Social Media Trend Sparks Cruise Ship Safety Concerns

(KMDL-FM) If social media has done one thing for society as a whole, it has demonstrated why our "real friend" circles are much smaller than our "social media friend" circles. Granted, some of our closest friends operate at less than average intelligence, but to find really stupid folks, you have to look on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or X.

READ MORE: TikTok Video Leads to Lifetime Cruise Ban

The cruise industry has certainly had its ups and downs with social media and social media influencers. Through some of those people, we've learned a lot of inside tips on how to enjoy our time at sea and on board a cruise ship without spending a lot of money.

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Cruise Lines Issue Strong Warning Over Social Media Balcony Behavior

Then again, we've met people who, through their own desire to share information with us, have found themselves in hot water with the cruise lines. And there is now a new social media trend that has not only captured the imagination of the sailing public, but it has also captured the attention of safety and security personnel on almost all of the major cruise lines.

The current social media trend that cruise lines of every nation are frowning mightily upon involves staterooms that have a balcony. If you weren't aware, you have several choices of staterooms or cabins when you make your choice of accommodations on your cruise.

For me, I like a stateroom with a balcony. If I can get a protected balcony, that's the one I really prefer, but for our purposes of telling you what activity will get you tossed from your next cruise, let's just say your stateroom has a balcony.

On that balcony are usually two lightweight patio-style chairs and a small table. That's all that is supposed to be on your balcony when you're not on your balcony. However, there is a growing social media trend where influencers are adding a key piece of furniture to their balcony setup.

Cruise Lines Warn Having This On Your Balcony Could Result in Fines or Worse

Cruise line officials are warning guests not to take mattresses off their beds and put them on the balcony to sleep. The practice is against cruise line rules and is a strict violation because of safety risks and operational concerns.

The influencers say they like sleeping with the sound of the ocean, the fresh salt air, and the connection with nature. That sounds all warm and cozy, but in reality, it's not.

Even in balconies that are on decks 9,10, or even higher, you can get quite a bit of ocean spray on your balcony. That's why your balcony is almost always wet in the morning. There is also condensation from the morning dew. All of that moisture would settle where you're trying to sleep on your balcony.

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The crew also does a lot of balcony cleaning and washing during the night time hours. You could get sprayed with a hose while they are washing down the decks. That would be a not pleasant way to wake up. And then you'd have to haul a damp mattress back into your stateroom and deal with the smell. Do you really want that?

You could also be creating a trip hazard on your balcony. Granted, the railings are tall enough, but they might not be tall enough if you've got a head of steam behind you and you're tripping toward the ocean with drinks in your hand.

What Is The Penalty For Pulling Your Mattress On To Your Balcony on a Cruise Ship?

It is within the rights of the cruise line to fine you for such activities or even invite you to leave the ship in the middle of your cruise. Fines of $500 are not uncommon, and remember, cruise lines talk, so if you get tossed from one line, you might have difficulty booking passage on a future cruise on another line. It's all there in that fine print you didn't read when you booked your cruise.

I have found that if you want the enjoyment of the ocean, just leave your balcony door open. You can get the stars and the salt air and not get soaked. That seems like a better solution to me, although the video on social media wouldn't be that intriguing, would it?