Cruise mistakes can ruin even the dreamiest vacation at sea. Some will drain your wallet with surprise charges, while others can put your safety at risk or even get you kicked off the ship. The good news? Most of these slip-ups are completely avoidable if you know what to look out for.

From the overpriced mini-bar to dangerous balcony behavior, we’re breaking down 17 cruise mistakes you must avoid. These aren’t just petty rules — they’re tips that can save you money, keep you safe, and make your cruise experience far more enjoyable.
Table of Contents
1. Don’t Fall for the Mini-Bar Trap
One of the easiest cruise mistakes passengers make happens within the first hour onboard — opening that tempting mini-bar. It looks harmless enough: a cold soda, a tiny whiskey bottle, maybe even a candy bar. But here’s the truth: mini-bar items are never included in your drink package.
Even seasoned cruisers get tripped up by this because it feels like everything onboard should be covered. Unfortunately, cruise lines count on guests falling into this trap. The result? Surprise charges that can add up fast.
Instead of making this expensive cruise mistake, take advantage of what’s already included:
- Hit the buffet for snacks
- Grab a cocktail at the pool bar
- Order free room service when available
The mini-bar is nothing more than an overpriced hotel-style scam at sea. Save your money, avoid the hidden charges, and don’t let one of the simplest cruise mistakes eat into your vacation budget.
2. Never Smoke or Vape in Your Cabin or Balcony
One of the most serious cruise mistakes you can make is lighting up in your cabin or on your balcony. Cruise lines have a strict zero-tolerance policy when it comes to smoking and vaping inside staterooms. That includes cigarettes, cigars, e-cigs, and even substances that may be legal back home.
Why the strict rule? Because fire is the number one danger at sea. A single spark in a small cabin can lead to a disaster that spreads quickly across the ship. That’s why smoking in your cabin can result in hefty fines, being removed from the ship, or even a lifetime ban.
If you’re curious about how staterooms are set up, including balcony cabins where these rules matter most, check out our detailed guide to Royal Caribbean cabins.
To avoid this cruise mistake, always use the designated smoking areas. They’re ventilated, safe, and designed for exactly that purpose. Not only will you stay out of trouble, but you’ll also help keep fellow passengers safe.
Bottom line: don’t risk your vacation over a cigarette or vape. It’s one of the most preventable cruise mistakes, and the consequences aren’t worth it.
3. Don’t Damage Your Cabin with Decorations
It might sound fun to deck out your stateroom with streamers, balloons, or sticky hooks, but this is another common cruise mistake. Cruise ship cabins aren’t built for DIY party décor. Taping or sticking things to the walls can peel paint, leave residue, or even cause permanent damage.
Remember, your cabin is not a college dorm room. Cruise lines charge passengers for any damage, and those “just-for-fun” decorations could end up costing you a chunk of your vacation budget.
If you want to personalize your space, stick to approved options like magnetic hooks for doors or pre-approved decorations that won’t harm surfaces. Anything else risks leaving behind damage — and a bill waiting for you at the end of the cruise.
Cruise mistakes often start with good intentions, but this is one you can avoid easily. Keep your cabin clean, treat it with respect, and save your cash for souvenirs, not repair fees.
4. Don’t Take Robes, Towels, or Other Cabin Items
One of the easiest cruise mistakes is assuming the comfy extras in your cabin are free souvenirs. Those fluffy robes, soft towels, or even the slippers by your bed may feel like they’re yours to keep — but they’re not. Cruise lines expect those items to stay in the room, and taking them can lead to charges added to your onboard account.
Now, here’s the good news: toiletries like shampoo, conditioner, and lotion are fair game. Feel free to toss those in your bag at the end of the trip. But when it comes to larger items, the only place they belong is in the cabin.
Why make this cruise mistake when there are far better souvenirs waiting for you in port? Whether it’s local crafts, jewelry, or even just a fun T-shirt, you’ll find something authentic — and you won’t have to worry about being billed later.
