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


Roboat

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Thanks for your reply. Being a first time cruiser I don't understand everything about the dining arrangements. We were able to choose between an early seating or a late seating. I believed this to mean half the ship eats at the early seating and half eats at the late seating? We tend to be the people that will be up at 5 AM waiting for coffee and fall asleep early, but we picked the later dinner seating because we have been told there won't be as many small children at that time.

 

It's' probably true that there will be less children at late seating, but I honestly have never seen all that many children in the dining room anyway--and have never, ever, been bothered by unruly, noisy kids at dinner.

 

I must add, though, that we've never sailed at a time when there were hordes of kids, such as Christmas or spring break; also, I like kids and am not bothered by normal 'kid' behavior--that is, I don't expect perfect behavior from a four-year-old, but also would expect parents to take any child out who was out of control. I've never seen a situation where this was necessary, but I know others have.

 

We do anytime dining if there is a choice, early if not. I agree that you should let your tablemates know if you won't be there a certain night so they don't feel abandoned and the table doesn't wait for you.

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My wife, 8 year old daughter, and I just took our first cruise. None of us are sure that we'll take another, perhaps cruising just isn't for us.

 

Having said that, children were the least annoying, irritating or obnoxious passengers onboard our ship. The lack of respect shown by both young and old adults toward others, particularly in the stateroom corridors, was reason enough for us not to subject ourselves to cruising again anytime soon.

 

We had a fine time, and greatly enjoyed the ports of call, but the sea days (and particularly sea nights) were not what I would consider a family friendly environment, regardless of what the cruise commercials would make you think. When children are annoying and their parents don't resolve the situation, I agree, it's a pain. It doesn't usually happen all night though.

 

The drunken adults on our cruise were much more disrespectful and obnoxious, and for far longer, than any of the children.

 

My $.02.

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We were first time cruisers last year on Carnival and there were a couple of HUGE mistakes we made and I now feel very badly for it. I'm not dwelling on them but I will not make those mistakes again. Only found Cruise Critic shortly before cruising and had not been able to read all the threads for information on these issues.

 

1. Carnival does not have anytime dining - only traditional (unless you use the buffet). We were a family of 4 sitting at a table for 8 for our seating. We had early seating and found that it really didn't fit into our schedule after going into different ports. So we went to the buffet - only found out afterwards that our table mates probably sat each evening waiting and wondering if we would show up. We didn't know that we should advise anyone about our change of plans.

 

2. Before we went on cruise, a family friend told us we could remove the auto-tips in place. Sadly to say, we did and tipped people as we went along. I don't know about the other cruise lines but I have since found out the importance of leaving the autotips in place. My understanding is that on Carnival, if you remove the tips, any tips the crew receive must be turned into the tip pool and they are not allowed to keep them. That being said it is also my understanding that if I leave the tips in place any tipping above and beyond is kept solely by the recipient.

 

I wish I knew these things in advance and feel a little bad about our behaviour (even though we did not realize we were affecting anyone).

 

We are always polite to people whether they as passengers or crew and have no worries in that department.

 

However, after reading many many threads I now feel more comfortable in my knowledge for onboard etiquette and that is completely due to these boards and the helpful posts that been made

 

Enjoy your cruise and even if you commit a faux pas everynow and then, don't be hard on yourself and learn from the experience. Cruising is a wonderful vacation and from what I have found out there is a bit of a learning curve for new cruisers so forgive the little things of other passengers as they may not have been able to learn all things cruise related prior to their departure.

 

Happy Sailing All:)

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Speaking of tipping.

 

Aside from room service (cash), room steward and waiters (tip envelope), do we tip the pool bartenders or servers that wait on us at our lounge chairs with cash? I'm hoping not to carry cash around with me on board if I can help it. I want to make sure they're taken care of though, I just want to know the best way. (We're on RCCL)

 

Thanks,

Gary

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Speaking of tipping.

