11 etiquette mistakes you could be making on a cruise

New to cruising? You’re not alone: ​​Cruises remain one of the fastest-growing tourism sectors, according to the Cruise Lines International Association’s 2023 State of the Cruise Industry report. The report shows there is more interest than ever among Millennial and Gen-X travelers in taking their first cruise, with 73 percent of those who have never been on a cruise indicating they will consider a cruise vacation.

Ready to start sailing and have your first floating hotel experience? Before you set out, brush up on these common etiquette mistakes that will not only make it obvious that you’re a newbie, but could also frustrate your fellow travelers (not to mention the crew!). Being a courteous cruiser helps everyone maximize the enjoyment of their vacation.

1. Ignore safety instructions

Safety drills are vitally important on cruise ships, so don’t miss the boarding day meeting drill. “A lot of times, passengers will skip them or treat them casually,” says Courtney Johnston, a Tennessee-based travel agent and cruise expert who owns Oh, Let’s Go Travel Agency. “Conducting drills familiarizes everyone with safety procedures, emergency exits and evacuation routes in the event of an emergency.”

2. Being late for shore excursions

Think you can just get off the boat and take a shore excursion on your own schedule? Think again: Being late to scheduled excursions or activities can cause delays for the entire group or leave you behind and probably without a refund for the missed activity.

“Respect your fellow travelers’ and crew’s time by arriving on time for all activities,” says Tammy Levent, founder of Tampa-based Elite Travel. “If you know you will be late or need to cancel, please inform the tour desk as soon as possible.”

3. Not respecting dress codes

While many cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes in recent years, there are still occasions that require more formal attire, such as elegant dinners or theme nights. Failure to comply with these can not only detract from the environment, Johnston says, but can also make other passengers feel uncomfortable. In some cases, you may even be denied entry to a restaurant or lounge.

4. Not respecting crew members

Treating crew members poorly or failing to recognize their hard work is no way to behave on a cruise ship: crew work long shifts seven days a week during their long contracts, and often go six months without seeing their own. families. Most of them really love working in hospitality and strive to make your vacation special.

“Show gratitude and respect to crew members,” says Levent. “A simple thank you or a friendly smile can go a long way.”

5. Seat reservation

Do you plan to wake up early and claim lounge chairs in a prime location on the pool deck with your towels and personal belongings, then head to the gym, eat breakfast, and attend a cupcake decorating demonstration before returning to use them? This is a common problem that can cause unnecessary tension among passengers, says Johnston. It is important to respect shared spaces and reserve chairs only when they will be actively used.

6. Neglecting personal hygiene

Because ships are a confined space, germs can spread quickly; That’s why you’ll see handwashing stations at the buffet and hand sanitizer stations at each restaurant entrance. “Failure to follow proper hygiene practices can impact the health and comfort of others,” says Levent. “Wash your hands frequently, especially before meals and after using the bathroom.”

7. Lack of respect for cultural norms

When visiting ports of call, be aware of local customs and etiquette. “Respecting cultural norms is important to promote cultural harmony, avoid offenses or misunderstandings, and encourage positive interactions with local communities during port visits,” explains Johnston.

For example, one item that often surprises passengers is that a handful of Caribbean islands prohibit visitors from wearing camouflage prints, because they are reserved for their military (you can wear these items on the ship, but not on land).

8. Elevator overload

It’s normal to be anxious to get to your next fun activity on the ship, but crowded elevators are unpleasant for everyone. Levent recommends being patient and considerate when using elevators and prioritizing space for people with disabilities, the elderly, and families with strollers. Newer ships, like Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, have destination-style elevators to help avoid overcrowding and long wait times.

9. Not tipping properly

Most cruise lines have tipping guidelines and it is important to follow them or tip appropriately to get exceptional service. “It reflects a gesture of gratitude and fosters positive relationships between guests and service providers,” says Johnston.

To help mitigate the problem of under-tipping, some cruise lines automatically add a flat daily gratuity to your final bill, so check to see if that’s the case (although, of course, you’re still free to tip above and beyond). beyond that amount, which is why carrying cash is one of the 12 things you should always bring on a cruise).

10. Be discreet in shared spaces

Of course you want to take the perfect photos to share on social media or scrapbook after your vacation, but it’s important to be discreet about using your camera in shared spaces (like the pool, dining rooms, or gyms) when others they are present.

“Try to capture your memories without interrupting others’ experiences or invading their personal space,” says Levent, who suggests opting for less crowded times or locations for your photo shoots.

11. Be loud and disruptive

Surely you are on vacation and want to let loose a little. But making too much noise in cabins, hallways or public areas and disturbing the peace of others is not okay. Levent recommends taking noise levels into account, especially during the later hours. Use headphones to listen to music and movies and keep conversations at a reasonable volume.

By following these 11 tips, you will go a long way to improving your own cruise experience and will help create a pleasant and harmonious environment for all passengers and crew.