After Working On A Cruise, These Are 10 Green Flags Guests Do + 5 Errors Travelers Should Avoid
Ever wonder what cruise ship crews really think about passengers? After years working at sea, I’ve seen it all — the rookie mistakes, the seasoned pros, and the surprising behaviors that can make or break your trip.
The truth is, a few simple habits can turn you into a favorite guest—or an unforgettable cautionary tale. Here’s what cruise staff wish every passenger knew before setting sail.
1. Greeting Staff By Name
Nothing brightens a workday like personal recognition. Crew members wear name tags for a reason, and the simple act of addressing them directly creates an instant connection.
Using a staff member’s name shows you see them as individuals, not just service providers. This tiny gesture often results in more attentive service throughout your voyage.
2. Respecting Ship Time
Punctuality shines like a lighthouse in the cruise world. Returning to the ship on time during port days prevents delays for thousands of fellow travelers.
Respecting ship time demonstrates consideration for both crew schedules and other guests. Those who consistently arrive early for departures and activities create smooth sailing for everyone involved.
3. Moderate Alcohol Consumption
Responsible drinkers stand out among the sea of overindulgers. Enjoying cocktails without crossing into disruptive territory makes you a pleasure to serve.
Moderate alcohol consumption ensures you maintain awareness of your surroundings and behavior. Crew members silently appreciate guests who can enjoy the festive atmosphere without creating situations requiring intervention.
4. Patience During Embarkation
First impressions reveal character faster than anything else. The boarding process tests everyone’s patience with lines and security procedures.
Keeping cool during embarkation day chaos signals you’ll be pleasant throughout the journey. Staff notice and remember the smiling faces who understand that vacation officially begins once onboard, not during the check-in process.
5. Tipping Appropriately
Financial appreciation speaks volumes about character. Many crew members rely heavily on gratuities to support families back home.
Appropriate tipping acknowledges the behind-the-scenes effort that creates your seamless experience. Those who recognize exceptional service with proper gratuities often find staff going above and beyond throughout the voyage.
6. Attending Safety Drills Without Complaints
Safety-conscious travelers earn immediate crew respect. Muster drills might interrupt vacation vibes, but they exist for crucial reasons.
Participating without grumbling demonstrates maturity and understanding of maritime protocols. Staff notice who pays attention during these mandatory exercises versus those treating them as inconvenient interruptions.
7. Cleaning Up After Themselves
Consideration manifests in simple tidiness. Leaving pool areas, buffets, and public spaces reasonably neat shows respect for both staff and fellow passengers.
Self-cleanup habits make an enormous difference in maintaining ship conditions. The guests who stack plates at the buffet or return pool towels properly demonstrate awareness that they’re part of a floating community.
8. Learning Basic Phrases In Crew Languages
Cultural bridges form through language efforts. Cruise ships employ international staff from dozens of countries around the globe.
Learning simple greetings in Filipino, Indonesian, or other common crew languages creates genuine connections. This thoughtful gesture often results in surprised smiles and special treatment throughout your journey.
9. Reading The Daily Program
Informed passengers navigate ship life effortlessly. The daily newsletter contains crucial information about activities, dining hours, and dress codes.
Reading this guide prevents repetitive questions that overwhelm staff. Crew members appreciate guests who arrive at venues at correct times and understand when facilities open or close without needing constant redirection.
10. Participating In Activities With Enthusiasm
Energy and engagement fuel onboard entertainment. Cruise directors and activity staff pour tremendous effort into creating memorable experiences.
Enthusiastic participation makes their jobs rewarding instead of deflating. The guests who join in pool games, trivia contests, and dance lessons with positive attitudes become staff favorites who enhance the experience for everyone.
11. Ignoring Muster Drills
Safety becomes compromised through negligence. Skipping mandatory safety briefings creates serious problems for crew members responsible for passenger welfare.
Missing muster drills forces staff to track down absent guests. This behavior not only delays proceedings for everyone but demonstrates a concerning disregard for emergency protocols that could prove vital in crisis situations.
12. Excessive Complaining About Minor Issues
Perspective sometimes vanishes at sea. While legitimate concerns deserve attention, constant complaints about trivial matters exhaust crew patience.
Excessive grievances about minor imperfections reveal unrealistic expectations. Staff quickly identify the difference between guests with genuine problems versus those who seem determined to find fault regardless of circumstances.
13. Hoarding Food From The Buffet
Abundance anxiety leads to wasteful behavior. Despite unlimited food access, some passengers pile plates impossibly high or sneak extra food to cabins.
Hoarding creates unnecessary waste and sanitation issues. Crew members notice who takes reasonable portions versus those who seem fearful the buffet might suddenly disappear despite operating virtually around the clock.
14. Ignoring Dress Codes
Attire requirements exist for atmosphere preservation. Specialty restaurants and formal nights maintain certain standards that enhance the experience for all guests.
Ignoring dress codes forces staff into uncomfortable enforcement situations. Crew members dislike turning away passengers in inappropriate clothing, especially when guidelines were clearly communicated in advance through multiple channels.
15. Saving Pool Chairs All Day
Territorial behavior creates unnecessary tension. The infamous “chair hogs” who reserve prime loungers with towels while disappearing for hours frustrate both staff and fellow guests.
Saving seats prevents fair facility access for everyone. Crew members dislike mediating the conflicts that inevitably arise when passengers return to find their abandoned belongings moved after extended absences.