A cruise balcony is one of the most coveted spaces on a ship, offering privacy, relaxation, and stunning ocean views. But while balconies can feel like your own personal escape, there are specific rules and guidelines you should follow. In our 18 year cruising history, we’ve seen plenty of cruisers engaging in activities that are inappropriate, prohibited, or even downright dangerous on their cabin verandas. So, to ensure you don’t make the same mistakes, here are the 12 things you should never do on your cruise ship balcony.

12 Things You Should Never Be Caught Doing on Your Cruise Ship Balcony

1. Don’t Climb or Lean Over the Balcony Rail

Climbing on or over your cruise ship balcony rail (or even sitting on it) is one of the most dangerous things you could ever do on a cruise ship. Despite the allure of taking a more adventurous photo or getting a better view, the risk is simply not worth it. Not only could you fall overboard, but cruise ships take such behavior extremely seriously, often resulting in passengers being fined or removed from the ship.

On a similar note, you should never lean over your balcony rail either. Cruise ships can experience sudden movements due to waves or wind, which could cause you to lose your balance. Even the tallest balcony railings are no match for an unexpected shift. Leaning on the rail poses the risk of falling overboard, and we’ve all heard of these horror stories. So, be sure to take these regulations seriously to ensure your safety onboard the ship.

2. Don’t Leave Items Unattended on the Cruise Ship Balcony

It might seem harmless to leave items like towels, shoes, or even a drink on your balcony while you go inside for a minute to grab your phone or use the restroom. But these objects can easily be swept away by the wind. Not only can this litter the ocean, but falling objects can also land on lower decks, posing a danger to other passengers.

Always secure any personal belongings, and avoid leaving lightweight items unattended. In some instances, cruise lines may even fine passengers for causing accidents related to falling objects.

Yes, it is tempting to hang wet bathing suits or towels over your balcony rail to dry, but this can be hazardous. So, use other drying methods instead like the provided clotheslines in your cabin’s bathroom. Some cruise ships also have self service laundry stations for guests to use.

3. Never Smoke (Unless Permitted) on Your Balcony

Smoking on your cruise ship balcony is prohibited by most cruise lines, and for a good reason. Most cruise ships enforce strict non-smoking policies on these outdoor spaces to prevent fire hazards. Even if smoking is permitted, always check if your balcony is in a designated area. Not adhering to smoking policies can result in fines or even removal from the ship.

Cruise fires are extremely dangerous, so never assume it’s safe to light up on your balcony– this includes cigarettes, cigars, and vapes. And remember that possession of cannabis on a cruise ship is illegal, even if use has been legalized where you live.

The one remaining exception is onboard Costa Cruises, where smoking is permitted on private outdoor balconies.

If you are a smoker, there are designated smoking areas on all cruise ships. These may include on the outdoor decks, in the casino, or in a cigar lounge.

4. Avoid Throwing Anything Overboard

Tossing anything overboard is not only disrespectful to the environment but also against cruise line policies. Cruise ships have strict rules regarding waste disposal to protect marine life and maintain a clean ocean environment. Throwing objects into the sea can harm wildlife, and offenders may face fines or even be disembarked.

Be mindful of your actions, and keep the ocean clean for everyone to enjoy. This includes being mindful of lightweight objects that might unitentionally blow away like napkins, straws, and empty water bottles.

5. Never Use the Cruise Ship Balcony for Private Activities

It might be tempting to use your balcony for activities best left indoors. After all, it makes for a great Love & Marriage story. But it’s crucial to remember that cruise ship balconies are not as private as they seem. Neighbors above or beside you may have a clear view on to your balcony, and remember that privacy screens are not soundproof either.

If at a port of call, there’s also the potential that another cruise ship will pull up beside you, or even that crew members will be conducting balcony cleanings or lifeboat drills and will thus have a clear view of your not-so-private balcony.

So, follow this basic cruise ship balcony etiquette. Keep intimate moments inside your cabin to avoid embarrassment and respect the privacy of others. In fact, many cruise ships have strict policies about indecent behavior, so always be mindful of your surroundings.

