Ready to dive deeper into cruise ship etiquette and hilarious vacation fails? Here’s Part 2 of our list of cruise ship pitfalls that are best avoided to ensure smooth sailing and maximum fun.
11. Don’t Take All the Chairs
You know who you are—the person who wakes up at sunrise just to reserve every chair by the pool with towels. Unless you’re sitting on them all simultaneously (impressive trick), leave some seats for the rest of us. Sharing is caring, folks!
12. Don’t Fly a Drone
Thinking of capturing epic drone footage of your cruise adventure? Think again. Most cruise lines ban drones for safety and privacy reasons. Your expensive drone might just spend the cruise locked away—wishing it could fly free.
13. Don’t Hide Being Sick
Feeling under the weather? Don’t hide it. Cruise ships are close quarters, and hiding illnesses like a cold or stomach virus can quickly spread it to others onboard. Be responsible, report your illness to the medical staff, rest up, and help keep everyone healthy.
14. Don’t Bring a Surge Protector
You might think you’re being clever by packing your trusty surge protector, but cruise ships see it differently—as a fire hazard. Skip it, or security will kindly relieve you of it at check-in. Your electronics will survive without it.
15. No Drugs or CBD Gummies
Even if you have a medical marijuana card, cruise lines don’t play around. CBD gummies and other cannabis products could get you banned for life. Don’t become an infamous internet story—leave them at home.
16. Don’t Dress Inappropriately
Did you know wearing camouflage is illegal in some Caribbean islands? Or that your hilarious profanity-laced shirt might offend locals? Research before packing to avoid awkward explanations to local authorities or your fellow passengers.
17. Don’t Buy Art on the Boat
After three glasses of champagne at the onboard auction, you might feel like a seasoned art collector. You’re not. Cruise ship art auctions are notoriously overpriced. If you must have that painting, check online first and sober up before bidding.
18. Don’t Spend All Your Money Too Early
Yes, vacation excitement can lead to impulse spending, but blowing your entire budget on day one is a rookie move. Pace yourself. The last thing you want is to watch your friends go on amazing excursions while you sulk onboard counting pennies.
19. Don’t Think You’re Allowed to Vape Everywhere
Vaping is popular, but cruise ships have strict smoking and vaping rules. Lighting up wherever you want could land you with fines, stern lectures, and annoyed fellow cruisers. Stick to designated areas to keep the peace.
20. Don’t Forget Your Passport
Even on closed-loop cruises where your birth certificate and ID may suffice, it’s still a much safer bet to carry your passport. Forgetting your passport could mean being stranded in a foreign port or worse—never even boarding the ship. Double-check before you leave home and cruise stress-free.
Follow these tips, avoid these pitfalls, and your cruise vacation will truly be something to remember—for all the right reasons. Happy cruising!
Did you miss part one of 20 Things You Should NEVER Do on a Cruise Ship? Don’t worry you can find it HERE!
Leave a Reply