8 Things You Should Never Do in Your Cruise Cabin

Your cruise cabin is your personal space at sea, but it comes with rules that keep everyone safe, comfortable, and compliant with ship regulations. Understanding the things you should never do in your cruise cabin helps prevent accidents, fines, and unnecessary disruptions to your trip.

This guide highlights the most important cabin don’ts — from safety hazards to common courtesy — so you can enjoy your voyage with confidence and ease.

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1. Bringing Surge Protectors or Unapproved Power Strips

One of the key things you should never do in your cruise cabin is plug in surge protectors, extension cords, or high-voltage power strips. These devices can overload the ship’s electrical system and pose a serious fire hazard.

Most cruise lines strictly prohibit them — and using one could lead to confiscation, fines, or even being disembarked if it’s considered a safety violation. Always pack cruise-approved USB hubs or low-voltage adapters instead.

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2. Lighting Candles or Anything with an Open Flame

Open flames are strictly off-limits — and lighting one is easily one of the most dangerous things you should never do in your cruise cabin. Candles, incense, and similar items are fire risks in enclosed spaces and violate nearly every cruise line’s safety policy.

If found, these can be confiscated, and in serious cases, could lead to penalties or removal from the ship. For ambience, stick to battery-operated alternatives.

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3. Flushing Anything Other Than Toilet Paper

Cruise ship toilets use a vacuum-based system that’s far more delicate than what you’d find at home. Flushing wipes, sanitary items, tissues, or anything other than toilet paper can cause clogs that affect not just your cabin, but surrounding ones too.

This can lead to unpleasant maintenance issues and even a cleaning fee charged to your account. When in doubt, use the trash bin.

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4. Leaving Your Balcony Door Open

It might feel refreshing to let in the ocean breeze, but leaving your balcony door open can disable your cabin’s air conditioning and throw off the room’s climate control system. It also increases humidity levels, which can lead to condensation or damage to furnishings.

On some ships, it may even trigger alarms or disrupt ventilation for nearby cabins. Always keep the door closed when not in use.

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5. Smoking or Vaping in the Cabin or on the Balcony

Smoking indoors is one of the most serious things you should never do in your cruise cabin. Nearly all cruise lines have a strict no-smoking policy inside cabins and, in many cases, on balconies as well.

Violating this rule can result in steep fines, cleaning fees, and even removal from the ship. Designated smoking areas are clearly marked onboard — always use them to avoid penalties and keep your cabin safe and smoke-free for the next guest.

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6. Sitting or Leaning on the Balcony Railing

No view is worth the risk. Balcony railings are designed for safety, not as seating or leaning posts. Even in calm seas, one sudden movement or slip can lead to serious accidents — and falling overboard is almost always fatal.

Cruise lines strictly prohibit this behavior, and violations can result in warnings, fines, or being disembarked. Always respect the railing and enjoy the view safely.

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7. Throwing Anything Overboard

Tossing objects from your cabin balcony — even something small — is one of the most environmentally harmful things you should never do in your cruise cabin.

Not only does it violate maritime law, but it can also result in serious penalties or being banned from future sailings. Cruise ships operate under strict environmental regulations, and guests are expected to do their part in protecting the ocean.

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8. Hanging Clothes or Towels on the Balcony Railing

While it might seem harmless, drying clothes or towels on your balcony is another one of those things you should never do in your cruise cabin. Strong winds can easily blow items overboard, creating safety risks and marine pollution.

Many cruise lines also view this as a visual nuisance and will issue warnings or fines. Use the clothesline in your bathroom or ask for laundry services instead.

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Final Thoughts

Cruise cabins may feel like private hotel rooms, but they come with a unique set of responsibilities shaped by safety, environmental care, and shared courtesy.

By avoiding these things, you help protect the ship, the sea, and your fellow passengers — all while ensuring a smoother, stress-free voyage. A little awareness goes a long way, so sail smart, stay respectful, and enjoy every moment of your time at sea.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bring my own power strip on a cruise?

Most cruise lines prohibit surge-protected power strips or extension cords due to fire risks. Use a cruise-approved USB hub instead.

2. Is it okay to smoke on my balcony?

No. Smoking (including vaping) is banned in most cabins and on balconies. Violations can result in hefty fines or disembarkation.

3. Why can’t I leave the balcony door open?

Open doors interfere with the cabin’s climate control and may trigger system alarms. It also increases humidity, which can damage the room.

4. What happens if I flush something I shouldn't?

Non-flushable items can clog the ship’s plumbing, leading to unpleasant maintenance issues — and potentially a fine charged to your account.

5. Can I dry clothes on the balcony railing?

No. Wind can blow items overboard, creating environmental hazards. Use the cabin’s clothesline or onboard laundry services instead.