Imagine on your dream cruise heading to the pool, but all the unoccupied loungers have towels on them with no one in sight. Later, someone cuts in front of you at the cruise ship buffet, piling food on the plate and munching as they go. Finally, you retreat to your balcony for peace, only for loud music and wafts of vape vapor to shatter the tranquility.
Unfortunately, you’ve just experienced some of the rudest cruise passenger behavior. And I’ve not even mentioned rude passengers chatting through theater performances, kids running wild along corridors, or someone trying to push into an already crammed elevator. These seemingly small but poor behaviors can turn a dream cruise into a disappointing experience.
But hey, it doesn’t have to be this way. With a bit of awareness and consideration, every passenger can contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable cruise experience for everyone. So, how can you avoid being “THAT” passenger who makes faux pas, ticks off other people, or drives their dinner guests a little crazy?
Based on my own experience—and I tend to be reasonably tolerant—and comments on cruise forums and discussion boards, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of bad behaviors cruise passengers must avoid.
The Usual Suspects: Classic Bad Cruise Passenger Behavior
For many, cruise travel is the ultimate vacation getaway. The lure of exotic destinations, days of relaxation, an abundance of onboard activities, and endless buffets make for a fantastic escape. Thankfully, the majority of passengers have a good time and ensure others around them also enjoy the cruise.
However, waves of excitement cause some passengers to throw all sense of etiquette overboard. So, who are the suspects of classic inappropriate behavior that some cruise passengers bring on board? Here are the worst offenders.
Hogging chairs on the pool deck
Chair hogs must be at the top of the list for rudest behavior on the pool deck. They’re up first, leave towels on sun loungers at the pool, and disappear for hours. The same goes for “booking” loungers for friends or family who may or may not arrive at the lido deck.
On cruise ships, it’s an unwritten rule not to leave sun loungers unoccupied for more than 30 minutes.
Ignoring dress code
Dress codes on cruise ships aren’t just suggestions—they maintain a particular atmosphere, especially in the main dining rooms. Yet, some passengers think dining in dressing gowns and slippers is acceptable. Also, dining in skimpy clothing can make others uncomfortable and diminish the dining experience. Even nude cruises have dining room dress codes.
So, while the days of tuxedos and formal dining are gone on most cruise ships, dress codes—albeit casual—are still common. To avoid being the passenger everyone stares at in the dining room, find out what’s acceptable in dining and entertainment spaces.
Rude buffet behaviors
Buffet dining should be one of the cruise highlights. However, you can meet downright rude people when standing in line during peak times. Some of these behaviors are not just annoying—bad etiquette in the dining areas can spread disease.
Here are seven examples etiquette pros say all passengers should avoid at the buffet or dining table.
Rude buffet behavior #1: Cutting in line
Few things irritate fellow passengers more than someone cutting the line. Of course, everyone wants to eat, and waiting your turn can be frustrating. But we all agree there’s no need to jump your turn. It’s not just rude—it disrupts the flow and fairness of the buffet.
Rude buffet behavior #2: Eating as you go
In my cruise experience, passengers munching on food while standing in line is exceedingly annoying. What’s worse is if they’re picking up nibbles along the way. Chomping on food while in line is unhygienic and shows a lack of consideration for others who are waiting.
Rude buffet behavior #3: Reusing plates
I used to be guilty of heading for additional helpings and taking my old plate with me. I assumed I was helping the staff by cutting down on washing. However, it was politely pointed out that taking a new plate each time I go to the buffet is essential for hygiene.
Reusing a plate can spread germs and is frowned upon by staff and passengers.
Rude buffet behavior #4: Piling up the plate and leaving half
Some rude passengers think that all-you-can-eat dining means building the Tower of Pisa on the plate. Loading a plate with more food than you can eat is wasteful and disrespectful. It also means others may have to wait their turn to get what they want.
Rude buffet behavior #5: Blowing your nose on cloth napkins
Using cloth napkins to blow your nose is a clear breach of etiquette at the dining table. This unsanitary bad behavior disrespects other diners and staff as it spreads germs. If you must blow your nose or sneeze, use a paper tissue and dispose of it in the garbage. Remember to wash your hands.
Rude buffet behavior #6: Not covering up
Buffets are communal spaces, not extensions of the pool deck. All diners are expected to cover up in the buffet hall, cafe, and specialty restaurants. Coming straight from the pool, arriving in your bathrobe, or strolling around barefoot is poor behavior in dining areas.
Rude buffet behavior #7: Touching food
It should be common sense that touching food on food trays with your bare hands is a big no-no. So, I’m still shocked to see fellow voyagers picking up some morsels and eating as they pile their plates. I’ll not even start ranting about passengers who then lick their fingers before moving to the next “sample” tray.
Cruise experts say this is one of the biggest ways illnesses spread on cruise ships.
Missing dinner reservations
Etiquette experts agree that being late or missing dinner reservations is rude and inconsiderate of others. The thoughtless passenger either messes up someone’s time or deprives others of their dream, trouble-free cruise experience.
