When it comes to cruising, there are a number of rules and regulations that are in place, from lists of items that you can and cannot bring onboard to where on the ship you can enjoy yourself. These rules may feel like they are there to spoil your fun, but the majority of the rules that are in place on board have been put in place with health and safety in mind.
Some of the rules and regulations at sea have some serious ramifications if you break them. With this in mind, we have put together a list of 10 rules that you should be aware of and why you should adhere to them on your next cruise holiday.
No smoking indoors or on balconies
Smoking rules are strict on cruise ships, with cigarettes banned in most indoor areas on most liners. What people don’t realise is that the ban usually extends to cabin balconies and most public outer decks. There are designated smoking areas, and these are the only places you can smoke. This is due to the fire hazards posed by smoking. Flout this rule and you risk a fine or the potential of debarkation.
No drinking underage
Cruise ship drinking age is 18 or 21 depending on the cruise line and cruise region, so don’t fall foul of the wrong age limits. Alcohol is readily available onboard, but the dangers of underage drinking on board a cruise ship can be serious, with the potential to fall overboard. Adults who supply alcohol to minors may find themselves removed from the cruise at the first available port.
Attending the safety drill is compulsory
No matter how many cruises you have been on, the muster drill is not optional. If you don’t attend, you can be forced to attend a makeup drill, or worse, you might find yourself being removed from the ship when it next docks.
Do not bring alcohol or drugs on board
Regardless of your age, you must not bring alcohol on board or recreational drugs, even if it is legal in the country where the cruise departs from. The discovery of illegal substances on board can mean fines, disembarkation, and even time in jail.
Report any illness immediately
Illness can and does happen on a cruise ship, and due to the close proximity you will be living in, it’s all too easy for it to spread. If you come down with anything, you should report your symptoms in order to contain any potential outbreak that could disrupt life on board.
Be on time
If you are often late, then you will need to change your mindset. All-aboard time means just that, and if you are not on board in time, the crew will pull in the gangways leaving you behind.
Guests are not allowed in crew areas
Fraternising with guests is not permitted for members of the crew, nor is inviting them into crew-only areas. Breaking this rule could result in them losing their job, so no holiday romances with the crew.
Do not climb on railings
Recreating Rose and Jacks’ Titanic scene may seem like a good idea but climbing on the railings is incredibly dangerous, and it goes without saying that you should never try to climb from one balcony to another. You will be putting your life and the lives of others in danger.
Do not remove food from the ship
Different ports have different regulations to prevent food from being transported into the country. It may only be sandwiches or a piece of fruit to you, but to them, there is a potential for harmful insects or diseases that might be spread. Your food will be confiscated, and you will be subject to a fine.
No fire hazards or open flames
In addition to the no smoking rules, you should also be aware that you must not light candles on a cruise ship or use electronics that have a heating element. Even power strips with surge protectors are not allowed. If you bring these items on board expect to have them confiscated for the safety of others.
Knowing these rules is paramount to ensuring your cruise is safe, healthy, and enjoyable.
