Cruise Etiquette: Making the Most of Social Opportunities on Your Vacation
Posted on | December 29, 2009 | 9 Comments
A cruise is a unique vacation experience, because you share it with a small, distinct group of people – everyone else on the cruise. Because quarters are somewhat close, depending on the size of the ship, it is usually encouraged for guests to meet one another and form friendships. Some cruise ships even arrange mixers, seat you at dinner tables with other guests, and run activities meant to spark conversation between guests. While on a cruise, though, it can be difficult to understand the lines of etiquette. If you are planning a cruise as your next vacation, here are a few suggestions to make the most of the social opportunities presented to you while still practicing good etiquette.
First of all, on a cruise, unless you go on a special family-friendly cruise where alcohol is banned, there will be plenty of opportunities to drink. On some cruises you do not have to pay for drinks, while on others all bars are cash only. Regardless, when you are on a cruise, it is important to show discretion with how much you drink. No one likes someone who has had too much to drink, and it can be a very dangerous as well. Keep in mind that no matter how comfortable you feel with the people you have meant, you should stop drinking as soon as you start to feel it.
It is important to know your limits with food just as with alcohol. On a cruise, dinners are often buffet-style, meaning that you can eat as much as you want. However, remember that you are on a ship and it can be easy to get sick. If you are ill because you have eaten too much, you will not be able to enjoy the social life on the ship, and you will bring down the mood of the others you have met. At least until you know how you will stomach the sea, refrain from eating too much!
To go along with dinner etiquette, remember to tip. Many cruises are “all-inclusive,” meaning that you do not have to pay for food or activities. However, unless there are specific signs that ask you not to tip, you should leave at least 15% for your waitress. If you do not tip, you are not only insulting the staff, but you will also make things awkward with your dinner company.
When on a cruise, remember to stay positive. It is natural to chat with those around you, especially if you are placed at a dinner table with others or go to events. The one thing that everyone has in common is that you are all on the cruise together and you are all traveling. It is really tempting to share your life story, including all the ups and downs, but keep in mind that this is a vacation when you should be having fun! No one likes complaining or whining, so unless your story is about a funny mishap or has a happy ending, try not to be negative in your conversation.
Speaking of conversation, what should you talk about? Almost anything goes, but try to avoid topics that are too personal. While it might be nice to exchange information about where you are from, for example, stick to general areas, like “southern Florida” or “near Boston.” Use the same caution here as you would online – do not give out personal information or ask other to share. Also stay away from conversations over things that are highly controversial, like politics or religion. Although some people enjoy debates, you do not want things to get heated. Instead, stick to positive, fun topics. If you cannot think of a topic, try talking about positive things relating to the cruise, like the food you have enjoyed, the activities you are planning to try, or your travel plans following the cruise.
Remember, you will not get along with everyone you meet on a cruise. Try to be patient with others, and realize that the ship is big. Most cruises have thousands of people on board, and there are no rules that say you have to hang out with the people you meet your first night on board. If you are not having a good time, politely excuse yourself and meet other people!
Keep in mind that not everyone is on a cruise to meet other people. Sometimes, people on cruises simply want to spend time with their families or by themselves. Although you should be friendly and polite, if someone seems a bit unreceptive to your conversation, realize that they may rather not get to know you – and that is not a personal attack on you, they would just rather be alone. While on a cruise, the most important point of etiquette for your social interactions is to give others their space, at least as much as possible on a ship.
Cynthia Andrews is freelance writers who writes about the singles scene and also travel vacations and packages for young people. Ms. Andrews also frequently discusses specific kinds of vacations such as cruises.
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- Comparing All-inclusive Vacation Resorts: How to Choose One
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Tags: Cruises > holiday > hotels > leisure > Recreation > travel > Travel deals > Travel Tips > vacation
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9 Responses to “Cruise Etiquette: Making the Most of Social Opportunities on Your Vacation”
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December 29th, 2009 @ 11:20 am
My brother & I took a vacation, or more like a trip. Here is our story:
The wildwood flower grew wild on the farm
And we never knowed what it was called
Some said it was a flower and some said it was weed
I didn't gave it much thought…
One day I was out there talking to my brother
Reached down for a weed to chew on
Things got fuzzy and things got blurry
And then everything was gone
I Didn't know what happened
But I knew it beat the hell out of sniffin' burlap
I come to and my brother was there
And he said, 'What's wrong with your eyes?'
