skeet shooting on cruise

5 cruise activities that are no longer allowed on board

Everything old is eventually new again, but some former cruise ship activities have little hope of coming back. Whether you're a more experienced passenger with nostalgia or a younger cruiser who appreciates anything vintage, here are five cruise offerings that aren't likely to be resurrected.

Skeet shooting

Yep, you read that correctly. Until as recently as the 1990s, cruise lines allowed skeet shooting off the backs of their ships. Cruisers would be given actual guns, and members of the crew would fling clay birds into the air for them to shoot.

Leaving aside the safety implications associated with handing firearms to passengers, throwing any foreign objects into the ocean is a practice that's strictly prohibited today.

What I recommend: If you want to practice your sharp-shooter skills, check out the arcade on your ship if it has one, or sign up for a round of laser tag , which is offered on several of Royal Caribbean 's and Norwegian Cruise Line 's newest vessels.

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Topless sunbathing

In the early years of cruising, ships often had designated areas, usually on the uppermost decks, for women to sunbathe topless . These days, as family cruises have become more popular, the practice has been banned on vessels that cater to North Americans.

Because Europeans are generally less puritanical with regard to the human body, a few Europe-based ships — including those in the Costa and Celestyal fleets — still allow passengers with breasts to avoid tan lines by sunbathing sans tops. Virgin Voyages allows it on its ships, too, even though the line carries a largely North American audience.

What I recommend: Either book a sailing with a line that does permit topless tanning, or, to avoid tan lines at all, stick to a covered pool area, which most ships have.

This one comes with a caveat. Although smoking is no longer permitted in most public areas or on cabin balconies, it is still allowed in at least one or two designated areas on modern cruise ships — cigar lounges, a couple of open-deck areas and often casinos.

Banning cigarettes, cigars and e-cigarettes or vapes in most places on board is as much about safety as it is about protecting the comfort of passengers. Most cruisers don't want a nose full of smoke while they eat their dinner or enjoy a show, but fire is also the biggest threat to cruise ships.

What I recommend: If you're a fan of cigars, make your way to your ship's cigar lounge (if it has one), which is also a great option for pre- or post-dinner drinks. If cigarettes are your preference, determine where you're allowed to light up on board.

Cruises to nowhere

Remember when you were short on time or money and could simply drive to your nearest home port to hop on a brief sailing with no port calls? It wasn't that long ago that "cruises to nowhere" were still in operation, offering excellent options for quick getaways, particularly from destinations that aren't close to foreign ports.

In 2016, the United States government cracked down and began more strictly enforcing the Passenger Vessel Services Act , which requires cruise ships sailing from U.S. ports to call on at least one foreign port before returning to the U.S.

What I recommend: If you have your heart set on a super-short sailing, consider a Florida-based ship that offers quick, back-and-forth, two-, three- or four-night voyages to the Bahamas.

Netless golf-ball driving

On cruises of yore, sporty passengers were permitted to shag golf balls off the back of the ship and straight into the water. As with skeet shooting, it was wasteful and meant putting quite a bit of rubbish into the sea.

As environmental practices continue to evolve, cruise lines have tried to find more ways to be eco-friendly, including putting the kibosh on free-range golf-ball driving.

What I recommend: If you're a duffer who just can't go a day without practicing your swing, see if your ship has a driving net on one of its top decks. If not, you might find a putting green or miniature golf course that at least will allow you to pick up a club during your cruise. Or, book a cruise to a destination — like Bermuda, the Caribbean or the British Isles — that's known for pristine courses so you can play a round when you're in port.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

Five Things We No Longer See On Cruise Ships

Cruising, like everything in the world, is constantly evolving.  Certain things about cruising however are engrained in the minds of those who experienced them first hand, or even by watching The Love Boat.  To this day for example not a cruise goes by that I don't hear someone, often younger than I, asking if they still have a midnight buffet.  Let's take a quick glimpse at five of the things we just don't see on cruise ships any longer.

Skeet Shooting (aka Trap Shooting)

It's not hard to understand why cruise lines don't want to hand loaded shotguns over to random passengers walking away from pool bars, but this wasn't always the case.  For many years, a popular onboard activity was skeet shooting.  This usually took place towards the aft of the ship on a sea day.  Manned by an officer, guests could pay a few dollars and try their hand at shooting clay pigeons out of the air as they sailed over the ocean.  Obviously, when this activity was going on, everyone knew it, as the sounds of shotgun blasts tends to stand out on a serene Caribbean cruise.

I don't recall seeing this much past the very early 1990's, and have heard people mention environmental concerns as one reason.  While I try to be an eco-conscious person, I really think this may have come down more to lawyers finally realizing that this was actually happening.

Ice Carving Demonstrations

Passengers weren't the only persons on deck wielding potentially dangerous equipment.  Ice carvings, still seen around ships at times, used to be an event to be witnessed.  While the occasional ice carving now happens in the galley, or at least, with little fanfare on deck, this was once an activity that drew big crowds.  Talented chefs would come out, often in the late afternoon, and place large blocks of ice on the pool deck.  Then, in a matter of minutes, they'd dazzle passengers as they turned the boring blocks of ice into unicorns, dolphins, birds, or even cruise line logos using chain-saws and sharp knives.

While it was an impressive display, my guess is that the popularity waned as other activities competed for the attention of passengers.  Additionally, I can't help but think the talented chefs occasionally needed a mulligan, or suffered quite the challenge lugging the carved ice back to the galley for freezing before display at the midnight buffet.  That in mind, as shown in the picture above (taken sometime since 2008), it still occasionally occurs, but isn't the staple of cruising it once was.

The Ocean As Your Driving Range

Not everything flying off the stern of a cruise ship resulted in a loud "boom", as driving golf balls off the deck into the open ocean was a popular activity until the mid-nineties.  Similar to skeet shooting, passengers would pay a few dollars for golf balls and use of a club.  The passenger would then don a safety harness of sorts as a section of railing was removed, allowing a clear path from the deck to the water below.  I never understood this activity, as there was no goal - even a child could manage to get the ball into the ocean, and there was no way to measure distance or accuracy.

