Last year, nearly 32 million people set off on cruises to experience adventure, luxury, and exploration. But you may be surprised to know that a few unique and unusual rules are part of the all-inclusive sailing package. Adventure Life, an adventure travel company, illuminates some of these regulations and explains why they exist.
- Captain’s Handshake Prohibition
Shaking hands with the captain may seem courteous and respectful, but a simple handshake with the skipper is banned on many vessels. The rationale behind the ban is related to their health; if the captain contracts an illness such as Norovirus, the entire voyage could be jeopardised.
“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.
- No Personal Heating Appliances
Items like curling irons, straighteners, and electric kettles are banned on most ships due to being classed as a fire hazard. Given the limited firefighting resources on a cruise ship, preventing fires is a key concern. In addition to avoiding potential sparks from these devices, banning them helps control the electrical load on the ship’s power system, which can be overwhelmed by high-wattage personal appliances.
- Camo Clothing Ban
In several countries, particularly parts of Africa and the Caribbean, camouflage-patterned clothing is reserved for military personnel to avoid confusion over who is or isn’t an official. Tourists wearing camo could face legal issues, so cruise lines forbid these garments to help their passengers avoid uncomfortable encounters with local law enforcement.
- Drone Restrictions
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,” explains Adventure Life.
- No Baby Monitors
Banning baby monitors might seem unnecessarily strict, but these devices can interfere with the ship’s communication and navigation systems, which operate on specific radio frequencies. These systems need to be free from interference for safe navigation and operation of the ship.
- Helium Balloons Are A No-Go
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. Moreover, in the confined environment of a ship, a floating balloon could easily interfere with safety equipment or obstruct emergency routes. “Helium is also highly flammable, so it’s banned to help prevent fires on board,” says Adventure Life.
- Strict Dinner Dress Codes
Implementing dress codes at dinner, especially in fine dining settings, is about more than just aesthetics; it enhances the dining experience for all guests.
“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.
- Ship Time Over Real 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 concerning meal, activity, and show times. That way, all passengers are on the same schedule, simplifying the management of on-board events and facilities.
- Mandatory Muster Drills
Muster drills are a non-negotiable aspect of cruise safety protocols mandated by international maritime law. These drills ensure everyone on board knows where to go and what to do in an emergency, which can be the difference between life and death.
“You can also incur a fine by not attending the drill, so it’s best to make time for it,” says Adventure Life.
- Regulations On Food Removal
Prohibiting passengers from taking food off the ship might seem inconvenient or stingy on the cruise line’s part, but this rule is primarily about protecting the ecosystems of the destinations the cruise visits and helping passengers avoid legal trouble.
Adventure Life explains that 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. Cruise lines simplify adhering to these rules by banning passengers from taking food off the ship.
The experts at Adventure Life commented:
“If all these safety regulations have you worried, don’t be. Over the years, the cruise ship industry has made giant strides to ensure these floating cities are not just luxurious but extraordinarily safe.
“One of the most significant advancements is the integration of sophisticated weather tracking systems, which allow ships to avoid bad weather and navigate smoother seas. There’s also a huge emphasis on rigorous staff training programs that prepare every crew member to handle emergencies—from fires to man-overboard incidents.
“Ships nowadays are built with more robust fire safety systems, including advanced smoke detectors and high-tech sprinkler systems designed to address fires quickly, minimising risk to passengers. Even the lifeboats are more advanced, equipped with food, water, and survival supplies to maximise safety in the unlikely event of an evacuation. All these improvements reflect a commitment to passenger safety that stands at the heart of the cruise industry’s mission.”