 

Aside from room service (cash), room steward and waiters (tip envelope), do we tip the pool bartenders or servers that wait on us at our lounge chairs with cash? I'm hoping not to carry cash around with me on board if I can help it. I want to make sure they're taken care of though, I just want to know the best way. (We're on RCCL)

 

Thanks,

Gary

Alcoholic drinks (sorry to be presumptive, but.. :) ) have a 15% gratuity already included. You can tip above & beyond, but if you don't, it's there.

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  • 2 weeks later...
Right. Because it is never the mother in this scenario who is being insensitive and unaware of how her volume, tone and/or behavior are impacting those around them. It is never some self involved mommy who has decided that their child's 'meltdown' is an adequate reason to shriek at their child or barge through groups of others without regard for the activities of those around them.

 

Nor has a mother ignored the signs of an impending 'meltdown' (or even encouraged it by keeping the kiddos active till they are too tired to do anything BUT melt down) for her own selfish interests.

 

Because of course a mother under the stress of a 'melting down' child has never been known to focus on her small world or be overly sensitive to comments and glances of those around her.

 

 

 

 

 

Perhaps mommies need to consider that the commentary or looks aren't any more a personal attack than their own behavior is.

 

 

(And heaven forbid we mention the father in all of this)

 

 

You know, maybe sometimes it is the mom reacting to the kid's meltdowna nd making it worse. How many kids do yo have?

 

i have 4 under the age of 11. i experience meltdowns on a daily basis from my beautiful little drama queens, and USUALLY it is because they are overstimulated.

 

I can imagine, being on a ship with lots of bright lights, activity, and prolly more ppl per square foot than a mall on a saturday can and WILL cause meltdowns.

 

Now, imagine the mom who has been saving to go on this trip, and wants to share the experience with her children.

 

They board, everythings cool, but then say, the excitement overwhlems them, or perhaps they start not to feel so good becasue of motin sickness but they are too little to EXPRESS THAT in anything but a throwdown with the neareest carpet.

 

hauling a child in that kind of distress, plus packing however many else you have with you BACK acrosw the ship, past many ppl glaring, staring or talking about "that woman with the awful kids" will wear down any mom...especially because kids are not BAD.

 

So, kids are over stimulated and upset, mom is getting worn out and upset at the reactions of other ppl....

 

yet those same ppl who wouldnt offer a kind word, or maybe try to help redirect the child/ren for a second so she can deal with this are usually the same ones who are JUDGING her.

 

My five cents.

 

Sorry to sound so bitchy about it, but this kind of thing really pisses me off.

 

I cant count how many times Ive offered help to other parents who were having a rough go of it.

 

oh yeah..add onto the fact that usually there are no relatives to help out on ship, and yo cant just leave your kids in the room and take a walk around the block so you dont completely freak out. there is NO WHERE to go.

 

So, your trapped with little to no help.

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Alcoholic drinks (sorry to be presumptive, but.. :) ) have a 15% gratuity already included. You can tip above & beyond, but if you don't, it's there.

 

Although that is true of RCCL, other readers of this thread should be aware that not all cruise lines include gratuity in drink prices. Usually this is answered in the Frequently Asked Questions page on your specific cruise line's web site.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line does not automatically include tip for any bar drink and recommends the guest add a tip of 15%. This would usually be done when you pay for the drink or leave the area (similar to a bar at home).

 

"Also, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent."

--- quoted from NCL FAQ: What About Tipping?

 

Hope this helps.

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Although that is true of RCCL, other readers of this thread should be aware that not all cruise lines include gratuity in drink prices. Usually this is answered in the Frequently Asked Questions page on your specific cruise line's web site.

 

Norwegian Cruise Line does not automatically include tip for any bar drink and recommends the guest add a tip of 15%. This would usually be done when you pay for the drink or leave the area (similar to a bar at home).

 

"Also, certain staff positions provide service on an individual basis to only some guests. We encourage those guests to acknowledge good service from these staff members with appropriate gratuities. For example, for guests purchasing bar drinks the recommended gratuity is 15 percent."

