Etiquette at Sea; the 10 commandments of good behaviour

Nothing can put a damper on an otherwise fabulous cruise like thoughtless passengers. 

Thou Shall Dress Properly
While many passengers dress to the nines, some, quite frankly, show up for events looking like slobs. This is not a good nor pleasant event. For the sake of all around you, please dress according to the shipboard code, which is always outlined in the daily program. If "formal" wear is requested that means a tuxedo or suit for men, cocktail dress or gown for women. Informal means jacket and perhaps a tie, attractive evening outfit for women; casual translates into chic resort wear, not warm-ups, short shorts or blue jeans.

Thou Shall Not Lose Control of Unruly Children
This applies in swimming pools above all else. All too often passengers have been clobbered by, jumped on, kicked or splashed by overactive youngsters. While we know kids just want to have fun, they should be taught to respect adults who just want to swim or lounge in the pool. If you travel with your little ones please keep them under control. This also means keeping them out of casinos and other adult areas where they are not allowed entry.

Thou Shall Learn Some Ship Speak
Please refer to your vessel as a ship never a boat especially in the company of the Captain. And always refer to the ship as a she or her . Know your left from your right, and back from your front. Left is port , right is starboard . Aft means rear or stern, while the bow is the front of the ship. These are always valuable things to know at sea. Tender isn't how you want your steak, but rather the vessel that takes passengers to and from shore when the ship is at anchor in a port. The Bridge isn't something the ship passes under (although on occasion is does) but rather the place where the Captain and his crew maneuver the ship. Some ships have open bridge policies which means passengers are welcome to visit at any time. On the other hand the Brig isn't a place you want to be, as this is the ship's jail.

Thou Shall Queue Up and Be Quiet About It
Some passengers tend to leave all etiquette behind when it comes to waiting in line. There are times when you will have to be patient and wait your turn. Please do it with grace. This means not crowding the stairways when it's time to disembark either in a port or on the last day and in disregard of the pleading crew members who beg you not to do this.

Thou Shall Follow Equitable Wine Ordering
This can get pretty awkward, especially when eight or ten strangers are seated at a dinner table. The proper etiquette, when everyone imbibes, is to take turns buying the wine. But this doesn't always happen. Sometimes one passenger or one couple winds up stuck with the tab. To avoid this, discuss the situation with your tablemates. Set the guidelines albeit delicately in advance. Happy tablemates share the wine costs.

Thou Shall Not Blow Smoke in Thy Seafarer's Face
Smokers can be a major turn off for those who don't smoke. Please smoke only in designated areas. On Carnival's Paradise, smoking is strictly prohibited anywhere on board and passengers who break the rule are put off at the next port with no refund.

Thou Shall Not Hoard Seats at Shows
While it's okay to save a seat for your traveling companion it is poor form to save a row of seats for your entire table. It's first come first seated at show time, folks. Just grab your friends and go together.

Thou Shall Not Save Chaises on Deck Either
Just about every cruise line requests that passengers do not do this. Yet many unscrupulous sorts race up on deck early in the morning and place suntan lotions, books and magazines on lounges so they can keep them all day for themselves even if they don't show up for hours. Like showrooms, it's first come, first serve and you have to be present to reserve your place in the sun.

Thou Shall Not Jog Before Dawn
Most ships post hours when running is allowed. There's a reason for this: passenger cabins are often located under the jogging deck and some folks are trying to sleep or nap.

Thou Shall Exercise With Dignity
If you use a gym or health club at home the same rules and courtesies apply on a cruise ship. This means limiting your time on equipment such as treadmills, bicycles and ellipticals to 30 minutes when others are waiting. Wiping equipment after use and wearing decent attire is important as well.

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