As encouraging and tolerant as cruise lines are and as much as they want you to have fun and enjoy the vacation you planned, there are still a few things that you cannot do on a cruise ship. These may seem obvious to you but the rules are in place to ensure everyone knows what is acceptable and what absolutely is not.
So whether you are an experienced cruiser, or new to this type of travel, here is our list of the top 5 things not to do on a cruise ship.
- Do not miss the Muster Drill
Safety is of utmost importance on any cruise. The muster drill is designed to impart important information regarding emergency signaling, where to go in the case of an emergency, how to put on your life jacket properly, what to bring and what to leave behind.
The problem with the muster drills when they are in person is that they interrupt the best part of the first day onboard, are long and boring (especially if delivered in multiple languages on international cruises) and are often held in crowded locations.
Since the pandemic however there are alternatives. The online muster allows you to watch a short video either at home while checking in or in your stateroom when you arrive. Following that there is a window of time after you board to find your muster station and check in with the crew assigned. It is much faster.
Either way if you do not attend or fail to check in in time the crew will ensure that you are informed of this transgression and you will have to attend an alternate presentation. There is no way to avoid this drill. Even if you have cruised numerous times with the same line or many different ones or are on a back to back in the same ship, you still have to attend.
- Do not throw anything overboard.
Even if it is done unintentionally the cruise lines really frown upon littering in the seas and oceans in which they sail. Garbage should be deposited in the bins provided. Weigh down your empty plastic glasses when on deck. Never leave anything unattended on your balcony such as books, magazines or towels as they can blow overboard. The crew will bring inside anything they find. Some cruise lines will fine those who litter.
- Do not leave electronics plugged in in your stateroom.
Since fire is the biggest concern on any vessel the chance of electronics overheating or catching fire while unattended is of the gravest interest. The crew will also unplug anything they find when cleaning your rooms.
- Do not smoke in your stateroom.
This may seem obvious but bears repeating. There are designated spots throughout the ship where you can smoke, like in the casino or bar over the pool deck. There may also be a spot allocated on the promenade deck or other outdoor spaces. If you are not sure ask any crew member. Some passengers may think its okay to smoke on their balcony but it is frowned upon for a number of reasons, only one being disposal of the butt (see point 2 above). In the same vein do not use candles or any other open flame in your stateroom.
- Do not bring a drone.
According to an article on Cruise Critic there are a number of reasons why you cannot bring a drone onto a cruise ship. It is considered to be a safety and security risk, there is worry it could interfere with the ship’s operation, that it could crash on deck and finally that it could violate the privacy of other guests. If you do bring one it will be confiscated and returned at the end of the cruise. If your intent it to use the drone while in port you are responsible for adhering to local regulations such as how far you must stay from buildings, vessels and other restricted areas. In other areas you may require a permit to operate a drone. Your best bet would be to reach out to your cruise line to find out their exact policy as there are slight differences from one line to another. Also research the requirements in each port as well and arrange the permits in advance. That saves taking your drone on vacation without actually being able to use it.
Being aware of the rules in advance means that your embarkation will be smoother and your expectations realized.