Cruise etiquette is one of those subjects that just seems guaranteed to start an argument.
Some people are new to cruising and just aren’t aware of certain behaviours you’re expected to show, or rules you’re meant to follow. Others might just be entitled cruise guests who feel they can do what they want – they paid for their cruise, after all.
But for the benefit of everyone onboard, it’s best to try and understand what cruise etiquette rules are and then do your best to follow them.
So I asked my Facebook audience two questions – what’s the one ‘cruise etiquette’ tip everyone should know, and also what behaviours from other cruise guests irritates them the most.
And from that, we have this list of ‘definitive’ cruise etiquette rules – though you’ll see that there are still arguments over some of them!
1. Use proper elevator etiquette
I’ve always been aware of elevator etiquette being a contentious issue but I was still caught off guard by just how much it was mentioned on those Facebook posts!
People really don’t like rude people who cut the line for an elevator, or who try to cram themselves in to an elevator that’s already full.
Some of this is just basic, common decency – you shouldn’t jump ahead of others when there’s a queue.
However, I do think that some people can be oversensitive about busy elevators. If there’s space, then people should be allowed in, even if it’s a little crowded. Otherwise, everyone is waiting forever.
But it’s fair if there’s no space and people still try to push in – that’s not fun for anyone.
The one thing everyone can agree on – stop trying to get on an elevator when other people are still trying to get off!
2. Wash your hands regularly and properly
You share a lot of spaces with other cruisers, including using handrails on staircases, and more importantly tongs in the buffet.
And ships are relatively enclosed spaces – sure, you have outdoor decks, but you’re still living in close confinement with thousands of other people.
This means that washing your hands becomes even more important, and not just after you’ve been to the bathroom. You should be washing your hands whenever you’re about to enter a buffet too.
It takes you less than a minute, but will help keep everyone safe from bugs that might be doing the rounds on the ship, and it’s just good manners too.
3. Be respectful to other passengers and the crew
Speaking of manners, there were a lot of people who said that the number one cruise etiquette tip should just be to treat others with good manners and respect.
It’s a bit worrying, that people feel the need to point this out.
Unfortunately, some cruisers do have the attitude of “I’ve paid for my cruise and therefore I can behave however I please”, whether that’s at the detriment of other passengers or the crew.
Honestly, I don’t understand how some people can be so entitled to think they’re more important than everyone else on the ship.
And the crew are there to make your cruise special, yes, but that doesn’t mean you’re justified in treating them like your own slave or that you can shout and scream at them if something goes wrong.
4. Don’t brag about your cruise
I get that people are passionate about cruises and that they like to share stories with fellow travellers when they’re onboard.
That’s good, but there’s a fine line between talking about your cruise experience, and bragging about it.
Some people can get quite judgemental, and cruise line loyalty programmes don’t always help. There are plenty of people who view themselves as ‘better’ because they’ve reached a Diamond or Platinum tier.
And some people love to have those tacky conversations about cruise costs too. Don’t – it’s as bad as asking someone what they paid for their house. It’s not a polite conversation, it can lead to bragging or jealousy, and it’s best ignored.
Leave it with other topics like politics – at home!
5. No hogging/reserving seats and deck chairs
Another common problem on cruise ships is the situation with deck chairs around the pool – and how many people try to reserve them with a towel.
It’s not just something they do first thing in the morning either – often people will get up in the middle of the day, leave a towel on their lounger, and wander off for a couple of hours to get lunch, see different parts of the ship etc. and then still expect their lounger to be waiting for them.
It’s not just a deck chair issue either – some people do it with seats in the bars, or often the theatre too.
Reserving seats isn’t allowed. Some cruise lines are getting better with deck chairs, removing items after they’re left unoccupied for 20 minutes with a note to explain, but it’s still not fair on those who want to use the deck chairs when there aren’t any free.
6. Be respectful in corridors
Cruise ship staterooms are tightly packed together and so sometimes noise can be disruptive.
