I recently heard that cruises are booming, marking their fourth consecutive year of record-breaking passengers. AAA projects a massive 21.7 million Americans will take an ocean cruise in 2026, reflecting a 52% increase over the last six years. Globally, passengers are expected to top 38.9 million. These numbers are huge!
Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of traveling on several cruises, mostly as an invited enrichment speaker. I highly recommend giving cruising a try at least once in your life.
To that end, here are my top ten cruise etiquette courtesies. Following them will make the cruise experience more enjoyable for everyone. While they are all common sense, you might be surprised by how many people disregard them:
- Read all information. No matter how many times you have cruised, read through all the information to stay well-informed. Rules and guidelines change over time, and each cruise line has its own branded operating style.
- Be punctual, especially on port days. Ship time may differ from local time, so double-check schedules and return well before the “all aboard” moment. I was once on a ship that kept announcing it would not wait past a certain time if specific passengers were not on board. As with airplanes, ships have schedules to keep, and they can’t always wait for late arrivals. You don’t want to be branded as a problematic passenger, or even worse, left behind.
- Respect personal space in lines and lounges. Queues form everywhere, from buffet stations to theater doors. Keep a comfortable distance, follow the flow, and avoid saving several seats during peak times.
- Practice elevator and doorway etiquette. Let people exit an elevator before you enter by standing to one side. Corridors are narrow, and intersections get congested. Do not stand in the middle of a doorway. Stay to one side to allow others to pass. If you’re walking and need to stop, step to one side to let others pass. When moving between one or two decks, take the stairs. It’s a great exercise, especially during busy embarkation and dining hours, and when rushing to enter and exit a theater.
- Don’t reserve pool chairs for hours. If you’re not there to use the chair, don’t claim it. Many cruise lines remove unattended towels after a set time. Be sure to follow posted policies and be fair to others who wish to use the pool.
- Keep balcony and cabin noise in check. Voices carry across open decks and through corridors. Late-night conversations, loud music, and slammed doors become annoying. Whenever possible, hold the door to close it quietly rather than letting it slam shut.
- Mind your buffet manners. Wash or sanitize your hands before entering the buffet room and line. Use the provided utensils (never fingers) and take smaller portions first to reduce waste. If you feel a cough or sneeze coming on, step away from the line and crowd and use the sleeve of your clothes to shield the sneeze. Lastly, do not linger at your table for hours. When you finish eating, move somewhere else to sit so others can eat their meals.
- Dress appropriately. Swimwear belongs at the pool, not in dining rooms or on elevators without appropriate covering. For smart-casual dressing or formal nights, pack appropriately to show respect for the ship’s guidelines. Doing so is part of the onboard culture.
- Be considerate with photos and videos. Don’t block walkways for long photo sessions. Avoid filming strangers up close—especially kids—without permission. During shows, follow the rules on flash and video recording.
- Most importantly: Treat crew and fellow guests with patience, respect, and courtesy. A friendly tone, and saying “please” and “thank you” matter at all times. When gratuities are not included, follow the cruise line’s guidance without question. When they are included, give crew members additional tips for exceptional service.
Cruises are a shared experience. When passengers look out for and care for one another, everything—from embarkation to the last sea day—runs more smoothly, making the trip more pleasant and memorable for everyone.
Happy Practicing!