What are common mistakes first time cruise ship passengers make?
Asked by: Dr. Britney Vandervort | Last update: July 9, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (75 votes)
First-time cruisers often make mistakes like flying in on the day of departure, missing out on pre-booking shore excursions, and overpacking, which can lead to stress or added costs. Other common errors include forgetting to put phones in airplane mode to avoid huge roaming charges, not budgeting for daily gratuities, and skipping travel insurance.
What is the one word you can't say on a cruise ship?
The one word you should not say on a cruise ship is "Titanic". Mentioning the infamous 1912 ship disaster is considered taboo and bad luck by crew and passengers, as it brings up uncomfortable thoughts of sinking while out at sea. Saying it, especially in public areas, is known to cause awkwardness or silence.
What is the 3-1-1 rule on cruises?
The "3-1-1" rule on a cruise doesn't actually apply to the cruise ship itself; it is the TSA 3-1-1 Liquids Rule that you must follow if you are flying to your cruise port.
Why not eat scrambled eggs on cruise?
Opt for Omelet or Other Eggs-to-Order Over Scrambled Eggs
That vat of scrambled eggs you see on the buffet at breakfast each morning is likely powdered, and powdered eggs can often be extra wet, not to mention have sat under the glare of a heat lamp for a little too long.
What does Charlie Charlie mean on a cruise ship?
On a cruise ship, hearing "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie" (or "Code Charlie") over the intercom is an internal security code used by the crew. It alerts security and staff to an ongoing security threat or emergency on board, such as an unruly passenger, a violent altercation, or a severe weather situation.
20 Cruise Mistakes That Can Ruin Your First Cruise
What does washy washy mean on a cruise ship?
"Washy washy" refers to a cheerful, enthusiastic crew member stationed at the entrance of cruise ship buffets (especially on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line) who sings, dances, and reminds guests to sanitize their hands before eating. Often saying phrases like "washy washy, happy happy," this public health role aims to prevent the spread of illness in a fun, memorable way.
What is a secret deck on a cruise ship?
The "Secret Decks" are located at the very front of the ship and will be found on varying decks depending on the ship. These areas are typically accessed through a door located on either side of the ship all the way forward. In most cases you will not find a sign on the access doors explaining where they lead.
Why are there no bananas on cruise ships?
The idea that bananas are banned from cruise ships is largely a nautical superstition originating in the 1700s, when ships carrying bananas often faced bad luck, such as disappearing or suffering spoilage, according to Hubbard's Marina and Monterey Boats. While modern cruise lines generally allow them, many fishermen and crew still view them as bad luck.
What single food can you survive on the longest?
No single food can sustain human life indefinitely because all foods lack at least a few essential nutrients. However, potatoes (especially when paired with dairy for B12) or breast milk will keep you alive the longest.
What is the safest food to eat on a cruise?
Here are a few more pro tips to cruise a little safer: Stick with hot, freshly cooked meals whenever possible. Avoid anything mayo-based (tuna salad, egg salad, etc.) if it's been sitting out.
Why avoid a black suitcase?
The Pitfalls of Black Luggage
Mistaken Identity: Black bags are the most commonly misplaced or picked up by mistake. Slower Bag Claim: You'll spend more time inspecting every black bag on the carousel. No Personality: While sleek, black doesn't say much about you as a traveler.
What is ducking on a cruise?
"Ducking" on a cruise is a popular, passenger-led, scavenger-hunt game where guests hide small, tagged rubber ducks around the ship for others to find, fostering a sense of community and fun. Participants often attach tags with the cruise ship name, date, and social media handles, allowing finders to keep the duck or re-hide it, often sharing their find on social media.
What are the five foods to avoid on a cruise ship?
9 Things to Avoid Eating on a Cruise
- French Food. While French food is delicious, it's also an overall heavy type of cuisine. ...
- Sugary Drinks. ...
- Pizza. ...
- Daytime Ice Cream. ...
- Buffet Sushi. ...
- Already-made Eggs. ...
- Burger & Fries. ...
- “One of Everything”
What does SS mean on a boat?
"SS" on a boat or ship typically stands for Steamship or Screw Steamer, a designation originating in the 19th century to identify vessels powered by steam engines rather than sails. It indicated that a merchant vessel was powered by a steam engine driving a propeller (screw).
What do pink flamingos mean on a cruise?
Pink flamingos displayed on cruise ships, often on cabin doors, clothing, or as accessories, are a modern, subtle signal used by couples to indicate they are open to meeting other like-minded couples for adult-oriented "lifestyle" activities, such as swinging. They have become a trend in 2025–2026 similar to upside-down pineapples, often signifying a "spicy" or casual, no-strings-attached encounter.
What not to do on disembarkation day?
For starters, don't schedule your flight home right after your estimated cruise disembarkation time. You should always budget several hours to disembark the ship, reach the airport and deal with checking in, checking luggage for your flight, and clearing security.
What two foods never expire?
Honey and salt are the two primary foods that practically never expire, often remaining edible for centuries. Honey’s high acidity, low moisture, and enzymatic composition create an inhospitable environment for bacteria, while salt (a mineral) creates an environment where mold and bacteria cannot survive.
What is the #1 unhealthiest food in the world?
Processed meats are frequently cited as the #1 unhealthiest food in the world, largely because the World Health Organization (WHO) classifies them as Group 1 carcinogens, meaning they are known to cause cancer, particularly bowel and stomach cancer.
What to eat to look 20 years younger?
10 Super Foods to Make You Look Younger
- HOT PEPPERS. ...
- ALLIUM. ...
- BARLEY. ...
- LEAFY GREENS. ...
- LENTILS & BEANS. Jam-packed with antioxidants, potassium and folic acid. ...
- NUTS. Nuts and seeds are great for your heart, containing Omega-3 fatty acids. ...
- SPROUTS. Alfalfa and other sprouts contain Vitamin C and protein. ...
- KEFIR & YOGURT.
Why not wear pineapples on a cruise?
The Humble Pineapple
Pineapple-related clothing or accessories, especially upside-down pineapples, are popular symbols used by couples or individuals to subtly indicate that they are secretly interested and/or actively looking to participate in 'swinging' or partner-swapping. Yes, you read that correctly!
Why can't you say "rabbit" on a boat?
The ban on saying 'rabbit' aboard may stem from some ancient beliefs that this cute or destructive small mammal (depending on your perspective) has connections with fear and the demonic. It's unlikely to cause a problem if you choose to avoid reference to rabbits during your social chit chat with crew members.
How do cruise ships not run out of food?
To avoid these scenarios, redundancy is built into the food stocking process. Each cruise ship will overstock slightly, ensuring there's enough food in case of unexpected delays or last-minute menu changes.
What does Charlie Charlie Charlie mean on a cruise ship?
On a cruise ship, hearing "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie" (often called "Code Charlie") is an internal announcement used to alert crew members to an active security threat, suspicious activity, or a severe weather event.
Why is there no deck 17 on a ship?
Some ships do not have a deck seventeen because the seventeen is considered to be unlucky – such as Italy. As a result, many Italian cruise lines will not include deck 17 on their ships. The ships that miss deck seventeen will go straight from sixteen to eighteen. Evidence of this can be seen on MSC cruise ships.
What is a red room on a cruise?
The Red Room
Our larger-than-life entertainment space is the first ever transformational, multi-form theater at sea. Boundary-pushing performances on the traditional Proscenium stage or late-night dance parties on the flat-floor configuration — undiscovered experiences are always unfolding here.