Be a Good Passenger!

[lisiamc]

Wow, with all those great rules,and they are very good. If only more people would consider their fellow guests it would add a graet deal to the cruise.

 

If you meet the occasional jerk instead of "good morning. etc." you can make new friends by saying "you could lose 5 pounds", that will surely get you a new cruise buddy! I am joking of course, but wouldn't you like to say that to some of the "whales" who hang out in the buffet lines?

 

Rich :cool:

 

Geez, I thought this was a thread about being courteous to your fellow passengers.

[cruznqueen]

Way to go. I wish everyone would read this. I just want to add

#18 Don't send your friends or travel partners to the theatre ahead of you just so they can save a row of seats. Seats should be filled as your body is there and is ready to sit down.

 

 

On our last cruise, the people were soooooo rude about the seat situation. You could not even get to the show an hour early without having one person sitting in a row and saving about 10 seats. Then during one show we did show up early enough and had good seats, but when I got up to go to the bathroom people jumped into my seat so that when I came back we had to sit like sardines. We just got up and made some comment and moved to another spot.

[FinelyCruising]

I think the #11 response given was appropriate to the OP post. No reading between the lines on that one, the #11 suggestion is poorly written, snippy and offensive at best. Hardly going to get a warm and fuzzy back on that one. :cool:

 

But they are afterall, just sweeping generalizations and guesses of what is assumed to be other cruisers inconsiderate motives. Oh well....

[reklawr]

Capt Cosmos, Norm, DrewB, I agree with practically all of your recommendations for “good behavior.” It’s a wonderful and thoughtful list of common sense and good manners. Perhaps we need a refresher every now and again.

Isn’t the need for such a list a sad reflection on the degeneration of our society as a whole? The lowering of standards all around. The slow but sure disappearance of formalities like dress codes and simple manners. The denial of any responsibility for one actions.

The me first generation has been taught that its ok to butt up in line, say what they want when they want and wear what they want whenever they want. I hear way too often “it’s my cruise and it’s my hard earned money so I’ll do as I want”

Kudos to all of the "civilized" CCer’s.

[Rev22:17]

reklawr,

 

Capt Cosmos, Norm, DrewB, I agree with practically all of your recommendations for “good behavior.” It’s a wonderful and thoughtful list of common sense and good manners. Perhaps we need a refresher every now and again.

Isn’t the need for such a list a sad reflection on the degeneration of our society as a whole? The lowering of standards all around. The slow but sure disappearance of formalities like dress codes and simple manners. The denial of any responsibility for one actions.

The me first generation has been taught that its ok to butt up in line, say what they want when they want and wear what they want whenever they want. I hear way too often “it’s my cruise and it’s my hard earned money so I’ll do as I want”

Kudos to all of the "civilized" CCer’s.

 

I'm in complete agreement!

 

JTOL, back in the "good ol' days," many restaurants with "coat and tie" dress codes kept a handy supply of ugly mustard-colored jackets and hideous neckties that nobody would be cought dead actually wearing in a closet next to the Maitre d'Hotel's station. If a male patron came in without a tie or jacket, the Maitre d'Hotel reached into the closet and, presto, provided either or both, as needed, before seating the patron. And the hideous colors ensured not only that everybody in the place knew who they were, but also that the patrons did not forget to leave them behind when they left and that they remembered to wear their own when they came back. Maybe the cruise lines should try that approach rather than turning people away....

 

Norm.

[Tinwoman]

reklawr,

 

 

 

I'm in complete agreement!

 

JTOL, back in the "good ol' days," many restaurants with "coat and tie" dress codes kept a handy supply of ugly mustard-colored jackets and hideous neckties that nobody would be cought dead actually wearing in a closet next to the Maitre d'Hotel's station. If a male patron came in without a tie or jacket, the Maitre d'Hotel reached into the closet and, presto, provided either or both, as needed, before seating the patron. And the hideous colors ensured not only that everybody in the place knew who they were, but also that the patrons did not forget to leave them behind when they left and that they remembered to wear their own when they came back. Maybe the cruise lines should try that approach rather than turning people away....

 

Norm.

 

What a incredible hoot, I would gladly wear their mustard yellow and "hideous neckties" just for a laugh. I guess that is why they don't offer them anymore.

[cantwait2cruize]

When somebody say's Thank You, don't reply with Uh Huh!:eek: Thats so rude.

[Rev22:17]

Karrie,

 

 

The first rule of being a good table mate is show up!!! On a very recent cruise we had no table mates for the 1st two nights, when we complained we had people who said they wanted 1st instead of 2nd seating then only showed up two nights because they liked the casual dining. We had several nights with noone. 3 at a table for 7, not fun. Then we had misc. people who wanted first seating but could not get it so they were seated at a variety of tables when available. If you request 1st seating then show up once and a while.

 

Yes, of course. The first subpoint of No. 17 assumes that not coming to dinner is the exception rather than the rule.

 

IF you think you want to go to the casual or other venue then do 2nd seating and don't take up a 1st seating table that someone esle can enjoy and your table mates won't be left with noone.

