10 things you should never do on a cruise balcony
While many cruise ship passengers may think they can abide by their own rules in the comfort of their cabins, there are still many cruise ship etiquette rules to follow.
Even though some passengers may have private balconies in their rooms, that doesn't mean you can act as if no one is watching. It's important to follow these rules while in your rooms and on your balcony to ensure you'll never be forced to cop the consequences of bad behaviour.
1. Smoke
Smoking on cruise balconies is a real no-no. Not only is the wafting smoke an unpleasant smell, but a half-burning cigarette blown back aboard can potentially be a fire hazard.
2. Make too much noise
One think that’s often forgotten is the fact that when we’re standing on our cruise ship balconies we’re well within earshot of our neighbours, so keep the volume down.
3. Go nude
The thing people sun bathing in one their cruise ship balcony in their birthday suit don’t realise is many balconies are tiered, so you may actually be in view of others.
4. Stand or climb on railings
Now this should be obvious, but you should never stand on the railings or the verandah furniture can significantly increase your risk of being thrown overboard.
5. Throw items overboard
It might be tempting to toss a message in a beer bottle overseas, but there are strict regulations. Not only is this dangerous, it’s also not environmentally friendly.
6. Dry clothes
It can be quite difficult to dry your swimmers when you’re off a cruise, but one strong gust of wind could mean you could go the rest of your cruise without bathers.
7. Leave the balcony door open
On a hot and humid day, leaving the balcony door ajar might seem like a good idea, but the gusty sea breeze can wreak havoc with any loose items in your cabin.
8. Light a candle
It might seem like it’s a good way to enhance the mood, but any open flame on a cruise ship is a fire hazard, and lighting a candle is almost always against regulations.
9. Leave the balcony light on
If your cruise balcony has outdoor lighting, make sure you turn if off when you’re not actually using it, to save electricity and not disturb your neighbours.
10. Amorous behaviour
Cruises are inherently romantic holidays, but you might need to avoid overt displays of affection. As mentioned above, balconies are not be as private as you think.
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