Here, the environmental concern was real, as new studies demonstrated how long the golf balls lasted in our oceans (hint, they're still there from the Love Boat days).  Eventually a company did come along with bio-degradable golf balls, but the cost was high.   Newer and cheaper formulations came about later, but by then the magic of watching one-self waste time and golf balls had passed as ships now feature virtual driving ranges that allow golfers to simulate various courses, and judge their performance.

Midnight Buffets

As mentioned earlier, it's still not uncommon to hear passengers asking about the midnight buffet.  I remember as a child eagerly awaiting midnight, as I, wide awake, would beg my parents to sleepily drag me to the midnight buffet so I could take in all it had to offer.  This didn't just mean food by the way, but the ambiance too.  An entire area of the ship was often redecorated for the event, where presentation was as important as the feast.  Ice carvings, fondue, intricately carved fruit, hand dipped chocolates - any over the top delight you could think of.  

The midnight buffet was a staple of cruising since the early days of ocean liner crossings, so what made it go away?  Ironically, the 24 hour availability of food is largely to blame.  As more ships entertained crowds later into the night, offering pizza and other snacks around the clock, deserts outside of nightclubs, etc, the justification for such a time and labor-intensive feast simply faded.  You do occasionally see similar events on ships these days, but usually just one night out of a cruise, if at all.

Low Ceilings

Number five on our list isn't an event or even something necessarily good, but those of us who cruised prior to the mid 1990's know exactly what I am talking about.  Technology today has really made the sky the limit when it comes to cruise ship construction.  There was a time however when not only were there no surfing simulators and planetariums on ships (imagine that!), but the engineering limits of the vessels were something you could literally feel, just by reaching up.  Ceilings in staterooms and public areas were generally only seven to eight feet high.  This meant that an average size adult could stand up from his or her chair at dinner, reach up, and touch the metallic ceiling panels, lights, sprinklers, etc.

These days ships have eight story atriums, and public areas generally have ceilings no lower than ten or twelve feet high.  Even our staterooms are taller (believe it or not, our stateroom bathrooms are much larger too - but that's a story for another time).  If we were to visit ships of the past now, I'm sure we'd feel terrifically cramped by the layout, especially the low ceilings, but until twenty or so years ago, this was all we knew.

In Conclusion

We tend to look back on things with great love for the way they used to be.  I'm certainly guilty of this, even when it comes to cruising.  Sure I miss some things, like midnight buffets, but even the uncomfortably low ceilings remind me of amazing and wonderful times that have long passed.  The great news is that the second I step onto a ship now, I immediately fall in love all over again with the experience - and it's the experience of cruising that keeps me going back. It's the new amenities and technologies on today's ships however that allow me to form even greater memories that I'll look back on in another twenty years when we're shocked at how we used to cruise in 2016.

What do you miss (or not) from cruising of the past?  Remembering something important that I've missed?  Have a story to tell?  Let us know below, or reach out on Facebook or Twitter .

View the discussion thread.

Cruise Tips For Families & Single Cruisers

Things to Know Before You Cruise

Skeet Shooting At Sea: A Thing Of The Past

I remember my first cruise, the excitement of exploring the ship and all the activities it had to offer. One of the activities that caught my eye was skeet shooting, the opportunity to shoot clay targets out of the sky while cruising on the open sea.

However, as I later discovered, skeet shooting at sea is no longer offered on most cruise ships. The decline in popularity of skeet shooting at sea can be attributed to safety and environmental concerns.

Cruise lines have made efforts to replace lead pellets and clay targets with non-toxic steel shot and compacted fish food targets. While skeet shooting on land is still offered as an excursion activity in ports of call, virtual skeet shooting simulator games and other activities such as mini-golf, archery, and laser tag are available on board.

In this article, we will explore the history and popularity of skeet shooting at sea, the environmental concerns that led to its disappearance, and the alternative activities available to passengers.

• Skeet shooting on cruise ships was popular in the 1920s and had 8 shooting stations on the aft deck, but declined in popularity in the 1980s and was completely dropped in the early 1990s.
• Safety and environmental concerns led to the replacement of lead pellets and clay targets with non-toxic steel shot and compacted fish food targets, and skeet shooting is no longer offered on most cruise ships.
• Sustainability efforts are important for cruise ships to minimize their impact on the environment, and travelers should be mindful of activities and their impact.
• Alternative activities such as mini-golf, archery, and laser tag are available on board, as well as culinary experiences that are mindful of food waste and environmental impact.

History and Popularity

I’ve always been fascinated by the history and popularity of skeet shooting on cruise ships. It originated in the 1920s and became a beloved pastime for many cruisers. The activity had 8 shooting stations arranged in an arch on the aft deck.

However, the activity declined in popularity in the 1980s due to safety and environmental concerns. Efforts were made to replace the lead pellets and clay targets with non-toxic steel shot and compacted fish food targets.

Despite these efforts, cruise lines completely dropped skeet shooting in the early 1990s and replaced it with a virtual skeet shooting game. Today, skeet shooting at sea is a thing of the past, but it’s still available as an excursion activity in ports of call and virtual skeet shooting simulator games are available on some ships.

The evolution of skeet shooting on cruise ships is a testament to the industry’s commitment to ensuring the safety and sustainability of the environment.

Environmental Concerns

It’s important to consider the environmental impact of activities offered on cruise ships, especially with the current crisis facing our planet.

Skeet shooting, once a popular activity on the aft deck of cruise ships, has been dropped due to safety and environmental concerns. The use of lead pellets and clay targets posed a danger to wildlife and ocean ecosystems.

In response, cruise lines made efforts to replace these materials with non-toxic steel shot and compacted fish food targets. However, the impact on wildlife cannot be ignored, and the activity was ultimately replaced by a virtual skeet shooting game.

Cruise ships have a responsibility to implement sustainability efforts and minimize their impact on the environment. Adding waste to the ocean, even in the form of non-toxic materials, cannot be justified given the current environmental crisis.

As travelers, it’s important for us to be mindful of the activities we participate in and their impact on the world around us. While skeet shooting at sea may be a thing of the past, there are still plenty of engaging and entertaining activities offered on board, such as mini-golf, archery, and laser tag, that do not harm the environment.

Alternatives and Excursions

While I’m not exactly eager to sign up for an excursion that involves hitting golf balls off a ship and potentially harming the ocean, I’m excited to explore the other engaging activities offered on board, like mini-golf, archery, and laser tag. These activities provide a fun and safe alternative to activities like skeet shooting that have been discontinued due to environmental concerns. Plus, they offer a chance to compete with fellow passengers and show off your skills.

