Do not use candles, matches or other sources of open flame in your stateroom. Most cruise line ban the use of these items in guest staterooms because a forgotten candle or smouldering match can easily ignite and cause a fire.
Smoke only in designated areas, and dispose of your butts in the ashtrays or other proper containers found in those areas. The Princess cruise ship fire in 2006 was linked to a cigarette butt that was tossed onto a balcony rather than being extinguished and disposed of properly.
Don't leave any potentially flammable items out on your balcony. This includes clothing, books, papers, or anything else that could ignite if someone tosses a lit cigarette from above. Many cruise lines restrict the items that you may leave outside.
Do not use an iron in your stateroom. Most cruise lines ban the use of personal irons and other heat-generating appliances in guest staterooms because of the fire risk. Instead, they provide irons for guest use in public laundry rooms.
Notice the location of emergency phones in public areas. Ships are equipped with smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire extinguishers, fire doors, and emergency phones in strategic locations to protect guests and crew members. Although most of these precautions are automatic or would be used by the crew, you should know where to find a phone in case you observe signs of a fire.
