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10 Things You Shouldn't Do on a Cruise

August 3, 2020 | Guest post by: Gloria Mabery

When it comes to cruising dos and don’ts, travelers tend to have all kinds of theories. However, in the majority of cases, common sense might be enough to help you decide what you should or shouldn't do on a cruise.

Even if you have booked an Indonesian cruise on a smaller and luxurious ship, you still need to be extra careful and informed on several spoken and unspoken rules about cruising dos and don'ts. Here are the 10 golden etiquette rules that every cruiser should follow. These simple yet crucial rules will help you and your fellow cruisers’ have an exceptionally smooth trip. 

1. Play Loud Music

We all enjoy chilling with our favorite music. However, your neighbors may not really be into listening to loud noises for hours. If you want to listen to some music without worrying about the volume, you can join the dance floor at the ship’s nightclub.

Otherwise, you can just use some good, old headphones, and get lost in the vibe of your favorite songs. You should also try to keep the volume to a minimum, but in some cases, it may still be loud enough for others to hear.

2. Smoke

Smoking is now forbidden in many locations, but it is still necessary and essential to keep in mind that you shouldn’t do it while onboard. Sometimes, travelers book a cabin with a balcony thinking that this will allow them to enjoy their cigarettes in the middle of the ocean.

However, your fellow cruises and balcony neighbors may not enjoy the smell of nicotine while they try to get some fresh ocean breezes. Even if you have a cabin with a private balcony, other passengers can still hear, see and smell whatever you do.

Moreover, in many cases, smoking is prohibited by the law. If you try to light your cigarette in your cabin, you will automatically trigger the smoke alarm. The cruise’s staff won’t be happy at all and you may also be fined. Is your cigarette really worth all of this?

3. Be too…passionate

Let’s be honest: many couples book cruises to celebrate their anniversary, and they cannot wait to enjoy some intimate moments in the coziness and comfort of their cabin. Some cruisers are even braver, and they sail the ocean with the idea of celebrating their love under the stars. However, while stars may be happy to see two people loving each other, your neighbors may not be too interested in your love story. People that go cruising are mostly looking forward to quiet, intimate time with the family or partner and so should everyone else. 

4. Sunbathe Naked

Although the concept of enjoying the warm light of the sun all over your body is more than exciting, you should avoid this kind of activity. Your balcony may not be completely exposed to the public eye, but your fellow cruisers will definitely see what’s going on. If you enjoy nudist sunbathing you should consult your cruise line or agent on the rules and regulations regarding nudity on board. 

5. Throw Things Overboard

Some people still enjoy the romantic idea of throwing a message in a bottle into the ocean. Well, this may not be such a good idea. The majority of cruise lines have strict rules against throwing objects off the ship. This behavior not only hurts the environment but can also be dangerous for your fellow passengers.

6.    Keep The Light On

If your cabin has a balcony, you will have access to outdoor lighting. Lights are useful to enjoy the peace and quiet of the ocean even in the middle of the night. However, you must always remember to turn them off when you are not using them, to prevent any waste of electricity and any potential danger.

7.    Leave Your Door Open

Safety should always be your top priority, especially when spending your holidays on a cruise ship. If you leave your cabin door open, unwanted people may enter and steal your valuables. On the other hand, if you forget your balcony door open, water may get in and mess with your electric system.

8.    Dry Clothes

You are allowed to dry your clothes on your balcony. However, you shouldn’t drape them over the chairs of your balcony or cabin to dry. The humid sea will not make them any good. Besides, you certainly don’t want your neighbors to know which knickers you were wearing the other day or drop them into the water.

9.    Climb on Railings

You should never stand on the railings of your ship balconies unless you want to end up in the water and look bad in front of every other passenger. If you are traveling with children, you must always keep an eye on them.

10.   Keep in Mind that You Are not Alone

Seriously, the last thing that you want is to have your fellow cruisers regretting they ever decided to come on board the ship. Cruising allows for peaceful and intimate holiday, however, with many people on board it certainly requires empathy and discipline. You should be having fun, drinking and celebrating, but be particularly mindful of other passengers and avoid making them feel uncomfortable. Remember, everyone is expecting and paying for an enjoyable trip and for some of your fellow passengers it might be the only one in several years. Therefore, always have other people in mind while trying to enjoy your cruising to the fullest. 

Still unsure if a cruise isn't the right vacation for you? We put together a blog on 5 reasons why everyone should go on a cruise!