Don’t be that cruise passenger everyone dreads! Whether it’s cutting in line, hogging chairs, or being overly noisy, there are unspoken cruise rules that guests should follow. By steering clear of these common mistakes, you’ll not only enhance your own cruise experience but also help ensure that everyone on board enjoys their time. A little courtesy goes a long way in making the journey pleasant for all.
Of course, your cruise contract has plenty of written rules. Big no-nos on cruise ships, like smuggling booze and throwing things overboard, can get you fined or even kicked off the ship. Even kids have a curfew they must adhere to. But there’s a ton of unwritten rules you’re expected to follow.
Are you unknowingly crossing the line of acceptable cruise etiquette? Read on for insider tips every cruiser must know.
Cruise Ship Etiquette
Cruise etiquette is all about being considerate of both fellow passengers and crew. Following simple unwritten rules, such as showing patience and respecting personal space, helps create a more enjoyable experience for everyone onboard.
Here are a few key behaviors to help you avoid common faux pas and ensure smooth sailing throughout your trip.
Be courteous to fellow passengers and crew
Being polite and courteous to fellow cruisers and crew makes for a pleasant experience. After all, you’re not the only one on vacation. A smile, “please,” and “thank you” go a long way.
Did someone press the elevator button before you? Let them go first. Notice someone with mobility issues? Offer to give a hand or give up your seat.
Be mindful of personal space in crowded areas
Remember to respect personal space when it gets crowded. It may be a packed elevator, a busy buffet, or waiting to disembark. Don’t get shoulder-to-shoulder, but keep a comfortable distance to avoid awkward moments. Remember, no one enjoys feeling the breath of a close talker or standing too close in line.
Avoid cutting lines for buffets, shows, and excursions
Cutting in line is bad manners and a surefire way to annoy fellow cruise passengers. Whether waiting at the buffet, getting tickets for a show, or boarding the excursion bus, everyone is in the same boat—metaphorically and literally. The food isn’t going anywhere, so it’s best to wait your turn like everyone else.
Why not be the ideal passenger, enjoy the ambiance, or engage in light conversation while waiting?
Limit complaints about minor cruise inconveniences
No cruise vacation is perfect, and no one likes a complainer. So, it’s best to keep minor irritations to yourself. So, the line is moving slowly, or the pool is crowded, and yikes! —the price of drinks. Take a breath, relax, and remember, you’re on a relaxing cruise. Too much complaining about minor matters only sours the mood of those around you.
Show patience in busy areas and waiting times
Patience is crucial during busy times in the cruise ship buffet, waiting for the elevator, or boarding tender boats. However, waiting is part of the cruise experience, and everyone has to do it. So, it’s best to enjoy the moment, take it easy, and be happy when your turn comes.
Avoid sensitive or inappropriate topics in conversations
Unwritten rules apply to discussing certain topics with fellow cruisers. And the two “banned” topics with strangers are politics and religion. These subjects can potentially turn a casual chat into a full-blown argument. And when drink is involved, it can be like pouring gas on a fire.
Other inappropriate topics to avoid discussing with other passengers include asking about the cruise price, bragging about loyalty status, or asking embarrassing or intrusive questions.
Don’t flirt or hit on crew members
Cruise ship crew cannot fraternize with passengers—it’s in their contract. So, it’s a common sense cruise rule not to try to hit on them. Keep your relationship with the crew respectful and professional. That way, you avoid awkward moments and don’t risk getting booted off the ship for unwanted sexual advances.
Be a Respectful Cruiser: Don’t Be “That” Person
Cruises are all about fun, relaxation, and enjoying a ton of complimentary amenities. Sure, there’s free food at the buffet, plenty of perks, and many free onboard activities. But there are cruising rules to follow. One of them is not to steal robes, towels, bed linen, tableware, or glasses. At the end of the day, the best souvenirs are the memories you make on the ship.
Here’s the good news: plenty of items in your cabin are perfectly fine to slip into your bag without asking. Read about them here.
Dining and Buffet Etiquette on a Cruise
Cruise ship dining is a vacation highlight. But are you breaking unspoken rules while waiting in line? Read on to find out.
Only take what you’ll eat from the buffet
There’s an unspoken principle in buffets: only take what you’ll eat. So, don’t return to your table trying to balance the “leaning tower of Pisa.” You might think it’s fun, but it’s wasteful and inconsiderate to fellow passengers. Remember, you can always return for seconds.
Take a new plate for seconds (or thirds)
It’s a norm in cruise ship buffets to take a clean plate if you return for more food. Cruisers may think they’re cutting down on the washing up. However, the dining room staff don’t expect you to worry about that. This standard is to prevent cross-contamination of germs.
