Cruise vacations offer unlimited food, relaxation, and endless entertainment. However, for some cruise passengers, they also present an irresistible temptation to take home a few extra cruise “souvenirs.”
From plush bathrobes to branded glassware, it’s easy to assume that certain items are complimentary. However, many of these seemingly small acts of theft can result in unexpected charges or even a permanent ban from future cruises!
While some items, such as branded pens and travel-sized toiletries, are intended for guests to take, others belong to the cruise line.
Here’s a look at 12 items that passengers frequently steal from cruise ships and what happens when they get caught.
Cruise Ship Items Passengers Can’t Resist Taking Home
1. Towels
Cruise lines provide towels for the pool, beach excursions, and staterooms, many of which feature the cruise line’s branding. It’s not uncommon for passengers to assume these are complimentary. However, they are the property of the cruise.
Some cruise lines have a towel check-out system to keep track of missing towels and will automatically charge a passenger’s onboard account if one is unreturned.
Guests who want a towel as a keepsake should check the onboard gift shop, as many lines sell official merchandise that can be legally purchased.
2. Bathroom Soaps and Toiletries
Most cruise ships provide complimentary travel-sized toiletries in staterooms, which are perfectly fine to take home. The problem arises when passengers take it a step further by raiding housekeeping carts or requesting excessive amounts of extra products to hoard for later use.
While taking what is provided in the room is acceptable, cruise lines do notice when a guest abuses the system. Many major cruise lines have switched to refillable, wall-mounted dispensers to prevent excessive toiletry theft.
3. Bathrobes (& Slippers)
Many cruise lines provide plush bathrobes for cruise passengers in suites, those with high loyalty statuses and even upon request. In addition, they may provide slippers as well.
While slippers are both complimentary for use on and off the ship – yes you can take them home! Bathrobes can be used onboard, but are not yours to keep and bring home.
Guests who assume that a bathrobe is theirs to keep will likely see a charge of $80 or more on their final bill. If a passenger enjoys the robe and wants to take one home, many cruise lines sell the same versions in their onboard shops.
4. Branded Pens and Notepads
Cruise lines often leave small branded items, such as pens and notepads, in cruise cabins. These are typically complimentary and are even intended as marketing tools.
However, some passengers take this as an invitation to collect multiple pens from various locations around the ship.
While no one is likely to be charged for taking extra pens, it is always best to be mindful. These items are available in abundance, but clearing out entire supply stations is unnecessary.
5. Cruise Cards (Room Keys)
A cruise card serves multiple functions, acting as a room key, onboard charge card, and personal identification throughout the voyage. Many passengers like to keep these as souvenirs, and for the most part, cruise lines do not require them to be returned.
Whether you decide to keep your cruise card as a memento or throw it out is completely up to you.
Related: How to Carry Your Cruise Card (cruise lanyards & alternatives)
6. Dishware and Silverware
Fine dining is a highlight of cruise travel. Unfortunately, cruise passengers attempt to take a piece of the experience home with them by pocketing plates, cups, or silverware from the ship’s dining rooms. Some cruisers admit to stealing salt and pepper shakers, vases and table decor.
Cruise lines keep close track of their dining inventory, and missing items can result in onboard charges. In some cases, passengers have even been stopped during disembarkation when attempting to smuggle dishware in their luggage!
Avoid smuggling off-cruise line dishware and silverware in your luggage to avoid any potential issues.
7. Souvenir Glasses
Certain cruise ship bars serve specialty cocktails in special glasses, such as tiki mugs, oversized martini glasses, or branded glasses. While these glasses contribute to the venue’s aesthetic, some cruise passengers assume they can take them for free. However, that is not the case.
In some cases, bars offer the option to purchase the drink with or without the souvenir glass. Guests who want to take home a glass should simply ask, as it may be available for a small additional charge.
8. Decorative Items from Cabins and Public Spaces
Some cruisers take their love for cruise décor a bit too far by sneaking off small decorative items such as throw pillows, faux plants, or even framed artwork from their cabins.
Housekeeping staff inspects rooms before disembarkation, and missing items can lead to charges or even security involvement. Larger or more valuable items could even be considered theft, which may result in more serious consequences.
9. Gym Towels and Equipment
Cruise ship gyms provide towels for guest use. However, some cruise guests attempt to take them back to their staterooms or, in some cases, even pack them in their luggage.
In more extreme cases, passengers have stolen small fitness equipment such as resistance bands or yoga mats.
Most cruise lines track their gym equipment, so any noticeable missing items will raise a red flag. This can result in the thief incurring charges to a guest’s onboard account.
While taking a gym towel to a workout session is fine, guests should return it before leaving.
10. Mini-Bar Snacks and Alcohol
Many cruise cabins come with stocked mini-bars containing bottled water, soda, snacks, and small bottles of alcohol. Some cruise guests assume that these are included with their stay, only to be surprised when they see high charges added to their bill at the end of the trip.
Many cruise lines have their housekeeping staff manually track the mini-bar inventory. If something is missing, the passenger will be billed accordingly.
To avoid surprise charges, guests should always confirm what is complimentary and what comes with a fee. For the most part, it’s safe to assume that anything in your mini-bar will cost extra.
Related: What’s included in your Cruise Price (and What’s Not)
11. Salt and Pepper Shakers
Main dining room salt and pepper shakers, particularly those with branded or unique designs, are frequently taken by guests. While small and seemingly insignificant, they are still considered property of the ship and are not meant to be taken home.
Many cruise lines sell branded kitchen accessories in their gift shops, allowing guests to take home a similar item without resorting to theft.
12. Artwork and Wall Decorations
Some passengers take their souvenir-hunting to an extreme by attempting to remove framed artwork or other decorative pieces from their staterooms.
In most cases, these items are secured to the cruise cabin walls. However, there have been instances where passengers have tried to unscrew or unmount artwork.
This is a serious offense, and those caught stealing ship décor may face hefty fines or even legal consequences.
What Happens If a Passenger Gets Caught Stealing?
Most cruise lines carefully track missing items, and guests may see a charge on their final bill if something is unaccounted for.
In more serious cases, passengers could face additional fees for missing items, questioning from security, legal consequences if the theft occurred in port, and being blacklisted from the cruise line.
While it may be tempting to take home a small memento, cruise guests should stick to legal souvenirs that are available for purchase.
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Have you ever stole an item from a cruise ship? Please let me know in the comments below.
Happy Cruising!
Ethan
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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.