--- quoted from NCL FAQ: What About Tipping?

 

Hope this helps.

 

We were on the NCL Star in December and they certainly did include the 15% tip on any drink or coffee order.

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We're first time cruisers and I'd like to know what to expect as far as assigned seating in the dining room goes. How does it work, are you actually assigned seats, or do you pick where you sit the first night and then are in the same spot all week? If assigned - how do you know where your seated, do you have the option of picking how many others are at your table?

 

If it depends on which cruise line, we're sailing the Carnival Victory in April

 

Thanks to everyone for all of the great pointers!

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We were on the NCL Star in December and they certainly did include the 15% tip on any drink or coffee order.

 

Was the automatic 15% tip obvious?

 

I am not experienced with NCL and was mislead by the NCL website. Thank you for clarifying this, Arwenmark. You've just saved me a lot in over-tipping on my next cruise! Again, thank you! :)

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We're first time cruisers and I'd like to know what to expect as far as assigned seating in the dining room goes. How does it work, are you actually assigned seats, or do you pick where you sit the first night and then are in the same spot all week? If assigned - how do you know where your seated, do you have the option of picking how many others are at your table?

 

If it depends on which cruise line, we're sailing the Carnival Victory in April

 

Thanks to everyone for all of the great pointers!

 

You are actually assigned seats at a certain table. The first night, you walk upto the entrance of the dining room where the maitre' de is stationed; he will ask you name and cabin number, then direct someone to show you to your table. You will keep this table for the whole cruise, unless for some reason (really awful tablemates?) you request a change. After that, each night you pause at the entrance to give your name (may not be necessary after the first night or two) and go to your table.

 

We've never requested a certain size table, just taken what they've given us, but I think you can make a request for a table for 2, 6, 8, whatever you desire, and they will try their best to accomodate your wishes.

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Wow-thats a new one. VIP status does not give you the right to cut in buffet lines. Handicapped okay. Priority boarding, tenders, debarkation okay. But VIP's have to wait in line at the buffet, shows etc. I've never heard of a VIP - even those with suites getting to cut in line.

 

 

Depending on the line you are cruising with wil dictate the suite "perks". I have cruised in suites. Carnival offered nothing new. Princess I did have priority seating at the formal dinners and at the shows. The Maitre'd would recognize us each evenng and simply escort us to our table immediately.

I am new to RCL but booked and those "perks" do include the priority seating at the shows. Cutting in line is always wrong, if you are entitled to reserved seats, you will be escorted.

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  • 2 weeks later...

I don't know if others find it appropriate, but when in line at the buffet I go right around the big salad-hold-up. I don't have salad too often and won't wait 5 minutes to get through that point. It seems to take poeple quite a long time to get all of their salad issues worked out. I'm not saying that they are a problem....by all means, get what you want, enjoy yourself. I am saying however, that when I see an opening right at the end of the salad part, I jump right in and take care of business.

 

That was carnival.....

 

I did notice on the one RCCL ship I was on that the buffet style room was set up better. It had several different stations with food on them...that was better..

 

And I HATE when people are told to not hang around in the certain areas while waiting to get off the ship at the end of the cruise but they do it anyway.

 

Kenny

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Hello Everyone and Thank you all for your hints, tips & advice. I have been "lurking" and reading through all the different threads for the last few weeks, trying to find answers to questions we have about our 1st ever Cruise. Hub, myself and our 12 yr old son will be going on RCI "Freedom of the Seas" Western Caribbean in April, so starting to get very excited now !!

 

However I wondered if any of you good people have any information about the "Formal Nights" in the Main Dining Room? Both my husband and my son will have a Business Suit (Daytime suits in Black & Charcoal) with them, together with white shirts and dark ties..... neither of them have Tuxedo's, are these suits acceptable?......and what format do the Formal nights take ?... is there a theme?...... both are picky eaters (don't eat shellfish or seafood) so what sort of menu is available on these nights?..... I understand that no-one can be specific as they change the menus, I just wanted to get an idea of what goes on during the Formal Nights.......

