In his most recent video on the Tips for Travellers YouTube channel, Gary Bembridge, an expert in cruise ships, shared six important reminders for all travelers based on conversations with crew members.
Gary emphasized three key areas where passengers often breach rules, with the most critical being the issue of ‘pool deck chair hogs.’ This practice involves passengers reserving loungers by leaving personal items on them for extended periods, causing frustration among the crew.
While cruise lines typically have policies for removing unattended items from loungers, this can lead to conflicts with passengers. Gary also highlighted the significance of adhering to the dress code, supervising children properly, and maintaining good hygiene onboard to prevent the spread of infections.
He stressed that failing to pay gratuities can be a source of misunderstanding, as these fees are often automatically added to passengers’ accounts. Moreover, punctuality is crucial for cruise activities to run smoothly and not disrupt the crew’s responsibilities.
Another point of contention for crew members is when passengers bypass them to escalate complaints to higher authorities before giving them a chance to resolve the issues. Gary also mentioned the challenges faced by crew members in understanding various accents due to English not being their first language.
It is essential for passengers to consider these factors to ensure a pleasant cruise experience for both themselves and the crew.