Brits love a cruise, with over two million British and Irish passengers expected to embark on a voyage this year. They are just a small part of the 32 million cruise passengers globally in 2023 looking for a restful passage on boats filled with entertainment, sunbeds and pools.
However, 2023 was a record-breaking year for British cruising enthusiasts, with the Mediterranean coming in as the top destination among Brits. Around 35% of travellers journeyed there that year, with 29% heading to Northern Europe and 12% to the Caribbean.
Yet one British favourite activity is strongly frowned upon when aboard ships, and it may come as a surprise to those preparing to set sail this summer. Of course, bad behaviour can echo round the whole ship and, though a large area, these are confined spaces, so it’s a good idea to keep in line while at sea.
As Gillian Carmoodie writes for World of Cruising, karaoke can be a recipe for disaster when on board, as it can disrupt others around your room and cause friction in the corridors.
She said: “Walls on cruise ships aren’t as soundproof as you’d think. While you are afforded a certain level of privacy, louder activity can translate into surrounding cabins and corridors.
“Blasting loud music, talking with obnoxiously-high frequencies, making loud noises on the balcony, practising what you’ve seen in Basic Instinct, turning the TV up to deafening levels, or hosting impromptu karaoke sessions will be heard by your neighbours.
“Not the move we’d recommend.”
She also shares a number of cruise tips for travellers to avoid becoming the talk of the ship, including advice not to stake out pool loungers early in the morning.
According to Carmoodie, “reserving” chairs at the crack of dawn is “not cool” and makes things “awkward for everyone”.
Meanwhile at the buffet, there is no need to pile plates high and force other travellers to wait longer because “there will always be more of each dish on the way from the kitchen” so “there’s no need to panic”.
For those serving you and keeping you safe and comfortable around the ship, it’s also a good idea to be kind and courteous.
As Carmoodie writes, it’s important to bear in mind that crew are “not your personal assistants”.
“Snapping you fingers or acting in an entitled fashion is not appreciated. Chances are, while the crew will not react in an untoward manner towards your aggression, other passengers will gladly put you in your place.”
She advises those who respect crew members “get so much more” from their holiday.