Leaving plates and cups in elevators
Leaving plates, cups, or other dining items in elevators is not just lazy—it’s unhygienic and disrespectful behavior. Elevators are communal spaces, and creating accident risks is inconsiderate. Also, it’s not the job of the crew to walk around behind guests clearing their trash.
Kids in adult-only areas
There’s a reason cruise ships have adult-only areas—some passengers want to relax without the noise and distractions kids bring. So why some rude people insist on bringing their children into these spaces is beyond comprehension.
Cruise ships are all-inclusive, so drop kids off at the Kids’ Club and allow others to enjoy the serene atmosphere in kid-free zones. Also, show respect to the hardworking crew by remembering closing time.
Letting kids run wild
Don’t be the rude person who lets their kids use hallways for fun and games. Frequent cruisers have countless stories of unsupervised children racing down corridors, causing noise and disruption, or splashing uncontrollably in the pool. This poor behavior disturbs others trying to relax and can also be dangerous.
Cruise ships are huge spaces, and it’s easy for unsupervised kids to get lost or hurt. Therefore, responsible parents ensure their children respect others in communal spaces, making the cruise enjoyable.
Rude balcony behaviors
Cruise ship balconies should be private retreats, but inconsiderate behaviors can quickly ruin the experience. Here are three of the rudest behaviors I’ve experienced while trying to relax on a balcony.
Rude balcony behavior #1: Playing loud music
Blasting music from a balcony disrupts the peaceful atmosphere others seek. Cruise balconies are close quarters, and noise travels further at sea. It’s courteous behavior to keep the volume low or use headphones to respect your neighbors’ need for tranquility.
Rude balcony behavior #2: Vaping or smoking
Getting wafts of vapor from vapes or cigarettes is disturbing and a common complaint on forum discussion sites. Despite cruise lines prohibiting it, some passengers insist on having a quiet puff. Besides being branded rude, vaping or smoking on a balcony can result in a hefty fine added to your onboard account.
Most cruise line policies say you must use designated areas for smoking and vaping. Smoking and vaping in your cabin, balcony, and most communal spaces are prohibited.
Rude balcony behavior #3: Peeking into your neighbor’s balcony
Peeking into a neighbor’s balcony is a clear invasion of privacy. Balconies are personal spaces for relaxation, so respecting your neighbor’s boundaries is crucial. Don’t intrude on their peaceful—and sometimes intimate—moments. Cruise ship balconies have large, solid partitions for a reason—to ensure privacy.
Getting drunk in public
Some of the rudest people on a cruise ship are those who get drunk in public. Excessive drinking puts human behavior on display at its worst. Drunk people usually spoil the peace for everyone—they become loud, rowdy, argue, and often start fights. It’s good to remember that the 15-drink limit per day on most drink packages is not a daily challenge.
Stealing door decorations
Taking someone else’s door decorations might seem harmless, but it’s thoughtless. Cruisers love using these decorations to personalize their space, show off interests, and spread some joy. So, avoid being the cruise ship Grinch, and don’t dampen fun for others.
Here’s the good news: plenty of items in your cabin are perfectly fine to slip into your bag without asking. Read about then here.
Worst behaviors during cruise ship shows
Entertainment shows are a highlight of any cruise. They provide top-notch entertainment for all passengers, young and old. However, a few inconsiderate actions can spoil the experience for everyone.
Yakking during the show: a disruption to performers and guests
I agree with one cruise passenger: “The rudest behavior on a cruise ship is people running their mouths during a theater performance.” So, if you want to hold a conversation, do it in the bar, not during a show.
Arriving late to the show: a rude interruption for everyone
Etiquette coaches say that arriving late is bad manners and inconsiderate. Being late for an entertainment show disrupts the audience and performers. If you are late, stay at the back to avoid causing disruption.
Leaving the show early: a distraction that ruins the experience
Leaving a show early, especially if seated near the front, distracts the performers and other audience members. If you know you cannot stay until the end, choose a seat near the exit.
Leaving cabins or staterooms in a mess for stewards to clean
Leaving your living space in a mess is inconsiderate for hardworking cabin stewards. It’s their responsibility to keep your space clean and comfortable. Yes, their responsibilities include tidying up, but they aren’t personal trash collectors. Keeping your space neat shows appreciation for the crew.
Being late for shore excursions and spa treatments
Any etiquette coach will say that being late is rude behavior. Habitual latecomers forget that their tardiness affects other people. It could mean less time at an attraction or throwing off schedules for others. Therefore, ensure you disembark early to arrive at the excursion bus on time.
Slamming cabin doors
Refrain from slamming cabin doors, as this can disrupt your fellow passengers. Regardless of the time—morning, afternoon, or late night—others may be trying to sleep or relax in their staterooms.
A helpful tip to prevent door slamming is to avoid opening both the balcony and cabin doors simultaneously. Doing so can create a strong draft that causes the cabin door to slam shut unexpectedly.
