Cruise Etiquette
Cruising the open waters is a fantastic way to unwind and leave the stresses of day to day life behind. But it is important not to leave your manners behind. Cruise ships are occupied by a diverse population, passengers and crewmembers alike, from all walks of life. The one thing everyone has in common is right to relax, revitalise and have fun. If you are considering a cruise please follow some basic cruise etiquette.
When packing for your cruise don’t be tempted to take the things that are published as not permitted. It only makes the boarding time longer for everyone when bags have to be opened and have items removed.
When the doors to the elevator open, let the people get off first, before you barge in. If only going up or down one floor, if you able to, use the stairs. The elevator only holds so many, so save room for those who are unable to use stairs.
When at the buffet don’t pile your plate up high. You can go back again if you are hungry, or just didn’t get enough of something you really enjoyed.
Always, yes always, use the tongs provided, not fingers. Don’t sample food in the line before you get to the table.
Speaking of the buffet, use the hand sanitiser before entering, every time, even if you go back for a ‘top up’.
When the doors to the main dining rooms open don’t charge in, pushing in front of those who had already been waiting. And again, use the sanitiser before entering.
Don’t go to the theatre or dining room if feeling unwell. Spend the night in your stateroom watching a movie whilst recuperating.
Be polite to the staff who are there to assist. They do a great job and are very attentive and deserve manners and a smile in return.
Everyone likes to let their hair down and joy themselves, but please be mindful to those who may be in their stateroom for an early night or are unwell. Be considerate and don’t be loud on your return along the corridors to your room.
Same goes for those who are early risers, be mindful of those who are night owls and don’t let your doors slam when heading out for an early morning jog along the promenade deck.
Don’t be a whinger, nobody likes to listen to someone complaining and grumbling while waiting in a line to get on the shore tenders or in the elevator. If you have a complaint let it be known to the appropriate staff at the passenger services desk and keep a pleasant tone.
If using the laundry make sure you either stay with your clothes or set an alarm to get back to the laundry room in time to take clothes out of washer or dryer.
Speaking of packing, make sure you include a pleasant attitude, friendly smile and your best manners.
Above all, remember that everyone else onboard is there to relax and enjoy themselves too. Arrive prepared, be courteous and follow onboard rules and it will be smooth sailing for everyone.
Are there any points you’d like to add to the above list? If so, please comment below and let us know.
What are you waiting for? Share this post or leave a comment below. If you like this post and want to read more like this why not subscribe to our Newsletter? We won’t spam you or share your personal details. If you’re not doing so already, please follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or click the Mix, Flipboard or other social media buttons below to share this post with others who might enjoy reading it.
Number 1 rule. Parents, tell your kids NOT to run down those long halls, NOT to cut in front of adults in the Lido buffet line and to respect crew and other adults!
Scott Lara recently posted…My interview with Duelle at the Sunset Music Festival (Tampa 2015)
That would be a temptation for any child with those nice long corridors. We have very few meals in the buffet preferring to eat in the dining room, not that we have found children pushing an issue. The cruises we have been on have very few children, I think we were careful when we chose the cruiseline and time of year. Thank you for comment Scott.
Really appreciated your basic tips for cruising etiquette. I’ve pinned it for future reference. Still haven’t been on a cruise.
Tami recently posted…Perspective of a Flight Attendant
Cruises are not for everyone, but we love them. A great way to sample an area. This is basic etiquette and find most are very well mannered. I hope when you board your first cruise you fall in love with seas like we did, after all, it was our honeymoon.
It sounds like ‘be considerate of others’ would just about cover it. We are about to embark on the Alaskan Marine Highway, otherwise known as the ‘poor man’s cruise’. I have a feeling that politeness and consideration for others will be endemic.
Lyn aka TheTravellingLindfields recently posted…The Great Ocean Road – koalas, kangaroos, emus, UFOs and one of the world’s great drives.
I have always wanted to see Alaska Lyn, I hope you enjoy. I hope you find politeness and consideration in abundance.
I can only hope that you will be heard:), Lyn:) you are right on about a very diverse crowd of passengers, and some etiquette pointers need to internationalized!
Victoria @celebratetheweekend recently posted…10 Family Friendly Tips for Planning Your First Visit to Yosemite
Very good advice, Lyn. I’m sure not many people think about these things before taking a cruise. Unfortunately not everybody behaves properly in public.
Anda recently posted…Tango, Soccer and Malbec: Buenos Aires, Argentina
So many of these should come from common sense and politeness but that’s not always the case unfortunately 🙁
Valeria @ Rome, New York, London, World recently posted…The must-do’s to have the best girl time in London
Yes so true Valeria. After our 5th cruise I felt the need to share some etiquette in the hope good manners can make a comeback.
I haven’t ever been on a cruise, but am starting to open up to the idea of one. Good tips on remembering your manners no matter where you are!
Karilyn Owen recently posted…Travel Memories: Zhouzhuang
Thank you for your comment Karilyn. I hope you if you get the opportunity to take a cruise that you enjoy it and I hope those onboard remember to take their manners along. Good mannered people can make the experience so enjoyable.