Picture this: you are leaving your cruise ship to explore the new territory with high hopes for the adventure that awaits. But, wait—did you double-check your cabin before heading out? By neglecting to take some things with you, your dream experience may turn into a nightmare.
U.S. Department of Transportation noted that in the first quarter of 2025, there were 48 reported crimes on cruise ships, including thefts and assaults. The majority of crimes occur on the days the ship docks, as cabins are left unattended, making them a hot zone for would-be thieves. According to experts, about 70 percent of thefts occur during shore excursions; most commonly, this involves valuables left unlocked in cabins.
Think of being on an incredible day onshore and coming back only to the realisation that your passport or valuable electronics are stolen! That is why it is essential to be conscious of what you are not supposed to leave in your cabin to save yourself and your property. Ready to save your cruise from some avoidable headaches? So, come on, and let us talk about the 16 items never to leave in your cabin when the ship is docked!
Your passport, ID, and cruise card
These are your lifelines, not only during travel, but also when getting back on the ship later. Other travelers find themselves locking their documents in the cabin safe, thinking they won’t need them once they’re off the cruise or to verify their identity. Put these necessities in a secure travel pouch or a crossbody bag and keep them with you at all times.
Electronics charging unattended
When you leave your phone, tablet, or laptop connected but forget it, you’re playing a dangerous game with power spikes or competent thieves. Worse still, when on the balcony, bad weather or any sea spray may come in and cause irreversible damage. Be sure to unplug anything when you are away.
Wet clothes or towels
Trying to air-dry your swimsuit on the balcony? Bad idea. Wind may send it swimming over, and sea spray leaves it dirty. Instead, you can utilize the retractable clothesline in your bathroom. It’s a lifesaver and far less dramatic.
Perishable snacks or drinks
You could not resist the small fruit buffet or the mini-fridge with a cold beverage. However, perishable goods abandoned on hot port days can cause odors that may set off rival ships at sea.
You may want to enjoy your snacks long before leaving, and it is wise to keep them in a safe spot in the prescribed areas on board.
Hazardous items
Things like candles, lighters, or even aerosols may appear harmless, but cruise lines are strict about them due to safety concerns. The idea of onboarding them is bad, but leaving them alone is even worse, as it poses a fire risk.
Medications you might need
The issue with pharmacies is that they are not always accessible when you visit a new place. Missing one dose of the mandatory medicine can ruin your entire day. Consider keeping daily necessities, such as motion sickness pills or allergy medicine, readily accessible in your everyday bag.
Visible valuables
Notwithstanding the high security standards on cruise ships, objects that can be left in plain view, such as wallets, watches, or high-value jewelry, are also tempting. Cruise staff are trustworthy, but don’t push your luck.
When ashore, please do not take it: Lock it up when you have no occasion for it: And when you have, carry it with you.
Doors and windows left open
It sounds harmless; however, having the door of your cabin or the window in your balcony open can create a powerful wind tunnel that can overturn and harm personal items. Make them airtight and thus save yourself the trouble of an avoidable mess.
Blinding balcony self-laundry
It is tempting to hang wet clothes on the railing, but it is also against the ship’s rules. It is not only bad taste, but it can also cause significant disruptions to passengers on lower levels when clothes get wet. Use your cabin drying facilities, and everybody is content.
Power strips or unauthorized devices
Sure, it is nice to have lots of outlets available; however, most cruise ships don’t allow non-approved power strips because they can damage their electrical system.
Attempting to sneak one on board might result in confiscation. Pack certified chargers and adapters instead.
Balcony furniture (and random things)
Balcony furniture is better left indoors or untouched. Bringing your belongings out during port days means the wind can sweep them away. Cruise ships are moving ecosystems, after all. Keep everything tucked away safely inside.
Noise-making electronics
Cruise cabins are not soundproof, and noise carries. It could be a speaker playing music, an alarm clock that is misconfigured, or even a horn, but leave nothing that makes noise when you are not there. Neighbor complaints can lead to awkward conversations with staff.
Any items likely to get you arrested
There is no need to mention that illegal drugs are not acceptable on an ocean liner. Some products labeled as non-harmful CBD oils may violate local laws in their area of use. Don’t risk legal trouble over something so preventable.
Open cleaning products
Yes, your cabin is home right now, but take good care of it. Chemicals or cleaning solutions that are not capped may spill and pose a hazard to housekeeping staff. Better still, do not take these in the first place.
Cruise ship souvenirs
Consider twice what belongings you are ready to borrow, such as towels or bathrobes. It is not only expensive but also poor cruise etiquette. There are beautiful, sustainable souvenirs available in many gift stores so that you can bring a piece of this experience home.
Forgotten personal essentials
The common mistake can appear in electronic chargers, glasses, keys, or even small accessories that people leave by accident when they run to have a port day. Make a final check to ensure you have packed everything you will need.
Key takeaway
The cabin can be a refuge; however, what sits in your shipboard cabin during the port days may very well salvage your cruise vacation. Remembering to bring your valuables, turning off all your electronics and leaving them inside, and obeying the rules will show your respect for the ship, fellow passengers, and the cruise staff.
Such little things save a painless memory of a memorable journey, and instead cause multiple headaches. And one thing to remember, at the end of the day, you want to fill your itinerary not with regrets but memories!
Disclaimer–This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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