A cruise ship balcony can feel like your own private slice of paradise. You get ocean views, fresh air, and a quiet place to relax. But even though it feels private, a balcony is still part of a shared ship—and there are important rules and expectations every cruiser should know.
Many cruise guests get fined, warned, or upset their neighbors simply because they didn’t know the balcony rules. Some rules are about safety and the law, while others are about being respectful to people around you. Here are 10 things you should never do on a cruise ship balcony, explained clearly and honestly.
1. Never Throw Anything Overboard
This is a strict rule
Nothing should ever be thrown off a cruise ship balcony. That includes food, drinks, napkins, cigarette butts, towels, or any object at all. This is illegal under maritime and environmental laws and is strictly enforced by cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival.
Photo by Ivan Z Photography on Pexels
Items thrown overboard can harm marine life or hit guests on lower balconies. Even small things can cause big problems at sea.
2. Never Sit, Stand, or Climb on the Balcony Railing
This is a strict safety rule
Balcony railings are not seats or photo props. Standing or sitting on the railing is extremely dangerous. Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, MSC Cruises, and Princess Cruises clearly state that guests must keep their feet on the balcony floor.
This rule exists because a single slip or loss of balance can lead to serious injury or worse.
3. Never Smoke on the Balcony (Unless Your Ship Clearly Allows It)
This is a rule that varies by cruise line
Most cruise lines do not allow smoking on balconies at all. Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, and Princess Cruises ban it completely due to fire risk.
In 2019, a Carnival Freedom balcony fire caused damage to multiple cabins. Incidents like this are why smoking rules are taken very seriously. Always check your ship’s policy—violating it can lead to fines or penalties.
4. Never Hang Towels, Clothes, or Decorations Over the Railing
This is a strict rule
It may seem harmless, but hanging towels, swimsuits, flags, or decorations over a balcony railing is not allowed. Strong winds can blow items into the ocean or onto balconies below.
Cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line and Princess Cruises recommend using bathroom drying lines or hooks inside your cabin instead. This rule helps prevent accidents and ocean pollution.
5. Never Dump Drinks, Ice, or Liquids Overboard
This is a rule
Pouring water, soda, melted ice, or leftover drinks off your balcony is not allowed. Liquids can splash down onto other guests and create sanitation issues.
Cruise ships have proper sinks and drains inside cabins, and those should always be used instead.
6. Never Be Loud Late at Night or Early in the Morning
This is courtesy, not usually a written rule
Sound travels very easily across balconies. Loud talking, music, or phone calls—especially at night or early morning—can disturb nearby cabins.
While cruise lines don’t usually fine guests for normal noise, repeated complaints can lead to warnings from crew. Being mindful helps everyone enjoy their vacation.
7. Never Shine Bright Lights Into Other Cabins
This is courtesy
Using phone flashes, ring lights, or bright lamps on your balcony can shine directly into neighboring rooms. This is especially common on ships with closely spaced balconies, like Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships.
It’s not usually a written rule, but it’s polite to lower brightness or step inside when filming or taking photos at night.
8. Never Fish or Lower Objects From Your Balcony
This is a strict rule
Fishing from a cruise ship balcony or lowering objects with strings or cords is prohibited. Cruise ships travel through protected waters and busy shipping lanes, making this unsafe.
Cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line only allow fishing as part of approved shore excursions. Dropping or dangling items also puts guests below at risk.
9. Never Let Children Climb on Balcony Furniture
This is a safety rule
Balcony chairs and tables are not designed for climbing. Children standing on furniture near the railing is dangerous, and parents are expected to stop it.
Cruise lines may step in if unsafe behavior is observed. This rule exists to prevent accidents—not to limit family fun.
10. Never Feed Birds or Wildlife
This is a strict rule
Feeding birds from your balcony is not allowed. It encourages aggressive behavior and can lead to birds flying into cabins.
