Top 5 Behaviors That Can Get You Banned from a Cruise—For Life

Some cruise passengers out of Galveston, Texas, found out the hard way that a vacation on the high seas can end with a permanent spot on the blacklist. Carnival Cruise Line has banned 24 individuals for life after a brawl erupted at the ship’s terminal during debarkation. The chaos was so intense that U.S. Customs and Border Patrol had to step in, and law enforcement is now handling the case. When a cruise ends in police tape instead of confetti, you know it’s been too wild.

The cruise line made it clear: unruly behavior won’t be tolerated, and these guests are now officially persona non grata on any future Carnival voyage. So, if you dream of sipping piña coladas on deck, maybe keep your fists (and complaints) to yourself.

Adam Duckworth, president of Travelmation, chimed in to remind travelers that cruises are meant for making memories with family and friends—not headlines. He pointed out that overindulging, especially with alcohol, is a classic mistake that can quickly turn your vacation into a regret-filled story. Apparently, ‘what happens at sea’ doesn’t always stay at sea—sometimes it gets you booted for good.

Cruise industry expert Stewart Chiron, aka "The Cruise Guy," echoed that bad behavior is a one-way ticket off the guest list. But the list of cruise crimes doesn’t end there: smuggling drugs or weapons, ignoring safety rules, and being a chronic complainer can all land you on the banned list. Yes, you read that right—griping nonstop in hopes of a freebie might actually cost you your cruising privileges forever. Never thought being a professional whiner could get so expensive!

Bottom line? Cruise ships have strict codes of conduct and laws to follow, both at sea and in every port. If you want to keep those vacation selfies coming, it’s best to follow the rules, respect your fellow passengers, and maybe save your complaints for Yelp.