It seems like every week we’re hearing new stories of fights on cruise ships. Much more than cross words between guests, as we can see from the videos that are inevitably shared on social media, some of these look pretty scary with multiple people involved and furniture being launched.
If the thought of experiencing something like this on your cruise is putting you off booking, you’re not alone.
However, you can reduce the chances of your experiencing violence at sea to virtually zero if you follow these steps…
1. Avoid Short & Weekend Cruises
Shorter cruises, especially those lasting 2-5 days, tend to attract a more party-oriented crowd. The condensed time frame encourages passengers to “make the most” of their trip, often leading to excessive drinking and rowdiness.
Opt for cruises that are 7 days or longer to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere.
Weekend cruises are notorious for being particularly boisterous, as they often attract locals looking for a quick escape. These short, high-energy trips can lead to more alcohol consumption and, consequently, more conflicts. For a calmer experience, book a cruise that sails during the week.
2. Choose Newer or Larger Ships
Older and smaller ships often come with cheaper fares, which can attract a crowd more prone to misbehaviour.
If you prefer a more refined experience, consider booking a cruise on a newer or larger vessel, which typically attracts a more diverse and laid-back group of travellers.
I’ve often booked cruises that cost under £200 and while I haven’t ever witnessed anyone being violent, the guests on board are quite different from those on a cruise I paid thousands for.
Just as you see a different crowd of people at Butlins as you do at Center Parcs, the same will happen on a cruise.
Suggested read: 17 New Cruise Ships Due To Launch In 2025
3. Consider the Port of Departure
The departure port can influence the type of crowd on your cruise. For instance, cruises departing from cities like New Orleans, Galveston, or Baltimore have been reported to have rowdier crowds compared to those leaving from Miami or Fort Lauderdale.
This could be because these cruises attract more people who live locally to the port. On cruises departing from Florida ports, more guests will fly in, which again adds to the overall cost.
Suggested read: The 7 Worst Cruise Ports in the United States
4. Sail During Off-Peak Times
High-season or holiday cruises can attract a wide variety of passengers, including those looking for a party atmosphere. In the US, spring break is a time that you’ll almost certainly want to avoid if you’re looking for a relaxing cruise.
Sailing during off-peak times, such as when school is in session, can help ensure a more mature crowd.
5. Be Mindful of Cruise Lines’ Reputation
Some cruise lines, like Carnival, have a reputation for being more party-centric, which can contribute to a higher likelihood of unruly behaviour. Others that have had reports of fighting onboard recently include Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises.
If you’re looking for a quieter experience, consider cruise lines like Holland America or Celebrity Cruises, which are known for attracting an older and more reserved clientele.
Suggested read: The Best Cruises For Over 50s
6. Avoid Cruises With All-Inclusive Drink Packages
All-inclusive drink packages are a magnet for those looking to maximise their fun, often at the expense of others’ enjoyment.
Most cruises offer drink packages, but some cruise lines only sell these on longer cruises.
There may be rules in place to prevent people from drinking more than 15 alcoholic drinks per day. But some cruisers get around this by sneaking extra alcohol on board.
8. Know When and Where to Avoid Crowds Onboard
Even on a lively ship, you can still find tranquillity by knowing where to go. Avoid the pool deck and nightclubs late at night if you want to steer clear of potential altercations.
Instead, enjoy quieter areas like the spa, library, or speciality restaurants during peak party hours.
9. Stay Calm and Detached from Drama
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may witness or be near a confrontation. The best course of action is to remain calm and detached.
Avoid getting involved, and notify ship security if necessary. Remember, your focus is on enjoying your cruise, not on other passengers’ disputes.
Are Cruise Lines Doing Enough?
The recent rise in cruise ship brawls has raised concerns among passengers and industry insiders alike. While cruise lines have taken steps to manage these incidents, there’s a growing consensus that more needs to be done.
Here are some measures cruise lines could implement to help reduce onboard conflicts…
Implement a Stricter Alcohol Policy
Alcohol is a significant factor in many onboard altercations. While some cruise lines already have a drink limit (like Carnival’s 15-drink cap), there’s room for improvement.
Cruise lines could empower bartenders and staff to cut off passengers before they reach their limit if they show signs of intoxication.
Additionally, lowering the daily drink limit could help curb excessive drinking and reduce the likelihood of disputes.
Increase Security Presence
A more visible and robust security presence on cruise ships, particularly during high-risk times like late nights or during popular events, could act as a deterrent for bad behaviour.
Security staff should be well-trained and equipped to handle confrontations swiftly and effectively. Some passengers have reported that security teams seem too young or inexperienced, which could undermine their authority in tense situations.
Introduce Heavier Fines and Lifetime Bans
Many passengers feel that the current fines for bad behaviour are not severe enough to deter potential troublemakers.
Raising fines to a substantial amount (e.g., $15,000) and clearly communicating these penalties could make passengers think twice before engaging in disruptive behaviour.
Additionally, cruise lines should consider implementing lifetime bans for individuals involved in serious incidents, and sharing this information across different cruise lines to prevent repeat offenders from boarding other ships.
Establish a ‘No Cruise’ List
Similar to the aviation industry’s ‘no-fly’ list, cruise lines could collaborate to create a ‘no cruise’ list for passengers who have been involved in severe onboard incidents.
This would prevent repeat offenders from simply moving to another cruise line after being banned from one. Such a list would protect the broader cruising community and maintain a safer environment onboard.
Revise the Design and Capacity of Ships
Overcrowding can lead to frustration and conflicts, especially in common areas like pools, bars, and sun decks.
Cruise lines should reconsider the trend of adding more cabins without increasing communal space. Ensuring that there are enough amenities and space for all passengers can help reduce stress and potential altercations.
Enhance Passenger Education and Onboarding Procedures
Cruise lines could do more to educate passengers on the importance of respectful behaviour and the consequences of misconduct.
This could be done through mandatory onboard safety and behavior briefings, or through digital content delivered before the cruise begins. Clear communication about penalties for bad behaviour, such as fines or bans, should be emphasised during these briefings.
Monitor and Support Affected Passengers
In instances where nearby passengers are impacted by others’ bad behaviour, cruise lines should provide follow-up care and support.
This could include checking in on affected passengers, offering cabin changes, or providing compensation for disrupted vacations. This approach not only aids those directly involved but also sends a message that the cruise line takes these incidents seriously.
By implementing these measures, cruise lines can better manage and reduce the incidence of onboard conflicts, ensuring that all passengers have a safe and enjoyable experience.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