If you’re still looking for a skeet shooting experience, there are excursion options available in ports of call. However, if you don’t want to leave the ship, virtual simulators are a great option. These games provide a realistic shooting experience without the environmental impact of traditional skeet shooting.

Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, these virtual simulators offer a fun and safe way to enjoy the sport while on board a cruise ship.

Other On-Board Activities

I always enjoy exploring the variety of on-board activities available during a cruise, such as mini-golf, archery, and laser tag. These activities provide a break from the typical lounging by the pool or watching shows in the theater. Additionally, they offer a chance to interact with fellow passengers and make new connections. One thing I particularly appreciate about these activities is the opportunity to try something new and challenge myself in a fun and safe environment.

When it comes to food options, the abundance and variety on a cruise can be overwhelming. From fine dining restaurants to buffet-style options, there is something for everyone. However, it is important to be mindful of food waste and considerate of the environmental impact. Despite this, it’s hard not to indulge in the delicious offerings available. On my last cruise, I made it a point to try something new each day, from sushi to exotic fruits. It was a great way to expand my culinary horizons and make the most of the dining experience on board.

What was the reason behind the decline of skeet shooting on cruise ships in the 1980s?

Oh, the 1980s. The decade of big hair, neon colors, and the decline of skeet shooting on cruise ships. Changing attitudes towards safety and the environment were the reasons behind its decline.

Were there any efforts made to make skeet shooting on cruise ships more environmentally friendly?

Efforts were made to make skeet shooting on cruise ships more environmentally friendly, including replacing lead pellets and clay targets with non-toxic steel shot and compacted fish food targets. However, challenges with waste and safety concerns led to its discontinuation.

Are there any cruise lines that still offer skeet shooting on their ships?

I couldn’t find any cruise lines that offer skeet shooting on their ships. Safety concerns and environmental impact led to its replacement with virtual skeet shooting and alternatives like mini-golf and archery.

Are there any other activities that have been discontinued on cruise ships due to environmental concerns?

I’ve discovered that cruise lines have discontinued several activities due to environmental concerns. Alternative activities like mini-golf, archery, and laser tag are available, and sustainability initiatives aim to reduce food waste and minimize ocean pollution.

Are excursions such as skeet shooting offered as part of the cruise package or do they require additional payment?

Want to add some excitement to your cruise? Excursions like skeet shooting may require additional payment. Inclusion in the cruise package varies and should be checked beforehand.

Firearms on A Cruise Ship? Straight Talk on Ships and Guns

by Contractor | Dec 16, 2020 | resources | 0 comments

Gun laws vary by state. And each gun owner carries one for a different reason. This leads to an abundance of laws surrounding when and where you can carry. But what about when you take a cruise vacation?

Most major cruise lines do not allow passengers to bring firearms on board. This prohibition is a safety measure. Taking a gun on a cruise may also violate maritime law as well as the laws in the ports you visit.

In most cases, carrying a gun on a cruise ship is not allowed. In this article, we’ll take a look at the reasons why this is the case. We’ll also take a look at some of the legal ramifications of carrying a gun on a cruise.

Why Do Cruise Lines Ban Firearms?

As a general point, cruise lines make efforts to ban all kinds of weapons. Of course, firearms are among the weapons about which they are most concerned. Some other weapons that commonly appear on lists of prohibited items include:

• Pepper spray

The obvious reason for banning weapons is safety. A cruise line cannot assume that every weapon owner will act responsibly. When weapons are present, there is always the potential for accidental injury. As a preventative measure, cruise ships take the simple approach of prohibiting weapons of all forms. In their mind, this contributes to the overall security of their guests.

Firearms are particularly dangerous in this regard. Statistics support this idea. For instance, over a decade, there were more than 6,500 deaths from accidental shootings in the United States. Cruise ships want to avoid liability at all costs. That’s why they are so strict regarding what weapons you can carry onboard.

What About Concealed Carry Permits?

It is safe to assume that you can’t bring a gun on a cruise regardless of what permit you have. There are many different firearm laws in the United States. But cruise ships do not care about these laws. Instead of dealing with the details of each one, they take a blanket approach.

You may not find this to be fair, but it is the case. Depending on where you live, you may be allowed to carry a concealed weapon anywhere you go in your home state. You may even be allowed to open carry.

None of this matters to a cruise ship company. What you might see as a violation of rights, they see as a necessary precaution. So, don’t expect them to make exceptions based on the local laws in your state.

How Cruise Ships Deal with Safety Concerns

One of the primary reasons that people own guns is for protection. With proper training, an individual can defend themselves very effectively with a firearm. This desire for self-preservation often motivates people to carry a weapon everywhere they go.

If you are one of those people, the lack of guns on a cruise might make you feel unsafe. Without your gun, your main line of defense is lost. Thankfully, cruise ships are worried about your protection as well.

Though unlikely, hijackers or pirates may try to take control of a ship. Cruise companies see the risk of this kind of terrorism. In response, many cruise companies place armed security on each of their ships. These trained professionals are ready to defend the passengers on board.

The Consequences of Bringing a Firearm on a Cruise

Common cruise ship firearm restrictions will disappoint gun enthusiasts. But they are meant to contribute to the safety of all cruise ship passengers. Still, some may reject this idea and try to bring a firearm on a cruise anyway. This is a bad idea for several reasons.

Bringing a gun on a cruise ship is a serious offense. It is an infraction that can come with punishment. This punishment can come from a few different sources. That’s because bringing a firearm on a cruise will likely violate:

• Cruise ship guidelines

Maritime Law

• Local port laws

Here’s why sneaking a firearm on a cruise ship is not worth the risk.

Cruise Line Punishments

As you board your cruise, the crew will screen your luggage. In this process, they are looking for any items that might pose a safety risk. They also look for other items that they ban specifically. Comprehensive lists of these items are available on cruise line websites. Some of the most common are:

• Ammunitions
• Illegal drugs

You can be confident that weapons will also appear on these lists. Most cruise lines have a zero-tolerance policy for banned items. Since their rules are clearly stated, you are expected to know and follow them before arrival. However, breaking these rules is not likely to have significant legal ramifications.

