The Ultimate List of 11 Unspoken Rules for Cruise Ship Travelers

Helsinki. Finland. Cruise ship in the port of Helsinki. Travel on the Baltic sea. Rocky island in the Harbor of the capital of Finland. Cloudy day in Finland. Travel to Scandinavia. — Photo by Grispb on Adobe Stock

Setting sail on a cruise is an exciting adventure, promising relaxation, exploration, and delicious food. But navigating the social seas can be just as crucial as smooth sailing. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone onboard, savvy cruisers swear by a few unspoken rules. Let’s dive into our top 11 tips to transform you from a cruise newbie to a seasoned pro – because calm seas and happy shipmates make for the best voyage ever!

No Open Bottle Rules

a group of people toasting with drinks at a restaurant — bridgesward from pixabay

One of the most significant unspoken rules that can be a surprise to first-time cruisers is the no-open-bottle rule. This means that you can walk and drink wherever and whenever you want. This perk is excellent because you can bring your glass of wine from dinner to the captivating theater show. Also, you should note that after you’re done with dinner drinks, it’s a great way to skip the lines at crowded bars and order a to-go drink for your next adventure.

You Can Bring Wine Onboard

bottles of wine are lined up on a shelf — Florent Bertiaux from Pexels

Many cruise lines let you BYOB (bring your own booze) at embarkation! Royal Caribbean allows a single sealed bottle of wine or bubbly per person, while Disney enables you to sneak on two. Always check allowance limits and restrictions with your cruise line before packing the party.

If you bring your prized vintage to the main dining room, be prepared for a corkage fee – a fancy term for a service charge. Here’s the savvy move: grab some wine glasses from the bar (they won’t mind!), bring your corkscrew (or borrow one from your friendly cabin steward), and enjoy your vino in the comfort of your stateroom.

Your Wine Follows You

Crop man pouring red wine in glass in restaurant — Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels

Many new cruisers don’t know that your wine will follow you on the ship. Unlike on land, your unfinished bottle of wine becomes your loyal shipmate. Didn’t finish it at dinner in the main dining room? No worries! Ask your server to store it, and enjoy the rest with your next meal – even at a specialty restaurant. Ordering by the bottle is usually cheaper, letting you take your vino on adventures throughout the ship!

Happy Hour Specials

three glasses of red drink with straws on a bar — Francesca Atzori from Getty Images

Cruise lines offer daily happy hour deals on drinks, sometimes served in souvenir cups you can refill at a discount! Keep an eye out for beer bucket specials, too – buying in bulk saves you treasure, and with no open container rules, you can take your brews on the go!