Never Do This on Your Cruise Balcony — #7 Is Wild!
There’s nothing quite like sipping coffee on your own private cruise balcony, watching the waves roll by and breathing in that salty sea air. It’s peaceful, it’s scenic… it’s your little slice of heaven at sea.
But while balconies are made for relaxing, they also come with a few rules—some official, some just common sense.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or basically live on the Lido Deck, it’s easy to make a mistake that could ruin the vibe—or worse, get you in serious trouble.
From wild winds to nosy neighbors (and yes, seagulls that totally judge you), here are some things you should never do on your cruise ship balcony. Trust me—you’ll want to know these before you step outside.
10 Things You Should NEVER Do On A Cruise Balcony!
Don’t Try to Be a Daredevil (Stay Off the Railing!)
Standing or climbing on the balcony railing might seem like a fun way to get a better view or take a cool photo—but don’t do it! Cruise ships move more than you might expect, and one unexpected wave or sudden sway can throw you off balance.
It only takes a second to go from “living my best life” to a full-blown emergency. The railing is there to keep you safe, not to be used as a jungle gym.
If you’re eager for a great photo, stay safely behind the railing and use a selfie stick or timer. The ocean view is just as beautiful from your balcony chair, and your toes will thank you for staying planted on the deck.
Cruise lines take this rule very seriously—people have actually been kicked off the ship for breaking it! So enjoy the view, snap your pics, but keep both feet firmly on the ground.
Never Let the Door Slam (Or Create a Wind Tunnel)
Here’s something you might not expect—leaving both your cabin door and your balcony door open at the same time can turn your room into a wind tunnel!
The sudden gust of air can slam doors shut, knock over drinks, and send important papers flying. It’s loud, messy, and honestly kind of scary. It might even scare your neighbors or surprise a crew member walking by in the hallway.
These strong gusts can also make it tough to open or close your doors again, turning a peaceful cabin into a chaotic one. The best thing to do?
Always shut the balcony door before opening your cabin door to leave. It’s a simple trick that makes a big difference and keeps everything calm and quiet in your room. Your cruise cabin will stay cool, breezy (in a good way), and way less dramatic.
Don’t Turn Your Balcony into a Drying Rack
Hanging wet clothes or towels over your balcony railing might seem like a clever way to dry them in the sun, but it’s actually against the rules.
That sea breeze you love? It’s strong enough to carry your favorite swimsuit right off the ship—or worse, onto someone else’s balcony below. No one wants a soggy sock landing in their mojito!
Cruise ships know you’ll need to dry your stuff, which is why most cabins come with a little pull-out drying line in the bathroom. It’s safer, smarter, and doesn’t put your belongings (or your neighbors’ peace) at risk.
Plus, no one wants to be that person whose beach towel is floating in the pool. Keep it classy and let the sun work its magic indoors.
No Smoking… Like, Seriously
Most cruise lines have banned smoking on balconies—and for a good reason. A lit cigarette and a gust of wind can be a dangerous combo, especially with all that outdoor furniture and nearby cabins.
Fires at sea are no joke, and the rules are super clear: no smoking means no smoking. Even tossing ashes or cigarette butts overboard can get you in serious trouble.
If you need a smoke break, ships have clearly marked smoking areas where you can light up safely and responsibly. These spots are set up with proper ventilation and ashtrays, so everyone stays safe and happy.
Plus, your neighbors will thank you for not letting smoke drift into their balcony time. Or better yet—breathe in that clean ocean air instead and make this your fresh start!
Don’t Feed the Fish (Or the Seagulls!)
Throwing food off your cruise balcony might seem harmless or even fun—but it’s actually a big no-no. Leftover fries and sandwich crusts can hurt sea life and pollute the ocean.
Plus, feeding birds from your balcony turns them into flying pests who won’t leave the ship alone. Next thing you know, your peaceful ocean view is full of noisy seagulls begging for snacks.
Cruise ships have amazing restaurants and plenty of trash cans, so there’s really no reason to toss anything overboard. Not only is it against the rules, but it’s also just kind of gross for everyone else.
Keep the sea clean, the animals safe, and your balcony bird-free. Trust us—no one wants seagull droppings as a souvenir.
Be Kind—Use Headphones!
We get it—you love your music, podcasts, or that hilarious show you’ve been binge-watching. But the people in the cabin next to you might not be in the mood for loud beats or dramatic dialogue at 7 AM.
Cruise balconies are meant for relaxing, and blaring sounds can ruin the vibe for others trying to enjoy the peace and quiet.
The solution is easy: bring a good pair of headphones and keep the volume to yourself. You’ll still enjoy your entertainment, and your neighbors won’t have to hear every word of your true crime doc.
It’s a small thing that makes a big difference. Everyone deserves to enjoy the ocean breeze without background noise—unless it’s the sound of waves and a dolphin or two.
Don’t Even Think About Fishing
It might sound like a joke, but some cruisers have actually tried to fish off their balconies—seriously! As fun as it might seem to drop a line into the ocean, it’s completely against cruise rules and could even get you kicked off the ship.
Plus, depending on where you are, you might be breaking local fishing laws without even realizing it.
Cruise ships offer tons of exciting excursions, and if fishing is your thing, there’s likely one just for you at the next port. Your balcony is meant for relaxing, not reeling in dinner.
Save the fishing rod for land or a proper tour, and use your balcony for what it does best—amazing views, fresh sea air, and quiet moments with a cup of coffee.
No Peek-a-Boo: Balconies Aren’t 100% Private
Your cruise balcony might feel like your own private island, but it’s not as hidden as you think. People walking on higher decks can sometimes see straight down onto your balcony—and they’re not always trying to!
Sound also carries easily at sea, so anything you say or do might be overheard by your neighbors (yep, even that spicy argument or romantic moment).
If you’re thinking about doing anything… adventurous out there, maybe rethink it. Balconies are great for sunbathing and stargazing—not so much for nudity or funny business.
Trust us, you don’t want to end up as someone’s awkward vacation story. Keep the personal stuff inside your cabin where it belongs and save yourself the blushes.
Don’t Leave Kids Alone—Even for a Minute
Balconies are beautiful, but they can be dangerous for kids if left unsupervised. Little ones love to explore and climb, and even older kids might not realize how risky it is to lean over a railing or stand on balcony furniture. All it takes is one quick move for something to go very wrong.
If your child is out on the balcony, you should be too—end of story. When you’re not using the balcony, make sure the door is locked so curious kiddos can’t sneak out. It’s just like watching them near a pool or a busy road: better safe than sorry. Cruises are meant for making memories—not having scary moments.
Don’t Toss Anything Overboard—Ever
It might feel like a tiny piece of paper or leftover snack won’t matter, but tossing anything overboard is a big deal.
Even the smallest item can pollute the ocean or accidentally hit another passenger on a lower deck. One napkin tossed in the wind could end up in someone’s hair or a sea turtle’s stomach.
Cruise ships are equipped with plenty of trash bins and recycling options, so there’s no excuse for using the ocean as a garbage can.
Keeping the sea clean is everyone’s responsibility. So hold onto your wrappers, lids, and other items until you can toss them properly. The dolphins (and your fellow passengers) will thank you!
