to your cabin, and in the meantime, you’ll want access to your essentials.
Pack a carry-on with anything you’ll need for the first day—meds, sunscreen, a swimsuit if you’re planning to hit the pool, and maybe a book or device to keep you entertained. Having a mini “day one” kit makes that waiting period so much smoother. Check out What to Pack in Your Cruise Carry On Bag (Free Packing List)
Not Bringing Prescription Meds
Forgetting your medication—or packing it in your checked luggage—is a mistake you definitely don’t want to make. Bags can get delayed or lost, and many prescription drugs aren’t easy to replace at sea or in foreign ports.
Always carry your meds in your personal bag or carry-on, and bring more than you need—at least a week’s extra supply, just in case your return is delayed. When it comes to your health, over-prepared is better than scrambling. Check out Cruise Toiletry Bag & Cruise First Aid Kit Packing List
Underestimating Seasickness
Thinking you’ll be fine without seasickness meds is a gamble—especially on sea days or when sailing rough waters like the Atlantic. Even seasoned cruisers can get queasy if they’re not prepared.
The trick? Don’t wait until you feel sick. Take anti-seasickness medicine proactively, ideally in the morning before symptoms hit. You can also try acupressure bands if you prefer non-medication options.
Once seasickness sets in, it’s much harder to control—so get ahead of it! If you have kids, make sure you bring the chewable anti-seasick meds. Check out Cruise without Seasickness: Genius Tricks You Need to Know
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