No one goes on vacation expecting to get in trouble. Truth is, your likelihood of inadvertently getting in hot water is slim-to-none. However, there are a few things you might do at home that can absolutely get you in trouble on a cruise ship.
Are you going to be kicked off the ship? Likely not, but it could result in a call from the security staff, being singled out during the check-in process, or upset fellow passengers.
All these things could mean cross looks or a knock on your cabin door from the ship’s crew, even if you’re used to doing them at home.
Drinking Alcohol (That You Brought From Home)
Alcohol on a cruise? It’s free-flowing. In fact, your ship will likely have a dozen or more bars. But bringing your own alcohol? That’s a big no-no.
Here’s the deal: Cruise lines normally let you bring on a bottle of wine or champagne to enjoy. That’s it.
Liquor? Not allowed on the ship. Beer? Nope. Things like cans of ranch water, premixed cocktails, or alcohol minis? No, no, and no.
When you board all your luggage is put through an x-ray machine looking for anything you’re not supposed to bring, including alcohol. If found, it will be confiscated and you may have to meet with security. We’ve even seen where some people have posted on social media clips of them bragging about smuggling on booze and then subsequently been banned by the cruise line from future trips.
So having a beer from the fridge at home is one of the most common things many people do every day. But if you dare to try bringing or drinking a beer from home on a cruise ship, you could get in trouble.
Playing Music Where Others Can Hear
While it could be argued that disallowing beer/alcohol from being on the ship is to protect the bar revenue on a cruise, there are some everyday things that aren’t allowed simply to help keep the peace.
For instance, you might like playing music while hanging out at the pool at home or have some music on while making dinner. On a cruise, playing music out loud is a big no-no simply because there are so many other people around.
In fact, some ban portable music players altogether. Truth is that no matter how great you think your taste is, nobody wants to hear other people’s music.
Now, are you going to get in trouble if you’re playing music in the cabin while getting ready for the evening? No, not unless you have it blaring so loud that other cabins can hear it.
But if you’re playing music in public areas, you’ll be asked to turn it off.
Partaking in Marijuana or CBD
Marijuana used to be something that was talked about in hushed tones and in secret. Today, tons of states allow it for recreational purposes and many people partake regularly. In fact, many prefer having some green over drinking alcohol.
Meanwhile, a number of offshoots of the drug, including CBD, have grown in popularity and claim health effects from better sleep to pain relief.
And while you might enjoy them casually at home, on a cruise ship they are a big deal. Cruise lines follow federal law, meaning marijuana and any adjacent things like CBD are not allowed. Some lines go so far as to have drug dogs at security. If found on the ship, you could be fined or asked to leave. If found before the cruise, local law enforcement might get involved depending on the legality of where you are embarking.
So while you might have a casual view of the drug, leave it at home.
Smoking in the Wrong Spots
Similarly, people may light up (tobacco in this case) or vape on a regular, everyday basis. No big deal, right?
On a ship, one of the biggest dangers is fire. At the same time, you also have lots of other people around that likely don’t want to smell your smoke.
For those reasons, the cruise lines put strict rules on where you can light up. It’s typically a small portion of one deck at the side of the ship and the casino. Outside of that, you can get into serious trouble smoking elsewhere.
For instance, if you smoke in your cabin — even outside on your balcony — then it can result in fines of hundreds of dollars.
Bringing on Homemade Snacks
You’d think that with the harsh restrictions on alcohol on the ship, cruise lines might be equally hard on bringing on your own food.
In fact, it’s almost the opposite. Cruise lines generally let you carry on food and snacks with you when you board. If you have something you just can’t live without like a favorite candy or chips, bring them on.
So what’s the part that can get you in trouble? Any food you bring on board needs to be pre-packaged. You CAN’T bring on anything homemade.
So a candy bar? Perfectly fine. But homemade cookies? They will go in the trash. The ships don’t want you to bring on anything that might get you or other sick, so pre-processed and packaged foods are relatively safe.
