A cruise is meant to be a time of relaxation, breathtaking ocean views, and unforgettable adventures. However, a few missteps can quickly turn smooth sailing into rough waters—not just for you, but for everyone onboard. While some passengers handle cruise life effortlessly, others unintentionally create frustration. To ensure you’re the kind of traveler people enjoy sharing a ship with, here are 10 things you should avoid doing on a cruise.
Ignoring Safety Drills
Are you planning on missing the muster drill? Think again because skipping it is risky and against maritime law. Cruise ship safety protocols exist to prevent emergencies from turning into disasters, and history has proven their importance. The Titanic tragedy in 1912, partly due to inadequate drills, serves as a sobering reminder of what can go wrong.
Overindulging In Alcohol
A few cocktails at sea? Great. Turning into the ship’s unofficial entertainment? Not so much. Overindulging leads to poor judgment and sometimes even an unplanned trip to the ship’s medical bay. Therefore, stay hydrated, pace yourself, and don’t be that person stumbling through the formal night—your fellow passengers will thank you!
Skipping Hand Hygiene Practices
Cruise ships are all about all-you-can-eat buffets, but no one signs up for an all-you-can-catch virus. Enclosed spaces make it easy for germs to spread, and norovirus loves a crowded ship. A few extra seconds at the sink can save you and everyone else a miserable vacation.
Arriving Late To The Port
Cruise ships may feel like floating resorts, but don’t run on island time. If you’re late, the ship sails without you; no dramatic slow-motion sprint down the pier will change that. Time zones can be tricky, so double-check schedules and don’t gamble with last-minute arrivals.
Being Loud In Quiet Areas
Not every part of the ship is a party zone, so libraries and lounges are designed for relaxation rather than speakerphone debates. A good rule of thumb is simple—if people are napping or enjoying a quiet moment, it’s probably not the place to test your vocal range.
Ignoring Dress Codes
Access to dining areas and social events is guaranteed when you dress the part. Cruise lines have attire policies for a reason, with some requiring “smart casual” while others go full tuxedo mode. So, if you sneak into an upscale restaurant in board shorts, it won’t get you seated.
Hogging Poolside Loungers
Use a lounger when you need it, then set it free; someone else wants that prime sunbathing spot, too! Placing a towel down at sunrise and vanishing for hours is the ultimate cruise faux pas. Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean, have caught on, enforcing chair-holding limits and even removing abandoned towels.
Skipping Shore Excursions
Stepping off the ship isn’t just about stretching your legs; it’s a chance to explore incredible destinations you may never visit again. Whether joining a guided tour for cultural insights or wandering independently for a more personal adventure, every port has something unique.
Disrespecting Crew Members
Cruise ship staff work long hours to ensure passengers have a great experience, and treating them with kindness makes all the difference. Snapping fingers for service, making unreasonable demands, or being rude to crew members won’t win you any favors. A simple “thank you” goes a long way—remember, a happy crew makes for a happier cruise!
Cutting In Line
Waiting in line isn’t anyone’s idea of fun, but skipping ahead isn’t the solution. Whether at the buffet or the excursion desk, sneaking past others is an instant way to make enemies. Cruise lines operate on first-come, first-served fairness, so remember, politeness goes a long way when floating with the same crowd for days!
