Woman’s Simple Mistake Results in Lifelong Cruise Ban

Many believe that being banned from a cruise ship is a rather uncommon occurrence. However, that is far from the truth.

In fact, it has been happening more frequently in recent times, not because cruise companies take pleasure in banning guests, but rather due to the fact that people have been engaging in bizarre behaviors.

There have been several recent incidents leading to lifetime bans, which is heartbreaking for those who cherish cruising.

Let’s delve into the actions of some passengers (notably a woman) so you can steer clear of similar pitfalls.

Woman Banned Following a Cabin Dispute

A recent account from Consumer Rescue details how a woman was banned for life by Norwegian Cruise Line after a disagreement regarding her cabin.

The report indicates that she had either booked or anticipated (the details are somewhat unclear) two adjoining cabins, but upon boarding, she was assigned two cabins lacking a connecting door.

Despite numerous complaints, the cruise line provided her with $3,000 in goodwill vouchers, which she rejected, demanding a discount on her cruise fare instead.

When that request was denied, she contacted American Express to initiate a $3,000 chargeback, formally disputing the transaction with the cruise line.

This might seem like a smart strategy initially, yet it’s definitely a route you should avoid.

While you may get reimbursed, as was the case here, the cruise line will place you on their banned list.

In these instances, it’s wiser to seek a diplomatic resolution with the cruise line that is satisfactory for both parties (especially if you hope to sail again!).

The Primary Cause of Cruise Ship Bans

Besides the previous case, one of the most frequent reasons passengers face bans from cruise ships is due to their behavior.

More specifically, be aware that any violent or disruptive behavior that disturbs the peace is treated with utmost seriousness and can lead to severe penalties.

For instance, it’s not uncommon for some guests to overindulge in alcohol and subsequently provoke fights or harass fellow guests.

If someone provokes or harasses you, refrain from taking matters into your own hands. Instead, notify the ship’s security or crew. Some individuals have received bans even when they were technically justified in their responses.

Additionally, review all the common reasons that can lead to a cruise ban.

Be Mindful of Your Belongings on a Cruise

Another factor that could lead to a ban is attempting to sneak banned items on board.

Certain items can indeed result in a ban (such as illegal substances or weapons), while others may merely result in a warning or formal notification.

Before embarking, I strongly recommend verifying the list of items prohibited on cruise ships. It’s important to note that some things are permissible on airplanes but are outright banned on cruise ships, which may come as a surprise!

Avoid Risky Behavior

Clearly, you should also steer clear of any dangerous actions, as they can not only result in a ban but also put your life in jeopardy.

For instance, the photo above (taken a few years back) captures a passenger who climbed over the railing just to snap a selfie.

In this instance, Royal Caribbean took prompt action, stating:

“Earlier this week on the Allure of the Seas, a guest was seen behaving recklessly and endangering herself by perching on her stateroom balcony railing with help from her companion.”

“Security was alerted, and the guests were subsequently disembarked in Falmouth, Jamaica due to their actions and are now banned for life from sailing with Royal Caribbean.”