Over the years, cruise lines have added rules and changed policies. In fact, over the last year, we’ve seen major cruise lines implement or enforce new rules.
In some cases, some cruisers may not be happy. However, there are some positive changes cruise lines have had to make as well.
Although many of these cruise policy updates have happened over the last year, I’ve included some significant changes that have occurred over the last few years as well.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned cruise traveler, you’ll want to know the new rules cruise lines had to implement this year.
12 New Rules Cruise Lines Had to Add in 2025
1. No More Cases of Water Bottles
A major change that most mainstream cruise lines have adopted is that passengers are no longer permitted to bring cases of water onboard. I still remember the days of bringing a case of water to the cruise terminal, leaving it with the porters, and it arriving in my stateroom.
Although many cruise lines claim this change is due to environmental concerns, cruise lines are also likely trying to deter passengers from using water bottles for sneaking in alcohol.
Instead, cruise passengers are encouraged to bring refillable bottles, as cruise ships provide safe drinking water. You can get water at drink stations at the buffet as well as at any bar or restaurant.
2. Royal Caribbean’s Unopened Drinks Policy
In the past, Royal Caribbean passengers were able to order soft drinks, beers, and other beverages at bars and take them back to their cabins. However, a new policy required beverages to be opened upon being served.
This new rule affects cruise passengers who want to enjoy a fresh drink in their cabin later or at another point during the cruise.
This policy primarily affects high-loyalty guests like Diamond and Diamond Plus members, who receive a set amount of complimentary daily beverages.
While some passengers question this policy’s fairness, cruise lines cite concerns about sharing alcohol or providing it to minors as a rationale.
3. Smoking Restrictions on Balconies
Smoking on balconies is largely banned across cruise lines, a change implemented after a 2006 fire on the Star Princess. To enhance safety, cruise lines have designated smoking areas and upgraded ship materials to reduce flammability risks.
Although this rule is standard across all major North American cruise lines, it’s less common on certain European lines. If you’re ever in a cruise port of call, look out for cruise lines like AIDA and Mein Schiff, as you may see cruise passengers smoking on their balconies.
4. New Prohibited Items Updates
Every cruise line has a list of prohibited items featured on their website. Before going on your cruise, it’s a good idea to check out this list to ensure that you are not bringing any banned items onboard the vessel.
Some new items that have been banned recently are Bluetooth speakers (on Carnival), Internet routers, and non-surge protected power bars (on Royal Caribbean).
You might be wondering why?
It seems that bluetooth speakers are prohibited on Carnival Cruise Line because some cruise passengers played their music loudly in public areas, disturbing other guests.
Recently, internet routers and Starlink Minis have been banned on most cruise lines as they can interfere with the cruise’s communication system onboard.
Power bars were recently banned on Royal Caribbean (surge-protected and non-surge-protected). Although the reason for this isn’t confirmed, there is speculation that it was due to cruise ship security having issues identifying whether the power bars were non-surge protected.
Here’s more information for Royal Caribbean cruisers: Power Strip Ban – Here’s Everything You Need to Know & What to Bring Instead
Video: New Things Banned on Cruises
In this video I share more information on recent items cruise lines have prohibited.
5. Sniffer Dogs at Embarkation
Passengers may encounter sniffer dogs during embarkation. These cruise boarding security measures aim to prevent smuggling illegal substances onboard, adhering to strict maritime laws and port regulations.
During embarkation for our recent cruise onboard Carnival Celebration, we had to stand in a line and have our carry-on bags smelt by sniffer dogs. Although this process was fast, it caught us by surprise and was an interesting way to start our cruise vacation.
Related: 8 Mistakes to Avoid When Going Through Cruise Security on Boarding Day
6. No Homemade Food Gifts for Crew
While packaged snacks are welcome, homemade food is not allowed as gifts for cruise ship crew members. This policy prevents health risks and ensures crew members are not uncomfortable.
Crew members may feel bad about rejecting baked goods from cruise passengers, and in the past, some crew members may have gotten sick from eating homemade food from passengers.
7. Transparent Pricing Without Hidden Fees
One of the positive changes that have happened in the cruise industry over the last year is transparent pricing without hidden fees. Due to California’s honest pricing law, cruise lines now display prices, including taxes and port fees.
This change benefits travelers across the U.S. by making cruise costs more transparent.
