10 Reasons You Could Be Banned From a Cruise Ship

So, you’ve been planning that perfect getaway with family and friends on a cruise. You’ve got the drink package locked down, the excursions booked, and you’re ready to kick back on the deck with a drink in hand. But, hold up—did you know that there are actually ways you could get kicked off the ship?

Yep, no matter how awesome the vacation seems, there are some rules you can break that’ll land you in hot water (or rather, off the ship entirely). Let’s talk about the things you never want to do while cruising.

Reasons You Could Be Banned From a Cruise Ship (For Life!)

Getting Way Too Drunk

Cruises are known for their open bars and unlimited drink packages, but just because the drinks keep coming doesn’t mean you should keep drinking. We’ve all seen that guy (or maybe it’s been you a time or two) who’s had just a little too much, slurs a few words, and causes a scene.

What starts as a harmless “cheers” can quickly escalate into a situation where you’re being escorted off the ship. Drink responsibly, folks. A bit of fun is great, but getting too wild might mean waving goodbye to your cruise and your wallet, too.

But here’s the thing—overdoing it isn’t just about being annoying. If you’re stumbling around, disrupting others, or causing a general scene, the crew has a responsibility to make sure everyone is safe.

They’re not going to let someone continue to stumble around and ruin the fun for everyone else. And don’t forget, cruise lines are well within their rights to remove you if you’re acting out, even if you’re the one who paid for that unlimited package. So, go ahead, enjoy a few drinks, but remember moderation is key.

Throwing Fists (Not Drinks)

I get it, sometimes people just rub you the wrong way. But fighting? Not the way to settle it. Cruise lines, like Carnival, have a “zero tolerance” policy for violence. And while it may be tempting to throw a punch after someone bumps into you at the buffet line, just remember, cruise ships have eyes everywhere.

Security will be on you faster than you can say “Let’s just agree to disagree.” Keep your cool, even when the cocktails might be loosening your grip on patience.

Fights on a cruise are a big deal, and not just because it disrupts the vacation vibe. Cruise ships are essentially floating cities, and the crew can’t have their guests hurting each other. You’ll get kicked off the ship, and trust me, no one wants to be the one who gets hauled off in front of a crowd of vacationers.

If you feel a confrontation coming on, don’t get involved. Call security, remove yourself from the situation, and avoid any drama. It’s a vacation—don’t let a petty argument ruin it for you.

Fishing Off Your Cabin’s Balcony (Seriously)

I’ve seen some weird stuff on vacation, but fishing from your cruise cabin’s balcony? That’s a new one. In 2023, a couple on a Carnival cruise learned the hard way when they filmed themselves fishing from their balcony and posted it to TikTok.

While it may have seemed like harmless fun at the time, the cruise line didn’t think so. Carnival ended up permanently banning the couple, and they weren’t the only ones to face the consequences. Fishing from a cabin’s balcony is not just against the rules—it’s a huge safety concern.

You might be thinking, “It’s just a fish!” But the problem isn’t just about catching a fish; it’s about the safety risks involved in leaning over railings, trying to catch something from a moving ship. Plus, you’re violating rules about bringing animals (even temporary ones) onto the ship, and that could result in serious consequences. It’s just not worth the risk. So, leave the fishing poles at home and enjoy the ocean from a safe distance—on the deck, not from your balcony.

Stealing (Don’t Do It)

Let’s be honest, most of us have taken a towel or two from a hotel or beach. But cruise ships? Yeah, that’s a whole other level. When you’re on a cruise, it might seem easy to “borrow” a robe or grab some extra towels for a little beach fun. But cruise lines are watching.

And I mean, they’re really watching. Between cameras all over the ship and crew who are constantly on the lookout, there’s a good chance you’ll get caught if you try to swipe something.

Take it from someone who’s seen the damage—stealing from a cruise line, even something as simple as a towel, can lead to fines, disembarkation, and even criminal charges. And if you think you can get away with taking someone else’s luggage?

Not a chance. There’s a pretty good chance that the cruise will track it down (thanks, modern technology), and if you’re caught, you’ll be booted off with no second chances. Just don’t do it. It’s not worth the headache, and it certainly isn’t the way to make friends on board.

Jumping Off the Ship (Seriously, Don’t)

If you think jumping off a cruise ship sounds like a good idea, think again. I’m sure you’ve seen those viral videos of people making crazy stunts on social media, and yes, people have actually done it.

