There are some cruise travel rules that you probably won’t find in a brochure or on a cruise line website.
They’re the little things that can make a cruise more enjoyable for everyone, or, if ignored, can lead to some pretty awkward moments onboard.
Some of these cruise etiquette tips may seem like common sense, but not everyone knows them. Others are a little more subjective, and I know cruisers may have different opinions.
That said, after many cruises, these are the unspoken cruise etiquette rules that are worth knowing before your next cruise vacation.
10 Unwritten Cruise Rules You’re Probably Breaking (Without Realizing)
1. Don’t Use Speakerphone in Public Areas
One of the biggest cruise etiquette mistakes is using speakerphone, FaceTime, or video calls in public spaces.
This is especially true in the main dining room, buffet, restaurants, lounges, and other places where people are sitting close together.
Of course, it’s completely understandable to want to call your kids, grandkids, pets, or family members back home. However, the dining room probably isn’t the best place to do it.
If you need to make a call, try stepping into your cabin, onto your balcony, or to a quieter outdoor area where you won’t disturb others.
Cruise lines generally have rules against using Bluetooth speakers in public areas, and while speakerphone may not always be listed specifically, it definitely falls into the category of things that can bother other passengers.
2. Learn a Few Words in the Local Language
When visiting cruise ports in other countries, it’s a nice gesture to learn a few simple words in the local language.
You don’t need to become fluent before your cruise. But learning how to say “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” can go a long way.
It shows respect for the people who live in the destination you’re visiting. Plus, with tools like Google Translate, it’s easier than ever to learn a few basic phrases before you get off the ship.
This is a small thing, but it can make your interactions in port feel a little more thoughtful and friendly.
3. Respect the Tipping Culture Where You Are
Tipping can be a little controversial because every country and culture handles it differently.
On most cruise ships, there is a tipping culture. Cruise passengers are usually charged automatic daily gratuities, which go toward the crew members who help make your vacation enjoyable.
These gratuities can often be prepaid or charged to your onboard account. Since crew members rely on gratuities as part of their income, removing them can have an impact.
Beyond the cruise ship, it’s also important to respect the tipping customs in the places you visit.
For example, in the United States and Canada, tipping in restaurants is expected. In some European countries or Australia, tipping may be less common, or it may simply mean rounding up or leaving a small amount.
The best approach is to be aware of the local customs before you travel.
4. Tidy Your Cabin Before the Cabin Attendant Comes In
Your cruise cabin attendant is there to clean your cabin, but it helps to tidy up a little before they come in.
For example, if you leave clothes, bags, or personal items all over the bed, they may not be able to make it. Cabin attendants often won’t move your personal belongings because they don’t want anything to be misplaced or accidentally damaged.
It’s also a good idea to put valuables away before your cabin is cleaned. Use the cabin safe for passports, jewelry, cash, and other important items.
You can also lock some items in your luggage if needed.
A quick tidy-up makes it easier for your cabin attendant to do their job and helps keep your things safe and organized.
5. Wash Your Hands
This may sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating.
Wash your hands before going to the cruise buffet, dining room, or any restaurant onboard. Use the handwashing stations, hand sanitizer, or wash your hands in your cabin before heading to eat.
It’s also important to wash your hands after using the restroom.
Cruise ships are shared spaces with thousands of passengers and crew members. Since everyone is living, dining, and relaxing in a fairly contained environment, good hygiene matters.
Nobody wants their cruise ruined by germs making the rounds. Honestly, we’re all just trying to avoid becoming the plot twist in a norovirus news story.
6. Don’t Take Up Two Casino Machines
If you enjoy spending time in the cruise ship casino, this one is for you.
One cruise casino etiquette rule that comes up often is not taking up two slot machines at once.
Even if you’re playing one machine and “saving” another, this can be frustrating for other passengers, especially when the casino is busy.
If you’re not actively using a machine, it’s best to leave it open for someone else.
7. Practice Good Elevator Etiquette
Cruise ship elevators can get very busy, especially before dinner, after shows, on embarkation day, and on port days.
The basic rule is simple: let people off the elevator before you get on.
