| Going on a cruise, for some of us, is just what the | | | | foreign languages. Not only Americans go on cruises. |
| doctor ordered. It is a time to rejuvenate ourselves | | | | It is best not to throw a fit that you can't |
| and indulge in some rest and relaxation. How | | | | understand what people are saying, because they |
| wonderful it would be to cruise the Hawaiian islands, | | | | may think that you are speaking a foreign language. |
| Mexico, or a European cruise?When on a cruise, most | | | | Often, when announcements need to be made, they |
| of the travel specifics are already taken care of for | | | | will do so in many different languages so that all may |
| you, so you just have to sit back and enjoy the | | | | hear and be kept safe. There are many times when |
| scenery around you. After looking forward to such a | | | | language is universal, so try to use this universality as |
| trip for months in advance, the last thing you want is | | | | much as you can with your fellow passengers. |
| for it to be ruined. When you step onto the ship, you | | | | Audience Etiquette |
| don't want to hear other people being rude and | | | | Cruises are filled with many diverse and exciting |
| obnoxious. The following tips are great tips when | | | | activities to do while on board and off board. When |
| setting sail on a cruise, but are equally applicable to | | | | you are given the chance to see a show or a play, |
| land and business vacations. It's time to restore some | | | | be courteous to the performers. For example, if you |
| civility to the art of travel. | | | | are tired, don't sit on the front row where |
| Perfection, What's That? | | | | performers can see you snoozing. Make sure to |
| It is easy to expect perfection out of your cruise | | | | applause at appropriate times, and be thankful for |
| when you've planned so much for it and looked | | | | the entertainment that has been provided for you. |
| forward to it for quite some time. The reality is that | | | | Don't Whine |
| perfection is not going to happen all of the time, if | | | | If you are unfortunate enough to encounter some |
| ever. Cruse ships nowadays typically carry between | | | | bad luck while aboard ship, take care of the probelm |
| three to four thousand people at a time, so some of | | | | quickly, quietly, and efficiently. There is no need to |
| those passengers are bound to be upset by | | | | drag a thousand other people into your mess, just to |
| something at one point or another. Just like | | | | get everyone riled up. If it can be easily corrected, |
| frustrations happen at home, they will happen here | | | | simply ask management to correct the issue. There |
| as well. You toilet may clog, activities may be | | | | are some things that just cannot be fixed, like a |
| cancelled, or table mates may be rude. The best rule | | | | cloudy day on your "perfect" vacation. Other |
| of thumb, is just to expect these things to happen | | | | passengers don't want to hear it, and it will just bring |
| and have a good attitude along the way. Your cruise | | | | them down. Do what you can to correct the |
| will go a lot more smoothly if you do your part. | | | | situation, then resort to management if needs be. |
| Exercise | | | | Dress To Be Seen in Public |
| It is a known fact that passengers on a cruise ship | | | | A vacation is an opportunity to get a tan, relax in |
| will gain weight. How much weight? Well, that will | | | | comfy clothes, wade in the water, etc. Although, be |
| possibly vary. Cruises are known for their delectable | | | | cautious, others may feel uncomfortable by what |
| spreads of goodies and foods. This is a chance to | | | | you are wearing. A good rule to follow is if you |
| forget about those extra pounds and enjoy yourself. | | | | wouldn't feel comfortable wearing the outfit in a |
| The time after your cruise is when you can worry | | | | public place at home, don't wear it here on the ship. |
| about losing weight. Some things you can do are to | | | | Make sure your swimwear is also appropriate for |
| walk the decks as much as you can, take advantage | | | | others to view you in. Most people don't want to be |
| of the exercise room and equipment, and take the | | | | exposed to your body. There are also times on a |
| stairs instead of the elevator. After all, it will probably | | | | cruise when it is time to dress up and be elegant for |
| be full of people. These examples are all great ways | | | | a night. Make sure that you pack appropriately for |
| to work off that extra couple desserts that you | | | | this occasion. You probably don't want to walk into |
| partook of. | | | | the elegant night wearing jeans and a t-shirt because |
| Keep Noise to a Minimum | | | | you forgot to bring your fancy outfit. If this is the |
| Keep the noise level down is especially true at night | | | | case, just sit this activity out. Many people look |
| time when some passengers actually take time to | | | | forward to this night, so do your best to plan for it. |
| sleep. When entering and exiting your cabin, make | | | | Be Generous |
| sure not to slam the door. Not only will the next | | | | When you pay for your cruise, it typically doesn't |
| cabin hear the door slam, but the next few will as | | | | include the tipping you should give to employees |
| well. Many passengers stay up late to party and hang | | | | aboard the ship. Like waitresses and waiters at |
| out, but others go on a cruise to truly rest and relax. | | | | restaurants, many of the cruise ship employees are |
| It wouldn't be fair if this was taken away from them. | | | | paid minimal salaries, like $50 a month, and the rest |
| Moderation | | | | of their income comes from tips from passengers. |
| Not only is this true of what we eat, but also of | | | | Check with the cruise line you are traveling to see |
| what we engage ourselves in. For example, it is not a | | | | what a sample tip should be. |
| surprise that cruise ships serve alcohol, but be | | | | Fortunately, rude and obnoxious passengers are few, |
| cautious when partying and drinking. It is not good | | | | but they are present. If you do your best to be a |
| etiquette to drunk yourself and end up in the medical | | | | good cruise ship traveler, others may see your |
| facility because you hurt yourself doing something | | | | etiquette and decide to act more like you. And, don't |
| stupid. | | | | let others bad attitudes ruin your wonderful, relaxing |
| Be Mindful of Other Travelers | | | | trip. This is your time to unwind. Don't let others take |
| It will be commonplace to hear others speaking | | | | that away from you. |