Things NOT to do on a cruiseship

NCL Breakaway

Having just returned from a seven day cruise to the Bahamas on the NCL Breakaway, I have several heart-felt suggestions for fellow passengers.  So, listen up, all you future cruisers, you might just learn something very valuable.

1. Please LISTEN to the person making announcements about when your group will board the ship.  They usually create groups of twenty five or so to make boarding easier. Please also understand that folks with limited mobility will be allowed to board first.  Wait your turn!  The ship will not leave without you if everything you have is in order.

2. Yes, even the kids need a passport.  That is the way it is.  You should have read that in the literature you received prior to departure.    






3. Carry a pen...it will come in handy.







4. If someone enters the elevator who has a cane or a walker, please move out of their way.  Do not block their entrance by refusing to move back.  You will look like an impolite imbecile if you do.  There were at least four on my cruise.




5. Please do not allow your children or grandchildren to push every button in aforementioned elevator.  That is one sure way to loose friends.




6. Do not yell at the wait staff.  They are working hard to make the cruise enjoyable for all.  Your yelling at them will only guarantee you mediocre service...which you deserve.

7. Ladies and gentlemen, it is important to look in the mirror before you leave the ship.  If you wouldn't wear it at home, don't wear it on vacation.

8. Please sanitize your hands when you return to the ship or before going into the dining room.  This is a protection for us all.




9. Lower your voice in the dining room.  I have noticed men of a certain age (mostly older gentlemen with undiagnosed hearing issues) whose loud voices carry far across the room.  Unfortunately for the rest of us, their conversations are usually nonsensical and full of self bravado.




10. My personal pet peeve: If you know the answer to the trivia question, whether you are a player, casual viewer or passerby, DON'T call out the answer. Sometimes you are right, but more times you are not. So zip it up, buddy!