As cruise season reaches record highs, with the Cruise Lines International Association projecting 38.3 million passengers this year—a 4% increase over last year—travelers are confronting a practical etiquette issue on board: the use of elevators for luggage.
Expert Advice Emphasizes Consideration
Diane Gottsman, an etiquette consultant based in Texas, advises cruise guests to think about the limited space in elevators, especially during the hectic rush of disembarking. “When it comes to traveling, space is a priority,” Gottsman told Fox News Digital. “You always have to think about the people that are going to be around you.” She recommends leaving larger suitcases outside cabins the night before so crew members can collect them, and keeping personal bags to a minimum when stepping into a crowded elevator.
Cruise Line Policies Support Planning
Carnival Cruise Line’s website states that checked‑baggage service ends two hours before a ship’s scheduled sailing time. Guests arriving after that cutoff are responsible for bringing their bags on board themselves. This policy underscores the importance of planning ahead, particularly on busy embarkation and disembarkation days.
Gottsman adds that passengers should allow others to exit the elevator before boarding and, if an elevator is already packed, wait for the next one. “Don’t just charge on with your luggage,” she says. She also notes that travelers with mobility issues should be given priority, and those with extra luggage should be prepared to wait their turn.
Social Media Highlights the Divide
The discussion recently surfaced on Reddit after a first‑time cruiser reported being scoffed at by another passenger while transporting rolling suitcases from Deck 14 to Deck 5. Some commenters defended the practice, noting that elevators are often the most practical way to move luggage across multiple decks. One user wrote, “I always hand‑roll my luggage off. I always use the elevator. I’m not hauling my bags up and down stairs.” Others asked, “How else would you get your luggage down that many decks?”
Other voices emphasized courtesy. A participant shared a personal experience, saying, “My mom was on a scooter due to her bad back/knees, and people were so rude to her at the elevators.” Another noted, “The rudeness always seems higher on disembarkation day. You didn’t do anything wrong. I would only use the stairs if it was a flight or two just to save time, otherwise I would definitely use it.”
Balancing Convenience and Courtesy
While many cruisers agree that using elevators for luggage is acceptable when done considerately, some argue that the ship’s luggage delivery service exists to make departure smoother for everyone. One commenter wrote, “The whole point of the luggage delivery is to make it easier for everyone.”
Overall, the consensus points to a simple principle: use elevators responsibly, keep personal belongings compact, and give priority to families, seniors, and those with mobility challenges. By planning ahead and respecting shared spaces, passengers can help ensure a smoother, more pleasant experience for all aboard.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
