These 8 Cruise Habits Drive Fellow Passengers Crazy

Spending a week or two on a cruise ship with thousands of other people can lead to moments of irritation. This isn’t surprising, given the confined space and the variety of personalities on board.

To help you avoid being the source of eye-rolls and muttered complaints, we’ve gathered a list of behaviours that tend to annoy fellow passengers the most. 

1. Children Without Proper Supervision

Many cruisers find unsupervised kids the most irritating aspect of their holiday at sea. You’ll often see children of all ages causing disruptions – from babies crying to teenagers throwing food or playing pranks like knocking on doors and running away.

Some passengers even get frustrated when others book family cruises during holidays and then complain about the noise children make. The good news? If you’re someone who prefers a quieter environment, you can simply opt for an adults-only cruise.

2. Elevator Etiquette

Sharing lifts on a cruise can be frustrating due to various bad habits. One major issue is people rushing into lifts before letting others exit. This can create blockages and confusion.

Another annoying behaviour is when some passengers push in front of others who have been waiting longer. Remember, priority should go to those with pushchairs or mobility aids who may not move as quickly.

A big concern is the number of people getting into a lift. There’s often a sign inside indicating the limit, like 16 or 20 people. Even when the lift is below this limit, some individuals get irritated, especially if there are already six or more people and they prefer more personal space.

One of the biggest frustrations is when someone quickly presses the ‘close doors’ button before others can enter. This often happens so fast that you barely have time to react.

3. Disrespecting the Crew

Cruise workers often work long, hard hours to ensure an enjoyable trip. It’s disheartening to see passengers treat them poorly. Being polite costs nothing and makes a big difference. 

Clicking your fingers or speaking down to staff is unacceptable behaviour. Respecting crew members not only creates a friendlier environment for everyone but also shows that you appreciate their hard work. 

4. Taking Up Hot Tub Space for Too Long

Staying too long in hot tubs, especially when they’re busy, annoys other passengers waiting for a turn. It can be really frustrating to see people hogging the hot tub for an hour or more while others stand by, waiting for a chance to relax.

Another common irritation is the presence of children in the hot tubs. Rules about kids in jacuzzis differ by cruise line. Many people find it annoying when children splash or kick while others are trying to unwind. Two-thirds of cruisers in a recent poll even expressed that they want kids banned from hot tubs entirely.

5. Buffet Etiquette

Buffets on cruises can be a hotspot for annoying behaviours. One common complaint is cutting in line. While it might seem understandable if you just need a quick grab like extra baked beans for your kid, it doesn’t make it any less frustrating for those patiently waiting. Even though queuing can feel overly British at times, it maintains order.

Another irritating habit is piling your plate high only to waste food. On some ships, crew members serve the food, and you often have to insist to avoid ending up with an excess of a particular item. They aren’t mind-readers; they won’t know that you only wanted one slice of watermelon instead of ten!

Skipping hand-washing before heading to the buffet is also a major issue. It’s not just gross; it’s a health risk for everyone on board. Seeing people use their fingers to pick up food or sneeze into their hands is frankly disgusting. Remember, serving utensils are there for a reason.

6. Smoking in Non-Smoking Areas

Smoking in non-designated spots, like balconies, not only breaks ship rules but also affects others. Smoke-sensitive passengers or those with asthma might struggle due to your puff. Even vaping isn’t always welcome everywhere. Stick to the areas where smoking is allowed to keep everyone happy and comfortable.

7. Disruptive and Loud Behaviour

Excessive noise is a top complaint for cruisers looking to relax. Whether it’s loud conversations in dining areas or late-night chatter in hallways, such behaviour can be very frustrating. Drunken antics and scraping sunbeds along the floor while others are napping also top the list. Remember, you don’t need to be extremely loud to disturb others.

8. Claiming Sunbeds

Picture this: a sunny sea day, everyone wants to enjoy the outdoors, but when you go to find a sunbed, they’re all taken. Or at least, they seem to be. Many cruisers have the annoying habit of claiming sun loungers early in the morning by draping towels over them and then vanishing for hours. This behaviour prevents others from using the seats, which can be quite frustrating.

Why do people do this? Maybe they’re used to places where there are plenty of loungers for everyone. Unlike a big all-inclusive resort, a cruise ship has limited space, and it’s common to find more people than available sunbeds. 

In response, some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, have implemented a system to tackle this issue.

Here’s how it works: Crew members place a card on any unoccupied bed they notice. If the bed remains unattended for about 30 minutes, they remove the belongings. Hopefully, more cruise lines will adopt this approach, which would help make your sea days much more enjoyable.

Wrapping It Up

On a cruise, everyone’s sharing the same space, and it’s common to get annoyed by others’ habits. Whether you’re taking a nap in a comfy chair or sharing a kiss with your partner, there’s always a chance someone nearby might find it bothersome. Still, there’s no need to be overly cautious. Simply being thoughtful can make a big difference.

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