Instead, the cruise line will usually confiscate any banned items they find. What they do after confiscation is up to them. It will usually depend on the item. Sometimes they will hold the banned item and return it to you after the cruise. Other times they will discard the item and offer no compensation.

The last section covered how cruise lines are likely to treat your items. But these actions are relatively harmless to you compared to legal action. Cruise lines are not law enforcement agencies. So they don’t have the authority to prosecute you. However, there are plenty of domestic and international laws regarding what is legal at sea.

The laws over what you can and cannot do at sea are called Maritime Law.

Maritime Law began as a set of rules created by the United Nations. Now, these laws apply to cruise ships as well as any other ships on the ocean and are the standard for legality on the ocean.

When sailing in international waters, the laws will vary based on your vessel. Generally, the laws in international waters are the same as those in the country where the ship is registered. That means that if the ship you are on is registered in the United States, US federal law will apply.

For cruisers, this technicality won’t matter. The rules of the cruise ship will prevent you from taking a firearm on board. But at least you can know that you may not be in violation of Maritime Law. Of course, as we mentioned, that all depends on where the cruise ship is registered. Odds are Maritime Law will not be leveraged against you. But that does not mean that you are free from all law enforcement.

Local Port Laws

Let’s imagine a scenario where someone manages to get a firearm past cruise security. That person is far from safe in terms of legal action. Along with cruise ship guidelines, each port you visit will have an individual set of laws. Since cruise ships travel between multiple nations, it is difficult to predict the details of those laws.

Some ports may have very stringent laws surrounding firearms. When you are under their jurisdiction, they have full right to use those laws against you. It does not matter if you are a legal gun owner in your home state. The laws of the country you visit will always take precedence.

This is not a hypothetical threat either. Local authorities may detain you, which can lead to formal charges as well.

In 2019, one cruiser found that out first hand. A woman from Wisconsin took a cruise to the Cayman Islands. Once there, authorities found a gun and ammunition in her luggage. That cruiser now faces up to ten years in prison in the Cayman Islands.

This is just one example of a cruiser facing the law after failing to abide by firearm restrictions. It is also strong evidence that trying to bring a gun on a cruise is not a smart decision.

Are There Any Exceptions?

So far, we have seen that it is essentially a guarantee that you can’t bring a firearm on a cruise. This is not just a violation of cruise rules. It can also be a violation of the law. Those legal consequences are enough to deter most. Yet, still, some wonder if there are any exceptions to these rules. In the following sections, we will look at some situations where people might expect an exception for carrying firearms on cruises.

Law Enforcement

There may be some confusion surrounding law enforcement on cruise ships. Many people assume that those in law enforcement should be allowed to bring their firearms on cruise ships. Since law enforcement officers are trained and have a duty to protect the public, this assumption makes some sense.

To further add to the confusion, there is something called the Law Enforcement Safety Act. This act mainly dictates that current and retired law enforcement officers can carry firearms in any state or US jurisdiction. This act came into existence in 2004. Since then, its provisions have expanded multiple times. While this act grants plenty of freedom for officers to carry weapons, there are many restrictions:

• The officer must undergo annual firearm training.
• Retired officers must have left service in good standing.
• Officers must have no mental health issues.
• Officers must refrain from abusing alcohol.
• The act does not allow officers to carry firearms on planes or cruise ships.

At first glance, this act seems to allow law enforcement to carry firearms on cruises. But the details of the act prove otherwise. Under the Law Enforcement Safety Act, officers cannot carry firearms on cruise ships. The same is true for both planes and trains.

Sport Shooting Onboard

By this point, you know that cruise lines are very strict about firearms. So, you might be shocked to hear this next potential exception.

Although it seems outlandish, skeet shooting was once a popular activity on cruise ships. Cruisers would take aim at clay pigeons that sailed over the ocean. An officer would supervise as people fired shotguns into the open sea. For multiple reasons, this practice is now nonexistent.

The first reason is fairly obvious. Having cruise-goers handling shotguns onboard is a safety hazard. At the time, there was likely minimal screening for those who wanted to take part. This opens the door for plenty of dangerous scenarios.

The other main reason is ecological. Sending countless clay pigeons and rounds of ammunition into the ocean is unsanitary. The practice goes against all we know today about littering and protecting natural habitats. Thankfully, onboard skeet shooting has not been common for a few decades.

Shooting Excursions

Skeet shooting onboard a cruise ship is inconceivable by today’s standards. But what is more reasonable is the idea of a skeet shooting shore excursion. There are many activities to partake in when you visit different ports on your cruise. At times, sport shooting is among them.

These shooting opportunities are not the most common type of excursion. But some cruise lines still offer the chance to fire a gun when you get off the ship. To your benefit, this takes place in a controlled environment. Those running the activity are well trained. They will usually have multiple certifications for safe firearm use.

If you are interested in sport shooting, these excursions will likely catch your eye. You might also see them as a chance to bring your gun on board. But, again, this is not the case.

A skeet shooting shore excursion does not require you to bring your own gun. In fact, they will probably prohibit it. Instead, those running the excursion will provide you with a gun and ammunition. This ensures safety so that all passengers can enjoy a secure shooting experience.

Buying a Firearm at a Port of Call

Here is another situation in which you might think there is an exception to cruise ship firearm rules. However, this one is quite unlikely to happen. Some people use firearms solely as a form of protection. Others, however, take their love of firearms beyond the functional aspect. These gun owners see guns as collector items.

As such, they may find the idea of buying a gun from a foreign country alluring. Though not common, there may be a chance to purchase a firearm or another weapon at a port of call. However, what some consider to be a valuable addition to a gun collection, the cruise ship will see as a liability.

As you return to your ship, you will need to go through security. In this process, the cruise workers may find and confiscate the weapon you purchased. Again, depending on the item, they may store it and give it to you at the end of the cruise. They may also dispose of it.

In some cases, items may go undetected in this security screening. The high volumes of people returning to the ship leave room for error. But even if you get a weapon past cruise security, you will have bigger problems later on. Let’s explore the details of those problems right now.

Bringing a Firearm Through US Customs

By nature, a cruise will take you outside of the United States. As a result, you will need to pass through US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) upon your return. This is an important step in your travels that officials take very seriously.