 

Unfortunately, that would set up exactly the same situation at second seating and it's just as unfair to people who have a table reserved there. Rather, anybody who intends not to eat dinner in the dining room frequently should discuss the situation with the Maitre d'Hotel and let the Maitre d'Hotel determine the best way to handle the situation based upon the demand for each seating and the avialability of small and large tables. The Maitre d'Hotel may assign many such passengers to a large table, where they won't miss each other because none of them are there, if there's a lot of demand for small tables or, conversely, assign such parties to table sthat are just the right size so their absence won't matte to other passenges. And the best solution might also be to assign such parties to a very large table where their absence will be only a small percentage of the table and thus won't have much of an impact. Above all else, though, one should show consideration for other passengers who might be on tehe waiting list by simply informing the Maitre d'Hotel of one's intentions.

 

Norm.

[Drew B]

JTOL, back in the "good ol' days," many restaurants with "coat and tie" dress codes kept a handy supply of ugly mustard-colored jackets and hideous neckties that nobody would be cought dead actually wearing in a closet next to the Maitre d'Hotel's station. If a male patron came in without a tie or jacket, the Maitre d'Hotel reached into the closet and, presto, provided either or both, as needed, before seating the patron. And the hideous colors ensured not only that everybody in the place knew who they were, but also that the patrons did not forget to leave them behind when they left and that they remembered to wear their own when they came back. Maybe the cruise lines should try that approach rather than turning people away....

 

 

LOL! But isn't having to look at the hideous mustard jacket and disgusting necktie far more offensive to other diners than if the man was simply underdressed? That's why I personally care less about the fact that the dress code be followed to a "T" and more about the idea that people follow the spirit of the code and look good doing it. For example, I'd rather see a woman in a flattering business suit or cocktail dress on formal night than in a garish muumuu that may technically be more "formal"...

[Stock Cop]

Your long list of dinimg room rules is very complete, Emily Post is smiling,

however, if you have paid attention to the dining habits of these very same people in the buffet area I think you will need to hold classes onboard the ship.

Maybe even print your list and mount in plastic and place a copy under the plates of your tablemates on first night dinner. Then duck !

 

Rich

 

:cool:

[Jarronwood]

Crumbs - are there really people out there with this sort of bad behaviour???

 

If so, then thats very frightening.

 

Dont parents teach their children good manners? And when they grow up they too teach their own children?

 

Please tell me that this sort of behaviour is not the norm.:confused:

[Lois R]

When somebody say's Thank You, don't reply with Uh Huh!:eek: Thats so rude.

 

Yes it is...

 

"Thank You"---------normally I would

say "Your Welcome":)

[Lois R]

Crumbs - are there really people out there with this sort of bad behaviour???

 

If so, then thats very frightening.

 

Dont parents teach their children good manners? And when they grow up they too teach their own children?

 

Please tell me that this sort of behaviour is not the norm.:confused:

 

The norm? I am not sure what the norm is anymore.

I was brought up to say "Please and Thank You", "Yes and No".

Growing up if I decided to say "yea" instead of "yes"..well,

I was reprimranded for it.

 

One would hope people would teach their children good manners.

I have seen good and not so good on cruises.

[Rev22:17]

Rich,

 

Your long list of dinimg room rules is very complete, Emily Post is smiling,

however, if you have paid attention to the dining habits of these very same people in the buffet area I think you will need to hold classes onboard the ship.

Maybe even print your list and mount in plastic and place a copy under the plates of your tablemates on first night dinner. Then duck !

 

*LOL*

 

Don't tempt me! :-)

 

Norm.

[jaxon41]

Hello Captain...

 

With regard to number 4...I have never head this, ever. Not to say you did not, but I am taking my life jacket off so I can see what I am doing since I am relegated to take the stairs after the drill due to volume. My elbows may inadvertendly poke you, for which I will apologize, but I am not going to injure myself because I can't see wehat the heck I am doing on the stairs.

 

I am with you -- I have never heard it said that you have to leave those dangerous things on after the drill -- it is far easier to watch out for someone else's dangling tail than it is to navigate steps when you can't bend your head and look down. I have seen pax take very nasty tumbles in the theatre because they were forced to wear those things in and could not see the steps.

[lisiamc]

Yes it is...

 

"Thank You"---------normally I would

say "Your Welcome":)

 

You may not hear "You're welcome" from other cultures, even other English-speaking cultures. It seems to be peculiar to the USA and Canada. So if you hear "My pleasure, " It was nothing" or "No problem", it may just be a cultural difference.

 

No excuse for "Uh huh", though!:eek:

 

Lisa

[Lois R]

You may not hear "You're welcome" from other cultures, even other English-speaking cultures. It seems to be peculiar to the USA and Canada. So if you hear "My pleasure, " It was nothing" or "No problem", it may just be a cultural difference.

 

No excuse for "Uh huh", though!:eek:

 

Lisa

 

"No problem":D :) ;)

[Ine]

You may not hear "You're welcome" from other cultures, even other English-speaking cultures. It seems to be peculiar to the USA and Canada. So if you hear "My pleasure, " It was nothing" or "No problem", it may just be a cultural difference.

