A cruise holiday is generally seen as a chance to get away from it all, and forget about some of everyday life’s rules and responsibilities. But, warned cruising expert Gary Bembridge on his Tips for Travellers podcast, there are still a few things you need to be very careful about.

“On your next cruise look up and around,” Gary says, “you will see CCTV cameras everywhere.” He explains that on a modern cruise ship you’re under surveillance almost everywhere you go.

Gary warned in one essential cruise tip: “And remember that while they may not be on your balcony, CCTV cameras do have visibility on them. Something to consider if you are thinking of any ‘adult’ or nude sunbathing activity out there!.”

Even on notorious “swingers’ cruises” passengers can still expect to be on camera any time they’re in one of the ship’s public areas. There is though, one surveillance technology that many cruise ships don’t have. Gary explains that between 20 and 25 people fall overboard from cruise ships every year.  

These days, there are sophisticated electronic systems that can detect these accidents – but there’s a reason why every ship doesn’t have them.

“These systems, which use thermal cameras and micro radars to detect when someone has gone overboard, cost around $200,000 per ship to install,” Gary points out.

Some lines, such as Carnival and Disney, have made the investment – but these systems aren’t standard issue.

Another way that you can be tracked while on board, Gary says, is with facial recognition.

The photo taken as you first board the ship is stored on a computer system and can be used for everything from flagging up when you’ve been spotted in a snap taken by the ship’s official photographer, to unlocking your cabin door.

He adds that it’s important to realise that the ship’s photographer, like the staff in the health spa or various other workers you encounter on board, may not be directly employed by the line operators.

“This has significant implications for us passengers,” Gary points out. “Buried deep in the cruise contract, cruise lines say they will not accept liability for those contractors’ activities even if we have serious issues with them.”

Meanwhile, if, for any reason, the ship’s captain decides that you’re likely to inconvenience other passengers – either as a result of your behaviour, or because you’re suspected of carrying an infectious disease – they can confine you to your cabin or even lock you up in the ship’s brig.

In extreme cases, you can be put ashore at the liner’s next stop and expected to make your own way home.

With those CCTV cameras watching your every move, it’s important not to forget all of everyday life’s rules and responsibilities.