By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Eat Sleep Cruise.

Imagine stepping onto a cruise ship only to discover you’ve unintentionally broken the very rules that keep the voyage running smoothly. One misstep—like arriving at the terminal before your scheduled boarding time—can turn an exciting getaway into a morning of waiting in endless lines. Don and Heidi, seasoned cruisers who have sailed with 15 different lines, lay out the new etiquette standards every passenger should know before they set foot on a ship in 2026.

Health First: Honesty on the Questionnaire

The simplest way to protect fellow travelers is to be truthful on the health questionnaire. Don and Heidi stress that sailing while sick is “poor taste” and can ruin the vacation for everyone. If you feel unwell a day or two before departure, they recommend canceling and using a “cancel for any reason” travel insurance policy to recoup costs. This approach not only keeps you healthy but also respects the collective well‑being of the ship’s community.

Timing Is Everything: Respect Your Boarding Slot

Most cruise lines now assign specific boarding times to reduce port congestion. The hosts admit they once arrived early and “got stuck waiting in long lines,” a reminder that early birds can actually delay the entire process. Arriving before your allotted time may lead port workers to ask you to wait outside, setting a stressful tone for the start of your trip. Stick to the scheduled slot to help keep the terminal moving efficiently.

Pack Smart, Pack Legal

Security checks are strict about prohibited items. Common fire hazards such as steamers, irons, and candles are banned on all lines, while some carriers also restrict items like metal glasses or drones. Trying to smuggle contraband can result in your luggage being held in the “naughty room,” a humorous but inconvenient term used by the hosts for the security hold area. The penalty ranges from a simple slap on the wrist to possible removal from the ship for serious violations.

Alcohol is another gray area. While most major lines allow each adult to bring one 750‑ml bottle of wine in carry‑on luggage, attempting to bring larger quantities or hidden bottles can lead to confiscation and possible sanctions. Don and Heidi note, “Purchasing an alcohol package is not only sneaking booze on board tacky, also opens you up to humiliation when you’re caught.” Budgeting for drinks or buying an official package avoids these pitfalls.

Mind the Muster and Hand Hygiene

Maritime law requires every passenger to complete a muster drill before sailing. Many lines now offer digital drills via cabin TVs or mobile apps, while others still require in‑person attendance at a designated station. Paying attention to crew instructions not only satisfies legal requirements but also prepares you for emergencies.

Hand washing remains a cornerstone of cruise safety. The hosts remind travelers to use hand sanitizer and avoid touching buffet foods with bare hands. “There are utensils for a reason, use them,” they say, underscoring that personal hygiene protects both you and fellow diners.

Public Spaces: Queues, Seats, and Sun Loungers

Line‑jumping, seat‑saving, and chair‑hogging are all flagged as rude behaviors. Whether you’re waiting for a buffet, boarding a shore excursion, or trying to claim a row of theater seats, the rule is simple: wait your turn unless you have priority access through a suite booking or paid perk. In pool areas, leaving towels or personal items on loungers to reserve them can lead to the ship removing those items after 30 minutes.

Cabin Courtesy: Trash, Doors, and Toilets

Leaving dirty room‑service trays in hallways or abandoning glasses in elevators forces crew members to clean up after you and can create unpleasant odors for other guests. Don and Heidi advise calling room service for tray removal and using bar tables for drinks. Additionally, opening balcony doors while the ship is at sea can increase fuel consumption and disrupt climate control for neighboring cabins.

Toilet etiquette is also crucial. Cruise plumbing is sensitive; only toilet paper and natural waste should be flushed. Flushing diapers, feminine hygiene products, or wipes—even those labeled “flushable”—can cause clogs that affect multiple cabins.

Family Fun With Respect

Traveling with children adds another layer of responsibility. The CDC recommends that children under five avoid hot tubs, and many ships provide kiddie splash pools for diaper‑wearing toddlers. Parents should supervise kids in public areas, ensuring they don’t block hallways, press every elevator button, or touch buffet foods with bare hands.

Dress codes also apply: swimsuits are prohibited in restaurants without a cover‑up, and walking around in a bathrobe outside the spa is discouraged. These guidelines help maintain a pleasant atmosphere for all guests.

Alcohol, Smoking, and Conduct Policies

Even with an alcohol package, knowing your limits is essential. Some lines cap drinks at 15 per day, a number that can quickly lead to dehydration and aggressive behavior, especially in hot weather. The hosts warn that recent news of onboard fights has prompted many lines to fine violators and ban repeat offenders for life.

Smoking policies are strict as well. Most public areas, cabins, and balconies are non‑smoking zones. Designated smoking areas are usually located near the pool or in specific casino sections. Violating these rules can result in fines or removal from the ship.

By following these etiquette basics, passengers help create a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable cruise experience for everyone on board.

Ultimately, cruise etiquette is about mutual respect—honoring the crew’s hard work and the comfort of fellow travelers. When each passenger takes a moment to follow the rules, the ship runs like a well‑orchestrated community, allowing everyone to focus on the vacation they signed up for.

The full episode of Eat Sleep Cruise is available on OBBM Network TV.