It’s also important to be aware of personal space. If you’re wearing a backpack, be careful when turning around or backing into the elevator. You may not realize it, but your backpack can hit someone behind you.
Also, be mindful of passengers using wheelchairs, scooters, walkers, or canes. Sometimes people don’t notice someone seated lower in the elevator, and it can create an uncomfortable or even unsafe situation.
A little patience goes a long way.
8. Don’t Linger at Buffet Tables During Peak Hours
It’s perfectly fine to relax and enjoy your meal at the buffet, café, or casual restaurant.
However, during peak times, it’s good etiquette to be aware that other people may be waiting for tables.
This is especially true at breakfast before excursions and at lunchtime on sea days.
Some cruisers like to use buffet tables to play cards, read, or chat for a long time. There’s nothing wrong with that when the area is quiet. But during busy meal times, it’s considerate to eat and then move along so others can sit down.
9. Don’t Be a Chair Hog
Chair hogging is one of the most talked-about cruise etiquette issues.
A chair hog is someone who goes out early in the morning, places towels or belongings on several loungers, and then disappears for hours.
This is frustrating for other passengers who are actually ready to sit by the pool or enjoy the sun.
Many cruise lines are cracking down on chair hogs, but whether or not the rules are enforced, it’s best not to reserve chairs unless you’re actually using them.
If you’re going for a quick swim or grabbing a drink, that’s one thing. But saving chairs for half the day is not fair to other cruisers.
10. Don’t Be Late for Group Tours or Excursions
If you’re on a cruise excursion or group tour, don’t be late.
This applies when the tour is leaving from the cruise ship or dock, and it also applies during the tour when there are meeting points.
If the guide says to be back at the bus by a certain time, be there.
When one or two people are late, it can delay the entire group. It can also affect the rest of the itinerary, especially if the excursion has multiple stops.
In some cases, the tour may even leave without you.
11. Arrive Early for Shows and Be On Time for Dining
When it comes to cruise ship shows, “on time” often means early.
Theater seats can fill up quickly, especially for popular production shows, comedians, and guest entertainers. It’s usually a good idea to arrive about 15 to 30 minutes early.
If you do arrive late and need to find a seat, try not to disturb others. One thing you definitely shouldn’t do is turn on your phone flashlight and shine it around the theater looking for seats.
For dining reservations, arriving right on time is perfectly fine. If your reservation is at 6:30, showing up at 6:30 is okay.
However, try not to arrive more than about 10 minutes late. At that point, the restaurant may give your reservation away.
12. Supervise Your Kids
Cruising is a wonderful vacation for families, but children still need to be supervised.
Even though cruise ships can feel safe and secure, there are still pools, stairs, elevators, balconies, and other areas where kids need guidance.
There’s also the consideration of other passengers. Kids are excited on vacation, and that’s understandable. But parents should still make sure their children aren’t running through hallways, playing in elevators, or disturbing others in restaurants and public spaces.
If you’re bringing younger children to a specialty restaurant, it’s often a good idea to go earlier in the evening. Later dining times can be harder for tired kids, and other passengers may be expecting a quieter dinner atmosphere.
Another option is to feed the kids earlier at the buffet and then have them enjoy the kids club while the adults have a more relaxed dinner.
13. Respect Lines and Queues
There are times on a cruise when you’ll have to wait in line.
This can happen on embarkation day, disembarkation day, at the buffet, when getting back on the ship after a port day, or while waiting for tenders or shuttles.
Nobody loves waiting in line, but it’s part of cruise travel.
Be patient and respect the queue.
If one person joins a family member already in line, most people won’t mind. But if a group of 10 or 15 people suddenly cuts in because one person was holding a spot, other passengers will definitely notice.
And they may not be thrilled.
Final Thoughts on Cruise Etiquette
Cruise vacations are more enjoyable when everyone is considerate of the people around them.
Most cruise etiquette rules come down to simple things: be polite, be aware of your surroundings, respect the crew, and remember that you’re sharing the ship with thousands of other people.
A little courtesy can make a big difference.
What cruise etiquette rule would you add to this list?
Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Happy cruising!