Used proper utensils to take food from shared platters
Following buffet etiquette and using the provided utensils to take food from shared platters is crucial. Picking up food with your hands isn’t just bad manners—it’s unhygienic. So, stick to the serving tools available. And if any are missing, ask the buffet staff.
Let others pass if you’re undecided at the buffet
Not sure what to take? If so, stepping aside and keeping the line moving is standard practice. When you decide what to eat, no one will criticize you when you choose and rejoin the line.
Wait until seated to eat
It’s common buffet practice to start eating when you return to your table. Therefore, avoid the temptation to snack while in line. Munching as you go can put other people off their food, and it shows poor hygiene standards. Remember that germs easily spread from hands to food surfaces.
Wash your hands frequently, especially before eating
It’s an unwritten rule everywhere—not just on cruise ships—to wash your hands before meals. This practice helps keep you and your fellow cruisers healthy and prevents the spread of germs.
The same goes for after using the bathroom. People will notice if you finish your business and vacate the bathroom without washing your hands.
Respect dining reservations and show up on time
It’s an expected protocol to arrive promptly for dining reservations. This accepted norm keeps the dining room running smoothly and shows respect to staff. Did something unexpected happen? Call the restaurant or Guest Services to cancel or tell them you’re running late.
Follow the dining room dress codes
Dress codes aren’t only suggestions but an essential standard in dining venues. Even though you’re not required to dress formally, you cannot arrive for a meal in swimwear, revealing clothing, or your dressing gown and slippers.
Keep noise levels down while dining
Dining venues are one area where cruisers can enjoy peace and quiet. Disruptive behavior and noisy conversations go against unwritten codes of dining etiquette. Of course—have an enjoyable meal but ensure those at the next table can also enjoy theirs.
Share large tables in full dining areas
Busy times at the main buffet can make finding a seat difficult. So, be prepared to share your dining space with fellow passengers. This can be a great way to meet new people and enhance the cruise experience.
Cabin and Balcony Etiquette
Your cabin and balcony are your private space. But cruise ship etiquette means it’s not a free-for-all. Basic unwritten guidelines help maintain a peaceful environment for you and your neighbors. Are you following these simple rules or unknowingly disturbing your neighbors? Let’s find out.
Keep the noise down on your balcony
Your balcony is for relaxing, not throwing a party. Therefore, keeping music and chatter at reasonable levels avoids disturbing others. You won’t have to fear a knock at the door asking you to lower the noise.
Smoking on your balcony is prohibited—follow ship rules
Smoking or vaping on a balcony is not only against cruise ship rules but can also lead to being kicked off the ship. Cruise lines enforce strict policies, limiting smoking to designated areas. Breaking these rules could result in fines, cleaning fees, or even immediate removal from the ship. For more details on behaviors that could get you removed, check out things that can get you kicked off a cruise ship in an instant—it’s full of tips to ensure you avoid these costly mistakes.
Never peek onto your neighbor’s balcony for privacy
It goes without saying that a quick peek around the balcony partition is a severe invasion of privacy. Let your neighbors get up to their shenanigans away from prying eyes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sea views.
Prevent cabin and balcony doors from slamming in the wind
Doors slamming shut is a severe annoyance to fellow passengers. You can prevent the loud, jarring sound by not having a cabin door and balcony door open simultaneously. Also, don’t slam doors at night or during the day to avoid waking fellow passengers.
Don’t leave towels or clothes on the balcony
Leaving towels or clothing on the balcony could result in them sailing off into the sunset. All it takes is a gust of wind for them to fly overboard or end up on a lower deck. Therefore, keep your gear inside when not on the balcony.
Know where to leave room service trays after use
Ask your cabin steward about the standard practice of where to leave room service trays. Cruise lines have varying policies—on some ships, it’s in the hallway, and on others, it’s in your stateroom. You don’t want someone tripping over a tray if it’s supposed to be inside.
Keep your cabin clutter-free and organized
Cabin stewards appreciate it when you keep your stateroom shipshape. A tidy cabin makes your cruise more enjoyable. It also makes it easier for staff to service your room because there’s nothing to clear from the bed or floors.
Be considerate of noise late at night or early in the morning
Noise seems louder in the dark; therefore, at nighttime or dawn, keep the noise down to avoid disturbing your fellow passengers. They appreciate tranquility at sea as much as you.
Pool, Deck, and Hot Tub Etiquette
The pool deck is a popular hangout; however, it’s also where some bad habits are on show. Unwritten deck rules prevent chair hogging, dive bombing, and viewing the hot tub as your personal space. What unwritten cruise rules are you breaking at the pool? Read on to find out.
Don’t hog poolside chairs
No one likes deck chair hogs. Did you know there’s an unwritten rule not to leave belongings on deck chairs for more than 30 minutes? If you don’t plan on using the lounge chair, remove your stuff and let others enjoy the lido deck.
