10+ “Polite” Habits Cruise Workers Actually Secretly Despise

Cruises have a stable crew, unlike hotels, enabling stronger bonds with staff. But good intentions can impact crew pay and contracts. Follow cruise insiders’ advice, like directors and chefs, to avoid mistakes and enhance everyone’s experience onboard. Let’s begin with:

Raving about your special-request dinner

While expressing appreciation for a delicious meal is wonderful, it becomes problematic when the praised dish is a special request that can’t be readily replicated. Chefs, especially on luxury cruises, may face challenges when multiple guests demand the same special item immediately. This inability to mass-produce special requests can disrupt kitchen operations, diverting attention from the regular menu and causing inconvenience for both the chef and other diners.

Sharing positive feedback about entertainers to the cruise director or guest services

While guests may intend to support entertainers by praising their performances to other ship employees, this message often doesn’t reach the decision-makers. Contrary to assumptions, cruise directors, often perceived as the ‘boss’ of entertainers, typically aren’t the ones making hiring decisions. As Alissa points out, those crucial decisions are usually in the hands of agents and corporate personnel shoreside, who may not witness the onboard dynamics.

Helping to bring in the boat after an excursion or expedition

While it may seem helpful to assist in getting Zodiac or tender boats back after an excursion, it can actually be counterproductive. Grabbing poles to “help” as the boat approaches the platform can lead to jerking movements or force the boat to pull away again. This well-intentioned act may result in injuries for guests, such as muscle strains or hand and finger injuries. Additionally, standing up in the boat poses a danger as it obstructs the driver’s visibility, creating potential risks for the entire group.

Offering to buy an entertainer a drink during the show

While it might be tempting to buy a drink for a performer onboard to show appreciation, it’s not the best way to express gratitude, and it may even be against the rules. Contracts for some cruise lines explicitly forbid having alcohol onstage or drinking close to showtime, making it a potential fireable offense. Additionally, performers often have the option to buy drinks at cost, so receiving an expensive drink from a guest can be uncomfortable and may violate contract rules. Instead of offering drinks, a more considerate way to show appreciation is through applause or a kind word after the performance.

Asking personal questions to be friendly

Building a rapport with cruise ship employees is common given the shared time at sea, but it’s important to remember the professional nature of the relationship. While it’s natural to reciprocate and inquire about the staff, there’s a fine line. According to Steve M., a cruise director with over 15 years of experience, guests often delve into overly personal topics like relationships, religion, and politics, leading to potentially uncomfortable conversations. Maintaining a respectful boundary and recognizing the professional context helps avoid awkward situations during your cruise.

Going to your stateroom as soon as you board the ship

While it may seem courteous to head straight to your cabin and clear the way for other passengers during the boarding process, it can actually hinder employees if your stateroom isn’t ready. In some cases, guests are allowed to board before rooms are fully refreshed. Arriving at your room too early can slow down the process for the crew, who then have to engage with guests instead of efficiently completing their tasks. Additionally, your luggage may take some time to reach your room, leaving you without your belongings upon arrival.

Stacking plates for your server

While it may seem like a helpful gesture to stack plates for the server, it can actually create several problems. According to a restaurant employee on a small cruise line, stacking disrupts the standard practice of removing plates one or two at a time, making it challenging for servers. It also complicates the process of clearing and washing plates for the dishwashers, particularly when passengers haven’t finished their meals, resulting in uneven stacks and a messy bottom layer covered in leftover food.

Tipping your server on the restaurant check

Leaving a tip on the receipt at a specialty restaurant on a cruise may not go directly to the server, despite passengers intending it to. According to a server from a large cruise line, these tips often go into the ship’s account, contributing to the overall pool used for incentives like pre-paid gratuities advertised when booking a trip. The distribution of these funds is not always clear and may not directly benefit the specific crew member who provided excellent service.

Complimenting an entertainer’s looks or appearance

Compliments, while often appreciated, can become awkward when they veer into personal judgments or inappropriate territory. Madeline D., a production singer on larger cruise ships, shares her discomfort with passengers commenting on her looks or body, citing a specific instance where a repeat cruiser remarked that she appeared to have lost weight. She highlights the problematic nature of such statements, emphasizing that they involve assumptions, inherent judgments, and can be construed as inappropriate, bordering on flirting.

Telling the piano player how much you’re enjoying the song

Cruise directors, who often double as singers and entertainers, face challenges when passengers approach them in the middle of a performance to express their enjoyment. Steve highlights that, while appreciative of the sentiment, being interrupted mid-song can disrupt the flow and make it challenging for performers to pick up where they left off. He suggests that there are more suitable ways for passengers to show their appreciation without causing interruptions during the musical performance.

Not letting the crew know when there’s a problem

While it may feel uncomfortable to bother cruise ship employees or voice concerns during your trip, it’s a mistake to stay silent. The crew is dedicated to ensuring you have an incredible experience and genuinely wants to help you make the most of it. Keeping any dissatisfaction to yourself can lead to negative feedback later on. Steve points out that guests might express satisfaction during the cruise but nitpick about small issues in post-cruise surveys, ultimately expressing unhappiness.

Ignoring Safety Drills

Skipping or not paying attention during mandatory safety drills can be frustrating for crew members who are responsible for passenger safety.

Complaining About Weather-Related Changes

Getting upset with staff over itinerary changes due to weather can be unreasonable, as these decisions are made for safety.

Overcrowding the Buffet

Taking more food than you can eat or crowding around buffet stations can be inconsiderate to both staff and other passengers.

Leaving Messes in Public Areas

Leaving trash or personal items in lounges, decks, or other public areas creates extra work for the cleaning crew.

Ignoring Dress Codes

Not adhering to dress codes for certain restaurants or events can create awkward situations for staff who have to enforce these rules.

Being Rude to Customer Service

Taking out frustrations on customer service representatives, especially for issues they can’t control, is unfair and demoralizing.

Wasting Food

Taking excessive amounts of food and then wasting it is not only disrespectful but also adds to the workload of kitchen and cleaning staff.

Hogging Lounge Chairs

Occupying lounge chairs for long periods, especially when not in use, can be frustrating for other passengers and the crew.

Smoking in Non-Smoking Areas

Disregarding smoking rules not only creates extra work but also poses a fire hazard and health concern.

Not Respecting Crew Only Areas

Entering areas designated for crew members only can invade their privacy and disrupt their work.

Excessive Noise in Cabins

Being overly loud in your cabin, especially late at night, can disturb other passengers and create complaints the staff must handle.

Ignoring Time Zones for Services

Calling for room service or housekeeping at odd hours without considering the ship’s time zone can be inconsiderate.

Bringing Unauthorized Items

Trying to bring prohibited items onboard can create security issues and extra work for security staff.

Not Controlling Children

Allowing children to run unsupervised or be disruptive can create safety risks and additional stress for the crew.

Failing to Tip Appropriately

Not tipping or under-tipping, especially when service is exceptional, can be demoralizing for staff who rely on tips.

Not Following Disembarkation Procedures

Rushing or not following the set procedures during disembarkation can cause delays and confusion.

Being Impatient with Language Barriers

Showing frustration with staff members who might not speak your language fluently is unfair and disrespectful.

Ignoring Environmental Policies

Not respecting the ship’s recycling and environmental policies can create extra work and harm the marine environment.

Overburdening the Medical Staff

Going to the ship’s medical center for minor issues that could be treated with basic first aid can overwhelm the medical staff.

Of course, when needed the staff is there to help and encourage the passengers to do so.

Misusing Emergency Services

Using emergency lines or services for non-emergency issues diverts resources from real emergencies.

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