So, you’ve booked your first cruise and to say you’re a little excited is something of an understatement. You’ve bought all the essentials and checked out our guide on local cuisines to sample, but what about cruise ship etiquette? Do you know when you should tip your waiter or if it’s okay to grab any chair by the pool? Luckily for you, we’ve outlined everything you need to know about being polite on your maiden voyage.
Know the dress code
Now, this is where a lot of first-time cruise passengers find themselves confused. You’re off on a holiday so it’s shorts and flip flops the whole way through, right? Not quite. You see, many ships will have strict rules on clothing that can be worn in their bars and restaurants. Some will even frown on the idea of wearing poolside attire in stores or hallways.
Check your booking and look for the dress code guidelines for your cruise ship. The rules for attire should be easy enough to find and you’ll have a good idea of what you should pack. There’s nothing worse than arriving on board and realizing you need to buy a shirt or pair of smart shoes to attend an event or dine in one of the fancier restaurants. Don’t get caught out.
Remember that different areas have different rules
The rules of etiquette for the pool or the amusement arcade will be quite different to those for the main restaurant. While they are pretty obvious examples, some aren’t quite so clear. For example, the casino and bar seem like similar places but will have very different guidelines.
Casinos often have pretty strict rules of etiquette, such as what you should wear and the use of mobile phones. But these rules can differ from ship to ship, so it’s really important that you make yourself familiar with them before entering the casino. They may also prohibit certain types of games or have limits on the amounts you bet. Remember, it’s better (and easier) to check with the cruise staff first before making a faux pas at the tables.
Think of others when dining
Caption: Communal seating is a great way to meet people
Mealtimes are quite fun on board a cruise ship. They offer you a great opportunity to get to know other passengers, as you will often dine at a shared table – but this is where it gets tricky. Remember that if you have opted for a set time for your meal, it’s important that you arrive on time. The staff will not serve anyone at your table until you have arrived and this means your tablemates will go hungry waiting for you.
Likewise, it’s polite to let the staff know well in advance if you will have trouble making your allotted time. This allows them to rearrange the seating and ensures that those dining at a later time are not delayed. If you’re on a cruise ship with no set dining hours, then be aware that you still may have to share a table with others during busy times. So don’t leave your bag or coat on a chair that you’re not using.
Tipping isn’t a necessity
Although in many countries tipping is a must, on a cruise ship, it’s up to you. All-inclusive cruises will often specify that there’s no need for tips at all. If this is the case for you, then you can still tip your favourite waiter or waitress at the end of the trip but there’s no requirement to do so.
Other cruise operators include the gratuity in your bill, which is then shared among the staff. You can often choose to opt out of this and offer your tips to staff yourself. Again, check your terms and conditions and if it’s not clearly stated on your trip details, call and ask the cruise operator.
Remember poolside politeness
There are always certain loungers that are extremely popular and there’s no problem putting your towel down on one and then going to grab a drink or get your book from your cabin. But if you don’t plan to be back within five or ten minutes, then you shouldn’t reserve a chair. Some people leave their towels on loungers first thing in the morning and arrive at the pool in the afternoon. Don’t be that person.
You should also know that a spilled drink in the pool means that the pool will be forced to close. While it might make for a great holiday snap, don’t take your drink into the hot tub or pool. Do you really want to be the person that closed the pool?
Follow these simple tips and your cruise should go off without a hitch. Just bear in mind that you’re not the only person trying to enjoy a well-earned holiday. Be respectful of your co-passengers and everyone on board can have lots of fun.
lead photo Don’t be a chair hog on the pool deck!
Photo by Roel van Deursen / CC BY 2.0
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