Are you thinking of going on a cruise? If so, you need to read this. It’s important to know about the kinds of unacceptable behaviors that could get you in real trouble. Some actions are so serious that they might even lead to you being banned from the cruise line! Below, we will discuss what these behaviors are so you can avoid them.
Sharing Cruise Beverage Package
A common behavior on cruise ships that can get you in trouble is sharing cruise beverage packages. Don’t try to share your drink package on a cruise.
It may be tempting to share your drink package when cruising with a large group. Some people believe they can outsmart the cruise line by having one or two individuals in their group buy the beverage package and then order drinks for everyone.
If you get caught sharing your beverage package, the cruise line can cancel your package and charge you full price for each drink, which adds up quickly. It’s best to stick to the rules.
If you want to save money on drinks, bring your own wine on board. Most cruise lines allow you to bring one bottle of wine per adult on the first day of the cruise. Not on port days, those wines will be confiscated and stored until the end of your cruise. And most cruise lines will charge a corkage fee if you drink your wine in the dining room and public areas. Just make sure to review your specific cruise line’s alcohol policy first since it can vary.
Blocking The Hallway
One thing that can get you in trouble on a cruise is blocking the hallway. Everyone knows that cruise ship cabins are small, and sometimes, things like strollers and mobility walkers take up too much space.
So as a result, some passengers will leave their strollers and walkers out in the hallway. The hallways on cruise ships are narrow as it is. If you leave your stroller or walker out in the hallway, you will make it difficult for other cruise passengers and the cabin stewards to get through.
To avoid getting in trouble, fold up your stroller and walker and put them under your bed. There is usually a large void under the bed.
Drinking too Much
One thing that can get you in trouble on cruises is drinking too much. Buying the cruise beverage package is not a free pass to drink all day long. Getting drunk on a cruise can lead to trouble, like getting into fights or causing a ruckus.
Believe it or not, cruise ships actually have a little jail on board. If you’re not careful, you might end up in there. Otherwise, the cruise staff might confine you to your cabin, kind of like being on “cabin arrest”—no leaving allowed. In the worst-case scenario, they could even kick you off the ship at the next port.
And it’s not just drinking on board the cruise ship that’s the problem. Drinking too much at the cruise port can lead to trouble. If you get too drunk at the cruise port, you might end up missing the all-aboard time and be left behind by the cruise ship! So watch out, don’t drink too much!
Sneaking in Prohibited Items
One thing that you can get you in major trouble is sneaking in prohibited items on the cruise ship. For example, bringing drugs on board is a big no-no, even if it’s legal at your home or port. Despite marijuana being legal in many states, it’s still considered illegal on cruise ships.
A woman got banned from Carnival Cruises for bringing CBD gummies. She claimed they were for sleep, but they were still discovered, which led to her cruise ban.
Even if something is legal locally, make sure it’s allowed on the cruise ship before you bring it. Before you go on your cruise, check your cruise line’s policy on what is allowed and not allowed to be brought on the cruise ship. You don’t want to get in trouble for bringing prohibited items by mistake!
Smoking on Private Balcony
Smoking on your balcony can get you in big trouble. It’s a big no-no to smoke on your private balcony during a cruise. Some people think it’s okay, but most cruise lines actually have a strict no-smoking policy for stateroom balconies because it’s a fire hazard. This includes vaping and e-cigarettes. Also, smoking inside the cabins is definitely not allowed.
If you’re a smoker, you need to follow the rules and find places where smoking is allowed. Most cruise ships have designated smoking areas like casinos, cigar bars, specific parts of the nightclub, outdoor decks, and promenades. Just check with your specific cruise line to find out exactly where these smoking spots are.
Be careful, though – if you’re caught smoking on your stateroom balcony, you might have to pay a cleaning fee. For example, Royal Caribbean charges a $250 cleaning fee if you violate their no-smoking policy on stateroom balconies.
Underage Drinking
Underage drinking can get you in trouble. Some cruise passengers assume that since the cruise ship is sailing on international waters, the drinking age no longer applies. That is a big mistake.
Most American cruise lines will enforce a drinking age of 21 years old. Other cruise lines have a drinking age of 18 years old. Make sure to check with your cruise line to know the exact rules.
And even if you’re not the one drinking underage, buying alcohol for someone who’s underage can also get you in trouble.
Throwing Things from Your Balcony
Throwing things from your balcony can easily get you in trouble. Never throw anything out of your balcony, even if you think it’s going to land in the water anyway, without harming anyone.
The wind can change direction, and what you throw can easily hit another cruise passenger on their balcony or even a cruise staff member on the deck!
It’s pretty dangerous and can seriously hurt someone. So, please don’t throw anything – not even garbage or those fun cruise ducks. You can get in real trouble! Suburbs 101 participates in affiliate programs including the Amazon Associates Program and may earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Check out: Cruise Passengers are Going Crazy Hunting for Rubber Ducks, Here’s Why
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