Good Manners Count. Cruise Ship Etiquette

Bring your manners with you when you take a cruise. Don't be the one who creates a bad impression. Travel etiquette and cruise ship etiquette should be common sense, but some travelers seem to leave that at home when they travel.

When you're on a cruise, especially on one of those mega-ships, you are virtually an inhabitant of a small city at sea. Passengers and crew come from all over the world and their impression of Americans is imprinted from those they meet while traveling. You exhibit good manners and common sense while at home, so remember there is an international travel etiquette of which you should also be aware.

Everyone Is On Vacation

All passengers have one thing in common. They are taking the cruise to have an enjoyable vacation, to relax, to recharge, to have fun and to see new places. With that in common, there are things to remember so that you don't spoil someone else's vacation.

One is the dress code. The cruise ship's daily program will let you know the appropriate dress for each evening. Don't be inconsiderate to others and ignore the guidelines for women's cruise wear and mens cruise wear. No one wants to sit beside someone in sweaty cut-off shirts and shorts while trying to enjoy the evening's entertainment. You wouldn't dress that way at home so don't think cruise etiquette allows it.

Then there are those who think they own the chaise lounges. They plunk their belongings and towels on the loungers by the pool just in case they decide to use them later in the day. That is pretty selfish, as it denies their use by those who want to use them now, not later. If you're not going to use it now, don't save it.

Don't Save Seats

The same goes for saving seats at dinner or in the show lounge. Of course saving one for your traveling companion is fine, but when you try to save an entire row, you're exhibiting boorish behavior.

If you brought your kids along on the cruise, supervise them. They should not have the run of the ship, splashing people in the hot tub and pressing all the buttons on the elevators. Unsupervised or rude children can be annoying for other passengers.

If you smoke, there are designated areas onboard and you should do your smoking there. If you're a jogger, be considerate of others. The daily program will designate hours for running. Those who like to jog before dawn may forget there are cabins below, and sleeping passengers really don't want to wake to the sound of your feet hitting the deck.

Continue to: Cruise Ship Etiquette to follow during your Travel