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Sailaway party on Carnival Mardi Gras ( Photo by Benny Brun)

14 Cruise Taboos You Should Never Break

Sailaway party on Carnival Mardi Gras ( Photo by Benny Brun)
Contributor
Ashley Kosciolek
Contributor
Fran Golden

Last updated
Sep 10, 2024

Read time
7 min read

Cruise ships have rules for a reason; usually they exist to keep you safe and to make the voyage enjoyable for everyone onboard. But sometimes there are things you just shouldn't do out of common courtesy -- or common sense -- even if there aren't specific regulations in place. We'll help you to avoid being that passenger with our rundown of 14 cruise taboos you should never break.

1. Having Sex in Public Places

There's something about the motion of the ocean that makes people want to get it on. Although it might be tempting to let loose in the hot tub after one too many margaritas, confine it to your cabin -- and we don't mean your balcony. Although verandas seem private, many are at least partially visible to the decks above, to the officers on the bridge or to passing ships (or people if you're in port). Not only is it unsanitary to rendezvous in common areas; it could be considered a crime.

2. Allowing Diapered Children in the Pool

If your child isn't potty trained, keep him or her away from the pool. It's nothing personal, but swim diapers aren't foolproof. If the diaper leaks, the pool will be shut down, and nothing will ruin your vacation faster than angry glares from everyone who knows you're responsible. Many ships offer special children's spaces that include splash pools, wading areas and fountains with water sprayers. Take littles ones there for some refreshing playtime, or bring your own inflatable baby pool to cool off your junior cruiser.

3. Drinking Yourself Into a Stupor

It's your vacation, so a bit of liquid fun is expected and encouraged. But drinking too much alcohol opens the door for drama: excessive rowdiness, lowered inhibitions (see #1 above), injuries, dehydration and -- perhaps worst of all -- a hangover that could put a serious damper on the rest of your vacation plans. Do yourself and your fellow cruisers a favor by knowing your limits and adhering to them.

4. Sneaking Into Crew Quarters

Whether you've made friends with a crew member or you're just curious about what goes on behind the scenes, it's never ok to sneak into areas marked "crew only." This is both for your safety and to maintain a professional relationship between crew and passengers. If you break this taboo, you risk being removed from the ship and jeopardizing the employment of any crew member accomplices.

5. Saving Chairs

We most often hear about chair hogs in the context of the pool deck. They rise early to stake out prime poolside real estate, leaving personal belongings where their butts should be, and disappear -- sometimes for hours -- leaving other passengers to search for a place to sit. But there's no limit to where a hog will reserve seats. Passengers who save coveted spots in the theater for others who show up late (or not at all) are equally selfish. Be respectful of your fellow cruisers, and only claim the seats you're actually using. Due to the pandemic, social distancing is in place on ships and that means fewer seats – both at the pool and in other areas – and signs indicating where you can and can’t sit. Saving the limited space is beyond rude.

6. Cutting in Line

From the buffet or the tender line to the water slide, it's never polite to cut in front of someone. We don't care how urgently you feel you need to disembark, load up your plate with dessert or make a splash. If there are others who have been waiting, mind your manners, and take up your spot at the end of the queue.

7. Not Washing Your Hands

We shouldn't have to say it, but we will anyway: Wash your hands, especially before eating or after sneezing or coughing, using the bathroom, or touching handrails or elevator buttons. That's the easiest way to avoid getting sick during your sailing -- or passing your germs to others. The hand sanitizer provided onboard is OK in a pinch, but it's only a short-term solution until you can find the nearest sink. It's not a substitute for soap and water. If you're guilty of skipping the soap, know that your selfishness and poor hygiene are exposing others to potential illness.

8. Ignoring the Buffet Rules

We recently saw a man stick his hand in a container of bacon when the crew wasn’t looking. Don’t let that person be you! It’s both rude and unsanitary. Wash your hands before you get in line and use the provided tongs and spoons to dish up your own choices. This keeps you and others from getting sick. Would you want to eat a dinner roll or a slice of pizza that someone else just touched with their bare hands? (If your answer is yes, re-read #7 above, and keep in mind that we've seen many a cruiser leave the restroom without washing.) Nobody wants to eat something you've touched, either.

9. Disrespecting Local Culture or Laws

This is a tough one since there are some pretty obscure foreign laws and customs of which you might not be aware. However, ignorance isn't an excuse. As a traveler, it's your responsibility to research the areas you'll be visiting and adhere to what's expected. That means avoiding camouflage clothing or public displays of affection in some countries and dressing modestly when visiting religious sites in others.

10. Removing Gratuities

With few exceptions, we highly discourage removal of auto-gratuities from your final bill. Crew members work long hours to ensure your vacation is spectacular. You might not have budgeted for tips, or maybe you feel justified in removing them in favor of rewarding specific crew -- room stewards, waiters, bartenders -- who have been helpful. However, when you do that, you're cutting off tips to behind-the-scenes folks who cook your food, wash your towels and make sure the pH in the pool is where it needs to be. We'll be blunt: If you can't afford gratuities, you can't afford to cruise.

11. Flushing Unflushables

Have you ever noticed the small sign above the toilet in your cabin, showing (often hilarious) photos of things you shouldn't flush down the commode? Banana peels, underwear, toy trucks. It might elicit a giggle or two, but it's serious stuff. Don't flush anything besides, well, you know ... and toilet paper. That includes feminine hygiene products, wipes (even if they claim to be flushable) and food scraps. There are garbage cans in your room for a reason; use them.

12. Rushing Into the Elevator

We know you don't want to miss any of the action during your voyage, but take a deep breath and realize you might have to wait an extra second at times -- like when the elevator arrives to pick you up. It's customary (and generally more practical and time efficient) to allow those who are exiting to get out before you try to muscle your way inside. Don't feel like waiting? An alternative is to take the stairs if you're able. No matter how much of a rush you're in, it's not an excuse for being rude.

13. Not Reporting If You Feel Ill

Cruise lines are using varying methods to track passengers onboard, hoping to immediately stop any spread of illness. Not complying with the regulations is a big no no, as not reporting if you are experiencing any flu-like symptoms. This is for both your protection and the protection of your fellow-passengers.

14. Ignoring Crew Instruction

The ship’s crew is there not just to serve you and ensure you have a wonderful cruise vacation – they are there for your safety, too. Ignoring crew instructions can land you in deep trouble and may even end with your immediate disembarkation. Respect the crew, officers and your fellow passengers, and you’ll be just fine.

For more infractions to avoid, check out our slideshow of eight cruise ship rules people always break.

Publish date July 22, 2021
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