Save yourself the embarrassment and skip this cruise mistake. Robes are for wearing onboard, not for sneaking into your suitcase.
5. Avoid the Wind Tunnel Effect (Doors Open at Once)
Here’s a cruise mistake that many first-time cruisers don’t even know exists. If you open your cabin door and balcony door at the same time, you’re in for a blast of chaos. The sudden change in air pressure can cause doors to slam violently, papers to fly, or even cause injuries.
It seems harmless — just a little fresh sea breeze, right? But in reality, this is one of those hidden cruise mistakes that can quickly ruin your day. Not only can it damage the cabin, but it can also startle nearby guests or lead to accidents.
The fix is simple: never open both doors at once. If you want fresh air, step onto the balcony and shut the cabin door behind you. If you’re heading back inside, close the balcony before opening your main cabin door.
Avoiding this cruise mistake takes just a second of awareness, but it could save you from a mid-cruise disaster.
6. Never Sit or Stand on Balcony Railings
This might seem obvious, but it’s one of the most dangerous cruise mistakes people still make. Balcony railings are not designed to hold your weight. Sitting, standing, or even leaning too far over can lead to a tragic fall — and once you’re overboard, the odds are not in your favor.
Many cruisers think it’s harmless to perch on the railing for a better view or a quick photo. But the reality is that a single slip can turn a dream vacation into a nightmare. Cruise lines strictly warn against this because it’s not only unsafe, but it also puts crew members at risk if a rescue is needed.
If you’re debating whether to book one, check out our article on 8 Strong Reasons a Balcony Cabin on a Cruise Is Not Worth It. It breaks down the pros, cons, and safety factors that most first-time cruisers overlook.
If you’re traveling with kids or teens, this cruise mistake is even more dangerous. Always keep the balcony door locked when children are unsupervised, and remind them that the railing is never a seat, play area, or selfie spot.
Enjoy the view, breathe in the sea air, but keep your feet firmly on the deck. It’s a simple way to avoid one of the most serious cruise mistakes out there.
7. Show Respect to Your Cabin Attendant
One of the most overlooked cruise mistakes is forgetting just how hard your cabin attendant works. These crew members are the unsung heroes of every cruise, cleaning cabins multiple times a day, delivering extra towels, and making sure your stateroom feels like home.
Being rude, leaving your cabin trashed, or skipping gratuities is a huge mistake. Not only does it make their job harder, but it also creates unnecessary tension that can easily be avoided with a little respect.
Here’s how to avoid this cruise mistake:
- Say thank you every time you see your attendant.
- Keep messes manageable — trash goes in bins, not scattered around.
- Consider leaving an extra cash tip if service was outstanding.
Remember, gratuities are a big part of their income, and your kindness can make a lasting impact. Treating your attendant with courtesy isn’t just good manners — it’s one of the smartest ways to avoid a major cruise mistake.
8. Use Do Not Disturb and Makeup Room Signs Wisely
It might seem small, but ignoring those little door signs is another common cruise mistake. The “Do Not Disturb” and “Makeup Room” signs are powerful tools that can make or break your cabin experience.
Forget to hang up the Do Not Disturb sign, and you could get an awkward knock at the worst possible moment. Skip the Makeup Room sign, and you may come back to a messy cabin that hasn’t been refreshed.
Here’s the key: use these signs to communicate clearly with your attendant. Doing so helps them work more efficiently and ensures your schedule stays uninterrupted.
Avoiding this cruise mistake is easy — just remember that those small signs can make a big difference in keeping your cabin running smoothly.
9. Leave Irons, Steamers, and Surge Protectors at Home
Packing the wrong items is one of those sneaky cruise mistakes that can get you stopped at security before you’ve even boarded. Irons, steamers, and surge-protected power strips are all banned on cruise ships. Why? Because they’re fire hazards that could put the entire ship at risk.
Many first-time cruisers assume these items are fine since they use them at hotels. But on a cruise, safety rules are much stricter. If security finds these in your bag, they’ll confiscate them — and in some cases, you may not get them back.