6. Avoid Leaving the Balcony Door Open

Leaving your cruise ship balcony door open for fresh air might sound appealing, but doing so will often disrupt the air conditioning inside your cabin. Open balcony doors can cause humidity levels to rise, making your room uncomfortable. And the air conditioning will not turn back on until your door is fully shut.

Or even worse, strong winds can slam the door shut, causing potential damage or injury. This is especially true with the crosswind if someone tries to enter your cabin from the hallway door.

Thus, make sure to close your balcony door when you’re not using it to maintain comfort and safety.

7. Never Use Drones or Other Devices Without Permission

Some cruisers may be tempted to capture stunning views with drones or other aerial devices directly off their cruise ship balcony. However, most cruise lines prohibit the use of drones on board for safety reasons. Not only can they be a danger if they malfunction, but they can also cause privacy concerns.

If you’re eager to capture beautiful footage, look for cruise-approved photography methods. If you do want to bring along a drone to use in ports of call, check the cruise line’s policy first. It may have to be left with security on embarkation day and recollected only when going ashore.

8. Never Move Your Mattress Outside to Sleep on the Balcony

Sleeping under the stars on your cruise ship balcony might sound like a romantic idea, but moving your mattress outside can pose several risks. The sea breeze can be much stronger at night, making it cold and uncomfortable.

In addition, mattresses can obstruct the doorway, creating a safety hazard if you need to quickly exit your cabin in the event of an emergency. Moisture from the ocean air can also damage the bedding. Thus, it’s best to enjoy your balcony for relaxation during the day and keep your sleeping arrangements intact indoors.

9. Don’t Play Loud Music or Make Excessive Noise

While enjoying your balcony, it’s easy to forget that noise travels. Playing loud music or making excessive noise can disturb your neighbors, creating an unpleasant experience for others. Balconies are typically used for relaxation, so keep noise to a minimum.

Consider using headphones if you want to listen to music or enjoy a podcast. Or, use your “inside voice” to ensure private conversations are kept private. Respect for fellow passengers ensures everyone has a pleasant trip.

10. Don’t Ignore Balcony Light Restrictions

Cruise lines could ask passengers to turn off their balcony lights during specific times. This might be to avoid confusing marine wildlife, especially near sensitive areas. Some creatures, like sea turtles, use natural moonlight to guide them. Artificial light from your balcony can disorient them, disrupting natural behaviors. This might also occur when transitting dangerous areas like the Suez Canal or when trying to view the Northern Lights.

Actually, leaving your balcony light on is something that you could do very unintentionally too. There’s often a light switch inside your cabin, so you might not even realize that it’s controlling the balcony light outdoors.

11. Don’t Light Candles on Your Cruise Ship Balcony

For the same reason smoking is prohibited on most cruise lines, lighting candles or any open flame on your cruise ship balcony is a major fire hazard. Open flames can quickly become dangerous, especially with the ship’s movement and sea breeze.

Most cruise lines strictly prohibit the use of candles and similar items not only on the balcony but onboard the cruise ship entirely, and passengers who violate this rule could face serious consequences.

12. Don’t Feed the Birds or Marine Life

It might be tempting to toss food scraps to birds or fish you spot while enjoying the view, but feeding wildlife is discouraged for a number of reasons. Not only does it disrupt their natural feeding habits, but it can also encourage birds to flock around the ship, potentially causing hygiene and safety concerns.

Instead, admire marine life from a distance and stick with just taking photos and videos.

In closing, cruise ship balconies provide a serene and private retreat on the open sea, but it’s important to use them responsibly. By avoiding these 12 cruise mistakes, you’ll ensure not only your own safety and comfort but also that of your fellow passengers. Following cruise line policies and practicing good cruise balcony etiquette will make the vacation more enjoyable for everyone.

Comments

Have you committed any of these cruise ship balcony faux pas? Have you ever encountered someone partaking in one of these prohibited activities on a cruise? Drop us an anchor below to share your experiences.