 

No excuse for "Uh huh", though!:eek:

 

Lisa

 

During my english classes in The Netherlands I was told to reply with "your welcome" .......(and I still do)

[spearmint]

Good thread! Here is one for #19 or is it #20? Anyway, if you have not been given a tray and placed it on the rails at the buffet, then leave it alone, because it is not yours. :rolleyes:

 

On our last cruise, my wife, who was in front of me, left her tray for a moment. (I forget why.) I was just about to move it along in front of me to not hold up the line, when a woman came into the line in front of me and snatched the tray. I snatched it right back and said, "I'm sorry. This is taken." The look I got would have removed wrinkles better than Oil of Olay! :eek: She was so sure that she was right! (By the way, what I said was definitely NOT what I was thinking about the b... I mean, woman. But then, isn't that what courtesy in polite society is about?:) )

 

That being said, I have (thankfully) rarely seen most of the mis-doings in the OP's thread, except perhaps his comments (and others') re: the elevator. Whoa! :D

 

This entire thread is really just about simple and basic courtesy from one person to another, among 2,000 people who have to live together for a period of time. I am really glad to have read the posts on this one as I think they are valuable reminders for us all. :)

[the_dylaness]

10. Don't ask the buffet servers about the ingredients in the food. They don't cook the food, they are not aware of the numerous food allergies that we Americans have invented over the years, and the people in line behind you are wondering when your preoccupation with your own imaginary health conditions will give way to consideration of the fact that you are holding up the line. Eat things that you know won't give you a reaction - if you're into risks, there's a casino onboard.

 

Although I agree with many of the points you made, I have to say that I find this "rule" to be harsh and filled with likely inaccurate assumptions.

 

Asking the buffet servers about the ingredients in the food (along the lines of, "excuse me, could you tell me if this contains XXX?" as opposed to "what's in this?") does not require that the server necessarily know the answer. However, anyone remotely skilled in customer service will be able and willing to find the cook or chef and inquire about said item.

 

Food allergies are not an "imaginary health condition", and for people with severe allergies, it often occurs that the offending agent is contained in an insidious manner within a dish. (Perhaps vegetables sauteed in peanut oil?) Perhaps if you ever have the unfortunate experience of seeing someone experience anaphylactic shock as a result of such "hidden" food ingredients your opinions may change.

 

And no, for the record, I have no food allergies.

[Tinwoman]

"Originally Posted by Captain Cosmo

10. Don't ask the buffet servers about the ingredients in the food. They don't cook the food, they are not aware of the numerous food allergies that we Americans have invented over the years, and the people in line behind you are wondering when your preoccupation with your own imaginary health conditions will give way to consideration of the fact that you are holding up the line. Eat things that you know won't give you a reaction - if you're into risks, there's a casino onboard"

I have to agree in the spirit of this thread this is very mean, and unemphatic statement.

[Captain Cosmo]

Hi again - to those people offended by the rule about buffet line questions to the serving staff, are you really under the impression that the server will leave his or her station to find the chef to get the ingredients to the dish being offered? How considerate is that of the folks in line behind you or the serving staff? My younger brother suffered for years from an allergy to uncooked and even lightly cooked eggs, and had to be rushed to the hospital on two occasions when he went into anaphylactic shock, so I am familiar with real food allergies. However, he did not burden those around him by asking if there was egg in every food item presented to him nor did he risk eating items that might contain egg. He used common sense most of the time to determine whether or not it would be likely for egg to be an ingredient in the dish he was considering, and as a result he only experienced anaphylactic shock twice - the first time being when he found out that he was allergic and the second time being a little drunk and eating a pudding that contained egg. He did not, as the woman in the buffet line ahead of me on my last cruise did, ask if there was "any shrimp in the seafood gumbo". Chances are that there IS shrimp in SEAFOOD gumbo, so why ask?

 

My comments about "imaginary health conditions" is a reaction to the millions of Americans who have self-diagnosed themselves with a variety of food allergies and other ailments, and then want to make sure that everyone around them is aware of them and accomodates them in some way. For example, I am overweight (and was that way BEFORE I began cruising!) My doctor has offered to get me a handicapped placard for my car as I also have arthritis in both knees, aggravated by my weight. I have rejected that offer as I know people who have spinal cord damage or other crippling disabilities for whom such accomodations were intended. Besides, I could stand to walk a little further from my car to the front door of wherever. Its very politically correct to go around feeling sorry for this group and that group, but when it begins to be the majority of people who insist on having their personal ailments (real or imaginary) accomodated at every turn it simply becomes impossible for society to function. When you board an airliner these days count how many people are wheeled on board and then count how many of these people you see later walking around onboard, shopping, dining, etc. People are using the accomodations intended for those with severe disabilities to get better treatment, or in the case of the airlines, cut in line ahead of others. I am not suggesting that there are not people out there with real food allergies, but I am suggesting that it is the obligation of those individuals to deal with their problems in a manner that doesn't impact others.

[FinelyCruising]

OK I have New Year's Reolutions for you!

 

In the meantime, buffet servers ought to have some real good idea, IMHO, on what's in the dishes or keep them in the back of the house with those who just do and prep... we need more front and center personel who can answer simple guest questions........