Customs is the means by which the United States controls what enters the country. The following items are among those that are restricted in some way or entirely prohibited:

• Cultural artifacts
• Drug paraphernalia
• Food products

Each of these comes with a detailed set of rules. To know what to expect regarding these and more, just visit the CBP online resources . You’ll find some rules to be stringent while others come with only a few restrictions.

The rules surrounding firearms are particularly strict. Let’s go through what you can expect to unfold if you attempt to bring a firearm into the country.

What Happens When You Get Off Your Cruise?

We’ll start with a general description of what it is like to return to the country from a cruise. The process is somewhat more complex than what you might imagine.

You cannot simply step off the ship and call a cab. Instead, you must pass through a multi-layered disembarkation process. Typically, this process is fairly uniform and will include these steps:

• Closing out all onboard purchases
• Exiting the ship in groups according to a preset schedule
• Claiming luggage
• Going through Customs
• Connecting to other modes of transportation

You should expect this process to take a few hours. This is partially due to the number of travelers attempting to disembark. It also has to do with the safety and security measures that must be in place. Only after going through this in-depth process can you proceed to travel home. As it relates to firearms, going through customs is the most critical part of this process.

How Customs Treats Firearms

When you go through customs, an officer will ask you if you have anything to declare. This is your opportunity to be forthcoming regarding the items you are transporting. As a high priority item, a firearm is something you should always declare when you reach customs.

Recall the hypothetical earlier in which a cruiser buys a firearm at a port. They may get their firearm past cruise security. But getting through customs is an entirely different challenge.

To bring a firearm into the United States, you need to have a permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Considering the cruiser in our hypothetical situation bought their gun at a port of call, it is unlikely they will receive this permit. Additionally, it often takes several months to be granted a permit.

This process will require a background check. It will also require the serial number of the firearms you are transporting. This can be tough to achieve depending on the firearm seller’s legitimacy at your port of call.

What Happens If I Fail to Declare a Firearm?

As mentioned above, Customs will ask you if you have anything to declare. This implies that the system relies on you to volunteer information. The insidious among us may attempt to skirt this responsibility. But doing so is not only ill-advised. It is completely illegal.

If you fail to declare an item at customs, they may seize that item with no intention of returning it to you. This can include further punishment, as well. For instance, you may have fines levied against you.

Crossing the border in any capacity is a serious endeavor. Be sure to follow all regulations to avoid getting into any legal trouble. For those hoping to bring firearms into the country, be very careful. Seek to transport firearms in full accordance with the law. Follow all orders from Customs officers and remain compliant with the clearly listed rules of the CBP.

Best Way to Transport a Gun

Not all gun enthusiasts are as willing to break the rules as the person in our hypothetical. In fact, the majority of owners respect the important laws surrounding firearms. So, how can a law-abiding person go about bringing a gun into the United States?

The first step is to acquire a permit from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. With a long turn around time, you should do this well before your trip. This lead time implies that you are a responsible buyer.

Knowing you will be buying a gun in advance means you probably know a reputable seller in the area you are visiting. This will mean the gun you buy is likely registered and has a serial number. If you are successful in getting a permit, you need to know how to safely transport your new gun once you are back in the country. Here are a few important guidelines:

• Ensure the firearm is unloaded
• Put the firearm in a case
• Lock the firearm in an inaccessible place like a trunk or checked luggage
• Know the specific laws of the states through which your gun will pass

Following these steps may help you bring a gun home legally. However, before you do this, conduct careful legal research to ensure you know and follow all relevant laws.

Other Banned Items

It is not a surprise that guns are banned on cruise ships when you consider the safety risk. But other banned items might surprise you. Some of these are weapons. Others are items that you might think are relatively harmless.

What is Considered a Weapon on a Cruise Ship?

The term weapon might have a different meaning to different people. Some might only consider firearms and other obvious items. Other people have a much longer list of what they consider to be dangerous.

Cruise lines fall into the second category. Along with firearms, there are a few other items of which cruise ships are wary. Some of these may seem harmless to you. But to a cruise ship prioritizing safety at all times, these are a risk:

• Archery equipment
• CBD and medical marijuana
• Diving spear guns
• Scissors longer than four inches

Some of these items seem to be ridiculous additions to the list. But these are not the only strange items you will find banned on cruise ships. Cruise lines set their own safety rules with little regard for what you think is reasonable. To further illustrate this, let’s look at one final item that is often, surprisingly, banned on many cruise ships.

Toy Guns on Cruise Ships

That’s right, even items that look like guns are not allowed on cruise ships. Although these items are clearly toys meant for children, cruise lines are not willing to take any chances.

In fairness, these days, toy guns can have a highly realistic appearance. This adds to the excitement of playing with them. However, it is this appearance that cruise ships don’t like. Cruise lines are worried that other guests will mistake a toy gun for a real one. Presumably, the issue is that this mistake will lead to fear among the guests. Even water guns are not allowed on many ships for this reason.

The surprising part about this is what appears to be a level of hypocrisy. The same ships that ban toy guns may have a gift shop with toy weapons. The ship has no issue with children playing with the toys they are selling. But they are unwilling to allow children to bring their own toy weapons.

But even if this seems unfair, there is no getting around this rule. Even if the reasoning seems flawed, the cruise line sets the rules.

The answer here is clear. In nearly every scenario, you cannot bring a firearm on a cruise. To do so would be a violation of cruise ship rules. It is a violation of the law in many cases as well.