It’s normally fine when sound levels are reasonable, but a lot of people like to have loud conversations as they’re walking along a corridor in the early morning or late at night.
And people will often slam their cruise doors too, instead of holding them to make sure they close more gently.
It’s just a lack of thought for other guests who might be trying to sleep or at least unwind without so much banging and shouting happening nearby.
7. Don’t waste food
It can be very tempting to pile your plate high when you’re on a cruise buffet, but a few people mentioned food wastage as the cruise etiquette issue that bothered them most.
And it’s a fair point – there’s nothing to stop you going back to the buffet as many times as you want, so don’t take more than you’re going to eat.
A simple rule that we teach kids, but apparently some adults need to be reminded.
Food wastage is a big issue on cruise ships, and many are investing in ways to be more environmentally friendly with food that’s left uneaten.
However, you’re contributing to the issue if you take food and don’t eat it. Plus you never know, someone might’ve been right behind you in line waiting for that slice of pizza, and now they’re left waiting for a fresh one because you thought you’d want it.
8. Dress appropriately for the occasion
Here’s the one cruise etiquette issue that divides people more than anything else – what should be worn in the main dining rooms and on formal nights.
There’s a real split here – some people believe that you should stick to the rules and dress a little more traditionally, including long trousers at all times for men, and no hats.
Other people argue that you should dress comfortably, again because “you’ve paid for your cruise” and therefore should be able to relax.
It’s contentious, and I see why both sides are so passionate about it. For me, it is nice to get dressed up for dinner but I wouldn’t feel like my meal was spoiled if someone else wanted to wear shorts or keep a hat on.
Obviously, there are limits – swimwear’s a no-no for dinner along with anything with rude or inappropriate slogans.
But I know that people will stay split on this one.
Suggested read: 9 Things You Should Never Wear On A Cruise
9. Show proper parental responsibility for your children
A lot of people feel that the biggest risk to their enjoyment of a cruise is children. It’s a bit harsh, really, since there are plenty of kids who cruise without causing much fuss at all.
But sure, I agree there are some parents who don’t control their kids onboard and let them run amok, and that’s not fair on other guests.
When they’re just having fun, in appropriate spaces of the ship, it’s fine. But running up and down stateroom corridors being loud isn’t nice for other guests who are trying to relax.
The hot tub issue is another that divides opinion! Two-thirds of cruisers would like to see kids banned from hot tubs altogether.
10. Follow other basic hygiene standards
I know that I’ve already covered hand-washing, but there are other hygiene issues that people need to be more aware of when on a cruise, and it’s really bad etiquette if you don’t care.
Coughing and sneezing are common, either in the elevators or around food. I don’t really get the complaints about it in an elevator, since you can’t exactly help it – just make sure you do it into your elbow.
But in the buffet, you absolutely have to turn away from the food if you feel a cough or a sneeze coming on. And not everyone does. Yuck.
11. Be respectful of solo passengers
This is a one-off comment so it’s not exactly a contender for the ‘one’ cruise etiquette tip you have to follow, but I had to include it because it’s so funny and also so true!
It can be really condescending to talk to solo passengers in this way. They aren’t sick! And it’s perfectly fine to cruise solo. I do it loads!
I understand some people might feel less confident travelling alone and you’re just trying to be complimentary to those who are OK with it, but I also can definitely see how that would be grating for the solo traveller.
Just think about how your words might come across!
Final word
Without a doubt, if you’re looking for the one cruise etiquette tip that cruisers want to share, it’s to behave better with elevators – be polite, let people off before you try to walk in, and make sure you don’t overcrowd them.
There are some other ‘golden rules’ too and most of these were commented multiple times. Of course, not everyone agrees on each one – the dining room dress code in particular – but these should give you a good idea of how best to conduct yourself when cruising.
Generally, use good manners and think of others, not just yourself. And then everyone can have an amazing cruise!
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
