7 Things The Nicest Cruise Guests Do & 5 That Will Surprise You
Ever wondered what sets apart the guests everyone loves to sail with from those who make waves for all the wrong reasons? Cruise ships are floating communities where small acts of kindness can make a huge difference.
Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or planning your first voyage, these behaviors will help you become the type of passenger crew members appreciate and fellow travelers enjoy.
1. Respect Crew Members And Learn Their Names
Taking a moment to read name tags makes all the difference. Crew members light up when addressed personally after serving hundreds of faceless passengers daily.
Remembering your cabin steward’s or waiter’s name shows you see them as people, not just service providers. This simple courtesy creates a ripple effect of goodwill throughout your voyage.
2. Follow Buffet Etiquette And Don’t Cut In Line
Patience pays off when hunger strikes at sea. Waiting your turn rather than weaving between other guests shows respect for the communal dining experience.
Buffet lines on cruises can get hectic, but considerate passengers use serving utensils properly and take reasonable portions. Remember that food is plentiful—there’s no need to pile plates as if preparing for a famine!
3. Keep Noise Down In Hallways And Cabins
Sound travels surprisingly well through those narrow passages. Considerate cruisers speak at reasonable volumes and gently close doors instead of letting them slam.
Hallways on cruise ships act like echo chambers, especially late at night. Being mindful about noise levels after hours shows respect for fellow passengers who might be early risers or light sleepers.
4. Stick To Their Assigned Times For Dining And Activities
Punctuality makes everything run smoother for everyone. Arriving on time for your dinner seating helps kitchen staff maintain their carefully orchestrated rhythm of service. Assigned times on cruises aren’t just suggestions—they’re part of a complex scheduling system.
Respectful guests honor these commitments, understanding that tardiness can disrupt experiences for others and create unnecessary stress for crew members.
5. Use Hand Sanitizer Frequently And Encourage Others
Good hygiene prevents vacation-ruining illness outbreaks. Smart travelers use sanitizer stations without prompting, especially before meals and after touching high-contact surfaces. Hand sanitizers are strategically placed throughout cruise ships for good reason.
Thoughtful guests make sanitizing a habit and gently remind their travel companions to do the same, protecting the entire floating community from unwanted germs.
6. Offer To Share Tables Or Rotate Seats Gracefully
Flexibility creates a welcoming atmosphere for everyone aboard. When prime viewing spots or popular seating areas get crowded, generous guests willingly make room for others.
Sharing tables during busy meals can lead to unexpected friendships on cruises. Kind-hearted passengers invite solo travelers to join them or offer to move after finishing their coffee so others can enjoy coveted window seats.
7. Leave Common Areas Clean For The Next Guest
Small cleanup efforts make a massive difference in shared spaces. Returning pool towels, gathering personal items, and disposing of trash properly shows consideration for both fellow guests and hardworking staff. Common areas on cruises serve thousands daily.
Thoughtful travelers wipe down fitness equipment after use, return borrowed items to their proper places, and never leave personal belongings to “reserve” loungers they aren’t actively using.
8. Bring Small Gifts Or Notes For Crew Members
Unexpected tokens of appreciation brighten long workdays at sea. Considerate passengers sometimes bring small, thoughtful items from home to share with staff who make their vacation special. Crew members on cruises work months without seeing family.
Simple gifts like chocolates, hometown souvenirs, or even handwritten thank-you notes create meaningful connections and acknowledge the hard work happening behind the scenes.
9. Tip Extra Even On All-Inclusive Cruises
Going beyond the automatic gratuities shows genuine appreciation. Many seasoned cruisers keep extra cash on hand for exceptional service moments that deserve special recognition. Tipping practices vary on cruises, but additional gratuities for standout service make a real difference.
Crew members often send money home to support families, making these gestures particularly meaningful beyond just acknowledging good service.
10. Quietly Help Other Passengers Without Making A Show Of It
Acts of kindness speak volumes when done without fanfare. Holding doors, offering directions to lost-looking guests, or helping someone manage their plate at the buffet creates a community of care. Assistance offered without seeking recognition reflects true generosity on cruises.
Experienced travelers often step in to stabilize elderly passengers during rough seas or reach high shelves for shorter guests—small gestures that make everyone’s journey more pleasant.
11. Join Solo Travelers Or Include Stragglers In Excursions
Welcoming others prevents anyone from feeling isolated during what should be a joyful experience. Friendly groups often invite single travelers to join their shore excursion plans or dinner reservations. Solo adventurers on cruises particularly appreciate inclusion.
Thoughtful passengers make casual invitations without pressure, creating natural opportunities for connection while exploring ports together or sharing transportation costs for excursions.
12. Write Thank-You Notes To Staff Or Mention Them By Name In Surveys
Specific feedback can literally change careers at sea. Detailed compliments about exceptional service reach management and often influence promotions or special recognition for hardworking crew members. Written appreciation carries significant weight on cruises.
Taking five minutes to complete comment cards or post-cruise surveys with specific staff names and examples of outstanding service provides valuable documentation that helps deserving crew advance professionally.