From Stern to Starboard

Top 10 Cruise Etiquette Rules

By: Barnaby Sorrens

Narrated by: Reece Bollen

From Stern to Starboard: Top 10 Cruise Etiquette Rules is your essential guide to being a considerate, confident, and well-prepared cruiser. Packed with practical advice, real-life scenarios, and thoughtful insights, this book shows you how small acts of courtesy can transform not only your own voyage but the experience of everyone around you.

Why Etiquette at Sea Matters

Stepping aboard a cruise ship is like entering a floating city. Thousands of passengers, hundreds of crew members, and dozens of nationalities come together in a unique community. Unlike at a resort on land, you can’t walk away when things get crowded or noisy. You’re sharing space, meals, entertainment, and resources for days or weeks. Cruise etiquette is not about rigid rules — it’s about respect, patience, and kindness. When practiced, it smooths the journey, prevents frustration, and creates harmony at sea.

What You’ll Learn Inside

1. The Deck Chair Dash: Sharing is Caring (and Crucial!): How to avoid the dreaded “chair hogging” problem and why fair use of poolside loungers sets the tone for shipboard relaxation.
2. Buffet Manners: No Pushing, No Piling, Please!: Discover how patience and portion sense make dining enjoyable for everyone, even at the busiest buffets.
3. Elevator Etiquette: Step Aside for Disembarking Passengers: Why allowing others to exit first prevents gridlock and shows courtesy in one of the ship’s busiest spaces.
4. Noise Levels: Keep the Volume Down, Especially at Night: Learn how sound travels through thin cabin walls and how to balance fun with respect for your neighbours’ rest.
5. Balcony Boundaries: Respecting Personal Space: Make the most of your private view while keeping noise, smoking, and strong smells from spoiling nearby balconies.
6. Children’s Conduct: Supervising Young Cruisers: Tips for parents and guardians to help children enjoy the ship responsibly, safely, and without disturbing others.
7. Dress Codes: Dressing Appropriately for the Occasion: Understand why cruise lines encourage different dress codes, from casual buffets to elegant gala nights, and how to prepare without stress.
8. Staff Interaction: Be Kind and Appreciative: Recognise the crew as the true heart of a cruise. Learn how simple gratitude, patience, and tipping traditions enhance everyone’s experience.
9. Embarkation & Disembarkation: Patience is a Virtue: From the first moments at the port to the bittersweet farewell, discover how patience turns long queues into smooth transitions.
10. Shore Excursions: Be Prompt and Respectful of Local Culture: How to show up on time, follow guides, and honour traditions ashore, leaving a positive impression wherever you go.

Practical Scenarios and Real Stories

Each chapter brings etiquette to life with examples of good and bad behaviour. From the family who became friends after sharing a pool chair to the noisy late-night hallway singers who learned about soundproofing the hard way, these stories illustrate how everyday choices impact hundreds of fellow travellers.

A Guide for Everyone

Whether you’re a first-time cruiser nervous about fitting in, a family trying to balance children’s energy with public courtesy, or a seasoned traveller looking to refine your habits, this book has something for you. It isn’t about memorising rules — it’s about adopting a mindset of respect, patience, and shared enjoyment.

©2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK (P)2025 Deep Vision Media t/a Zentara UK

A Fun and Practical Etiquette Guide for the High S

This isn’t your typical etiquette book—it’s friendly, insightful, and full of stories that make the advice easy to remember. I appreciated how the author focused on real cruise situations, from crowded elevators to dress codes on gala nights. It’s the perfect balance of humor and practicality. After reading From Stern to Starboard, I feel more confident about my next cruise and more aware of how my actions affect others. Highly recommended!

Great Insights Into Crew and Passenger Relationshi

One of the strongest sections focuses on respecting and appreciating the crew. The book explains how patience, gratitude, and understanding tipping customs contribute to better service and a more positive experience for everyone onboard. This perspective adds real depth and humanity to the guide.

Every Cruiser Should Read This Before Setting Sail

Whether you’re cruising for the first time or the fiftieth, From Stern to Starboard offers valuable insights. It’s full of clear, realistic advice about how to coexist gracefully with thousands of other passengers. The author’s tone is kind, humorous, and deeply understanding of cruise culture. I particularly appreciated the parts about children’s conduct and the importance of patience during embarkation and disembarkation. After reading, I feel more confident about how to enjoy my vacation while being a respectful traveler. Highly recommended!

An Enjoyable Read with Real Impact on Travel Etiqu

This guide goes beyond simple do’s and don’ts. It helps you understand why etiquette matters, especially in a confined environment like a cruise ship. I loved the blend of psychology, practical wisdom, and storytelling. The anecdotes bring cruise life vividly to life, from chaotic buffets to peaceful sunsets on private balconies. It’s an excellent reminder that courtesy and cooperation can make shared experiences so much more enjoyable. I’ll definitely be packing this book for my next trip!

Cruise Smarter, Kinder, and More Confidently

I’ve cruised many times, but this book made me realize how much more enjoyable the experience can be with a little extra consideration. The chapters on staff appreciation and shore excursion respect really stood out. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about understanding that small courtesies go a long way in shared spaces. A thoughtful, well-organized, and genuinely helpful read that enhances the cruising experience for everyone.