These Are the Rudest Things You Can Do on a Cruise, According to Travel Experts—and One Can Even Make You Sick

Key Points

• Travel experts and frequent cruisers reveal six rude passenger behaviors that can ruin the onboard experience for others.

• Hogging pool loungers, blasting music, and blocking elevators are among the most frustrating cruise ship etiquette violations.

• Skipping handwashing stations, leaving dishes in hallways, and mistreating crew members can affect passenger health, safety, and comfort.

Cruise ships may offer plenty of room to relax, but sometimes travelers forget that they're still shared spaces. Even on vacation, basic courtesy matters, whether you're waiting for an elevator, grabbing lunch at the buffet, or claiming a spot by the pool.

Unfortunately, not every passenger gets the memo—and while some habits simply inconvenience fellow passengers, some actions can affect the comfort and health of others. To get to the bottom of the most common offenses, we asked travel experts and longtime passengers to share the behaviors they consider the rudest on a cruise.

Hogging Pool Lounge Chairs

On a sea day, prime poolside real estate can be hard to come by, making it frustrating when lounge chairs sit empty for hours with only a towel marking someone's "territory."

"Reserving a pool lounger for hours while you're off enjoying another activity is simply unfair," Deborah Director, SmartFlyer travel advisor , tells Travel + Leisure . "Everyone deserves an opportunity to enjoy the ship's amenities , particularly when outdoor space is at a premium."

Some cruise lines are trying to curb the practice. Royal Caribbean, for example, posts signs warning that unattended items will be held at the towel stand, according to Ashley Calderwood, a frequent cruiser who has sailed with her family for 10 years.

"I have found the best solution to this problem is to alert cruise staff if you notice a spot has been unoccupied for longer than thirty minutes," Calderwood says. "An employee will remove any personal items left behind, which helps avoid confrontations if and when the 'chair hogs' return."

Skipping the Handwashing Station

Those handwashing stations located near cruise ship buffets aren't decorative. Skipping them can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses, which can spread quickly in close quarters onboard.

Calderwood says her husband became ill after eating at a cruise ship restaurant and spent two days in bed instead of enjoying the trip. Washing your hands thoroughly and often, especially before eating, is a simple way to help protect yourself and fellow passengers.

Blasting Music From a Portable Speaker

Your favorite playlist might feel like the perfect soundtrack to your vacation, but keep in mind that other passengers did not request a surprise DJ and might not want to hear tunes around the pool or on a shared deck.

"When people bring their own speakers, they often play music very loudly, without regard to how it might affect others," Calderwood says. "It becomes an even bigger pet peeve when the music is not only loud, but contains wildly inappropriate lyrics that fall on young ears."

Cruise line policies vary: Carnival prohibits the use of portable speakers, while other lines such as Virgin Voyages and MSC Cruises restrict their use to staterooms. Check your cruise line's rules before packing one.

Rushing Into Elevators

Rushing into an elevator before passengers have a chance to get off creates an unnecessary bottleneck.

"Passengers who push into elevators before allowing others to exit create unnecessary congestion and discomfort," Director says, noting that it can be especially inconsiderate to older travelers and people with disabilities.

I've actually timed how long it takes passengers to exit the elevator on a few occasions, and it's always been under one minute. Waiting for them to step out before you step in is a small courtesy that makes the whole ship run more smoothly.

Leaving Dirty Dishes in the Hallway

Stacking used dishes or room service trays outside your cabin might keep your cabin tidy, but cluttered corridors are unsightly and can obstruct the paths of passengers and crew, particularly those using mobility aids such as wheelchairs, Director says.

After an in-room meal, call room service to request pickup or ask your stateroom steward to arrange removal.

Treating Crew Members Disrespectfully

I have little patience for rudeness in any setting, but especially when passengers direct it at cruise ship staff —I'm not alone.

"It makes my heart race when I see a fellow passenger be blatantly rude to crew members," Calderwood says. "Cruise ship employees work tirelessly around the clock to provide top-tier service."

Calderwood says conflicts can arise when passengers don't research ship rules or plan ahead, and then become upset when they encounter restrictions. Checking policies and making reservations for shows, excursions, and specialty restaurants in advance can help prevent frustration, but it's no excuse for taking it out on crew members.

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