Cruises are meant to be fun and a get away from the grind of day-to-day life. Everyone is there for one reason – to have a good, relaxing time! Don’t be that guy (or gal) who doesn’t follow the unwritten rules of cruising. Take note of these 7 important things you should NEVER do on a cruise.
Do Not Throw Anything Overboard
Why the heck do we have to say this? Let’s get the most basic one checked off first! No matter how funny your friends think it will be, or how much you’re “just trying to feed the fish”, throwing things overboard is a definite no-no. Most cruise lines will take this very seriously and it will possibly (likely) result in never being allowed to cruise with them again. Just don’t do it, ok?
Do Not Re-use Your Plate at the Buffet
I know it’s probably been a long time since you enjoyed a buffet thanks to COVID but let’s remember the most basic of rules at them. Don’t bring your used plate back to the food station and fill it back up! Go grab a new, clean plate and load up on all the glorious treats you want!
Do Not Be a Chair Hog
This might be the most controversial one on the list. So many people think it’s perfectly ok to save deck chairs for hours. It’s not. There’s a limited number of deck chairs available. Don’t be the family that has one person get to the pool before breakfast and save a half dozen deck chairs.
Do Not Move Others People’s Stuff
Yes, you’re the bad guy if you’re saving deck chairs for hours on end while your friend(s) or family enjoy Bingo for 2 hours or eat breakfast/lunch or take a nap. And no you shouldn’t leave anything valuable behind at the pool. But that doesn’t give you the right to move someone else’s stuff if you notice they’ve been gone a while. Respect other people’s belongings and leave them alone. If you absolutely, positively must attempt to kick someone out of their spot, try to work with the person saving the chairs or a crew member to resolve your theoretical conflict.
Do Not Skip the Muster Drill (or Lifeboat Drill)
Look, I know it’s boring and seems silly but take a few minutes before really kicking off your vacation and attend the Muster Drill. (No, it’s not the Mustard Drill as my kids claim)! On most cruise lines that I’ve been on including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Disney Cruise Lines it will take longer to walk to the buffet than to check in at your designated Muster Station. If there’s any “speech” or “training” the crew is required to give usually takes just a minute or two and then you’re on your way to a relaxing few days by the pool.
Do Not Share Your Drink Package with Others
But sharing is caring right? Not in this case. Sharing your drink package with other adults can have serious consequences on a cruise ship. Cruise lines make tons of money off drink packages (after all aren’t all adults there to have fun?) so you can imagine how upset they’re going to be if you try to skirt the cost.
Of course, that doesn’t mean don’t enjoy a sip of each other’s drinks just don’t “buy” another person a drink just because you pre-paid for it.
Do Not Skip on the Dress Code
While it won’t get you kicked out of the dining room or refused service it’s not a good idea to dress down for formal night(s) on your cruise. You’ll probably look and feel out of place when all the other adults are wearing ties, or tuxedos, or dresses and you’re rocking khaki shorts and a t-shirt (or worse…). This doesn’t mean you should go out and rent, or buy, a tux or even pack one if you don’t want. But at least put on nice pants and a decent blouse or collared shirt. Preferably go a bit more formal than that but if you’re absolutely about being your comfortable self, put forth at least a little effort.
Do Not Get on the Elevator Before Others Get Off
Hate is a strong word, but I absolutely hate this. I will always pull my boys back if they start trying to get on the elevator before people have gotten off. To be fair, this doesn’t just apply to cruise ships. But you’ll notice this social violation a lot of cruises. With the large amount of guests and the small amount of elevators, it’s almost a certainty that the elevator will be busy. You’re there to chill. So chill and give people 30 seconds to get off!
Want some more great cruise tips and tricks, here’s a few articles you should read:
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May 31, 2023 at 8:41 am[…] Stop Doing These 8 Things on Cruises! […]