But that doesn’t mean you should. In fact, in 2019, a passenger jumped off the Symphony of the Seas while docked in Nassau, and it cost him big time. Not only did he face severe physical consequences (his back hurt for days), but he was also banned for life from the cruise line.

Jumping off a cruise ship is not only reckless and dangerous—it’s also illegal. Cruise ships are a controlled environment, and there are strict rules for passenger safety. If you take the plunge, you’re not just risking your life—you’re also risking your cruise experience and your freedom. Trust me, no one wants to spend their vacation in a hospital or on a plane home early because of something like that. Keep your feet on solid ground!

Standing on Your Balcony Railing (Don’t Be That Person)

Everyone loves a good photo op, right? You’ve got the sunset in the background, the wind in your hair, and the perfect shot in mind. But here’s a pro tip: don’t stand on the balcony railing to get that perfect shot.

In 2019, a passenger was banned for life from Royal Caribbean after being caught standing on her cabin’s balcony railing to snap a photo. More recently, the teens in the picture above sparked outrage.

It may seem harmless, but standing on the railing is dangerous—not to mention, it’s a violation of the cruise’s safety rules. If you lose your balance or trip, the consequences could be deadly.

Plus, the cruise line isn’t going to let you jeopardize your safety (or theirs) just for a picture. If you want a killer photo, take it from a safe distance and use your camera skills to capture the beauty around you.

Bringing Illegal Drugs Onboard

This one should go without saying, but it happens. Some people think they can sneak a little marijuana or some other illegal substance onto a cruise, but don’t be fooled—cruise lines are pretty strict about this.

Even if weed is legal in some states or countries, it’s still banned on the ship. And trust me, getting caught with illegal drugs could mean being kicked off the ship and facing legal trouble.

Some cruise lines even have drug-sniffing dogs that go through your luggage before you board, so don’t think you can pull a fast one. If you rely on medical marijuana, talk to your doctor about alternatives or make sure you’re in compliance with cruise line policies before you set sail. Drugs have no place on a cruise, and getting caught could ruin your entire trip.

Stealing Luggage (It’s Not a Movie Plot)

We’ve all had that nightmare scenario where your luggage is lost or delayed. But imagine it gets stolen—on the cruise ship. Yep, it happens. A guest on Carnival Magic discovered their suitcase had been stolen by another passenger who simply liked their bag and decided to take it.

After tracking it down through the power of technology (thank you, AirTags), the thief was caught and banned from future cruises.

Moral of the story? Don’t take anyone else’s stuff, and keep your belongings safe. If you think no one will notice, you’re wrong. Cruise ships have sophisticated systems in place to track down stolen property, and if you’re caught, you’ll likely face a ban for life.

Throwing Things Overboard (Not Cool)

Cruise ships are all about fun and relaxation, but they’re also dedicated to protecting the environment. When you throw stuff overboard—whether it’s a plastic bottle, a piece of trash, or, God forbid, a full drink—it’s not just an offense; it’s an environmental violation.

Cruise lines, like Carnival, have clear policies about keeping the seas clean. If you’re caught, you could be fined and possibly banned for life.

Remember, you’re not just throwing something overboard. You’re polluting the very environment that makes your cruise so special. So, keep the trash in the right place and make sure you’re doing your part to keep the ocean beautiful.

Smoking in Non-Designated Areas (Seriously, Stop)

Okay, I get it—some people love their cigarettes or vape pens, but cruise ships have strict smoking policies. Most ships have designated areas for smoking, and if you’re caught puffing away outside those zones, you could end up with a hefty fine or even a ban from future cruises. Smoking on balconies is a big no-no—trust me, they will catch you.

Cruise lines take smoking seriously, and they don’t want to deal with the mess or the risk of fire. If you really need that nicotine fix, make sure you’re in a designated area. You can still enjoy your vacation without causing a stink!

There’s a lot to love about cruising—endless food, beautiful views, and the chance to relax with family and friends. But with great fun comes great responsibility! While cruise bans are rare, they do happen, and many of these actions could get you kicked off the ship.

So, next time you’re on board, keep these tips in mind. Enjoy yourself, but always respect the rules and fellow cruisers. After all, the goal is to have a great time, not end up on the dock with a one-way ticket home!