Sorry. It's our first cruise. We didn't know the etiquette...

[Roboat]

Do you think some very innocent actions by new cruisers are sometimes interpreted as rudeness by experienced cruisers?

How about passing along a few etiquette guidelines? Or asking some etiquette questions?

 

such as....

 

- Sending one person to the theater to save 6 seats. Generally a no-no. The rule of thumb seems to be 1 person can save 1 seat, 2 can save 2, etc. But if 1 person is trying to save half a row, other passengers are quite entitled to ignore the person trying to save too many seats.

 

- The same thing for deck chairs. One person can't "reserve" many. In fact, the official policy is usually stated as "No reserving deck chairs."

 

- Thinking a book or a towel will save a deck chair for more than a few minutes. Some well meaning folks get up early to "reserve" a chair for the morning, then go off to breakfast. But they should not be surprised or angry if their towel is placed elsewhere and someone is sitting in the chair they tried to reserve. Violators are labeled chair-hogs.

 

- Bringing non-potty-trained kids into the pool or hot tub. Violations can cause the pool or spa to require draining and re-sanitizing it. Very likely you will be asked to leave. No "swimmies" either. It's a sanitation/CSC thing.

 

What other innocent acts should new cruisers know about to save embarrassment? Not looking for "I hate it when.." type stuff, just freindly info.

[JanineM]

I'll add a few more:

 

• Taking trays of food out of the general eating areas and leaving them on the stairwells, on the decks, etc. is unsightly, unsanitary, and can be dangerous if the ship is rockin'
  
• If you're sitting with a group for an assigned dining time, be on time or your entire table will be left waiting for you. If you know you're going to skip the dining room or will be late, let someone know so they don't wait for you.
  
• Although it is your vacation, recognize that it is also everyone else's vacation as well!
  
• If you're waiting for an elevator, let those on the elevator get off before you get on. If you're on an elevator and others behind you want to get off, exit the doors, let them get off, then get back in the car. While you're at it, tell your kids/spouse/brother-in-law that it's not that cute to press the buttons for every floor. :D
  
• Go with a great attitude and you will have a good time! :)

[CowPrincess]

The staff are hardworking, and cater to your every whim with a smile on their faces. Do not feel that gives you the right to treat them like servants or slaves. Say "please" and "thank you".

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

In the theater when it is dark, if you open your cell phone to take a picture or open any electronic cmaera, the glare form the screen is very annoying to those who are seated behind you. Such gadgets have such a strong glare that you can be shining a blinding light into the eyes of people many rows behind you.

 

Though I've been on many cruises, I just finished one in which a crew member would immediately tell anyone they saw with a cellphone or camera glaring to shut it and turn it off. That was quite a surprise. I've neevr seen this ENFORCED before. I just wish everyone would know better than to do that in a dark theater. Ship's crew shouldn't have to be posted to make sure people do not open cellphones and video cameras.

[tamaram26]

Use an "indoor voice" when walking through the hallway back to your cabin at night. I know you 're having a blast telling that funny story to your cabin mate on the way back from the disco at 3am (after 8 martinis), but please remember, some folks do like to go to bed a little earlier and those cabin walls sure are thin :D...which brings me to my next tip...when you are inside your cabin, remember...THOSE CABIN WALLS SURE ARE THIN...if you get my drift!!! ;)

[grandmato4]

Do you think some very innocent actions by new cruisers are sometimes interpreted as rudeness by experienced cruisers?

How about passing along a few etiquette guidelines? Or asking some etiquette questions?

 

What other innocent acts should new cruisers know about to save embarrassment? Not looking for "I hate it when.." type stuff, just freindly info.

 

You are SOOO right about those new to cruising "innocently" doing things that are sometimes interpreted as rude by experienced cruisers. And that's not always those taking their first cruise but sometimes those that have taken a couple of cruises and are only doing what they've seen others do and assume really is ok or no one has taken the time to politely explain what they are doing wrong to them.

 

How about: During peak breakfast and lunch times after eating in the buffet dining area please vacate your table so others can find a place to sit and enjoy their meal. Finishing your meal and then pulling out your deck of playing cards to enjoy a few hundred games of cards or pulling out your book to read while many are still attempting to find a place to sit and eat when the dining area is at its busiest is not a good thing. During slow times those things are just fine!

 

When you see people going to the front of lines don't just assume they are butting in line and proceed to yell at them or grumble to all around you that they should go to the back of the line. They may have VIP priority status which allows them to go to the front of the line for whatever the majority must wait patiently in line to do.

