Not all cruise passengers know how to behave when they’re sailing. Or some do, but they don’t care, and they will act however they want to.
Those people are awful, and you don’t want to be lumped in with them. Soon enough, you’ll be getting a reputation onboard and you might even be called out all over social media groups for your bad behaviour.
There are several common ‘sins’ of cruising – so here’s how you can avoid them and rise above to be a better shipmate.
1. Envy – Suite Jealousy and Status Sulking
It’s easy to look at the VIP guests with their private sun decks, fast-track embarkation and passes for the first tender boats and feel a bit green. But letting envy get the better of you can turn your holiday sour.
Trying to sneak into reserved lounges, moaning about how it’s “not fair,” or obsessively comparing cabin sizes won’t magically give you a balcony. It’ll just ruin your mood.
There will always be someone cruising with more perks – focus on what you get. Even the most basic cabin still comes with sunsets, sea breezes and someone bringing you dessert.
Honourable mentions
Sneaking into suite spaces you shouldn’t be in – want to enjoy the private suite sundeck? Book a suite. Don’t be so greedy that you feel you’re entitled to it when you’ve only booked an Inside.
Mocking people with premium perks under the guise of humour – “must be nice to get turn up late and get the best seats in the theatre” isn’t as casual as you think.
Rolling your eyes at suite passengers – their cruise isn’t affecting yours unless you let it.
2. Greed – Lounger Hogging
There’s a special place in cruise hell for the chair hogs. You know the type – towels down at dawn, five loungers claimed for a family who won’t appear until noon, all guarded by a single paperback and a pair of sunglasses.
Greed like this doesn’t just apply poolside. You’ll also find it in the theatre when people “reserve” whole rows with jumpers and bags, or even in the buffet where people will swipe bigger tables even if they’re just a couple, because they ‘need’ more space.
Cruising works best when everyone remembers they’re sharing. If you’re not actively using a space, don’t claim it. Simple.
And if you see someone looking lost and standing awkwardly while you’ve been saving the seat next to you for an hour? Invite them to sit down. It’s amazing what can happen when people stop treating every deck chair like a personal inheritance.
Honourable mentions
Grabbing the last pizza slice even if you aren’t that hungry – there’ll always be more on the way, so why not let someone else take that one if you aren’t sure you’ll need it?
Refusing to share elevator space – nobody wants to be in a cramped elevator, but it’s better than forcing someone else to wait when you could clearly bunch up a bit. Don’t be greedy over floor space. Get cosy – it won’t be for long.
3. Gluttony – Buffet Overload
Cruise ships and food go hand in hand – but some people take it a step too far.
Mountains of bacon, three croissants, a mid-morning ice cream, lunch, two poolside pizzas, afternoon tea, a pre-dinner canapé or two… and suddenly, the main event – dinner – feels like a chore instead of a treat.
Gluttony isn’t just about overindulgence. It’s about waste. Piling up a plate at the buffet only to leave most of it untouched is both inconsiderate and, frankly, unnecessary.
Food is always available on a cruise. There’s no need to hoard or over-order. A little restraint will leave you feeling better and enjoying your meals more – especially if you’ve splurged on a specialty restaurant.
Food waste is also one of the biggest issues on cruises when it comes to environmental concerns, so don’t be the person that contributes unfairly.
Honourable mentions
Over-snacking throughout the day – this is totally up to you, but turning up to dinner already stuffed will leave you disappointed and can cause issues with your travelling party – they don’t want you just to watch them eating while you’re sat nursing a full stomach.
Ordering room service you’re not actually going to eat – it’s not just wasteful, it’s disrespectful to the crew who have to prep and deliver it.
Taking three of every dessert “just to try” – not so much of an issue if you’re actually eating them all, but don’t abandon them.
Treating every food venue as a personal eating challenge – it’s a cruise, not an eating contest.
4. Pride – The Bragging Cruiser
Some passengers treat the ship like a floating leaderboard — who’s done the most cruises, scored the fanciest cabin, or got upgraded thanks to their loyalty points and “connections.”
They can’t help but tell you how much they paid (or didn’t), how their last ship was so much better, or how they’ve “been to this port loads of times already.”
There’s nothing wrong with being proud of your travels, but rubbing it in other guests’ faces just makes you a bore.
Swap stories, share tips, but maybe don’t turn every conversation into a humblebrag monologue.
Honourable mentions
Flashing your loyalty card in every conversation – no one’s awarding medals at the pool bar.
Dropping “suite life” references every chance you get – people don’t need to know how many square feet your bathroom has.
Mocking someone’s inside cabin – if your joy requires belittling someone else’s setup, it’s not as impressive as you think.
Correcting newer cruisers like it’s a job – offering tips is nice, being a know-it-all isn’t.
5. Lust – Balcony Mischief and PDA Overkill
Romance at sea is lovely. Full-blown lust? Maybe keep it behind closed doors.
Balcony escapades may seem private, but the crew can see everything.
Public displays of affection that belong in a rom-com bedroom scene are more cringe than cute.
The same goes for flirtation that crosses the line — especially with crew members who, by the way, are working under strict codes of conduct.
You’re not starring in your own cruise romance drama. Keep things classy.
Honourable mentions
Late-night noise from neighbouring cabins – if your romantic evening can be heard three doors down, you might want to turn the volume down (and maybe the playlist up).
Over-the-top PDA in the hot tub – there are families around, and no one wants to sit in someone else’s make-out zone.
Unsolicited touching or innuendo on the dance floor – the ship’s rocking is no excuse for being handsy.
6. Sloth – Cabin Chaos and Hygiene Neglect
Cruising is the ultimate lazy holiday – no cooking, no cleaning, and nothing on your to-do list.
But some take that as permission to live like teenagers left alone for the weekend. Leaving your cabin looking like a laundry bomb went off, ignoring basic hygiene, or refusing to clear up after yourself in shared spaces affects the whole ship.
And seriously – wash your hands. With real soap. Every time.
Honourable mentions
Dumping your plates and cups wherever you last sat – nobody wants to see your half-eaten burger left on a pool lounger.
Leaving wet towels and clothes everywhere in your cabin – your steward is not your personal laundry fairy.
Skipping handwashing at every opportunity – those sanitiser stations aren’t decorative.
7. Wrath – The Angry Guest
Everyone’s allowed a grumble now and then. But there’s a difference between giving polite feedback and full-on cruise rage.
Some passengers turn minor issues – like a missing towel animal or lukewarm soup – into front-page scandals.
Worse are those who yell at the crew over things they can’t control, like slow service or port changes.
Being unpleasant doesn’t get problems solved faster. It just ruins the atmosphere. The crew are human, and most genuinely want to help – so give them a chance to do just that.
Honourable mentions
Throwing a tantrum over dinner reservations – the maître d’ isn’t hiding the good tables out of spite.
Snapping at bar staff for delays – when half the ship ordered cocktails at the same time, maybe it’s not a personal vendetta.
Raising your voice at guest services – they’re not a punching bag for every small inconvenience.
Publicly shaming entertainment staff – didn’t love the magician? Fine. No need to roast him in the atrium like it’s open mic night.
Final Word
A cruise ship may be your temporary floating kingdom, but it’s also a shared space with hundreds, or thousands, of other people.
A bit of self-awareness and courtesy go a long way. Avoid these sins, and your shipmates will thank you – even if they don’t say it out loud.
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Jenni Fielding is the founder of Cruise Mummy. She has worked in the cruise industry since 2015 and has taken over 30 cruises. Now, she helps over 1 million people per month to plan their perfect cruise holidays.
