You might be guilty of some of these.
Cruises are many travelers preferred way to vacation.
There are protocols to follow to ensure you do not cause another guest to have an unpleasant experience.
Dont be one of those people.
This goes for anywhere on board, but it largely applies to sun loungers by the pool.
If you want a prime location at the pool, commit to it.
There are other passengers who would no doubt like to sit in those empty chairs.
This is one of the biggest ways illnesses spread on ships.
Use the tongs or other utensils provided.
Use a new plate if you return to the buffet line for an additional serving, Claytor said.
Step away from the table or buffet line to cough or sneeze.
Helping to minimize the spread of germs is invisible good etiquette.
Dont forget about handwashing as well, especially after using the restroom.
Always wash your hands.
Do your part to mitigate the spread of illness on the ship.
Weve all seen the headlines about disease outbreaks on cruises.
Dont make people wait for you.
Remember that your lateness affects other people.
Cruise lines can also leave you.
That eats into your time.
Forgetting About Tipping
Be sure to read the fine print on tipping when cruising, saidJodi R.R.
Smith, the president of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting.
Sometimes tips or partial tips are included.
Sometimes certain staff tips are included and others are not.
That includes invisible staff like housekeepers and porters, Smith added.
Err on the side of being generous with your tips if youre unsure.
Tipping culture is alive and well on most cruises, Leighton said.
When in doubt if gratuity has already been included or what an appropriate amount should be, just ask.
If tipping is going to be an issue for you, reconsider your travel plans.
Dont remove gratuities from your bill, Kosciolek said.
Hardworking crew including people behind the scenes who wash the dishes and do the laundry depend on them.
Instead, build the cost of tips into your vacation budget so its accounted for.
If you cant afford to tip, you cant afford to cruise.
Cruise ships typically offer a wide variety of sections and occasions throughout your voyage.
Be mindful of your fellow passengers and attempt to dress appropriately for each context.
Your fun should not impinge on the enjoyment of others.
You cant assume other passengers or crew will take care of them.
Do not expect the cruise staff to babysit your children, Claytor said.
Lax supervision in childcare can lead to dangerous and unintended consequences.
If you do utilize onboard daycare, remember to respect the closing time.
Never arrive late to pick up your child.
It is inconsiderate to the staff.
Chiron recommended setting ground rules before bringing kids onto a cruise.
Ive seen kids go into the gym and take those big bouncy balls and put them in the elevator.
Or kids running around a restaurant or a pool causing chaos.
Chiron also emphasized the potential danger in this rude behavior.
This advice especially applies to unpleasant situations like long lines.
Do not push ahead of others for buffets, shows or excursions, Smith advised.
Let people exit an elevator before you enter, Claytor added.
Dont push into a crowded elevator.
Dont push ahead of people who are on line in front of you.
Dont get frustrated if the elevators are full.
If possible, use the stairs and let people with mobility issues have first priority of the elevators.
Similarly, respect peoples space in other situations.
Treating Staff Poorly
Smile and say thank you to the people working on the ship.
Show courtesy and kindness.
Remember the staff is working hard to make your vacation safe and enjoyable.
Dont drink to the point of becoming loud, belligerent and disorderly, Claytor said.
Cruise ship rooms arent soundproof, and its nice to have some consideration for your fellow passengers.
No one wants to spend their vacation listening to your music, show or conversation, so pack headphones.
Dont use speakerphone in common areas, such as poolside, dining areas or theaters, Claytor said.
It is disruptive to others.
I recommend going to a private area or to your cabin.
Use your indoor voice in common areas such as hallways.
Respect in-cabin quiet time.
Be sure to behave appropriately.
Smile and say hello to people and be considerate in communal spaces.
Some people go to the gym and hog the equipment and then dont wipe it down, Chiron said.
Or theyll add their own bubbles to the jacuzzi.
Cruises come with many opportunities for mingling, so have a go at be a pleasant conversationalist.
Dont talk about your loyalty status if nobody asks you, Kosciolek said.
Youve been on TONS of cruises, but that doesnt mean everyone needs to know about it.
Bragging is tacky, and nobody likes a one-upper.
She also advised against bringing up politics or religion at meals with people youve just met.
If you have set seating, you might find yourself sharing a table with other cruisers, Kosciolek said.
Vacation is not the time to bring up touchy subjects since you dont know where your new friends stand.
Do your best to de-escalate tense situations and refrain from engaging in arguments.
Similarly, respect those who arent interested in mingling with you.
Keep in mind, not everyone is looking to make a new friend, Claytor said.
Be mindful of social cues.
Dont get offended if fellow voyagers fail to reciprocate your attempts at striking up a conversation.
Smoking Outside Designated Areas
Only smoke in the designated smoking areas, Claytor emphasized.
In addition to limiting your smoking to the places where its permitted, pay attention to your surroundings.
Always be aware of the direction of the smoke, Vernon-Thompson said.
If it is going into an area where people exist, shift your position.
Throwing Things Overboard
Throwing things overboard is not just rude its a serious rule violation.
Dont throw garbage overboard, Claytor said.
Courtesy should not only extend to people but also to the environment.
Remember to properly dispose of all trash.
She also advised against hanging your clothes on your balcony railing to dry.
Resist the urge to hang wet items on the balcony, Claytor said.
These items may blow in to the ocean or on to the balcony of another cabin.
This post originally appeared onHuffPost.