Keep your music low on the pool deck
Want to groove to the latest tunes on your Bluetooth speaker at the poolside? Remember to respect everyone’s “right to quiet enjoyment.” Not everyone wants to hear your playlist.
Don’t monopolize hot tubs—let others enjoy
Enjoy the hot tub, remembering it’s not your private spa. Tubs on cruise ships can be small and get crowded quickly. So, it’s fair to allow everyone to relax and unwind.
Avoid splashing other passengers in pools or hot tubs
Splashing strangers or dive bombing the pool are unspoken pool no-nos on cruise ships. Like hot tubs, pools on cruise ships can be small, and it’s not everyone’s idea of fun to get splashed.
Clean up after yourself on the deck—keep it tidy
It’s common courtesy to clean up after yourself, especially on the pool deck. When you leave, take your towel, leftover snacks, and beverage containers with you.
Technology and Communication Etiquette on a Cruise
Unwritten cruise rules also apply to using technology onboard. From discreet phone calls to snapping shots of other passengers, here are some ways to respect digital boundaries onboard.
Use your phone discreetly and keep conversations private
Regardless of whether you’re on a cruise ship, bus, or public place, it’s common courtesy to keep phone conversations discreet. You may need to talk louder over the background noise, but you’ll end up adding to the din.
Don’t take photos of other passengers without their consent
It’s a serious breach of etiquette to take photos of other passengers without their consent. While it’s common to capture people in the background when taking public photos, avoid intentionally targeting anyone. Always respect others’ privacy when snapping pictures on board.
Turn off flash photography during shows or events—respect others’ experience
Do you want to capture moments from spectacular evening shows? It’s a common courtesy to performers and those around you to keep the flash off.
Elevator and Hallway Etiquette on a Cruise
Politeness goes a long way in elevators and hallways during busy times. Here are a few simple ways to follow unwritten protocols for moving through the cruise ships.
Take the stairs when possible to avoid congesting elevators
A common courtesy to show fellow passengers is taking the stairs if possible. This avoids congesting crowded elevators at peak times, giving space to those needing them most. You’ll also work off some extra calories from the all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet.
Let people exit the elevator before you enter
It’s an unwritten rule to let people exit elevators before jumping on. Follow good elevator etiquette: push the button, step aside, and let everyone off.
Don’t push into a crowded elevator—wait your turn
So, the elevator doors open, and the passengers look like sardines in a can. In that case, wait for the next one and avoid making a crowded situation even worse.
Teach kids to avoid pressing all elevator buttons
It’s good to teach kids proper elevator etiquette and not press all the buttons at once. Your fellow passengers will appreciate not stopping at every floor needlessly.
Walk on the right in hallways and stairwells to avoid congestion
Did you know there’s an unwritten traffic-flow code in hallways and stairwells? Just like driving in the U.S., stick to the right-hand side, and you’ll avoid unnecessary bumping and congestion.
Show Appreciation and Respect for the Crew
Cruise ship crew work tirelessly—often for little pay—to make the cruise experience memorable for you. Showing respect and appreciation is a basic courtesy that makes everyone’s day better. All it takes is a small thank you note, a smile, and a kind word. Here are a few ways to do this.
Thank crew members for their service—it goes a long way
Cabin attendants and bar staff are some of the crew’s hardest-working and underpaid members. Therefore, a simple thank you, a token of appreciation, or a tip can make a huge difference in someone’s day.
Respect cabin stewards for their hard work
Keeping your quarters tidy and free from clutter is a simple way to respect cabin stewards. They work hard to take care of everyone and are not personal servants. Pay for a luxury cabin on your next cruise if you want someone to wait “hand and foot” on you.
Avoid asking embarrassing questions about their job
It goes against standard etiquette to ask crew members awkward or embarrassing questions. So, there are two things never to ask: ages and wages.
Timeliness and Punctuality on a Cruise
Being punctual is the greatest courtesy you can show someone. Here are a few unwritten “codes of the sea” regarding punctuality on a cruise ship.
Be punctual for shows, dining, and ship activities
It’s a common courtesy to arrive on time for dining reservations and shows. Entering the theater late is annoying for guests and can disrupt the show. Are you running late for a dinner reservation? Call ahead to warn staff.
Be on time for embarkation and excursions to avoid delays
Ships won’t wait for you if you’re late at the cruise terminal. Also, late arrivals for shore excursions could disrupt the schedule and mean missing out on some attractions. Therefore, you’ll avoid the embarrassment of stern stares getting on the bus or being stranded in port.
Ensure kids respect curfew times for late-night ship activities
Most cruise ships have a written rule in the cruise contract that kids 17 and under must be in quarters by 1 a.m. So, ensuring your kids are not running amok in the wee hours and disrupting everyone’s sleep is good cruise etiquette.
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