Here’s how to avoid this cruise mistake:
- Use wrinkle-release spray instead of an iron.
- Take advantage of the ship’s pressing or laundry services if needed.
- Pack a cruise-approved non-surge power strip for charging your devices.
Don’t risk delays or fines by bringing banned items. This is one of the easiest cruise mistakes to sidestep if you double-check the prohibited items list before packing.
10. Don’t Pack CBD Oil or Other Prohibited Items
This is one of the most surprising cruise mistakes people make today. Even if CBD oil or similar products are legal where you live, they are banned on nearly every cruise ship. Cruise lines follow strict maritime laws, and many operate in countries where CBD is considered illegal.
Bringing it on board could result in fines, being removed from the ship, or even a lifetime ban. Some passengers have even been detained at port because they didn’t realize how serious the rules are.
The same goes for other prohibited items: illegal drugs, weapons, fireworks, and even certain electronics. Cruise security does not mess around, and “I didn’t know” won’t get you out of trouble.
If you want to avoid this cruise mistake, always check your cruise line’s official list of banned items before packing. It’s not worth losing your vacation over something as small as a bottle of CBD oil.
11. Protect Your Valuables with the Cabin Safe
Another classic cruise mistake is leaving passports, cash, jewelry, or electronics lying around in your cabin. While cruise ships are generally safe, you’re still sharing space with thousands of people, and accidents or temptations can happen.
That’s why every stateroom comes with a cabin safe. It might look small, but it’s the perfect place to secure your most important belongings. Passports, credit cards, extra cash, and jewelry should always be locked away when you don’t need them.
Here’s a pro tip to avoid this cruise mistake:
- Take a photo of your passport and store it securely online (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.) in case the physical copy is lost.
- Keep only what you need for the day on you, and lock the rest in the safe.
Using the cabin safe gives you peace of mind, letting you enjoy your cruise without worrying about misplaced or stolen items. Avoiding this cruise mistake is simple, but it can make all the difference in keeping your vacation stress-free.
12. Never Use Candles or Open Flames Onboard
Few cruise mistakes are as serious as bringing open flames into your cabin. Candles, incense, matches, and lighters are all prohibited for a reason — fire is the single greatest danger at sea.
Even a small candle can create a disaster in a confined cruise cabin. Ships are floating cities packed with people, and fires spread fast. That’s why cruise lines have zero tolerance when it comes to flames inside staterooms.
If you love ambiance, skip the candle and bring battery-operated tealights or LED lanterns instead. They’re safe, allowed, and give you the same cozy glow without the risk.
This is one cruise mistake that’s not only against the rules, but also endangers everyone onboard. Leave the flames at home and enjoy your cruise safely.
13. Only Flush Toilet Paper in Ship Toilets
This might sound obvious, but it’s one of the most common cruise mistakes. Cruise ship toilets work on a vacuum system, and they are far more sensitive than what you have at home. While they’re powerful enough to whisk away waste and toilet paper, they’re not built for anything else.
Flushing wipes, paper towels, sanitary products, or anything other than toilet paper can clog the system. And when that happens, it’s not just your cabin that’s affected — it can back up the plumbing for an entire section of the ship.
To avoid this messy cruise mistake:
- Only flush toilet paper.
- Use provided trash bins for everything else.
- Teach kids the rule before problems happen.
Don’t be the passenger who causes a plumbing disaster at sea. Following this one rule keeps the system running smoothly for everyone onboard.
14. Keep Noise Down and Don’t Slam Doors
Being a bad neighbor is one of those cruise mistakes that can quickly make you unpopular onboard. Cruise cabins share walls, floors, and ceilings, so even small noises carry more than you might expect.
Blasting the TV, playing loud music, or holding late-night conversations can disturb everyone around you. And nothing’s worse than a door slamming shut at 3 a.m. — cabin doors are heavy, and the sound echoes through the hallway.
