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If you ask my spouse, she will be quick to mention my tendency to dress up. Whenever we travel by plane, I choose to wear a suit. I carefully select my attire even for a quick trip to the grocery store. I remember attending a talk on a cruise ship during Fashion Week where the speaker emphasized the importance of always dressing as if you might come across a former high school adversary. His reasoning was that if you do not put in the effort, they will likely gossip to their friends saying, “I saw (you) at the store today, and they looked awful!” Therefore, I believe it is crucial to make a conscious effort, including displaying good manners while on a vacation aboard a cruise ship.
There exist various kinds of vessels that cater to diverse passenger preferences. Irrespective of the cruise line and the level of formality you have opted for, demonstrating courteous behavior conveys to others that you come from a “well-mannered” upbringing. It should be easy to exhibit good conduct. All guests on a cruise ship should be in high spirits, eager to have a pleasurable time.
Let’s explore fourteen simple instances of exemplary conduct on cruise ships.
- Using Elevators. Give way to people exiting before attempting to board the elevator. Inquire about other passengers’ deck preferences. If someone requires assistance with a walker or wheelchair, show extra consideration. Avoid attempting to squeeze into a crowded elevator.
- Midday Meal at the Dining Area. Unless you have a specific reason for desiring a table for two, inform the maître d’, “We are fine with being seated at a large table.” Once other individuals are seated at your table, introduce yourself to your fellow diners.
- Adhering to the Dress Code. Some cruise ships maintain a very casual atmosphere. Others enforce a “country club casual” dress code. Some voyages are more formal. If there is a Gala Night event, make an effort to dress appropriately. A couple at your table might be celebrating a special anniversary, and this cruise could be the highlight of their lives. You wouldn’t want to dampen the significance of the occasion for them. If you prefer a more relaxed outfit, you have the option of dining at the buffet restaurant or ordering room service in your cabin.
- Dinner at a Specific Dining Room Time. While the concept of Flexi-Dining has gained popularity, we personally prefer the consistency of dining at a fixed time with the same individuals around a large table, showing respect by arriving approximately around the same time.
- Alterations to Dining Plans. Many ships offer alternative dining venues. If you plan on dining at the steakhouse the following evening, inform your dining companions and your table servers. Otherwise, they might become concerned about your sudden absence.
- Interacting with the Wine Attendant. As wine enthusiasts, we often bring special bottles from home, fully aware of the corkage fee. We leave behind 25% to 30% of the wine in the bottle, explaining that it is to be shared with the sommelier team, fostering positive relationships!
- Savoring Wine at the Table. On the initial evening, we typically order a bottle of reasonably priced wine and request the wine steward to offer it to everyone at the table. Typically, you can discern whether this is the customary practice for subsequent nights. Some guests prefer to order individual bottles for personal consumption. If you do not plan to share or contribute to a communal bottle, avoid accepting wine from others offered during the sharing session.
- Commencement of Meal. When seated at a large table, it is considered polite to wait until everyone has their meal served before you commence eating. In case of a delay, the individual with the delayed meal might invite others to start, relieving the obligation for everyone to wait.
- Deck Loungers. Availability of deck chairs often seems limited! Should you need to briefly vacate your chair, it is acceptable to save your spot by leaving personal belongings like a book or sunglasses. However, it is considered impolite to leave for an extended period, assuming your chair will remain untouched upon your return from lunch.
- Disembarkation Etiquette. Behavior deemed acceptable in the New York City subway may not be suitable on a cruise ship. When guests are disembarking for a shore excursion, patiently wait your turn. The excursion cannot commence until all guests are accounted for.
- Housekeeping Personnel. Upon arrival, you will encounter your cabin steward who manages your room setup, fresh linens, and maintaining your cabin’s tidiness. Make their job easier by tidying up your personal belongings before leaving your cabin. Treat them with respect. Approach them as equals, with a smile, avoiding a condescending tone.
- Punctuality is Key. Timeliness is vital for shore excursions and imperative before the ship sets sail. Although there may be contingency plans in place if you miss the ship’s departure, rejoining at the next port is likely to be inconvenient. Avoid being among the passengers whose names are announced when the ship horn sounds to signify your delayed return.
- Gratuities Automatically Added to Your Ship Account. Most cruise lines follow the practice of automatically including gratuities in your stateroom charges, unless tipping is inclusive within your base fare. While there may be an option to request the removal of this charge at the Purser’s Office, refrain from doing so. The crew members work diligently without a typical 9-to-5 schedule and weekends off. Assume that the tips they receive contribute to supporting their families back home.
- Offering Tips in Envelopes. Traditionally, tipping was done using white envelopes. If you prefer this method, you can still request envelopes from the Purser’s Office. They can also assist in converting larger bills into smaller denominations. Presenting an envelope to each staff member attending to your needs throughout the voyage is a thoughtful gesture. Unlike the automatic gratuity added to your bill, providing cash in envelopes ensures that the entire amount goes directly to the recipient.
When everyone conducts themselves with grace, the experience is enhanced for all involved.
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cover photo: Port of Miami © Dennis Cox/WorldViews
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