Elizabeth Harris I used to think cruising was basically idiot proof. Get on the boat, eat too much, get off the boat. Easy. Then I started talking to people who actually run these trips for a living. The mistakes they see passengers make over and over are wild. Some cost you a few bucks. Others can get you banned from the cruise line for life. Here are seven things experts say you should absolutely never do on a cruise ship, no matter how chill the vibe seems.
Show Up With the Wrong ID at the Port
This one is so common it has its own category in travel ombudsman complaints. A regular driver license is not enough for most cruises. You need a passport or a very specific Enhanced ID. Only a handful of states even issue those. People show up at the port, get turned away, and watch the ship leave without them.
Skip Travel Insurance to Save a Few Bucks
I used to skip insurance too, until I heard one too many horror stories from cruise experts. Cruise lines are sympathetic when life happens, but they are not legally required to refund you. Job loss, family emergencies, hurricanes, and even sudden illness are all situations insurance covers. The policy usually costs less than a single specialty dinner on board.
Leave Your Phone Off Airplane Mode
The moment your ship pulls away from port, your phone starts hunting for a tower. The only one it finds is the tower on the ship. That tower charges international roaming rates. People come home to phone bills in the hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Put your phone on airplane mode the second you board. Double check the kids did the same.
Tough It Out When Something Is Wrong in Your Cabin
One of the most common complaints from passengers is the problems such as air conditioning, blocked toilets or smelly cabins, cruise experts say. Many suffer through these issues all week and gripe over the internet at the end of the day. Report to your stateroom attendant, and then to the deck supervisor if the problem persists.
Get Back to the Ship Late From a Port Day
The ship will absolutely leave without you. Most passengers do not believe this until it happens to them. Always book shore excursions through the cruise line if you’re short on time.
Skip the Pre-Cruise Show Reservations
Newer ships let you book shows and dining online before you even board. People skip this step, then show up day one and stand in a long line at the box office. Doing this from your couch the week before is the single easiest cruise win.
Get Into a Physical Fight Anywhere on the Ship
Sounds obvious. Cruise lines have zero tolerance, and a single shoving match can earn you a lifetime ban. You can also be detained on board until the next port. Local police take it from there. The pool deck after a few drinks is not the place to settle anything.