The same is true for other weapons as well. So, next time you are going on a cruise, don’t bring a firearm. That way, you won’t be breaking any rules. You’ll be reducing the risk of dangerous accidents too.

https://www.usconcealedcarry.com/resources/traveling-with-firearms/cruise-ships/#:~:text=Cruise%20Ship%20Travel-,Cruise%20Ship%20Travel,of%20any%20type%20are%20prohibited .

https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/lights-out-sonic-boom-devices-and-water-jets-how-cruise-liners-keep-passengers-safe-from-somali-pirates-1.618389

https://www.theactivetimes.com/travel/cruise-ship-banned-items/slide-21

https://help.goccl.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/4090/~/carnival-cruise-line-prohibited-items%2C-exemptions-and-other-considerations

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/firearms-on-the-boat-the-_b_5148704#:~:text=We%20begin%20with%20the%20overarching,of%20the%20Sea%2C%20etc).&text=Thus%20a%20vessel%20flying%20the,ammunition%20to%20go%20with%20it .

https://www.cruisehive.com/things-you-cant-take-on-a-cruise/16610

https://www.usacarry.com/handguns-on-board-boats/

https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-passenger-faces-up-to-10-years-in-prison-for-gun-possession-2019-4#:~:text=An%20American%20cruise%2Dship%20passenger,were%20found%20in%20her%20luggage

https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/367234-expanding-the-law-enforcement-officers-safety-act-of-2004-makes#:~:text=To%20enjoy%20the%20benefit%20of,from%20service%20in%20good%20standing.&text=For%20one%2C%20the%20carriage%20of,the%20%E2%80%9Ccommon%20carrier%E2%80%9D%20exemption .

https://www.cruisehabit.com/five-things-we-no-longer-see-cruise-ships

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/shoreExcursions/product/detail/view.do?sourcePage=shorexByPort&ProductCode=ANC4&DestinationCode=

https://www.cbp.gov/travel/us-citizens/know-before-you-go/prohibited-and-restricted-items

https://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=63

https://www.ezbordercrossing.com/the-inspection-experience/transporting-firearms/bringing-firearms-into-the-u-s/

https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/u-s-customs-failing-to-disclose-items-upon-entry-48386

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17 Things You’ll Never See on a Cruise Again

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Cruises have changed a lot over the years. From old traditions of the past to more recent changes, these are the things you may have loved, but will likely never see on a cruise again.

If you’ve been cruising for a long time, you’ll recall some of these nostalgic cruise traditions. However, even if you’re a relatively new cruiser, you may notice some of the things that have changed on cruises since the pandemic.

In some cases, you’ll find some things that are in the midst of disappearing on cruises right now.

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Things We No Longer See on Cruise Ships

Times have changed, and it may be hard to believe that some of these things actually happened on cruise ships!

1. Golfing Off the Back of the Cruise Ship

It may be hard to imagine, but a couple of decades ago cruise passengers were allowed to hit golf balls off the back of the cruise ship. This was actually popular cruise activity!

The practice has been banned since 1990, as it’s bad for the environment and marine life. While you can no longer hit golf balls into the ocean, many cruise ships do have mini-golf and other fun sports available.

2. Skeet Shooting

Some cruise passengers will remember skeet shooting off the back of the cruise ship. Up until the early 1990’s, cruisers could participate in a skeet shooting activity, and shoot clay pigeons with shotguns provided on the cruise.

Needless to say, this is no longer allowed on a cruise for a myriad of good reasons!

3. Topless Sunbathing Deck

Up until the late eighties, several cruise lines reserved the top deck for those who wanted to sunbathe topless. While not banned on all cruise lines, most major cruise lines no longer have a topless sunbathing deck.

There are a couple of exceptions, most notably Virgin Voyages which allows topless sunbathing on the sun deck on Deck 17, called The Perch.

4. In Person Muster Drills

While some nostalgic cruise traditions may be missed, most frequent cruisers are happy that in person muster drills went away on most cruise lines as they restarted after the pandemic.

Since then, many cruise lines adopted a form of e-muster, where cruise passengers watch a safety video on their cell phone or stateroom and check in at their muster station with a crew member.

There are some cruise lines that are using a hybrid model, like Virgin Voyages that has a small group check in and demonstration by a crew member. Others, such as Disney, have returned to an in person muster drill.

5. Elaborate Ice Sculptures

Cruises were once really elegant ways to travel. This seemed to include beautiful and elaborate ice sculptures displayed at the lido buffet, main dining room and out on the deck for special parties and events.

While ice sculpture demonstrations are still happening as an activity on some cruise lines, seeing the beautiful creations day to day is far less common.

6. Midnight Buffet

A staple on cruise vacations for many years, the midnight buffet saw its last days quite a while ago. While beautiful to look at and photograph, tastes changed and many cruise passengers no longer wanted to feast so late at night.

There was a lot of food waste and the set up and take down took a lot of crew effort. While cruisers may reminisce about the good old days of the midnight buffet, most admit it was time for it to go.

Related: Biggest Changes to Cruising this Year

7. Plastic Straws

A more recent change, plastic straws have been removed from cruise ships for environmental reasons. Instead, some cruise lines are using paper, candy or biodegradable straws instead.

8. Cruise Recap DVD

It’s hard to recall exactly when the cruise recap DVD went away, but it was likely at the same time that cell phone cameras got so good!

Up until about a decade ago, it was common to see a videographer or two filming throughout the cruise. Those who participated in some of the events would likely see themselves in the cruise recap DVD.

At the end of the cruise, the short movie was played for all the passengers at the farewell show in the ship’s theater. Many guests would purchase the cruise DVD to share with friends and family back home and have as a memory.

9. Smoking Everywhere

Years ago smoking was permitted in many places on a cruise. This included balconies on cruise ships, where it is now strictly forbidden as its a potential fire hazard.

These days, cruise passengers can smoke in designated smoking areas which are often found outdoors. Some cruise ships also allow smoking in the casino.

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10. Cruises to Nowhere

Cruises to nowhere no longer exist, at least from US cruise ports. While cruise ships used to be able to have a one or two night cruise that went out to sea, but didn’t stop anywhere, this is no longer allowed.

Cruises to nowhere, as they were called, were stopped in 2016 due to a law that states that cruise ships leaving the US must stop in foreign soil before returning.

Things That Are Slowly Going Away

Times continue to move forward, and this means that we are seeing some of these changes at this time.

11. Formal Night

While formal night still exists on cruises, the practice of getting dressed up in black tie formal wear has been gone for a few years. Many cruise lines have opted for other terms for the dress up night including “ chic evening “, “elegant”, “dressy” and “dress your best”.

While formal and gala evenings are still special, we are seeing a change as cruise passengers want to pack lighter and dress less formally.

Related: 10 Dress Code Mistakes You’ll Regret Making on a Cruise

12. Wall of Photos

Cruise ship photographers still exist, but the “wall of photos” is far less common. With the changes in technology including facial recognition, cruise passengers can now use portals and screens to view their photos.

There are even some cruise line apps where cruise passengers have reported being able to view their souvenir photos.

