Although cruises are meant to be fun and relaxing, you can't disregard the rules that come with being on board. These regulations aren't meant to restrict your enjoyment, but to ensure everyone's safety and comfort during the sailing. Breaking the rules can have serious consequences.
A recent TikTok shows teenagers climbing on their balcony's railing while at sea. According to the poster, @dvandzzedsw, the stunt happened aboard Wonder of the Seas, an Oasis Class ship sailing from Miami, Florida.
Climbing on balcony railings is not allowed on Royal Caribbean cruise ships. "Sitting, standing, jumping, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers is strictly prohibited," reads the company's cruise contract.
The fate of the cruisers is unknown, but other guests have been banned from future sailings for similar reckless behavior, even if no one was injured.
(Credit: @dvandzzedsw/TikTok)
For example, a woman was banned for life in 2019 after posing for a photo on her balcony's railing. She was caught by a fellow guest sailing on Allure of the Seas, who snapped a picture to share with crew members.
The teens captured themselves inching along the narrow railing as the open ocean churned up white seafoam below. One was even wearing flimsy flip-flops and seen protuding their stomach over the railing while holding onto the ceiling above.
The video may have been meant as clout for social media, but it showcases a dangerous activity that could result in serious injuries — or even death. According to data calculated by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), out of the 212 overboard incidents between 2009 and 2019, just 48, or 28.2%, were successfully rescued.
No amount of likes or views is worth putting your life at risk. Moreover, these boys will likely be banned from sailing with the cruise line again, hindering future family vacations with Royal Caribbean and its sister lines, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea.
Read more: What happens when someone goes overboard on a cruise ship?
"You need to teach and watch your children or deal with the consequences"
Cruisers have taken to social media to express their outrage after watching the short 5-second clip.
One Redditor went as far as saying that the teenagers, along with their parents, should be banned from sailing with Royal Caribbean.
"Not only should the teens be banned for 10 years but their parents or guardians they had with them on the cruise should be banned as well," they wrote.
"I'm sorry, but you need to teach and watch your children or deal with the consequences. If you have a teen that would engage in this sort of risky behavior you should not be bringing them on a cruise."
Other users added that they're worried the cruise line may go as far as banning balcony cabins or restricting them to guests 18 years or older. However, one Redditor reassured them that such a move is unlikely:
"They will only ban balconies when the cost outweighs the profits, no matter how many people fall off of them."
