All Aboard
Cruises are meant to be exhilarating—you meet new people, see different parts of the world, and indulge in all-you-can-eat buffets. But cruises can also be packed with unruly children or constant complainers who refuse to tip. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg…
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1. Hogging Chairs
Some cruisers treat pool seats like musical chairs, ready to throw hands at a moment’s notice for a prime spot. They get up way too early, throw their belongings across an entire row of seats, and expect you to deal with it. It’s such a common nuisance that some cruise lines forbid the behavior.
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2. Getting Hammered
We all love to sip cold drinks in hot climates, but that’s no excuse to go overboard. Arguing with staff, partying too loud, or getting handsy with other cruisers exemplify belligerence—and no one wants to deal with it.
3. Not Watching Your Kids
No cruiser appreciates parents who let kids run hog-wild. With so many activities available, there’s really no excuse to let them run around the pool or sprint up and down the hallways. Promoting good behavior also keeps everyone safer.
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4. Smoking on Balconies
Most cruise lines accommodate smoking in designated areas, which makes it especially irksome to light up on the balcony. Not only are you disturbing other guests, but some cruise lines might boot you off the ship for doing so.
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5. Constant Complaining
From complaining about the food to the high cost of everything, no one likes a Negative Nancy. Cruises offer plenty of amenities and activities (all of which are listed online), so if you can’t find one fun thing to do there…maybe stay home.
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6. No Elevator Etiquette
Basic elevator etiquette—let people off before you get on! Trying to push your way into a crowded elevator is not only dangerous, but it also makes no sense. It’s just plain rude, too. Cruises never have enough elevators anyway, so take the stairs when you can and save the headache.
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7. Partying on Balconies
Hey, it’s a cruise and we’re all excited. However, noisy neighbors disrupt entire floors with excessive partying or loud music. It’s okay if you want to keep the party going but don’t impede others’ sleep schedule.
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8. Being Rude to Staff
Land or sea, rude behavior is always embarrassing. Employees are just trying to do their job and often bend over backward to ensure your time onboard is a good one. Don’t lose your temper if the buffet is subpar or a server brings the wrong drink.
9. Poor Buffet Manners
Speaking of buffets, we could go on forever about their mistreatment. Between grabbing food with your bare hands to sampling items from the serving spoon, buffets are often left in disarray and can be pretty unappealing by the time you arrive. Basic etiquette helps keep them sanitary.
10. Saving Theater Seats
Saving theater seats is just as annoying as hogging deck chairs. Unless your party is right behind you, don’t take up an entire row. Communal spaces are meant to be enjoyed by everyone.
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11. Aggressive Behavior in the Casino
Most passengers try their luck in their casino—only the worst passengers get aggressive. Casinos are a fun way to lose money, they’re not for hogging machines or yelling at other cruisers. The hostility is also made worse by drinking, which is why it’s important to stay within your limits.
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12. Showing Up Late
Watches exist. So do clocks. Phones, too. Just about everything you need to ensure on-time arrival. At least let the staff know if you’ll be late, especially since most cruise lines have 24/7 numbers you can call. That said, don’t expect other passengers to be happy.
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13. Being a Know-It-All
Some cruises have classes or seminars, allowing everyone a chance to learn something new. However, passengers want to learn from the teacher. Don’t interrupt with corrections of your own or factoids no one asked for.
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14. Not Tipping
Like it or not, you need to tip staff. Some cruises even have built-in gratuities to ensure you don’t skimp out. Staff cleans your room, serves you food, ensures passenger safety—you name it. It’s just bad form to not show a little appreciation.
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15. Being Disrespectful
Some passengers board with wheelchairs or canes and it’s only common courtesy to make them comfortable. Shoving past them for the elevator or cutting in line at the buffet is just cruel. Remember that they may need more accommodations as well, so don’t lose your cool if some activities get delayed.
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16. No Compassion
Medical emergencies are just that—unplanned crises. Though cruise lines have onsite medics, some ships may need to turn back or make impromptu stops. You know society’s compassion is amiss when passengers get upset about heart attacks or severe allergic reactions.
17. Making a Mess
Don’t leave a mess just because someone will clean it for you. From abandoning dirty dishes in the hallway to leaving massive spills, try and clean up after yourself.
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18. Hogging the Pool or Hot Tub
Cruise pools aren’t personal hangout spots—they’re meant for everyone. If you hog amenities, others miss out on the communal areas and can’t enjoy their vacation. A little role reversal puts things into perspective!
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19. Throwing Things Overboard
It doesn’t matter if you’re hammered or trying to be “funny,” tossing things overboard is a bad look. It pollutes the ocean, can be dangerous, and may even damage property. Not to mention, getting caught could mean hefty fines.
20. Not Washing Your Hands
You should always wash your hands, especially on a cruise. Between buffet lines and group activities, the last thing passengers want is dirty hands in a conga line.
