Lucy Southerton, who has worked on a cruise ship for nearly a decade, shared a list of things that irritate employees in a resurfaced video on YouTube. The most popular complaint was passengers commenting on workers’ English, which can be upsetting for those whose first language is not English. Southerton mentioned that crew members dislike being culturally stereotyped, such as assuming someone has done drugs based on their nationality. She also noted that ignoring crew members’ greetings, leaving cabins or the ship messy, and bragging about wealth are behaviors that annoy the crew.
Another pet peeve of the crew is when passengers flirt with them, assuming they have a chance because they are crew members. Southerton explained that while it is part of the crew’s job to be friendly, some passengers misinterpret friendliness as romantic interest. Being treated impersonally and lacking basic manners also irk crew members. Southerton emphasized the importance of common courtesy and good manners, stating that not being polite to the crew is one of the biggest mistakes passengers can make. She highlighted the significance of being polite as crew members are key in helping passengers during their cruise.
Southerton advised passengers to be considerate and understand that crew members are people too. She shared that it is disheartening when passengers do not respond to greetings or show appreciation for the crew’s work. Additionally, she discussed the frustration felt when passengers stereotype based on nationality or occupation, urging travelers to be mindful of their assumptions. Southerton emphasized that it is essential to treat crew members with respect and recognize their humanity, as they play a crucial role in ensuring a pleasant cruise experience.
The crew’s dissatisfaction with certain passenger behaviors extends to instances where travelers try to access facilities right before closing or create messes in communal areas. Southerton expressed her and her colleagues’ frustration with passengers who act entitled or boast about their wealth, as such behaviors can make crew members feel unappreciated. Southerton underlined that simple gestures like saying “please” or “thank you” can make a significant difference in how crew members are perceived and treated by passengers, highlighting the importance of mutual respect and courtesy.
Overall, Southerton stressed the significance of treating crew members with respect and decency. She highlighted that crew members are instrumental in addressing passengers’ needs and resolving any issues that may arise during the cruise. Southerton advised passengers to be mindful of their behavior and interactions with the crew, as common courtesy and good manners are essential in fostering positive relationships onboard. By showing appreciation and respect towards crew members, passengers can contribute to a more harmonious and enjoyable cruise experience for all involved.
