The Biggest Etiquette Mistake To Avoid In Cruise Ship Dining Rooms

There are some dining etiquette rules that never seem to change. Others, however, are very much geared towards the specific nature of their setting. Cruise ships are a perfect example, as there are several dining etiquette rules that come into play onboard a cruise ship that you'd be unlikely to find in any other situation.

Cruise ships aren't the only dining situation where you might be seated next to someone you don't know. This could happen at a dinner party, too, for instance. But only on a cruise ship could you be seated next to the same strangers for several days in a row. Of course, your fellow dinner guests are unlikely to remain strangers for long, and the formal dinner aspect of cruise ships is one of their most unique features. It's actually a great way to meet new friends. Assuming you all get along, that is.

This is where etiquette comes into play. When meeting your dinner tablemates for the first time — and etiquette dictates that you dine in the main cabin dining room on the first night, if not subsequent ones — you'll want to introduce yourselves and make polite conversation. What constitutes polite conversation? Well, you'll want to avoid the sort of topics known to cause arguments. Traditionally, these include politics and religion, but food shaming your fellow guests is also a no-no. Touching on these topics qualifies as the biggest etiquette mistake, but trust us: There are plenty of others you can make, too.

We noted that it's basic etiquette to have dinner in the cruise ship's main dining room on the first night. You may not want to do this, whether it's because you prefer buffet-style dinners or some of the other onboard specialty dining options, or simply because you're put off by assigned seating. But these formal dinners are one of the most traditional aspects of the cruise ship experience, starting with the great transatlantic cruise lines of the 19th century.

Yes, you can move to another table if it turns out you don't like your tablemates. It's easy enough to change both your dinner time or seating arrangements or to skip the main dining room entirely after the first night. The chief steward can generally take care of all of these arrangements, in fact.

One way to avoid such outcomes, however, is by contributing to a more convivial conversational atmosphere at dinner tables. This may be accomplished not only by avoiding troublesome topics but by steering conversation to proverbially safer waters. Ask your tablemates about previous cruising or travel experiences, for instance, or share stories from some of your own. Discussions regarding upcoming ports of call or shipboard experiences are also safe topics. These options are certainly likely to lead to a better dinner experience than denigrating your fellow guests' dietary restrictions or drawing attention to their highly caloric dessert choices. 

Conversational habits aren't the only way to ensure a great cruise ship dining experience. Several other etiquette rules unique to this form of travel are also recommended. One is always to arrive on time for dinner in the main dining room. These dining times are reserved for a reason, and punctuality is even more important than, say, a dinner reservation at a restaurant. That's because waiters are unlikely to take orders until everyone at the table has arrived and is seated.

Another rule is to always dress appropriately. Dress codes can vary for shipboard restaurants, but the main dining room is typically rather formal, and in fact, formal nights are a staple of many cruise ship voyages. Those who look forward to such nights to celebrate special occasions — anniversaries, for example — will not appreciate those who spoil their photos with inappropriate attire.

As at a dinner party, the guests you're most likely to make conversation with are those seated close by. The reason is obvious, of course. In a crowded dining room, these conversations should be unhampered by the noise level. It would also be disrespectful to ignore your immediate neighbors. The latter reason, in fact — fundamental respect – is the root cause of virtually all etiquette admonitions, onboard and otherwise. Treat your fellow cruise passengers with respect, and you're likely to have an ever more memorable cruise ship experience. Certainly, the conversations at dinner will be better!