13. Free Room Service

Cruise vacations included room service for years. However, in recent times we have seen some cruise lines that have begun charging for room service. It’s actually a bit confusing, as it differs by cruise line.

In some cases there is a charge per item, while in other cases its a flat fee. Some cruise lines, like Celebrity, have “complimentary” room service but have a $10 plus service fee delivery charge.

Continental breakfast may be “free” on your cruise during certain hours. Still, other cruise lines continue to offer included room service, so be sure to check.

14. Chocolates on Your Pillow

Sadly, many cruise passengers have noticed that their favorite cruise line is no longer putting chocolates on their pillow at night. A nice touch, it’s becoming rare (although still possible) to find these days on many popular cruise lines.

15. Twice a Day Housekeeping (Turn-down service)

Up until recently, almost every cruise line offered twice a day housekeeping of passenger staterooms. This included a quick cleaning, if necessary, a towel refresh and turn-down service.

As part of the cost cutting measures, sadly, many contemporary cruise lines have cut on this passenger service. Premium and luxury cruise lines are still offering the twice a day cabin service, but for how long?

16. Towel Animals

A fun staple on cruise lines for years was the towel animal. Towel animals are not going away on every cruise line, but we are seeing less and less of them.

Some cruise passengers see towel animals as a waste of a cabin attendant’s time and the cruise lines resources.

17. Ships Not Sailing Full

If you cruised as cruise lines were restarting, you remember the days when cruise ships were sailing at reduced capacity. While it was nice for guests while it lasted, cruises are pretty much “back to normal” and so is demand.

Video Things You’ll Never See on a Cruise Again

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Final Thoughts on Things You’ll Never See on a Cruise Again

It’s true, cruises are changing, but nothing ever stays the same. Many cruise passengers feel nostalgic about the “good old days” of cruising. However, the reality is that most of us would much rather be on today’s cruise ships than on those of the past.

Do you recall some of these things that we no longer see on cruise ships? What do you think might be changing next? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

If you found this article helpful, please pass it along. Please feel free to share on Facebook or PIN to your favorite Pinterest board (share buttons at the top). Thanks so much!

On a Carnival ship in 2018, we were, um, treated to the severs doing a song and dance number. Every single night. Most of them had a forced smile, and we were mortified for them.

This “tradition” can’t disappear fast enough.

That’s interesting. I definitely remember that from a past Carnival cruise.

We’ve been cruising so long that we remember receiving a glass of champagne while boarding & someone would show you to your stateroom. No, not just for suite guests! Everyone was treated Royally😁

Pretty awesome!

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• What Ever Happened To........???

Skeet shooting

By clopaw , February 9, 2007 in What Ever Happened To........???

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I work with a guy who is an avid hunter, and he mentioned that his wife doesn't hunt but she does shoot clay pigeons. Was that once an activity on cruise ships? If it was, when did it stop?

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The only time I ever did skeet shooting was on my European cruises, both in the Med and the No Sea....however never on any of the US home ported ships. I have to admitt it was fuan.

I have to disagree with the previous post. I have sailed on Norwegian in the Caribbean and they always had skeet shooting. No more of course like the other lines...they all blame pollution...what a crock!

After 9/11, they were afraid to have a shotgun in the hands of a passenger!:cool:

KINGBOBOFTHENORTH

I have to disagree with the previous post. I have sailed on Norwegian in the Caribbean and they always had skeet shooting. No more of course like the other lines...they all blame pollution...what a crock!   Well don't forget that the Society For Prevention of Cruelty to Skeet was pretty active as well!!

The last tme I remember skeet shooting, was off the back of a Carnival ship in the early 1990's.

Monarch of the Seas, 9/96...there was a German fellow who hit every single clay pigeon they threw...even called the last one for just above the water! Very impressive! I went 4 for 10, and my wife bested me by one...have had a hard time living that one down!

Too bad they've stopped this activity...always enjoyed the spectacle!

I can understand stopping golf balls into the sea (not really, they could easily be made to decompose) but the clay pigeons and steel shot? Clay may not rot away, but steel hasn't got a chance!

Oh well, there's always Bingo...NOT;)

Skeet shooting was stopped long befor 9/11....it was based on pollution concerns. Sealife would, could, and did eat the clay.....not at all good for them. But I do miss it........was a great way to pass time on days at sea.

I don't doubt what you say but it is a crock! You know and I know that if the cruise lines wanted to have skeet shooting, they could get clay pigeons made of that biodegradable stuff that they make the golf balls from that are environmentally friendly and hit off of the back of cruise ships. What are they going to say next? The lead pellets from the shotgun shells are polluting the environment? Give me a break! I am all for saving the environment but these excuses are insignificant and lame!:cool:

• 2 weeks later...

BearySweet2Cruise

I am in favor of skeet shooting.. I enjoy that activity.. can not imagine at sea, but it would be fun.. :)

Although 9/11 was a good enough reason to stop giving loaded guns to inebriated passengers on a moving ship's deck, there is one other reason that really forced skeet shooting to be stopped. Every shotgun shell has a plastic sleeve inside that holds the shot seperately from the powder that propels it. When the gun is fired, that plastic sleeve is propelled into the sea.

Is it a lot of plastic?? No. Very little in fact.

But the US Coast Guard says it is enough plastic to fine the cruise line $5,000 for each piece that enters the water.

With dozens or even hundreds of passengers - many with video cameras - witnessing and recording the illegal activity, it would be very foolish and expensive for the cruise lines to sponsor this behaviour.

The clay pigeons could be made from compressed fish food. A few companies are making golf balls in this manner, allowing cruise lines to once again offer golf ball driving on the aft decks. But it is the plastic sleeve in the shotgun shell that stops the skeet shooting.

Is this ridiculous?? Many - including me - think so.

If you feel strongly about it, you might want to write your congressman.

By the way, my ship had an "oil spill" last year at a remote pacific island. ONE DROP of lubricating oil was mistakenly dropped into the sea by an engineer who was servicing our tender platform. We didn't think it was serious, and didn't report it to the US Coast Guard immediately - especially considering that we were thousands of miles from the USA. The US Government fined us $10,000 for the "spill", and another $5,000 for not reporting it in a timely manner.

I find this hard to believe, but it could be true. its easy to say something with nothing backing it up. But if you post some proof well then thats another story

I don't doubt anything you posted and I guess in a way seems to be a logical explanation.