8. Scooter Size Restrictions
Carnival Cruise Line recently implemented a new rule that scooters must fit inside the cabin. This is due to scooters lining the hallways, creating an accessibility and safety hazard.
According to Carnival’s policy on personal mobility devices, scooter must be able to fit through its 22″ (55.9 cm) wide entry doorway, and must fold and collapse. Guests with scooters larger than 21″ (53.34 cm) wide, or those who travel with multiple scooters in the same stateroom, will require an accessible cabin with a wider doorway.
Scooters that don’t comply can result in guests being denied boarding. Rental services, like Scootaround, offer cruise line-approved alternatives for travelers. The information can be found on Carnival’s website, so you can check before you go.
9. Cracking Down on Chair Hogs
Chair hogs, people reserving deck chairs for long periods of time while not in use, are a frustration on many cruise ships. Many cruisers can relate to the difficulty of finding a chair on the Lido deck on a sea day!
Cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival have implemented time limits to address chair reservation issues. Unattended chairs are monitored, with items removed after 30–40 minutes of inactivity.
On recent cruises, we’ve seen signs places on chairs reminding guests of the rule “no reserving deck chairs”. Crew are also leaving a note on unoccupied chairs, indicating the time. After about 30 minutes, crew will remove items and guests are advised that they can collect their belongings from the towel station.
Related: 8 Clever Ways to Outsmart Chair Hogs On a Cruise Ship
10. No Glassware on the Lido Deck
You’ll quickly notice when lounging by the pool on a cruise ship that glassware is a no-go. Even your cocktails or wine will be served in plastic cups or wine glasses.
This makes perfect sense, as no one wants the risk of broken glass near a pool or hot tub.
However, a newer policy that cruise lines have begun enforcing is wildly unpopular among cruisers: the “no beverages in the pool or hot tub policy.”
While this has likely been a written rule for years, it wasn’t always actively enforced. However, during a recent MSC cruise, we noticed this rule being strictly upheld, even for passengers sitting on the pool’s edge with their drink.
Why this sudden change? Opinions vary. Some speculate it’s about avoiding spills in the water. In contrast, others mention a less appealing reason (cruisers staying in the water for extended periods might not be leaving for bathroom breaks).
11. Limits on the Amount of Food You Can Order
There’s a lot of food to eat on a cruise! However, one of the biggest changes in cruising over the past few years has been the introduction of food order limits in the main dining rooms. Those who have been cruising for many years are particularly critical of this change.
Historically, guests could order as many appetizers, main dishes, and desserts as they wanted without restriction. However, several cruise lines have started implementing limits and even extra charges for additional orders.
For example, Carnival Cruise Line now allows guests to order up to two main dishes in the dining room, but there’s a $5 upcharge for a third entrée. MSC Cruises has a similar policy, charging $5 for extra mains.
Additionally, certain food items like lobster tails have become more restricted. Many cruise lines no longer include unlimited lobster tails on formal nights.
Instead, they may offer a premium lobster dish for an additional fee, or, in some cases, they’ve removed lobster night altogether.
While these changes may feel like cost-cutting measures, cruise lines often point to food waste as a key factor in their decision-making.
It’s not uncommon to see some cruise passengers order large quantities of food, only to leave much of it untouched. This waste and rising operational costs have likely influenced these new policies.
That said, there’s still no shortage of food onboard! Whether dining in the main dining room, at the buffet, or at specialty restaurants, you’ll find plenty of options.
Related: 12 Things Not Found on Cruises Anymore (That We Want Back!)
12. No Sharing the Drink Package
One policy that irritates some cruisers is the strict enforcement of rules around drink packages. Drink packages are pricey, and in most cases, all adults in the same cabin must purchase one regardless of how much they drink.
However, this wasn’t always the case. Just a few years ago, some cruise lines allowed one person in a cabin to purchase a drink package, leaving the option open for others to skip it.
As with many rules, attempts to bypass the system led to stricter enforcement. Passengers have been known to share drinks from a single package or even bring their own alcohol onboard, disguised in water bottles or other containers.
Of course, cruise lines are well aware of these tactics, and these behaviors ultimately impact everyone. To maintain fairness and enforce policies, most lines require all cabin members to have the same drink package.
While this rule has been met with frustration, especially by those who don’t drink much, it’s an example of how the actions of a few can lead to broader restrictions.
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How do you feel about the new rules implemented on cruises? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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