7 must-know cruise rules
A cruise has the potential to be the holiday of a lifetime, so it’s important to make sure you enjoy every second of it.
And with these seven cruise etiquette guidelines, you’ll keep out of trouble, and make a few friends along the way - maybe even snagging the title of “everyone’s favourite passenger”.
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Loyalty is crucial
Getting a trivia team together can be difficult, but once you’ve found the golden combination, don’t let go. Absolutely don’t drop a team member if they’d had a bad performance - we’ve all been there, knowing every capital city on Earth is a top tier challenge - and under no circumstances swap teams without warning. Just like in sports, once you’ve worn the jersey, those are your people and those are your players. Loyalty is golden, just like that first place medal that could soon be yours.
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Don’t overbook
Nobody wants to turn up to the restaurant to learn that every table has been booked out, and yet not a single table is available. While cruise ships may not penalise passengers who book a table at every eatery to guarantee a space that night, you should always ring up and cancel the second you have no intention of going. And do it as far ahead of time as possible - give your fellow holidaymakers a chance to grab a bite, too. Sharing, after all, is caring.
“If you make a dinner booking in a speciality restaurant and change your mind about going, follow the courtesy you'd show on land and cancel the reservation in advance,” Jana Frawley, Escape Content Director, said, “this is helpful for the staff, but also fellow guests who can now book in your place.”
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The crew are for everyone
It’s well-known that some of the longest wait times on a cruise ship can be while you’re standing in line for your turn at the service desk. It’s recommended that passengers wait around 24 hours for non-emergencies, giving the ship’s crew the time they need to get set up, and finalise any preparations to give you the holiday of your dreams. And if your Wifi isn’t working from the first second, where’s the harm in admiring the gorgeous views you paid for?
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Get a watch
The worst kind of tour companion is the late companion. Holding everyone else up because you weren’t keeping track of time on your shore trip will achieve one thing: frowns from everyone around you. And should you opt to head out on your own and leave every single person on board twiddling their thumbs? Good luck.
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Keep your gas out of the hot tub
This one is fairly self-explanatory. The same rules apply in any spa back on land, and we all know exactly what those bubbles mean.
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Let them entertain you
Let the staff do their jobs in peace - don’t touch, don’t heckle, don’t bother them with questions you know should be directed elsewhere. This especially goes for the entertainment director. While it’s their job to make you feel welcome, to make sure you have fun, to invite you into the cruising world, they’re still on the clock, and they still get breaks - so, let them.
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Germs-be-gone
Unfortunately, being in any confined space for an extended period of time with hundreds of other people is bound to lead to at least one cold popping up for some unfortunate soul. And while it’s a miserable experience to be that person, knowing you’re missing out on things, it is absolutely vital that you do the right thing and stay away until you’re better. Don’t be responsible for bringing the entire passenger base down - there will be no forgetting that.
“Just stay in your damned stateroom and order room service,” Simone Mitchell, Escape’s associate digital editor, said. “It sucks, yes, but it’s not a conspiracy to make your life difficult or unpleasant. It’s just bad luck.”
Images: Getty