Filling reusable water bottles from dispensers
Many cruisers make the mistake of filling water bottles from dispensers. The problem is that it’s unhygienic and can spread germs. If you want to fill a reusable water bottle, use a clean cup. It may take longer, but your fellow passengers will appreciate your courtesy.
Conversation topics that can be considered rude
I’ve learned that certain conversation topics with fellow cruise guests are best avoided. The inconsiderate behavior can quickly shift the mood from friendly to uncomfortable. I remember being stuck at a dinner table listening to a passenger’s constant complaints—about the cruise and life in general.
Thankfully, I’ve found most cruise passengers easy to get along with. So, to avoid heated discussions, arguments, and putting someone in an awkward position, here are four topics to avoid.
Talking about how much the cruise cost: avoid making others uncomfortable
So, you got a great deal on your cruise with free onboard credit and other perks. Great, but don’t brag about it to fellow cruise guests. Discussing how much—or little—you paid for the cruise can make others feel awkward or hard done by.
Constant complaining: don’t be the person who ruins the mood
No one likes a complainer, so don’t be “THAT” rude person who sours the mood for everyone. People want to relax, unwind, and forget their worries on a cruise vacation. Therefore, if there’s something to complain about—the food, service, or cruise staff—take it up with Guest Services. You may even get some discounts if you speak nicely.
Bringing up politics and religion: steer clear of divisive discussions
Religion and politics are the two most divisive issues that lead to heated debates and arguments. Keeping conversations light and neutral with people you’ve just met is the best policy. It ensures you and your fellow guests enjoy a lovely cruise vacation.
Bragging about loyalty status: keep the conversation friendly and inclusive
Hearing about cruise adventures from fellow passengers is one thing, but bragging about a vast number of loyalty rewards and free perks just gets eyes rolling.
Resort or Cruise: Navigating Rudeness on Any Vacation
Some behaviors universally irritate and disrupt the vacation experience for others, whether onshore or at sea. However, space is limited on a cruise ship and shared more intimately with others. Therefore, being mindful of how your actions can affect others is vital.
Poor elevator etiquette
Elevators are notoriously packed at certain times on cruise ships. In most cases, I use the stairs as much as possible. I find I get to where I want just as fast and can work off extra calories from the breakfast buffet. Here are some unspoken ground rules about using the elevator.
Cramming in: avoid squeezing into already full elevators
Squeezing into an already full elevator is considered bad manners and is uncomfortable for everyone. If the doors open and it’s packed, wait for the next one.
Not letting people out first: always allow others to exit first
Standing back and letting people out first is universally considered polite when the elevator arrives. This considerate behavior prevents delays and frustration.
Getting in when going in the opposite direction: avoid crowding elevators unnecessarily
Don’t let your manners go down when the elevator goes up. It’s tempting to jump on a half-empty elevator going in the opposite direction. But you only crowd the elevator and risk frustrating other passengers.
Holding the door while the group is assembling
Of course, holding doors open for others can be considered polite. But here’s what one passenger observed about rude behavior and elevator etiquette. “The group leader ran to the elevator waiting area and held the door for her group. But they weren’t ready because they were still assembling in the hallway.” Everyone agrees this is inconsiderate behavior.
If your group isn’t ready and the elevator arrives, let the elevator pass until everyone is assembled. The other guests will appreciate getting to their destination without unnecessary hold-ups.
Passing gas in public
We all love a good ocean breeze, but not when it’s interrupted by an unexpected gust from a fellow passenger. Passing gas in public spaces like elevators or lines is a no-no in any situation. So, let’s keep the air fresh and save those private winds for more private places.
Late night rowdiness
Laughter and loud voices echo through a cruise ship at night much louder than during the day. Well it seems like that when I get jolted awake by groups of rowdy passengers in the hallway. Keeping the noise down late at night shows consideration and respect for in-cabin quiet time.
Taking pictures of other guests without permission
Taking photos of other guests without their consent is an invasion of privacy. Always ask before snapping someone’s picture, especially in more personal spaces like the pool deck or dining areas.
A helpful comment on a cruise forum advised that “if the person is the subject, then ask permission. However, consent shouldn’t be necessary if they are in the background and it’s a public place.”
Being rude or dismissive to staff
One of the worst behaviors on a cruise ship or resort is being rude to staff. One cruiser said that cruise workers probably work harder in a single day than most of us in a week. Staff are there to make our experience enjoyable and don’t deserve to be dismissed. Moreover, they are probably getting paid the minimum wage and rely on tips.
Ignoring hygiene rules
Ignoring basic hygiene, such as not washing hands before meals or after using the restroom, can spread illness on the ship. Following proper hygiene practices is essential to keeping yourself and your fellow passengers healthy during the cruise.
Conclusion
Cruising is all about relaxation and fun, and a little courtesy ensures everyone enjoys the journey. By being mindful of your actions—whether at the pool, buffet, or in the hallways—you can avoid being “THAT” passenger who comes across as rude, inconsiderate, and disrespectful. A cruise is a shared experience, and we all do our bit to make it memorable for the right reasons.
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