10 Things Polite Cruise Guests Do + 3 They Avoid

Cruising offers an incredible vacation experience with thousands of people sharing the same floating resort. How we behave affects everyone’s enjoyment on board. Good cruise etiquette isn’t complicated, but it makes a huge difference in creating a positive atmosphere.

Let’s explore the habits that make someone a considerate cruiser and a few behaviors worth avoiding.

1. Arrive Early for Shows and Events

Finding your show seats with time to spare prevents disrupting others once performances begin. I always aim to arrive 15-20 minutes early for theater shows, giving me plenty of time to get settled without rushing. Many cruise productions rival Broadway quality, and performers deserve our attention from the beginning.

Early arrival also means better seat selection and time to chat with fellow passengers before the lights dim. If you’re running late, wait for appropriate breaks in the performance to find your seat rather than blocking views during key moments.

2. Keep Voices Down in Hallways

Cruise ship hallways amplify sound remarkably well, especially late at night. Hundreds of passengers might be sleeping behind those cabin doors while you’re returning from evening activities. Walking quietly and speaking in hushed tones shows respect for those resting nearby.

I’ve learned to save excited conversations for public areas where volume doesn’t disturb others trying to sleep. This simple courtesy extends to early mornings too when many passengers enjoy sleeping in during their vacation. Gentle door closing rather than letting doors slam makes a huge difference.

3. Return Shared Items Promptly

Shared amenities like pool towels, games, and sports equipment should be returned promptly after use. Nothing frustrates fellow cruisers more than finding empty towel stations or missing equipment when they want to enjoy these facilities.

When I’m done with deck chairs, I make sure to remove my belongings rather than holding spots I’m not using. This gives other passengers fair access to limited resources. The same applies to library books, board games, and sports equipment.

Returning items promptly ensures everyone gets to enjoy these amenities during their limited time onboard.

4. Practice Good Buffet Manners

Buffet etiquette makes mealtime pleasant for everyone. Using the provided hand sanitizer stations before entering food areas prevents spreading germs among passengers in this communal setting. Taking only what you’ll eat reduces food waste, which is an environmental concern on ships.

I always use the serving utensils rather than my personal silverware when selecting food, and I never reach across items or touch food I’m not taking. Patience is essential during busy periods – waiting your turn in line rather than cutting ahead shows respect for fellow travelers who are equally excited about that amazing dessert selection!

5. Follow Dress Codes Respectfully

Most cruise lines provide clear dress code guidelines for different venues and evenings. Respecting these codes shows consideration for the atmosphere the cruise line aims to create. Formal nights offer a special opportunity to dress up and participate in a shared experience.

Even if I’m not a fan of formal attire, I either participate or choose alternative dining venues on those evenings rather than ignoring the dress code. Specialty restaurants often have stricter requirements than the main dining room. Checking the daily program helps me plan appropriate outfits for each venue and activity without awkward dress code violations.

6. Attend Muster Drill Without Complaint

Safety drills aren’t the most exciting part of cruising, but they’re absolutely essential. Participating attentively without complaints demonstrates respect for crew members who are legally required to conduct these drills. Many ships now offer modernized muster drills that are quicker and more convenient than in the past.

Following instructions promptly helps complete the process efficiently so everyone can get back to vacation mode faster. During the drill, I put away my phone and listen carefully to potentially life-saving information. This brief investment of time ensures everyone knows what to do in the unlikely event of an emergency.

7. Respect Staff and Their Time

Cruise staff work incredibly long hours to ensure passengers have an amazing vacation. Treating them with kindness and patience goes a long way in creating a positive atmosphere onboard. Learning crew members’ names and thanking them personally shows appreciation for their hard work.

I try to be patient during busy periods when they’re helping multiple guests simultaneously. Making reasonable requests rather than demanding special treatment acknowledges that crew members are serving hundreds or thousands of passengers. A smile and genuine gratitude often result in even better service throughout your cruise!

8. Share Public Spaces Generously

Public areas like hot tubs, pools, and lounges are meant for everyone’s enjoyment. Limiting time in high-demand spaces during peak hours allows more passengers to experience these amenities. When using deck chairs, I only reserve what I’m actively using rather than claiming multiple chairs with towels and personal items.

This prevents the frustrating “chair hog” problem that plagues many cruise ships. Hot tubs are particularly limited resources – being mindful of how long I occupy one when others are waiting shows consideration. The same applies to gym equipment, game tables, and other shared facilities throughout the ship.

9. Be Punctual for Dining and Excursions

Arriving on time for scheduled activities shows respect for both staff and fellow passengers. Late arrivals for excursions can delay entire groups waiting to depart, potentially reducing everyone’s time at destinations. For traditional dining, punctuality ensures service flows smoothly for all tables in your seating.

The kitchen times food preparation carefully, and late arrivals disrupt this orchestrated process. If unforeseen circumstances make you late, a quick call to guest services can sometimes prevent others from waiting unnecessarily. Planning buffer time between activities helps ensure timely arrivals even when unexpected situations arise.

10. Handle Complaints Discreetly

Every cruise experiences occasional hiccups, but how we handle issues makes a tremendous difference. Taking concerns directly to appropriate staff members rather than loudly complaining to fellow passengers maintains a positive atmosphere.

Guest services can usually resolve most problems quickly when approached respectfully. I’ve found that explaining issues calmly with specific details leads to better outcomes than emotional complaints. Remember that many situations have simple solutions when brought to staff attention promptly.

Giving the crew a chance to make things right before escalating concerns or venting publicly shows maturity and consideration for everyone’s cruise experience.

11. Avoid Saving Seats in Public Areas

Nothing creates more tension on a cruise than walking into a half-empty theater or lounge filled with “reserved” seats. This common cruise faux pas prevents others from enjoying prime viewing spots for shows and activities. Reasonable seat-saving means holding one seat for a partner who stepped away briefly, not blocking entire rows for friends arriving later.

On crowded sea days, this courtesy becomes even more important in venues with limited capacity. The same principle applies to dining venues, especially specialty restaurants with limited seating. Arriving together as a group rather than attempting to hold tables ensures fair access for all passengers.

12. Avoid Excessive Alcohol Consumption

While cruises certainly encourage fun and relaxation, excessive drinking can quickly become problematic in the confined environment of a ship. Maintaining reasonable alcohol consumption ensures you remain aware of how your behavior affects others. Intoxicated passengers often speak too loudly, invade personal space, or behave inappropriately.

This can make fellow cruisers uncomfortable, especially families with children. Safety concerns also increase with heavy drinking on a moving vessel. Enjoying drinks in moderation allows for fun without creating situations that security staff must address or that might embarrass you when remembered the next morning.

13. Avoid Ignoring Children’s Behavior

Family-friendly cruises welcome children, but parents remain responsible for supervising their behavior. Allowing kids to run unsupervised through hallways, restaurants, or adult areas creates safety hazards and disrupts other passengers’ experiences. Most ships offer excellent children’s programs where kids can burn energy appropriately.

Using these facilities rather than letting children disturb quiet areas shows consideration for all passengers. When dining with children, having quiet activities ready and addressing disruptive behavior promptly makes mealtime pleasant for everyone nearby. Remember that not all areas of the ship are appropriate for children, particularly late at night.