During Your Cruise: What to Expect and Cruise Etiquette

Once you step on board, your cruise adventure truly begins. While cruising, you'll find a wide range of activities, dining options, and excursions to enjoy. Understanding what to expect and following common cruise etiquette can make your experience even more enjoyable for you and your fellow passengers. Here's a guide to help you navigate your cruise, including what to expect during your time at sea, common etiquette practices, and details about tendering when visiting certain ports.

What to Expect While Cruising

• Daily Cruise Life: Most cruise lines provide a daily newsletter or app that details the schedule of activities, entertainment options, dining times, and port information. This is your go-to guide for planning each day on board.
• Dining Options: Cruises offer a variety of dining experiences, including main dining rooms with scheduled or flexible meal times, specialty restaurants (which may require reservations and additional fees), and casual dining spots like buffets or cafes. Room service is also typically available for those who prefer a quiet meal in their cabin.
• Entertainment and Activities: From live shows and movies to pools, fitness centers, and onboard classes, there's always something to do. Ships often feature theaters, lounges, casinos, spas, and even outdoor activities like rock climbing walls, water slides, and sports courts.
• Shore Excursions: When the ship docks at different ports, you have the opportunity to explore various destinations. Shore excursions can be booked through the cruise line or arranged independently. Be sure to pay attention to the port arrival and departure times to avoid missing the ship's departure.
• Sea Days: On days when the ship is at sea, you can relax and enjoy all the onboard amenities. Use these days to explore the ship, participate in activities, or simply lounge by the pool.

Common Cruise Etiquette

Observing cruise etiquette ensures a pleasant experience for everyone on board. Here are some key etiquette tips to keep in mind:

• Bar Stools are for Adults: While not enforced on some cruises, bars should be treated as adult-only spaces. This does not include common areas within a space, such as pub-style tables and seating. Leave the bar stools for the adults.
• Respect Quiet Spaces: Cruise ships have designated quiet areas, such as adult-only pools, lounges, and libraries. Keep noise levels low in these areas to maintain a peaceful environment.
• Silence your Phone: One of the benefits of a cruise is the ability to disconnect from the outside world. Be respectful of others and place your phone on silent. Don't be that person that interrupts a presenter or production with a loud ringer.
• Punctuality: Be on time for dining reservations, shows, and excursions. When the ship is at port, always return to the ship by the designated time. The ship will not wait for passengers that do not return to the ship by the scheduled "all aboard" time. You will be responsible for arranging transportation to the next port.
• Dress Code: Adhere to the ship's dress code, especially for formal nights and specialty restaurants. Some cruise lines have specific dress codes, so check the guidelines and pack accordingly.
• Elevator and Hallway Courtesy: In shared spaces like elevators and hallways, be courteous. Allow people to exit the elevator before entering, and keep your voice low in cabin hallways, especially during early mornings and late evenings.
• Pool and Deck Etiquette: Avoid "chair hogging" by not reserving poolside chairs with towels or personal items for extended periods if you're not actively using them. Follow any posted rules for pool and hot tub use.
• Smoking: Most cruise ships have designated smoking areas. Respect the non-smoking policies in cabins, balconies, and other areas where smoking is prohibited.
• Respect Personal Space: Cruise ships can be crowded, so be mindful of others' personal space, especially in dining areas, elevators, and public spaces.
• Tipping and Gratuities: Cruise lines often charge daily gratuities which will be included in your final bill. It's customary, but not required, to tip for exceptional service, especially in specialty restaurants or for your room steward.

Tendering: What It Is and How It Works

When a cruise ship visits a port that doesn't have a dock large enough to accommodate the ship, passengers are transported to shore via smaller boats called tenders. This process is known as "tendering." Here's what you need to know about tendering:

• Why Tendering Is Used Tendering is necessary when a port has shallow waters, limited docking facilities, or is a popular cruise destination where docking space is in high demand. Not all ports require tendering; some have piers where the ship can dock directly.
• The Tendering Process: When tendering is required, the ship will anchor a short distance from the shore. Tenders, which are usually the ship's lifeboats or specially designed tender boats, will ferry passengers between the ship and the port.
  • Tender Tickets: Excursions scheduled through the cruise line will include a designated tender time. If you plan to go ashore on your own, you may need to obtain a tender ticket. Pay attention to announcements about when and where to pick up tickets.
  • Boarding the Tender: Passengers are called to board tenders in groups. When your group is called, you'll proceed to the tender embarkation area, usually on a lower deck of the ship. The crew will assist with boarding the tender boats.
  • Safety: While tendering is generally safe, it's important to follow the crew's instructions during the process. The ride can be bumpy, especially if the waters are rough, so hold onto handrails and be cautious when boarding and disembarking the tender.
• Returning to the Ship When you're ready to return to the ship, head to the designated tender pier. Tenders typically run continuously between the ship and shore, but be mindful of the last tender time to avoid being left behind.

Additional Tips for a Smooth Cruise Experience

• Stay Connected: Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages, but service can be slow and expensive. Consider purchasing a Wi-Fi package if you need to stay connected. Alternatively, use Wi-Fi at port cafes or restaurants.
• Enable Wi-Fi Calling: If using a Wi-Fi package, enable Wi-Fi calling on your phone to communicate to send and receive text messages or calls. Many people are on a cruise to disconnect so be sure to place your phone on silent.
• Hydration and Sun Protection: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially on hot days at sea or during shore excursions. Apply sunscreen regularly to protect against sunburn.
• Keep Important Items with You: When leaving the ship for excursions, carry essential items such as your cruise card, photo ID, cash or credit cards, and a copy of the ship's daily newsletter for emergency contact information.
• Laundry Services: If your cruise lasts more than a few days or you want to pack lighter, take advantage of the ship's laundry services. This service is optional at an addtional fee per item.
• Emergency Drills: Participate in the mandatory safety drill, usually held shortly after boarding. Knowing the location of your muster station and how to put on a life jacket is crucial for your safety.

Cruising is a unique experience that combines the excitement of travel with the comfort and amenities of a floating resort. By understanding what to expect, following common etiquette, and knowing how tendering works, you'll be well-prepared to make the most of your time at sea.