All About Cruises

Tag: rules

  • Here’s a List of Things You Can’t Do or Bring on a Cruise

    Here’s a List of Things You Can’t Do or Bring on a Cruise

    Most reasonable travelers understand that there are rules in place on a cruise ship just as there are in every part of the world. The rules are designed to keep everyone safe and to ensure that everyone on the ship has a good time without infringing on other guests’ rights. But there are a few things that you could be surprised to learn you will not be able to do on most cruise ships.

    There are often a great number of pools on the mega cruise ships, but that does not mean that you are welcome to use all of them. Many ships have age restrictions for the various pools. Some are geared toward families and require a parent with young children or even an age limit if the pool is specifically for toddlers and small children. Other pools are specifically for adults only, which on some cruise lines means 16 and over while others are 18 and over.

    Some cruise lines even have an age limit for passengers. For example, Windstar Cruises does not allow children under the age of 8 and any guest under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a guest who is over 25 years old. There is also an adult only rule on the Virgin Voyages Cruise Line.

    There are a few electronic toys and gadgets that might not be welcome on your cruise ship as well. In many cases, even a toy version of a drone is not allowed. The use of hoverboards, bikes, scooters and Heely shoes are also banned from many cruise lines in an effort to reduce the chance of a dangerous collision on the crowded ship. Additional banned toys include any video game that is not handheld, and kites.

    In accordance with the rules and laws that most of us are used to on land, cruise ships ban all smoking and vaping anywhere on the ship. Some ships offer a very small area for smoking, but that should be investigated on a ship by ship basis before booking if the ability to smoke is important to you. You will also want to investigate the dress code on any ship that you are considering. Most are fairly relaxed during the day but have more strict dress codes in the evening. Some include no flip-flops or hats in the dining areas in the evening, and no bare feet, no tank tops and no bathing suits in some areas of the ship regardless of the time of day.

    Understanding the rules and guidelines of any ship you are considering is very important to your enjoyment of your vacation. If you are uncertain about any limitations or expectations that you might have, your best bet is to call or email the cruise line before booking.

  • Learning the Rules Of the Sea Before Your Cruise

    Learning the Rules Of the Sea Before Your Cruise

    Most passengers on a cruise ship are there to relax and have a nice vacation. They might socialize a bit more than they do at home and enjoy a few more adult beverages, but overall they behave in a respectful and responsible manner. But there are always one or two who look at a cruise ship as a cross between a time machine and a fraternity house. Sadly, they believe that they are ageless and can act like they did at nineteen and no one will notice, but that is far from the truth. There are rules on a cruise ship, consequences when some rules are broken and even rules of the sea that even the cruise lines must follow.
    There Are No Secrets on a Cruise Ship
    First, there are cameras covering every square inch of the common areas on the ship. And the cameras are recording everything that happens. So what happens on the cruise ship might not always stay on the cruise ship if laws were broken or someone crossed a line. So keep this in mind if you are thinking of getting a little racy such as a late night skinny dip in a pool or spa, or other adult activities on deck after dark. And if the events that occur cause harm to someone or are considered to be too unacceptable, then the parties involved are detained. It is a little-known fact that cruise ships have a jail-like cabin for unruly or dangerous passengers. Those passengers are then turned over to the local authorities when the ship reaches the next port. In addition to being on camera, it is very likely that several people can hear what you are saying even when you whisper. Walls are thin because thin walls are lightweight and that’s best on a ship. So if the sound of people walking in the hallway bothers you then bring earplugs to ensure a good night’s sleep.
    Rendering Aid
    According to the rules of the sea, any vessel which encounters refugees or persons adrift in a makeshift raft or small boat must stop and render aid. It is not a regular occurrence, but it does happen in some areas more frequently than others. But what this means is that the ship must stop and allow the people to board the ship, even if it is a pleasure cruise ship. So if you notice that your ship has come to a stop for no apparent reason in the middle of the ocean, there is no reason to panic or think that there is a mechanical issue. In most cases, it is simply the captain following protocol and assisting someone in need.
    Following the rules on a cruise ship and behaving in an acceptable manner is not even a concern for most passengers. But it is good to know that if someone chooses not to act responsibly, they will be dealt with and not be able to ruin the cruise for all of the other passengers who are simply hoping to enjoy a nice vacation.

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