The rules at sea aren’t always the same as they are on land, and lots of people have managed to get themselves in trouble before when on a cruise.
If you don’t want to be placed under ‘cabin arrest’ (yes, that’s a thing) or even kicked off the ship, you need to make sure you don’t break the laws at sea, even if it’s something you’d normally be allowed to do on land.
So you need to make sure you’re aware of what’s permitted and what isn’t – or face the consequences…
1. Bringing Your Own Alcohol
Picture this: you’ve packed your favourite bottle of gin, dreaming of enjoying a cheeky G&T on your balcony while the sun sets over the open ocean.
But as you board, security swoops in and snatches it away faster than you can say “cheers.” Most cruise lines have strict policies against bringing alcohol onboard. Some might let you bring a single bottle of wine or champagne, but hard liquor? It’s a no-go.
And if you try sneaking it in? Confiscated. Some lines may even kick you off the ship for breaking the rules!
At least, that’s what they say. It doesn’t tend to happen, though if you filled an entire suitcase full of spirits then I imagine they’d be looking at your real intent.
Read more: Can You Bring Your Own Drinks on a Cruise?
Save yourself the embarrassment – and the booze – by checking the cruise’s alcohol policy in advance. Make the most of your allowance but don’t push it.
2. Drinking If You’re Under 21 (Depending on Where You’re From)
If you’re used to legally drinking at 18 in the UK or other parts of the world, heading onto a cruise where the drinking age is 21 can feel like being grounded.
Most major cruise lines follow US regulations when sailing from the US, where the drinking age is 21. Some might allow 18-20 year-olds to drink with parental permission, and others may permit 18-year-olds to drink if you’re sailing around Europe, but this varies by line and itinerary.
Thinking of trying your luck at the bar? Think again. When the bartender scans your cruise card it will flag on the system that you’re underage so you have no chance.
Read more: The Surprising Truth About the Legal Drinking Age on Cruises
3. Certain Medicinal Drugs
CBD products are becoming more common and legal in many places on land, but that doesn’t mean you can freely bring them on a cruise ship.
Cruise lines have strict rules about CBD, including medicinal CBD products, due to the varying laws of the countries they visit. So yes, even if you have a prescription, it may be confiscated at embarkation.
Worse, you can even be banned. A Carnival passenger once tried to sneak CBD gummies onboard to help with their sleep, but they were caught, and subsequently banned for life from Carnival.
Check your cruise line’s policy carefully, and if in doubt, leave it at home. If you need it for medicinal reasons, the official advice is that you should consult your doctor to ask about alternatives for your cruise.
Ultimately, if your need is that great, you might have to think about whether the cruise is worth it…
Read more: Everything You Need To Know About Bringing Weed On A Cruise
4. Fishing from the Ship
Fishing off the back of a ship might sound like a relaxing way to pass the time, but it’s a huge no-no.
Not only is it dangerous, but it’s also terrible for marine life and can result in serious fines.
Still, it doesn’t stop some people, like this guy.
If you’ve got the urge to fish, wait until you’re on a shore excursion designed for it – or stick to fishing for compliments at the bar.
Read more: Fishing & Cruise Ships – What’s Allowed And What’s Banned
5. Bringing Your Own Coffee Maker or Kettle
There’s nothing quite like a cup of your own perfect brew, but that beloved travel kettle or coffee maker of yours? It’s a major fire hazard onboard.
Cruise ships have strict safety protocols, and personal electrical appliances are a big no.
If you pack one, expect it to be confiscated at embarkation.
Stick to the ship’s coffee stations instead. If you’re a real coffee connoisseur then there’s usually a posh café or barista onboard where you can get your fix.
And the good news is that if your cruise departs from the UK, or you’re sailing with a British cruise line, there’s a good chance you’ll find a kettle in your cabin anyway. After all, everyone knows how much us Brits value a cuppa in the morning!
Suggested read: Cruise Musician Reveals The One Item Passengers Are Permitted But Crew Aren’t!
6. Throwing Things in the Water
You wouldn’t toss your rubbish out of a car window (I hope), so why would you chuck anything into the sea?
But you’d be amazed at how many passengers are tempted to toss everything from food scraps to plastic cups overboard.
Not only is it bad for the environment, but it’s also illegal. And I know – littering isn’t exactly legal on land, but even biodegradable stuff can get you a telling off when you’re at sea, which normally you might be OK with on land.
Guests have found themselves in big trouble for throwing cigarette butts into the sea. Something that they aregued was harmless, when in fact it’s a fire hazard.
The big one is ashes – generally you can scatter them freely on land, but on cruise ships you need special permission.
Modern ships are closely monitored, and getting caught could see you fined or even put off the ship. Want to watch something sink? Head to the pool’s diving competition.
7. Having Animals
Your furry friend might be your best travel buddy on land, but unless they’re a certified service animal, pets are strictly prohibited on most cruise ships.
That means no dogs, cats, parrots, or emotional support llamas. The exception? Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, which has special kennels for transatlantic crossings.
And there’s the Cruise Tails cruise for dogs too, which is a cruise entirely devoted to pet owners.
Read more: 6 Ways To Take Your Dog On A Cruise
Otherwise, it’s time to book a pet-sitter.
Don’t be like this woman who snuck a cat onto a Royal Caribbean cruise!
8. Bringing Weapons – Even Licensed Ones
On land, especially in the United States, you may be legally allowed to carry a weapon if you have the right permits or licences. But on a cruise ship, those rights stop at the gangway.
Most cruise lines have strict zero-tolerance policies for weapons of any kind – firearms, tasers, pepper spray, and even certain knives.
Even if you have a licence to carry, you won’t be allowed to bring these items on board. Cruise lines prioritise safety, and security checks are thorough – any prohibited items will be confiscated, and you could even be denied boarding.
In 2024 a Carnival guest (why is it always Carnival?) shared videos of the handgun they managed to sneak onboard which, unsurprisingly, got them fast-tracked to a ban.
Read more: The Truth About Guns On Cruise Ships
It used to be the case that guests were allowed to do skeet shooting off the top deck of cruise ships. But that’s not allowed any more. Of course! Weird that it was even a thing, but it was!
And One Thing Legal At Sea But Often Banned Ashore – Gambling
In some parts of the United States, gambling is heavily restricted or outright illegal. But take a short sail into international waters, and the casino doors swing open.
Cruise ships can legally operate casinos once they’re in international waters, and some cruise lines even offer short “casino cruises” that sail just far enough offshore for you to legally try your luck at the slots and tables.
If you’re craving a spin on the roulette wheel but live in a state where gambling is banned, cruising might be your answer.
Read more: Victory Casino Cruises – Everything You Need To Know
Final Thoughts
Cruise ships have their own set of rules that might seem strict compared to what you’re used to on land.
Understanding these regulations before you set sail can save you from some pretty embarrassing – and potentially costly – mistakes.
After all, the last thing you want is to be the one arguing with security while everyone else is relaxing by the pool.
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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.