 

Do not attempt to discuss with others while on your cruise what everyone specifically paid for their cruise. If truth be known there are many different prices paid for the same cabin category that you are occupying and its best to leave that conversation alone.

 

Balcony Etiquette-When talking on your balcony please understand that those on balconies around you can hear everyword you are saying and you can hear all they are saying. Please attempt to ignor whatever you might hear and not talk yourself in loud voices.

 

Also, without trying to it is often possible that your neighbor can see the reflection of what you are doing and wearing (or NOT wearing) in the glass front on their balcony:eek: so be aware of the show you may be giving to your neighbor without your knowledge or their desire to see quite so much!

 

Most balcony neighbors like to say hello and introduce themselves to each other but that doesn't mean that each and every time they come out on their balcony they wish you to look around the partition and start a conversation.

[Spikesgirl]

I will second the saying 'please' and 'thank you' to folks - not just the crew. we met really great folks on our last cruise (Tahiti - Princess). It seemed politeness exemplified - it was wonderful and we did our best to repay that kind.

 

My advice - don't be afraid to be first time cruisers. If something is a puzzlement, ask someone else (crew or passengers) for advice or suggestions. It's okay to admit that you don't know port from starboard and most cruisers are more than willing to take a moment to help someone out.

 

A cruise should be fun, but it can be stressful if you don't know what is expected of you. you are already off to a good start with your list. Have a wonderful first cruise - they are magical!

[cb at sea]

A cruise isn't a mystery! It's a vacation! Be polite and considerate of others, and all will be well!

[Roboat]

 

When you see people going to the front of lines don't just assume they are butting in line and proceed to yell at them or grumble to all around you that they should go to the back of the line. They may have VIP priority status which allows them to go to the front of the line for whatever the majority must wait patiently in line to do.

 

Wow. That is a totally new one to me! How is such a status obtained? I have seen priority given for embarking, but I didn't know there was any situation aboard ship when VIPs could go to the front of the line.

[Roboat]

Some great tips above.

I thought of others I have been guilty of...

 

- Casino etiquette

I haven't spent much time in casinos, and did not know the etiquette/rules. For example, I tried to hand a $20 bill to the dealer or croupier in order to buy some chips. That's a no-no. Always place bills on the table, and let the dealer pick them up. And don't blow on the dice.

 

In general, however, the dealers realize that many passengers are unfamiliar with casino rules, and they are very kind and helpful, especially when the crowd is light.

 

Most cruises offer an Intro course early on for new casino patrons, which can help you avoid a scowl, as well as teach you the basics of how to lose your money and have fun doing it!

 

How about some guidelines for spa services? I've never availed my self of these services. Are there any innocent no-nos besides asking for a Happy Ending with your massage?

[travelntreats]

A cruise isn't a mystery! It's a vacation! Be polite and considerate of others, and all will be well!

I so totally agree.... You are on vacation people... use common sense and go with the flow. I think some of the suggestions are a tad extreme and are based on experienced cruisers expectations of how passengers SHOULD ACT ! :eek: We were all new at this one time and I don't remember needing any guide books on how to act..

[Barbee524]

Wow. That is a totally new one to me! How is such a status obtained? I have seen priority given for embarking, but I didn't know there was any situation aboard ship when VIPs could go to the front of the line.

 

I have only seen this onboard for disabled passengers needing assistance. Or I guess that I keep missing the diamond line in the Windjammer.

[Roboat]

I so totally agree.... You are on vacation people... use common sense and go with the flow. I think some of the suggestions are a tad extreme and are based on experienced cruisers expectations of how passengers SHOULD ACT ! :eek: We were all new at this one time and I don't remember needing any guide books on how to act..

 

Oh really? Which of the suggestions above do you consider a tad extreme?

[Rock Chick]

Dining with small children. Could parents please ensure that their children do not use the restaurant as a playground? Apart from the obvious health and safety risk to the waiters as they carry hot food back and forth, it's very poor etiquette in any restaurant, let alone on a busy cruise liner.

[j10enn]

Balcony Ettiquette

Also, without trying to it is often possible that your neighbor can see the reflection of what you are doing and wearing (or NOT wearing) in the glass front on their balcony:eek: so be aware of the show you may be giving to your neighbor without your knowledge or their desire to see quite so much!

 

Excellant Tip...I would never have thought about that, maybe best to keep curtains drawn when getting changed then ;)

[cruiserbryce]

while I do understand how certain actions can be misunderstood as rude...I think not having one person save 6 seats in a theatre or taking non potty trained junior into the pool are things that aren't just not ok on cruise ships, they are general things that shouldn't be done on land...if it were in a movie theatre at the the mall would one person saving 6 seats be less annoying?