Avoiding this cruise mistake is simple:
- Keep music and TV at a reasonable volume.
- Close doors gently, especially late at night or early in the morning.
- Remind kids and teens to respect other passengers.
A little consideration goes a long way at sea. By avoiding this cruise mistake, you’ll keep the peace and ensure everyone — including you — has a better vacation.
15. Balcony Privacy Isn’t Really Private
One of the sneakiest cruise mistakes is assuming your balcony is a private hideaway. The truth is, most balconies are visible from other decks, neighboring cabins, or even from the water. That “private” conversation or outfit change might not be as private as you think.
Many first-time cruisers are caught off guard when they realize their neighbors can hear them clearly or even peek over. And with smartphones everywhere, you don’t want to be the accidental star of someone’s vacation video.
To avoid this cruise mistake:
- Treat your balcony like a semi-public space.
- Save private conversations or changing clothes for inside the cabin.
- Be mindful of noise — your neighbors can hear more than you realize.
Balconies are for fresh air and stunning views, not for total privacy. Knowing this helps you avoid awkward situations and one of the most common cruise mistakes passengers make.
16. Don’t Hang Laundry in Your Cabin or Balcony
Trying to save a few bucks on laundry? Be careful — turning your stateroom into a drying rack is one of the most common cruise mistakes. Hanging wet clothes in your cabin or on the balcony isn’t just frowned upon, it can be dangerous.
Balconies, in particular, are risky. A gust of wind can send your shirt, swimsuit, or towel flying into the ocean — creating litter and potentially earning you a warning from the crew. Inside your cabin, dripping clothes can create mildew or water damage.
To avoid this cruise mistake:
- Use the ship’s self-service laundry (if available).
- Take advantage of laundry specials during longer cruises.
- Pack quick-dry clothing to make hand washing easier.
Don’t risk fines or embarrassment by treating your balcony like a clothesline. Play it smart and keep your laundry routine on land or in approved ship facilities.
17. Never Leave Children Unattended
This might be the most important cruise mistake of all. Never leave children alone in your cabin or near railings, even for a short time. Cruise ships are large, busy environments, and kids can quickly get into unsafe situations if left unsupervised.
Balconies and open decks, in particular, pose serious risks. Sadly, in June 2025, a 5-year-old girl fell overboard from the Disney Dream after climbing on a railing while her parents were nearby playing shuffleboard. A gust of wind may have contributed, and though her father heroically jumped in after her, both had to be rescued at sea. Thankfully, they survived, but the incident shows how quickly things can go wrong.
To avoid this dangerous cruise mistake:
- Always have an adult present in the cabin.
- Use the cruise line’s kids club or babysitting services if you need a break.
- Keep balcony and deck railings off-limits for children at all times.
Cruising with kids can be an incredible family experience, but safety has to come first. Avoiding this cruise mistake ensures peace of mind and prevents your vacation from turning into a tragedy.
Jim’s Take: The Smartest Cruisers Avoid the Simple Mistakes
I’ve been cruising since I was 10 years old, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the biggest problems at sea usually come from the smallest oversights. Most cruise mistakes aren’t dramatic — they’re simple, everyday choices that can snowball into big headaches.
I’ve seen people hit with hundreds of dollars in surprise mini-bar charges. I’ve seen guests marched off ships mid-cruise for smoking in their cabins. And this year, I followed the heartbreaking story of the little girl who fell from the Disney Dream after climbing a railing. Thankfully, she was rescued, but not every story ends that way.
The smartest cruisers? They’re not the ones who know every deck by heart or who spend the most money. They’re the ones who prepare, respect the ship’s rules, and avoid the easy-to-make cruise mistakes.
If you keep these 17 tips in mind, you’ll save money, stay safe, and avoid the stress that can derail an otherwise perfect vacation. Because at the end of the day, a cruise should be about relaxation, exploration, and memories — not regret over mistakes that were 100% avoidable.
Play it smart, avoid the pitfalls, and I promise you’ll enjoy smoother sailing on every trip.