Cruise guests could get in ‘big trouble’ for breaking the rules

Throwing anything off the balcony is a “violation” (Image: Getty) Although the majority of cruise holidays are trouble free, sadly this isn’t always the case for every passenger. In the last couple of years, videos of mass brawls have gone viral on social media. Some guests have been arrested while others have been banned from cruising. On a smaller scale, guests have complained about other passengers pushing in line at the buffet or hogging a pool lounger. Cruise expert James Cole, founder of Panache Cruises , shared how guests can stay out of trouble. He said: ‘If you’re not an experienced cruiser then some of these rules may be new to you, but in general you just need to remember to be considerate and patient towards the crew and other passengers.’ Smoking away from a designated area could incur a fine (Image: Getty) James said: ‘Throwing items over the rail is one of the worst cruise etiquette violations and you can get in big trouble for it. ‘Whether it’s a cigarette butt, trash or anything else, if you get caught throwing something overboard then you’ll be faced with a large monetary fine and you can also be forced to disembark the ship at the next port. CCTV cameras are in constant operation so be warned!’ Throwing anything overboard could cause an injury or be harmful for marine life so it’s not hard to see why it’s against the rules. Cruise crew work hard to give everyone a great experience (Image: Getty) James warned: ‘All cruise lines have designated smoking areas onboard and you should never light your cigarette, cigar or pipe anywhere else, including your stateroom balcony. ‘The same goes for e-cigarettes. If caught, a cleaning fee will be added to your on board account.’ Smoking could make the room smell and be unpleasant for other passengers. However, the main reason for the ban is because it’s a major fire hazard. ‌ James said: ‘Treat the crew with respect as they’re the ones who are working tirelessly to make your holiday perfect every day. ‘Make sure to give them a smile and greet them when you pass them in the hallway and if an issue should arise then stay calm and respectful when making a complaint.’ Cruise ship crew work long hours and are often a long way from home so it’s important to show them respect and kindness.