[Roboat]

while I do understand how certain actions can be misunderstood as rude...I think not having one person save 6 seats in a theatre or taking non potty trained junior into the pool are things that aren't just not ok on cruise ships, they are general things that shouldn't be done on land...if it were in a movie theatre at the the mall would one person saving 6 seats be less annoying?

 

Good point.

I don't know why these seem to arise on board from time-to-time.

[Roboat]

Excellant Tip...I would never have thought about that, maybe best to keep curtains drawn when getting changed then ;)

 

Dang. There goes my evening entertainment. ;)

[Plant]

I so totally agree.... You are on vacation people... use common sense and go with the flow. I think some of the suggestions are a tad extreme and are based on experienced cruisers expectations of how passengers SHOULD ACT ! :eek: We were all new at this one time and I don't remember needing any guide books on how to act..

 

This is the problem! Many people either leave their common sense at home or never had any to begin with :rolleyes: . Common sense not only works on cruise ships, but for life in general.

 

Repeating what cb at sea said: "A cruise isn't a mystery! It's a vacation! Be polite and considerate of others, and all will be well!"

 

BTW, cruiser's who stay in suites or are at a certain level on certain ships (# of cruises or days) may have priority embarkation, and priority debarkation on tenders, and priority seating at dinner. They also may have priority debarkation at the end of the cruise.

[Roboat]

This is the problem! Many people either leave their common sense at home or never had any to begin with :rolleyes: . Common sense not only works on cruise ships, but for life in general.

 

Repeating what cb at sea said: "A cruise isn't a mystery! It's a vacation! Be polite and considerate of others, and all will be well!"

 

BTW, cruiser's who stay in suites or are at a certain level on certain ships (# of cruises or days) may have priority embarkation, and priority debarkation on tenders, and priority seating at dinner. They also may have priority debarkation at the end of the cruise.

 

Absolutely agree.

 

Thanks for clarifying the VIP status. I was worried someone might cut in front of me in the line for the cheese doodles. :eek:

 

I have no problem with suite pax getting the other perks they pay extra for.

 

 

Oh wait, that common sense thing doesn't ALWAYS work:

Some first-timers are unaware, and will be delighted to learn, that room service items are FREE. Just be nice and tip the delivery guy a couple of bucks, maybe more if he brings you 2 full meals.

[cruiserbryce]

it seems to be that common sense is a reoccuring theme here...not sure that anyone...new or vet should get a pass on some of the things being discussed. Things like being polite, waiting in line, etc should always be considered

[Mary1951]

Ok I understand all that is being said here , but it is not just cruise manners , it is life and anyone that does not know how to behave on land , will not on a cruise and you can tell them until you are blue in the face .So maybe just acting like I act in all circumstances of life will do it .Sad to say that for some reason some people (not majority ) the minute they are on vacation behave in a way that is embarrassing , I have been places that I would not speak my second language because of the behaviour of some others , really didn't want to be put in same barrel as them .

[mt_goodrich]

Don't leave common sense and living by the Golden Rule at home. Take them with you.

 

Realize that some folks act the way they do because they don't know any better. Don't let their actions ruin your vacation.

[steelerannie]

Don't talk all the way through the show!! If you don't want to watch it go somewhere else. I politely asked someone to be quiet on our last cruise and he went ballistic at me, pointing his fingers, shouting and swearing!! :eek: This guy had been talking non stop for 20 minutes, so loud we could hear every word.

 

Next time I'll ask a member of staff to do it for me!

 

Ann

[ThePatientOne]

Ahh tips for cruisers.. Very good topic.. I say that for both newbies as well as the seasoned cruiser.. Common sense is key here.. Be polite to others as you would have them be polite to you.. Yes instead of Yeah.. Heck even add a sir or Mame to it as well.. Please and thank you go a long way..

Even though tips are already charged to your on board account, I usually leave a little something extra in the cabin for the cabin steward.. This does not go into the tip pool as the automatic tips do.. Like someone else has already said.. Tip the room service person a few bucks for the delivery... They do not share in the tip pool...

If someone is being totally rude, ask a crew member to handle it.. If the person is really bad, and I mean really bad, they could be asked to leave the ship.. (Read your sailing contract)

There are many good suggestions here in this thread however when you read them there is a commonality about them.. Common sense..

If you would or would not do something on a land based vacation, why would you do it any different on a cruise..

Great thread, enjoy your cruises...