I said, 'I don't know, I was chewing on a weed'
He said, 'Let me give it a try'
We spent the rest of that day and most of that night
Trying to find my brother, Bill
Caught up with him 'bout six o'clock the next mornin'
Naked, swinging on the windmill
He said he flew up there
I had to fly up and get him down
He was about half crazy
The very next day we picked a bunch of them weeds
And put 'em in the sun to dry
Then we mashed 'em up and we cleaned 'em all
And put 'em in the corncob pipe
Smokin' them wildwood flowers got to be a habit
We didn't see no harm
We thought it was kind of handy
Have you ever take a trip and never leave the farm
A big ol' puff on the wildwood weed
Next thing you know
We's just wandering behind the little animals
All good things gotta come to an end
And it's the same with the wildwood weed
One day this feller from Washington come by
And he spied us and he turned white as a sheet
And he dug and he burned
And he burned and he dug
And he killed all our cute little weeds
Then he drove away
We just smiled and waved
Sittin' there on that sack of seeds
Y'all come back now, ya hear
December 29th, 2009 @ 11:29 am
The only all inclusive trips I have taken have been cruises which I liked because I just unpacked once, settled in, then could choose if/when I wanted to go on shore excursions, or explore all the wonderful activities offered aboard the ship.
As the other answerer said – drinks, massages, beauty salon, etc. on board were NOT included, but there was a lot that was. It all depends on what you like to do & what your tastes are.
Best thing would be for you & your wife to do what he did – type in all inclusive vacations in your browser search line & review what comes up, then keep adding a keyword until you narrow it down to just those that fit the activities, locations, etc. that both of you like.
Good luck!!
December 29th, 2009 @ 2:06 pm
you seem underweight. If you are going on vacation, the best advice i can give you is to HAVE FUN and eat the best and tastiest foods while you are at it. With an active lifestyle, your not going to add or lose too much weight.
December 30th, 2009 @ 9:00 am
book supplier direct to avoid cancel or non refundable fares.
dig up association member cards, like AAA or AARP, you can get 10-15% off the weekly rate, (weekly rates are 5x the daily)
check with the company you work for, they may have a coporate agreement in place that may be available- many of these agreements waive airport fees and taxes, add'l driver and underage driver fees- real expensive fees here.
Also return the car to same location to avoid drop off charges and lastly, reserve a Compact car, most people are looking for smaller cars now with the most fuel efficiency. So reserve a smaller car and most likly they will upgrade you for free at counter.. if you wanbt a larger car, reserve in advance as paying for an upgrade at counter is usually much higher. oh, yeah, bring a copy of insurance card with you as well..
December 31st, 2009 @ 9:55 am
You need to get a Japan Rail Pass which gives you unlimited travel for the time you opt to purchase for………1 week, or 2 or 3 weeks .If you are just going to be on Honshu Island you can actually get a pass that is a bit cheaper just for that island.You could also look at the JAL flight passes but you miss the scenery if you fly.You must buy this Pass in YOUR country…………..you cannot buy them in Japan and you will save yourself a huge amount of money.
Look around Tokyo ………and do take a day trip to Kamakura…….go to the Tsukiji Fish Market on the way.
If you plan to go to Kyoto which is gorgeous you can mostly walk if you choose accommodation in a good location. There are maps with walking routes you get at the station.You won't get top see it all just do one section – we opted for the area near Murayama Park.There are so many shrines, temples gardens etc near here.
Catch the bus to Fuji go ko – Fuji Five Lakes…it is only an hour and a half and just beautiful …….at the base of Mt Fuji. Then take the bus to Gotemba which is a beautiful trip round the base of Mt Fuji through old traditional villages with thatched cottages etc.Change to a bus for Mishima – just catch the bus behind they call it Station 2 to Station 3.but was quite literally just the bus behind the one we got off. This bus takes you right to the Shinkansen which you can catch through to Kyoto.
If you go to Osaka, you should try and go further on to Himeji and see the castle …………probably the best in Japan and the Shrine and then on to Osaka. You could go on a little further to Okayama which has one of japan's best gardens but from Okayama you can take an ordinary train to Kurashiki – only 30 minutes ……..which is a really beautiful Edo period town.
You can look at these places at http://www.fascinating-travel-destinations.com/japanese-holidays.html
January 1st, 2010 @ 12:29 am
at grand teton national park go hiking up to lake solitude, its 15 miles round trip but 100% worth it. In yellowstone I would recommend spending time just driving around looking at the wildlife, maybe hike to the top of Mount Washburn (only like 6 miles) oh and go to Bubba's Barbeque in jackson hole!!!!!
January 1st, 2010 @ 12:34 pm
January 1st, 2010 @ 12:50 pm
This website might help , check it out –
http://www.usairwaysforum.com/
January 1st, 2010 @ 1:23 pm
It must be a slow day in the J.J. household today. But to answer another of your fabulously funny questions, I will give it my best shot. Go out in the garage, climb up into the attic and get out all the seldom used camping equipment. Then, after you have removed all the camping stuff, take into the living room and set up the tent with your sleeping bags, etc. You may have to go outside to find enough rocks to build your fire pit, but place it near the tent so you will not get cold during the night. Go to your local convenience store and pick up enough wood to last through the night. Then return home, turn your air conditioner down to 60 degrees. When your husband comes home, you can have a nice roaring fire going, with a cup of hot chocolate and only wearing a smile. It will be the best at home vacation ever. Good luck with that.