Dress Codes
Very few cruise lines today impose strict dress codes, but basic guidelines are provided. During the day, virtually anything goes. Make sure that you are completely dried off when entering indoor areas from the pool, and put on a shirt and a pair of shoes. Swimsuit dining is permitted at the poolside fast-food stands and bars. Most cruise lines provide a newsletter in your cabin each evening. Check the newsletter to find out the dress code for the following evening. On a typical seven-night cruise, the first and last nights are casual, two nights in the middle are formal, and the remaining nights are informal. Most lines ask that you adhere to the evening dress code when dining in the main dining rooms or seeing a show in the main lounge after 6 p.m. You are welcome to dress more casually when visiting other parts of the ship. It is inconsiderate to ignore the guidelines and do as you please.
Deck Chairs
Some cruise passengers try to “reserve” deck chairs by piling books, sunglasses, flip flops or other items on the chairs. This is officially prohibited by all major cruise lines. While it is certainly acceptable to stack a few things in a chair that you plan to come right back to after a dip in the pool or a run to the buffet, the chairs are not your personal property. If you will be gone for longer than 30 minutes, take your things with you, and select a new chair when you return. Also try not to move the chairs around. Passengers in wheelchairs or scooters need a clear path to navigate the ship.
Turn Down the Sound
Portable electronics are wonderful gadgets, but not everyone has the same taste in music. In public areas, devices with sound should be used with headphones. In cabins and on balconies, the volume should be kept at a reasonable level. The same goes for televisions, especially late at night. The party runs until the wee hours on most cruise ships, but some passengers must get up early for a paid shore excursion. Noise is generally allowed, and on some ships actively encouraged, on the open decks and in nightclubs and lounges. When you return to your cabin, however, try to be as quiet as possible. Cabin walls are thin, and noise easily transfers between staterooms and from the hallways.
Lifeboat Drill
The lifeboat drill is a mandatory Coast Guard requirement for all cruise ships. Shortly before the ship sails, all passengers must gather at their designated muster stations for a short review of emergency procedures. You are expected to wear or carry your life jacket from your cabin to your muster station. If everyone participates voluntarily, the drill is short and the cruise can commence. When passengers do not cooperate, it takes longer for everyone. Listening cuts down the need to ask questions and can insure your safety in case of an emergency. Pick up your life jacket 10 to 15 minutes before the drill and begin making your way to the muster station. After the drill, allow disabled and elderly passengers to access the elevators. There are simply not enough elevators to move everyone in a timely manner. If you are able to walk, take the stairs to return your life jacket, and move on to your next destination. The elevators should clear within an hour or so.
Going Ashore
At some ports, the ship must anchor in open water. Passengers are shuttled to shore on small boats known as tenders. Those who are booked on early morning excursions receive priority tender boarding, followed by those with elite past guest status. Everyone else must take a number. Tender ticket distribution is handled differently on each ship, but the process is clearly explained. Pay attention to instructions and wait until your designated time to approach the gangway. Do Not Complain While You Wait, no one cares to listen to grumbling and whining. It's a vacation so lighten up and go with the flow. Instead of complaining, try to strike up a conversation with someone in line. You can meet interesting people while you wait to book a tour or cash a traveler's check.
Don't Forget the Three "C's" at Sea
Let Consideration, Courtesy & Civility be your guideposts. And don't forget to bring along
A pleasant attitude
Your sunniest smile
Good manners
Call us and start planning that special vacation or event today. 602-843-5100 or visit our website rawhidetravel.com
Presented By:
Rawhide Travel and Tours Inc
6008 West Bell Rd # F105
Glendale, Arizona 85308-3793
(602) 843-5100
rawhidetravel.com
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