 

We normally holiday at WDW every year as we are DVC members, so we are used to t-shirts, shorts & trainers every day/all day & night - this cruise is going to be a totally different experience for us !!! I would just like to have an idea of what to expect !!!

 

All advice would be gratefully received - Thank You in anticipation !!!!!!!

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Hello Everyone and Thank you all for your hints, tips & advice. I have been "lurking" and reading through all the different threads for the last few weeks, trying to find answers to questions we have about our 1st ever Cruise. Hub, myself and our 12 yr old son will be going on RCI "Freedom of the Seas" Western Caribbean in April, so starting to get very excited now !!

 

However I wondered if any of you good people have any information about the "Formal Nights" in the Main Dining Room? Both my husband and my son will have a Business Suit (Daytime suits in Black & Charcoal) with them, together with white shirts and dark ties..... neither of them have Tuxedo's, are these suits acceptable?......and what format do the Formal nights take ?... is there a theme?...... both are picky eaters (don't eat shellfish or seafood) so what sort of menu is available on these nights?..... I understand that no-one can be specific as they change the menus, I just wanted to get an idea of what goes on during the Formal Nights.......

 

We normally holiday at WDW every year as we are DVC members, so we are used to t-shirts, shorts & trainers every day/all day & night - this cruise is going to be a totally different experience for us !!! I would just like to have an idea of what to expect !!!

 

All advice would be gratefully received - Thank You in anticipation !!!!!!!

 

 

Your husband and son will be fine dressed in business suits, white shirts and ties. More men will probably be dressed in that way than with a tux. Some will not be as dressed... The dinner menus have variety of appetizers, salads, soups, entrees and desserts every night, including the two formal nights. The other five nights, casual long pants and collared shirts are the norm. Day time attire will be swim wear, shorts, and t shirts. Freedom is one of our favorite ships. You will have a wonderful time! Be sure to see the ice show, and watch or participate in the different activities all around the ship.

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I don't know if others find it appropriate, but when in line at the buffet I go right around the big salad-hold-up. I don't have salad too often and won't wait 5 minutes to get through that point. It seems to take poeple quite a long time to get all of their salad issues worked out. I'm not saying that they are a problem....by all means, get what you want, enjoy yourself. I am saying however, that when I see an opening right at the end of the salad part, I jump right in and take care of business.

 

That was carnival.....

 

I did notice on the one RCCL ship I was on that the buffet style room was set up better. It had several different stations with food on them...that was better..

 

And I HATE when people are told to not hang around in the certain areas while waiting to get off the ship at the end of the cruise but they do it anyway.

 

Kenny

 

Kenny, I think it is fine to skip over a part of the line if you are not going to get food from that particular station. I try to be careful not to jump in front of other people who are lining up, but usually a pleasant smile and consideration gets the job done.

 

For disembarkation, rather than trudging off in a long line, I try to find a quiet place (perhaps on deck, or in a loung which is not being used) to savour the last few moments on board and then try to judge when the line will be shortest after my group has been called.

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Your husband and son will be fine dressed in business suits, white shirts and ties. More men will probably be dressed in that way than with a tux. Some will not be as dressed... The dinner menus have variety of appetizers, salads, soups, entrees and desserts every night, including the two formal nights. The other five nights, casual long pants and collared shirts are the norm. Day time attire will be swim wear, shorts, and t shirts. Freedom is one of our favorite ships. You will have a wonderful time! Be sure to see the ice show, and watch or participate in the different activities all around the ship.

 

Clio, we're also from the UK and regular cruisers with RCI. I just wanted to confirm what cruising grandma has said. Your suits will be perfectly acceptable on formal nights plus the trousers can be worn on other evenings with different shirts or polo tops.

 

Neither Dean nor I eat lobster but there is always a varied menu each night, even on lobster night. I'm sure you're going to have a great time.

