Traveling on a cruise ship involves a lot of expectations such as what to wear and how to behave, but there’s a whole other level of etiquette to be aware of. As reported by Conde Nast Traveler via MSN, passengers can sometimes get nosy and barge (ha!) into parts of the ship they aren’t allowed into. That creates uncomfortable situations and can even put people at risk. Here is a list of places to stay out of—instead, just hunker down with a tropical cocktail if you're on a 21+ cruise and enjoy the sunset.
1. Crew quarters.
When people are employed at sea, often away from home for long periods, their quarters are their place to drop the polite smile and relax. It’s a retreat and a space where no passengers belong. Plus, crew members can better serve passengers if they get an uninterrupted chance to recharge batteries. Pushing into this private space is like following your favorite retail employee home just to see what it’s like. If you’re a repeat offender, it’s possible you could be put ashore before the voyage is over. Don’t do it!
2. Captain’s bridge
This is an area where the captain navigates; it’s a working space. You don’t go into the kitchen at a restaurant, do you? But some cruise ship staff understand the innate curiosity we have about how it all works and offer a viewing area behind the bridge so you can watch officers do their duties. Or the captain might host “open bridge” hours when the ship isn’t moving so you can take a quick look.
3. Engine room
Why? Because passengers are not insured outside of the typical public spaces of the ship. If you should get hurt by machinery or fall down in a dark corridor, you’re not covered. However, your ship might offer an onboard lecture given by officers where you can ask questions about how it all works.
4. Any area of the ship not designated as a public space
Knowing that passengers aren’t on board ship for long periods, these spaces are designed with clearly marked exits, maps of the floor plans, etc. If you’re not where you’re supposed to be when an emergency happens, you could be dangerously unaware of how to get yourself to safety.
5. The hold of the ship where the cars are
You might fall into a stranger’s arms, have sexy times in the backseat, and therefore be belated getting into the lifeboat. Oh wait, that’s Titanic.