10 Things That Are Illegal to Do on Cruise Ships

Sometimes we tend to see cruise ships as magical places where anything is permitted.

When you are on vacation, it is easy to forget the rules, perhaps after drinking more than you should (let’s blame the unlimited drink package).

However, it is important to remember that they are still public places with their own rules and that they must abide by maritime laws.

For this reason, I decided to create a list of 10 things that are illegal on cruise ships, focusing on the most frequently broken laws.

1. Drug Possession and Use (even if you come from a country where it’s legal)

Although many countries have decriminalized certain substances such as cannabis, use or possession is still prohibited on basically all cruise lines.

It also makes no difference if you have a medical marijuana card or if you use CBD for medical purposes only.

To recap, you can’t smoke weed on a cruise ship, bringing or using weed edibles, weed vapes, hash oil, marijuana cartridges, or any other CBD products.

As you probably know there are security checks before boarding, and even if you manage to get on, if you are caught using them on board you can get into serious trouble.

For example, weed is still illegal at the federal level in the U.S., so not only will you be banned from the cruise but you will also be turned over to the local authorities.

2. Drinking Alcohol if You Are Under 21 Years Old

A somewhat peculiar thing happens with alcohol. For example, in many European countries, the age at which you can drink alcohol is 18 years old, while in the United States, the minimum age is 21.

For this reason, rules may vary depending on itineraries and where the ship departs from.

In this case, it’s better to ask your specific cruise line for more details. For example, Royal Caribbean has a minimum age for alcohol consumption of 21 for cruises originating in the U.S. and Caribbean.
While a minimum age of 18 for cruises originating in South America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

3. Violent Behavior

Acts of violence, including physical assaults or threats, are against the law and can result in immediate detention and prosecution.

Cruise lines have zero tolerance for disruptive behavior, and the security team is very strict in monitoring.

You probably don’t know this, but cruise ships also have detention cells in which a passenger can be detained until arrival in port.

I told you about them in the article in which we had seen the 5 hidden places on cruise ships.

4. Tampering with Safety Equipment

Security measures on cruise ships are essential to ensure a serene journey for all passengers.

Everything is studied in detail, especially the placement of intervention devices and the evacuation procedures.

For this reason, interfering with lifeboats, fire extinguishers, or other safety devices is illegal and endangers everyone on board.

Such actions are taken very seriously and tampering with safety equipment is among the things that can get you banned forever from a cruise ship.

5. Possession of Weapons (including toys)

As you can imagine, it’s strictly forbidden to bring on board any weapon such as firearms, and knives but also scissors with long blades and baseball bats.

Security screenings are conducted to enforce this rule, and violations can lead to arrest. For this reason, I recommend that you take a look at the items that are always seized during embarkations.

I want to remind you that reproductions and toy guns are also prohibited. This also includes toy handcuffs that some people use for adult games 😉

6. Gambling in Restricted Areas

Gambling on cruise ships is permitted but only in designated casino areas and during designated times.

The ship must be in international waters, and gambling outside these areas or during restricted times is illegal.

This is essentially related to international tax rules and regulations.

7. Environmental Violations

Cruise ships have a close relationship with the environment, especially the marine ecosystem.

Over the years, environmental impact laws have become very strict, and it is important to comply with them so as not to get into serious trouble.

For example, throwing objects overboard or polluting the ocean is illegal and can result in hefty fines and legal action.

In addition, consider that feeding seagulls or other wildlife from a cruise ship is generally prohibited by cruise lines for health and safety concerns.

8. Tampering with Ship Operations

Interfering with the ship’s operations, such as attempting to access the bridge or engine room, is illegal and poses significant safety risks.

Entering sensitive areas such as ship control areas can be seen as a severe security breach, and could lead to arrest.

When walking on the ship, always check where you are going, follow signs, and do not enter crew-only areas.

9. Consent and Harassment

For many of you, going on a cruise also means having fun. During your vacation, you may meet many people, make new friends and, why not, even meet someone you like.

Although you are on vacation and may even be inclined to drink more than usual, remember the importance of consent before hitting on someone.

Any form of unwanted contact is strictly prohibited and subject to severe legal action. Cruise lines cooperate with law enforcement to address such incidents.

10. Bringing Things Home From the Ship

From the stories I often hear, there are many people who like to take something home from the cruise ship, perhaps as a souvenir, and without much reflection.

I need to remind you that taking items like towels, mugs, plates, and other furnishings is considered stealing.

On the other hand, there are some things you can take for free and bring home.

To avoid confusion, you can look at the article on the 13 free things you can take from a cruise.