Two kids were photographed sitting on the balcony of their cruise ship.
The blatant breaking of safety rules for cruise ships demonstrates how passengers doing things they're not supposed to do has the greatest potential for injury.
The unidentified kids are seen sitting on top of the balcony in their cabin, having climbed up on the balcony railing first.
The photo was posted on Facebook in a cruising group, with the photo attributed to Liz Pride.
The Carnival Cruise Line Miami blog posted the caption, "Where are the parents?" inferring a lack of supervision.
It's not clear which cruise ship this photo was taken from, but it certainly resembles Royal Caribbean's Radiance Class ships.
One reader believes it is from Serenade of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean's guest-conduct policy says, "Sitting, standing, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers, or tampering with ship's equipment, facilities or systems designed for guest safety is not permitted."
Breaking the rules can result in being kicked off the ship at the next port.
In past similar incidents, guests have not only been kicked off the ship but also banned for life from the cruise line.
A woman that stood on her balcony railing in 2019 was banned for life.
Cruise fans incensed
As soon as the photo started making rounds online, cruise fans were outraged at both the behavior of the kids, as well as the lack of supervision by the parents.
Kelly Hatfield-Lampton wrote, "And THAT is how people fall overboard."
Lisa Babcock wrote, "OMG!! Hello!! Where are the parents??"
Many could barely look at the photo because it made their scared just thinking about the possibilities, "I am getting anxious just looking at this picture," said Danielle Benton.
Tanya Walker said, "Perfect example of how you go overboard in a ship!"
Major potential for harm
What the kids did in this photo was incredibly dangerous, and the sort of reckless behavior that gives the cruise industry a bad name.
Cruise ships are designed to have balcony railings at such a height that prevents someone from accidently slipping and falling over. These railings are right around chest height on the average person on open deck areas and cabin balconies. They are placed intentionally to ensure passenger safety.
The risk of fall only occurs when someone is doing something they're not supposed to, such as climbing on furniture to access the top of the railing.
Accidental overboard situations occur when the safety precautions are bypassed. This can occur because someone is inebriated, or simply attempts a stunt.
In other situations, some people choose to jump off a ship purposefully in order to cause themselves intentional physical harm.