 

Carol

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How does it work, are you actually assigned seats, or do you pick where you sit the first night and then are in the same spot all week?

 

The other answers you got on this are all perfectly true. You're assigned to a table, not a specific chair, and you can certainly request to be moved if it doesn't work out. I didn't see an answer to the "in the same spot all week," but I might have missed it. In my experience, mostly, people do gravitate to the same seats every night. I'm sure there isn't any official rule about this, but people do tend to do it. Doubt if anybody would complain that you're "sitting in my seat" if you switched to another place at the table, but some might be surprised.

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The other answers you got on this are all perfectly true. You're assigned to a table, not a specific chair, and you can certainly request to be moved if it doesn't work out. I didn't see an answer to the "in the same spot all week," but I might have missed it. In my experience, mostly, people do gravitate to the same seats every night. I'm sure there isn't any official rule about this, but people do tend to do it. Doubt if anybody would complain that you're "sitting in my seat" if you switched to another place at the table, but some might be surprised.

 

I would agree with what you've said about the ability to move tables. I had some friends who didn't realize this, and spent their cruise at a table with people with whom they had nothing in common. They almost gave up on cruising, since they had such an uncomfortable experience. So, yes.... do ask to be moved if you don't find you enjoy your dinner companions.

 

Having said that, I've found that the vast majority of my dinner experiences have been very positive, with good conversations.

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Clio, we're also from the UK and regular cruisers with RCI. I just wanted to confirm what cruising grandma has said. Your suits will be perfectly acceptable on formal nights plus the trousers can be worn on other evenings with different shirts or polo tops.

 

Neither Dean nor I eat lobster but there is always a varied menu each night, even on lobster night. I'm sure you're going to have a great time.

 

Carol

 

 

Hi Carol ! And Thank You so much for your info and advice. This site is so helpful to a First Time Cruiser with many, many questions !!

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

 

I think it was the please and thankyou that got to people!:p

 

And it should be remembered that although most people here seem to have spent their life cruising, I think I read that the majority of people on most cruises are newbies. So I wouldn't worry. It's not all that different from the rest of life- do your best to be polite and you will be fine.

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I'm not a "soapbox" poster, but this thread has struck a cord. It will be our 1st cruise in May for us with Celebrity.

 

We are not US citizens and do not always speak English amongst ourselves. I have in the past encountered very sad reactions from people when on vacation both in the US and elsewhere with a large English-speaking clientele: from dirty looks to actually being told to "speak White" or "when in Rome..." (this one being the funniest, since it's *always* used in reference to English! The last time I heard that one was in WDW...). That and putting up with a diatribe or two directed at my cultural group, from frankly uninformed and/or ignorant table or tour mates. For this reason alone, I have requested a table for 2 for the MDR. I want to relax and be *me*.

 

Having said that, when I am having a private conversation (in a quiet or regular voice), in a public area, I hate to me made to feel unwelcomed. And yes, I do see the person who is glaring... they are not invisible; and I do hear the nasty comment, as I do understand English. BTW, I have never forced anyone to deal with me in my own language. I speak 3, am learning a fourth, and can usually find one that works ;)

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Having said that, when I am having a private conversation (in a quiet or regular voice), in a public area, I hate to me made to feel unwelcomed. And yes, I do see the person who is glaring... they are not invisible; and I do hear the nasty comment, as I do understand English. BTW, I have never forced anyone to deal with me in my own language. I speak 3, am learning a fourth, and can usually find one that works ;)

 

I'm really sorry you were made to feel uncomfortable; it would be nice if diversity of language were better accepted.

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Hello fellow cruisers,

 

I dont think this was covered but one problem no one ever discusses is the mad dash to get off the ship in ports. The ship tells everyone not to line up on stair ways to wait. They exit the ship by needs( escurion times and handicap needs). Pax on lower levels have to fight to get through the lines to get up stair wells to get to buffet. Unless you have an early escursion or your tender number has been called please try and wait in the other wonderful areas of the ship.:D:D

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