Strange and unusual cruise rules you need to know about
If you've ever been on a cruise, you'll know it's a whole different world from holidaying on land.
And while you'll quickly get used to some of the rules and regulations, some you might not know about.
Experts at Adventure Life have put together a list of strange cruise ship rules, some of which are due to safety.
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If you've ever been on a cruise, you'll know its a whole different world from holidaying on land.And while you'll quickly get used to some of the rules and regulations, some you might not know about. Getty
"If all these safety regulations have you worried, don't be," Adventure Life said.
"Over the years, the cruise ship industry has made giant strides to ensure these floating cities are not just luxurious but extraordinarily safe."
Don't shake the captain's hand
"This policy is in place to ensure the ship has a capable commander at the helm at all times, which is critical for the safety and proper management of the vessel," says Adventure Life.
Shaking hands with the captain may seem courteous and respectful, but is banned on many vessels, they say.
Shaking hands with the captain may seem courteous and respectful, but a simple handshake with the skipper is banned on many vessels. Getty
If the captain catches an illness it could cause issues - though of course there are plenty of other staff on the bridge if that happens.
Don't bring your own heater or kettle
Electric kettles are banned on most ships due to being classed as a fire hazard.
You can usually get free tea and coffee in the buffet.
Given the limited firefighting resources on a ship, preventing fires is a key concern.
Curling irons and hair straighteners are allowed.
Leave the camo behind
In several countries, particularly parts of Africa and the Caribbean, camouflage-patterned clothing is reserved for military personnel.
In several countries, particularly parts of Africa and the Caribbean, camouflage-patterned clothing is reserved for military personnel. Getty
Tourists wearing camo could face legal issues, so cruise lines often forbid these garments to help passengers avoid uncomfortable encounters with local law enforcement.
Ditch the drone
Drones are increasingly popular for capturing breathtaking aerial photographs and videos. However, their use on cruise ships is heavily regulated.
"The concerns here include safety — drones could collide with sensitive equipment or people — and privacy, as drones can easily intrude on the personal space of other passengers," says Adventure Life.
Nine/Tara Blancato
Leave the baby monitor at home
Banning baby monitors might seem unnecessarily strict, but these devices can interfere with the ship's communication and navigation systems.
Instead, use a babysitting service on board.
Don't try and take food off the ship
Many regions have strict agricultural controls to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could devastate local crops and wildlife, and passengers who break these rules could face jail time.
Cruise lines simplify adhering to these rules by banning passengers from taking food off the ship.
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Many regions have strict agricultural controls to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases that could devastate local crops and wildlife, and passengers in violation of these rules could face jail time. Getty
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Don't bring helium balloons
Helium balloons can pose significant risks on a ship. If released accidentally, they can get tangled in mechanical parts or float away, contributing to marine pollution.
Helium is also highly flammable.
Stick to the dinner dress codes
"By setting a standard, cruise lines maintain a high quality and respectful atmosphere, satisfying the expectations of passengers who look forward to a special evening meal," says Adventure Life.
However, many ships these days have more casual rules, so check before you go if you need to bring a jacket, tie or posh frock.
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Stay on ship time
The concept of 'ship time' might be confusing, but it serves an important logistical purpose.
As ships cross time zones, maintaining a constant time standard on board prevents confusion around meals, activity, and show times.
That way, all passengers and crew are on the same schedule.
The rules apply even when in port, so be sure to listen to any announcements about this.
Attend mandatory muster drills
Muster drills are a non-negotiable aspect of cruise safety protocols mandated by international maritime law.
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While in days gone by everyone had to gather at their muster station when the alarms sounded, these days you often have to just find it and scan your cruise card t show you've been. Getty
The ship can't leave port until they are complete.
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In days gone by, everyone had to gather at their muster station when the alarms sounded for a drill.
These days you often have to just find the muster station once you embark, and scan your cruise card to show you've been.
You also must watch a safety video on your cabin TV.
