Stop Yourself From Getting Tossed Overboard
Cruises are meant to be exhilarating voyages—you meet like-minded people, explore different parts of the world, and indulge in the best all-you-can-eat buffets. However, cruises can also be an unfortunate nightmare at sea, packed with unruly children or constant complainers who refuse to tip...and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Join us as we explore some of the worst things passengers do, and why everyone hates them.
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 actually forbid the behavior.
2. Getting Hammered
We all love to sip cold drinks in hot climates, but that’s no excuse to go crazy on the cocktails. Arguing with staff and getting handsy with other cruisers exemplify belligerence—and no one wants to deal with it. Other passengers also hate it if you party well into the night.
3. Not Watching Your Kids
No cruiser appreciates parents who let kids run 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.
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. Stick to the proper areas and never forget that you share the space with others, some of whom may have allergies or health concerns.
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'll always find something fun to do. If you know you won't like the journey, there's nothing wrong with staying home!
6. No Elevator Etiquette
Let's go over some 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. Most cruise lines also have set hours in place, so abide by the rules lest you get in trouble!
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 if a server brings the wrong drink. You have to spend at least a week on the ship, and the last thing you want is to bump shoulders with staff.
9. Poor Buffet Manners
Speaking of buffets, we could go on forever about their mistreatment. Between grabbing food with your bare hands and sampling from the serving spoon, buffets are often left in disarray. Unfortunately, this means that they 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, and you bet people will give dirty looks!
11. Aggressive Behavior in the Casino
Most passengers try their luck in their casino, but 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 only made worse by drinking, which is why it’s important to stay within your limits.
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.
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.
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.
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, so practice patience with others! Remember that they may need more accommodations as well, so don’t lose your cool if some activities get delayed.
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. Small reminder: a tip goes a long way with hardworking staff, too.
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, so think about how you'd feel if someone's entire family took over the space.
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, it can be dangerous, and it 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. You have at least a week of countless activities, mainly ones that encourage person-to-person contact. Buffet lines, on-site sports, and dance parties can all be cesspools for germs if you don't take proper precautions.
