My parents taught me good manners when I was growing up. I was often instructed to “be on my very best behavior” when we were going somewhere special. Many of these basic life lessons I was taught and strive to live by seem to be lost to many people these days. Here are some of my pet peeves of the rudest things I’ve seen people do on cruises.
Being Unkind to Crew
It’s inevitable that at some point on your vacation something might happen that is not to your liking. Being upset or disappointed is understandable and expressing this in a kind and tactful way is fine. What is not fine is to completely “dress down” a crew member who may not even be to blame for whatever has happened. Try to put yourself in their position and treat them with the respect you would prefer.
Poor Hygiene
We’ve touched on the dangers and risks surrounding the buffet before. The crew work diligently to keep the food fresh and safe. It only takes one person coming from the restroom without washing their hands and then grabbing food items from the buffet to contaminate the area. This is so simple. Always wash your hands especially after using the restroom. Use the sanitizer dispensers that are EVERYWHERE. Always use a clean plate. Always use the serving utensils to place food on your plate. Do not eat while in line. Do not cough or sneeze directly into the food.
Pushing & Cutting in Line
I hate waiting. I’m sure you don’t enjoy it either. What I hate worse though is trying to patiently wait in a line for whatever and having someone constantly pushing or cutting the line to make my wait even longer. Again, try to remember that there are other guests onboard besides you.
Saving Unused Chairs
Most people go on a cruise to a warm location during winter months in order to enjoy the warm temperatures and sunshine. The ships have an ample supply of sun loungers, especially around the pool and hot tubs. I cannot remember being on any cruise where I couldn’t find multiple chairs “reserved” with towels or beach bags as early as 6:00am. This is fine if you actually use the chairs. In many cases, however, the “reserved” chairs remain unused throughout an entire day. Most ships have policies on saving chairs and the crew is instructed to remove items left on chairs if unused after a certain amount of time. Still, this places the crew in an unenviable position should the chair saver return and demand to know why their things were moved. Try to remember you are not the only guest onboard and many other guests would also like a chair to enjoy.
Moving Chairs Unsafely
You finally found 2 empty and unsaved chairs in a good spot, but you need 4! It’s fine to move chairs around, but try to remember to not block walkways or doors. The chairs make a horrible noise when you drag them across the deck often disturbing anyone on the floor beneath you. Chairs with missing feet can even damage the deck. You should only pick up and carry a chair if you are physically capable of safely doing so.
Getting Drunk & Being Loud
Many tend to enjoy more adult beverages on a cruise than they normally do when at home. You’re on vacation, after all, so it’s time to enjoy yourself and have a good time, right? Just make sure your good time doesn’t ruin someone else’s good time by talking loudly or using profanity or generally being inconsiderate of other guests.. All of those hallway doors are rooms where guests may be sleeping or feeling the effects of seasickness or just trying to relax so don’t slam doors or run in the hallways. We also know you love your grandkids, but don’t talk to them on speaker or FaceTime in public areas! We do not want or need to hear those conversations!
Smoking or Vaping Where It’s Not Permitted
Smoking has become largely not permitted in most public areas in the US. This is generally not the case in Europe. Ships provide designated areas where it is OK to smoke or vape. These areas generally do not include your stateroom or your balcony. You can be heavily fined if you are caught besides being unsafe and offensive to your fellow non-smoking guests.
Wild Child
The crew are onboard to ensure you have everything you need, that the ship runs smoothly, and everything is safe. Unless they are working in a childcare area, they are not there to be babysitters for your kids. Other guests are likewise not responsible for your children, you are. It’s fine if you want to spend a night at the casino or a date night dinner without kids, but you have to make arrangements for your kids to be supervised.
Throwing Stuff Overboard
The crew make multiple announcements on every cruise I have ever been on instructing guests to never throw anything overboard. People will be people though, and I have seen guests throwing bits of bread to birds as well as trash items over the rail. Leaving things on your balcony can also result in the wind blowing them overboard. Just be mindful and dispose of trash appropriately.
Being Late
Not only can this get you left behind when the ship leaves the port, it can impact not only your experience but also others’ who were required to wait for you. Shore excursions, all aboard times, shows, meals – all of these things have set times to begin and end. If you arrive late you disrupt things for everyone else who managed to be on time.
Disregarding Dress Codes
All ships have standards for what is appropriate in certain areas and at certain times. Bathing suits are appropriate around the pool, but if you want to run in to the buffet then put on a cover-up or a shirt and shoes! Make sure you know what is required at different meal times since shorts can be OK for breakfast and lunch but often not for dinner.
Complaining About Tipping
I am as irritated about tipping culture as anyone when it comes to vending machines and other services where tipping was never expected in the past. That being said, I enjoy making those who take care of me who are not included in the mandatory tips are rewarded for their hard work. We plan ahead whenever we go on a cruise and go to our bank to get a supply of smaller bills so we are well prepared to offer a little something as a thank you to those who went above and beyond for us.
Did I cover everything? Do you agree that common courtesy and sense can remedy most of these behaviors? – René
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