However, the only problem I have in accepting it is the US Coast Guard and any enforcement of environmental rules by that organization.

If a ship is in International Waters then who made the law about plastic shells falling in the ocean? The United Nations? I don't know if the US Coast Guard has the right to enforce the pollution from plastic shells in international waters based on a US law...I thought their jurisdiction on such matter as pollution and drunk driving ended at the US border (waters) or have they been renamed the "global" coast guard?

Please advise...

This is very accurate. While filling up my ship in the florida keys once a small amount of fuel oil leaked out of an improperly tightend release valve. A staff member from the docks filling my vessel dove on to my ship stopped the small trickle from reaching the edge of the deck. Apparently if the oil reached the water it would have been a $10,000 fine for the company. Not something a boss would have enjoyed.

Also I am not sure where the coast guard could issue a fine for something in international waters, but they can require compliance with certain rules if you intend to dock in a us port. Maybe the shotgun rule is one of them.

I have sailed on Norwegian in the Caribbean and they always had skeet shooting. No more of course like the other lines...they all blame pollution...what a crock!   After 9/11, they were afraid to have a shotgun in the hands of a passenger!:cool:

Well lets all pollute the planet, why not, we won't have to live here much longer...Just let our kids worry about cleaning up the mess. Not only is it a pollution problem, what about looking at it from another persons prospective...most people go on a vacation to relax and unwind. Not to listen to gun fire off the back of the ship. :confused:

For your information skeet shooting just like shuffleboard had been a long-time traditional sport on cruises - so, if you don't like the sound of a shotgun then don't frequent the stern of the ship for a about an hour or so in the afternoon when it traditionally took place.

Your statemen reminds me of a person who buys a house near an airport and then complains about the noise and safety factors and tries to get it shut down.

As far as pollution, give me a break! Do you really think an hour or so of one person shooting at bio-degradable pigeons is going to have an impact on the environment? I don't!

If you are really interested in stopping pollution and saving the planet, take a look at countries like China, Russia and India and see who the major offenders are and whose governments are blind to it for the sake of economic progress. Don't buy products made in those countries.

Do you know that China buys factories and mills in this country that cannot operate due to pollution regulations and ships them to China for use where there are no laws. China loves to buy old US Steel mills.

Did you know that all old ships including ships like the Norway go to India for breaking? The Indians just cut the ships up on a beach and have no rules about polluting the land, ocean or air.

As far as the Russians, only God knows what they are doing over there with there radioactive waste!

Your conern about skeet shooting ruining the environment is funny even though your intentions are good.:cool:

Have not seen it since our 1991 cruises. I think it just lost popularity due to the pollution debate.... but probably the real reason was the cost..... Last time I did it, it was $1 a shot in 1991. Probably would be $3-4 a shot nowadays. :eek:

Well lets all pollute the planet, why not, we won't have to live here much longer...Just let our kids worry about cleaning up the mess. :confused:

I don't think driving to the airport, flying to a port, floating around on a hugh diesel fuel driven boheameth, daytripping on polluting buses across pristine island ecosystems while consuming massive amounts of food, beverages and generating large amounts of waste really helps those "non sheet shooters" on the front of the ship have a much smaller "carbon footprint"...unless of course you buy some pre cruise carbon indulgences from Al Gore, Inc. Last I checked, those planes, ships and vehicles don't run on rainbow beams and fairy dust.

Only saying I don't think skeet shooting off the back of a ship is the "inconvenient truth" here!

• 4 weeks later...

The US Coast Guard (and US Navy) has been stopping, boarding, and arresting ships in international waters for many years. We see them all over the Caribbean every week.

When my Bahamas Flagged international cruise ship leaves the port of Miami and goes into international Waters, we open the Casino.

But if a non-American wins more than $1200 in that international casino - in international waters - my international cruise line is required to collect income taxes from that winning non-US citizen and pay that money to the US Internal Revenue Service. The fingers of the US Government reach very far.

• 3 weeks later...

DeepWaterMariner

I suppose it is possible that shooting clays from cruise ships was stopped due to environmental reasons but it defies logic...if a regiment of duck hunters can shoot cases of shotgun shells from duck blinds around a small bay without causing an environmental impact it doesn't make sense that a half dozen cruise ship passengers in the middle of the ocean firing 10 shots each would do more damage. I think cost and safety were a bigger factor. It never was a cheap activity, in fact very overpriced compared to shooting clays on dry land. And it's hard to keep some passengers from jumping off of cruise ships these days. We certainly don't want them armed.

• 1 month later...

My wife and I shot skeet from the stern of the Carnival Jubilee in 1992 on our honeymoon. Was fun.

I went first...hit 5 of the 10, and was pleased thinking that it would impress my new bride. She went next and hit 8 of the 10. There were hundreds of folks crowding the rails applauding her.

Put me in my place real quick...and I've never forgotten that lesson!

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

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Cruise ship worker accused of stabbing 3 people with scissors on board vessel bound for Alaska

JUNEAU, Alaska — A cruise ship worker from South Africa was arrested Tuesday in Alaska’s capital city, accused of attacking a woman and two security guards with scissors on board the vessel, according to authorities.

The U.S. attorney’s office says the man is charged with assault with a dangerous weapon within maritime and territorial jurisdiction. Online court records do not show an attorney for the 35-year-old man.

According to an affidavit from FBI Special Agent Matthew Judy, the man was recently hired by a cruise line and joined the ship, the Norwegian Encore, in Seattle on Sunday. The ship set off that day for a weeklong trip with scheduled stops in Alaska ports, including the capital of Juneau, and British Columbia.

The alleged incident happened west of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, as the ship was sailing to Alaska. According to the affidavit, during the “late evening” Sunday, ship personnel saw the man trying to deploy a lifeboat, and he was taken by security to a medical center for an evaluation.

While there, he “became irrational and attempted to leave,” and “physically attacked” a guard and a nurse, the affidavit states. He ran into another room, where he grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed a woman who was being examined, as well as two guards who tried to intervene before being subdued and held in a “shipboard jail,” the affidavit says. None of the injuries were considered life-threatening.

The ship arrived in Juneau on Tuesday, when he was arrested by the FBI, the U.S. attorney’s office says.

The Associated Press