Etiquette For Cruise Ships
Although there is no handbook written describing basic cruising
etiquette, there are some simple common sense rules you should
follow while you are cruising.
A cruise ship is like a large floating city. Remember that you
will be dealing with people from all walks of life, different
cultures and religions. Smile. Realize they will do things
differently than you.
Get to know the ship. Take the time to find out where the
restaurants, shops, gym, etc., are beforehand. Most cruise lines
supply layouts of the boat before your cruise starts.
Keep up with the ship's activities. They'll be offering lots of
different activities both shipboard and at port. This is a way
to get information about the ports of call you will be visiting.
The cruise personnel is there to answer any questions you might
have. You might want to take an excursion with the cruise line
instead of visiting the port of call by yourself. This way
you'll be sure to see all the interesting sites.
The first thing you should do is relax. You're on vacation.
Don't worry, you don't have any deadlines, and nowhere to go, so
chill. You may have to wait in lines, don't whine. Say hello to
people next to you in line. Invite a stranger to join you in a
game of cards, or a board game to help break up the monotony.
Cruise ships will often post some clothing guidelines for dinner
or live entertainment for that evening. These are just
guidelines, and you won't have to walk the gang plank if you
don't follow them, but you may feel very uncomfortable wearing
bermuda shorts and flip flops to a semi-formal dinner or dance.
Be respectful of others and don't hog gym equipment, hot tubs,
lounge chairs, computers, etc. There are thousands of others on
board who want to use them too!
Only smoke in designated areas. These designated areas are well
marked. Do not smoke at your dinner table until all have
finished eating.
Don't invite a crowd of people to cut in a line in front of you.
There is nothing more exasperating for those waiting behind you.
Letting your spouse in is one thing, but not a group you just
met on deck.
Remember a smile will go a long way towards easing any tensions
you might find. Each and every person on the cruise is there to
enjoy his or herself. The above are just common sense rules of
etiquette that you could use every day too.