Want a Drama-Free Cruise? Avoid These Rookie Mistakes
Hands up if you want your cruise vacay to be smooth, stress-free, and full of good vibes only. You want that Instagram-worthy getaway — cute pics, chill moments, and no drama. And you want it now, right? Of course, you do.
But if you've ever side-eyed somebody hogging the pool chairs at 6am or been stuck in an elevator full of loud folks with zero chill, then you already know: cruise etiquette is a thing. And when folks don’t follow it? Whew, it can mess up the whole vibe real quick.
In this post, I’m breakin’ down 5 rookie mistakes that too many folks make onboard cruise ships — and what you can do instead to keep it classy (and cute).
Grab a mimosa, a comfy seat, and let’s get into it.
What is Cruise Etiquette?
Before we talk about what not to do, let’s get clear on what cruise etiquette even is.
Cruise etiquette is basically the unwritten rulebook for being a decent human while floating on the open seas with thousands of other people.
In other words, it’s all about respect — respecting people’s space, time, peace, and the crew who’s workin’ hard so we can sip cocktails and watch sunsets.
And for all my frequent floaters and future cruisers, that means:
Enjoying your trip without being that person everybody avoids
Making new friends, not frenemies
Getting the VIP vibes without causing a scene
Let’s get into the top cruise no-nos I see folks doing all the time — and how to dodge ‘em like a pro.
Rookie Mistake #1: Saving Pool Chairs Like It’s Your Backyard
Okay, let’s talk pool chair hogs. My client Keisha (not her real name) was hype for her first Caribbean cruise. Sis had her Kindle, her sunscreen, and plans to post up by the pool with a drink in hand. But every day? All the good chairs were “taken” by towels, magazines, and random flip-flops… and not a person in sight.
Yep. She’d been hit with the chair reservation crew. You know the ones.
Did you spot the mistake?
People think dropping a towel at 7am means they own the chair all day. Nah boo, that’s not how this works. Most cruise lines have a 40-minute rule — if you ain’t in that seat, it’s fair game.
With a little cruise etiquette know-how (from yours truly 😉), Keisha found the secret: head to the upper deck or the adult-only section. Bonus: less noise, more chill.
Why this mistake happens:
Folks think they’re being smart (they’re not)
TikTok told them it’s “how to get the best spot”
Nobody wants to miss out, so they overcompensate
What to do instead:
Show up early and stay there — or give up the seat
Take breaks, but don’t disappear for hours
Respect the 40-minute rule — and kindly remind others if needed
Rookie Mistake #2: Talking Loud in Quiet Spaces
Now listen. I love a good turn-up. But there’s a time and a place, and yelling on your phone in the library, spa, or even your hallway at 2am? Nope.
This mistake comes from folks forgetting that cruise ships are shared spaces. Just because you on vacation doesn’t mean everybody else wants to hear your whole convo with cousin Tasha about that one girl from back home.
Why it’s a problem:
Disrupts folks trying to rest, relax, or meditate in peace
Makes you look inconsiderate (not cute)
Can lead to complaints — and ain’t nobody trying to get talked to by security
What to do instead:
Use your inside voice in public spaces
Take phone calls in your cabin or out on the deck
Remember: not every moment has to be a TikTok
Rookie Mistake #3: Cutting in Line (Yes, It Still Happens!)
This one is basic, but babyyyy, it happens every cruise. Whether it’s the buffet, boarding the tender boat, or waiting for a drink at the bar — somebody always think they special.
I’ve done this one myself by accident, not realizing the “line” wrapped around the other way. 😬
Why it happens:
Folks aren’t paying attention
People feel rushed or entitled
Sometimes, it’s just ignorance
Why you need to chill:
Cuts lead to conflict, and ain’t nobody got time for drama on vacation
You’ll get your turn — the buffet ain’t goin’ nowhere
Being kind costs nothing and makes you look good
What to do instead:
Ask “Is this the end of the line?” before jumping in
Wait patiently and use the time to chat with folks around you
Give grace — some folks truly don’t realize
Rookie Mistake #4: Skipping the Hand-Washing Station
Yes, I’m going there. Because listen — cruise germs don’t play. Norovirus? She’s that girl you don’t want showing up to the party.
Too many people walk past the hand-washing stations and sanitizer dispensers like it’s optional. Newsflash: it’s not.
Why it happens:
Folks are in vacay mode and forget
Some think sanitizer is enough (spoiler: it’s not always)
They just don’t know better
Why it’s crucial:
Protects you and everyone else
Keeps the ship from turning into a floating flu zone
Shows respect for the crew working around the clock to clean up
What to do instead:
Wash your hands before every meal
Use sanitizer when you can’t get to a sink
Don’t be afraid to kindly remind folks (or just model it yourself)
Bonus! How to Be That Girl (In a Good Way) Onboard
When I first started cruising, I thought it was all about the outfits and excursions (and don’t get me wrong, those still matter!). But real cruise queens know: the vibe you bring matters just as much.
Here’s how to shine onboard — without stepping on toes:
Tip 1: Always greet your room steward and waitstaff.
They remember faces, and a kind word goes a long way toward VIP service.
Tip 2: Add gratitude to your daily routine.
Saying “thank you” to crew members, bartenders, and entertainers makes you stand out — in the best way.
Tip 3: Remember not everyone is on the same type of vacation.
Some folks are honeymooning. Some are grieving. Some are here to escape stress. Lead with kindness.
Tip 4: Respect the rules, even if you don’t agree.
There’s a dress code? Put that robe back in your room. Spa has a no-phone policy? Lock it away and enjoy the silence.
Tip 5: Let loose — but not at someone else’s expense.
Dance, drink, and enjoy, but don’t forget your manners while you're living your best life.
In conclusion, if you want to cruise like a boss — and not get side-eyed in the elevator — cruise etiquette is key.
Like you, I’ve made a few “oops” moments at sea (listen, that time I brought my own wine to a bar not realizing it was a no-no? Whew). But I learned, grew, and now I help y’all cruise smarter and sassier.
That’s why we started Addy and Terry Travel — to give our folks the real tea on how to cruise right without all the trial and error.
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