15 Things NOT to do on a cruise
Cruises are a fantastic way to unwind, explore, and be pampered — but even the most relaxing vacations can go sideways if you make simple missteps. Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned sailor, knowing the things not to do on a cruise can save you time, money, and frustration.
Here are 15 common cruise mistakes — and what to do instead — so you can sail smarter and enjoy every moment at sea.
1. Don’t Skip the Muster Drill
Yes, if feels like a formality – but the muster (or safety) drill is mandatory. Skipping it or not paying attention can get you in trouble with the crew and even removed from the ship. Several cruise lines, like Celebrity, have made it much less intrusive as it has been in the past, where you complete the safety briefing from their mobile app, and just need to check into the muster station.
Instead: Treat the muster drill as a non-negotiable part of your safety routine. Show up on time, listen carefully, and make sure you know where your emergency station is located. It’s quick — and could save your life.
2. Don’t Arrive Late to the Port
Cruise ships will absolutely leave without you.
Instead: When we are flying, we always plan to arrive in your departure city at least one day before embarkation. This extra time acts as a buffer in case of flight delays or travel hiccups — and it lets you start your cruise stress-free.
3. Don’t Ignore Roaming Charges
If you are using your phone like you are still on land, you might get hit with sticker shock, having racked up big bucks in international roaming fees.
Instead: Switch your phone to airplane mode once onboard and connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi. Consider purchasing an internet package if you need access to email, messaging, or social media.
4. Don’t Try to Sneak Alcohol Onboard
Each cruise line has its own alcohol policy, and most allow you to bring a bottle of wine or two. Trying to smuggle in liquor can result in confiscation…or worse.
Instead: Review your cruise line’s alcohol policy, and consider taking advantage of drink packages or happy hour deals if you want to enjoy drinks without breaking the rules.
5. Don’t Forget to Budget for Gratuities
Even if your cruise fare is paid in full, most cruise lines charge daily gratuities that can add up fast.
Instead: Research whether gratuities are included in your fare. If not, expect to pay around $18–$21 per person per day. You can also prepay tips when booking your cruise, to help simplify and budget your onboard spending.
6. Don’t Treat the Ship Like a Booze Cruise
Overindulging isn’t just frowned upon, but it can get you cut off or even removed at the next port.
Instead: Pace yourself with drinks and stay hydrated. Speaking from experience, a hangover at sea is not fun.
7. Don’t Ignore the Dress Code
Some restaurants and events require smart casual or formal attire. Don’t show up in flip-flops and a tank top at the main dining room or at the specialty steakhouse.
Instead: Bring at least one or two smart-casual or formal outfits for dining venues or special evenings. Many premium and luxury cruise lines have dress codes, especially in specialty restaurants.
8. Don’t Stay on the Ship at Every Port
While some ports are more exciting than others, skipping all ports and shore excursions means you’re missing a big part of the cruise experience — the destinations.
Instead: Even if excursions aren’t your thing, take a walk around the port or grab a bite at a local café. Shore time is a key part of the cruise experience — don’t miss it.
9. Don’t Leave Your Balcony Door Open
It may seem romantic, but it messes with the ship’s internal air pressure and could cause your cabin door to slam shut unexpectedly (or break something). Some of the “smart ships” as I like to call them, will even automatically shut off the AC in the room if it senses the balcony door is open.
Instead: Enjoy the fresh air, but keep the door closed when you’re not in the room. Personally, we like to leave the door open first thing in the morning and soak in the fresh sea air. Since it’s cooler in the mornings, this really doesn’t affect our overall comfort since the AC typically won’t run until later in the day.
10. Don’t Forget to Check Your Onboard Account
Keep an eye on your spending throughout the cruise by keeping an eye on your onboard account. Small charges like drinks, tips, souvenirs, excursions, and maybe even the casino, add up quickly.
Instead: Use the cruise line’s app or stateroom TV to monitor all of your account charges. Keeping tabs daily helps you catch billing mistakes or control spending before disembarkation.
11. Don’t Assume You Can Bring Everything Onboard
Items like irons, candles, WiFi routers, and even certain power strips are banned from bringing on board. Often these items will be confiscated by security during check-in, and will be held for you to pick up at your final debarkation port.
Instead: Review your cruise line’s the list of prohibited items before packing.
12. Don’t Be a Chair Hog
We have all seen countless online videos and posts about “chair hogs”, and while we laugh or shake our heads, it’s a real problem. Reserving pool loungers at 6 a.m. and disappearing for hours is one of the biggest faux pas at sea, and many cruise lines will remove items from “abandoned” chairs.
Instead: Only claim loungers you’re actually using. Be courteous — if you’re not using the chair, don’t claim it.
13. Don’t Be Rude to Crew Members
This should go without saying, but cruise staff work incredibly hard — often 7 days a week for months at a time.
Instead: Cruise ship crew work long hours to make your trip enjoyable. A little patience and kindness go a long way, and you’ll usually get even better service in return.
14. Don’t Overpack
This is the first piece of advice every experienced cruiser would give to a first time cruiser. Space in your cabin is limited.
Instead: Pack smart with mix-and-match outfits. Cruise cabins are compact, and you’ll appreciate having fewer items to manage. Bring versatile clothing, rewear essentials, and pack smart. You don’t need five pairs of shoes for a 7-night sailing.
15. Don’t Forget to Lock the Safe
Every cabin has a safe for use while on board, where you can program your own 4 digit code to access. While the vast majority of cabin attendants are trustworthy, why tempt anyone with cash or jewelry.
Instead: Use the cabin safe to store your valuables — including passports, credit cards, and electronics — especially when leaving the room or heading ashore, and always double-check it before disembarking.
MAK’n It Work
Planning ahead and avoiding these common pitfalls can make a big difference in your cruise experience. By learning what not to do on a cruise — and knowing what to do instead — you’ll cruise like a pro, even on your first sailing.
So whether you’re booking a budget, mainstream, premium or luxury cruise, these tips will help you travel smarter, avoid unnecessary stress, and focus on what really matters: relaxing and making memories.
