In a recent article for Insider, Tammy Barr, a former cruise ship worker, shared her advice on six things to avoid doing while on board a cruise. These included not paying extra for dining upgrades or drink packages, being cautious about touching common surfaces with bare hands, not wearing a room key as a necklace, using proper maritime grammar, and ensuring you return to the ship on time. Barr emphasized that extra charges for food on a cruise ship should be avoided, as the cost of the cruise is supposed to cover all meals.
The cost of cruises has seen a significant increase, with a five-night Caribbean cruise now averaging around $736 per person, a 43% jump since 2019. Barr advised against purchasing unlimited drink packages, especially for passengers who plan on spending time off the ship. She also recommended using knuckles or elbows to touch common surfaces like elevator buttons to minimize the risk of contracting norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug that has been prevalent on cruise ships in recent years.
Despite numerous outbreaks of norovirus in 2023 and the first recorded outbreak in 2024, Barr shared that she has never contracted the virus while on a cruise by being cautious with her hygiene practices. She also cautioned against wearing a room key around your neck, as it can make you a target for theft. Additionally, Barr highlighted the importance of using proper grammar when referring to cruise ships, noting that ships do not require a definite article in front of their names.
Ensuring that you return to the cruise ship on time is crucial to avoid ruining your vacation, as exemplified by a recent incident where Norwegian Cruise Line left eight passengers stranded on an island in Africa after their private tour ran late. Barr stressed the importance of being punctual and being aware of the ship’s departure time to prevent any mishaps during the trip. By following these tips and being mindful of your actions on board a cruise ship, passengers can have a safe and enjoyable vacation experience without encountering any unnecessary issues.
