A former cruise ship employee has revealed the six things she would never do on board - but how many are you guilty of?
Tammy Barr was a crew member for three years but is now happy to be sailing the seas as a passenger.
She recently spoke to Business Insider to divulge her go-to tips for travelers who are keen to make the most of their ocean-bound vacation.
Her list included everything from steering clear of enticing drinks packages to avoiding busy itineraries.
Tammy Barr was a crew member for three years but is now happy to be sailing the seas as a passenger
She recently spoke to Business Insider to divulge her go-to tips for travelers who are keen to make the most of their ocean-bound vacation (stock image)
All the things a former cruise ship employee would never do on board
- Pay for upgrades in the dining room
- Buy the drink package
- Touch surfaces in communal areas
- Wear your room key round your neck
- Misname the ship
- Plan a packed itinerary
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Tammy's first tip was to avoid paying for upgrades in on board dining rooms.
She told the outlet that although 'main dining room meals are included in the cost of a cruise' there are often 'supplementary' charges for upgrades to dishes such as opting for steak or lobster.
But the expert explained that the extra fees here and there soon add up and instead she would 'stick with the items without the upcharges.'
In a similar mindset, Tammy also urged cruise passengers to avoid purchasing drinks packages.
'It doesn't make sense for me to pay in advance for 12 to 15 cocktails a day. I've done the math on typical unlimited drink packages, and the cost simply isn't worth it for me,' she explained.
The keen traveler added that this was particularly true for trips that enjoy frequent stops at ports when guests will likely be off exploring for the most part.
Tammy instead advised that prospective passengers check the beverage policy to see if you are allowed to bring your own alcoholic beverages aboard.
There should also be plenty of opportunity to snag cheap drinks during happy hours and drink specials that the cruise ship will likely offer.
Her list included everything from steering clear of enticing drinks packages to avoiding busy itineraries (stock image)
Next up, the former cruise ship worker said in no uncertain terms that she would not touch surfaces in communal areas with her fingers, adding: 'Knuckles and elbows do the trick.'
'Some cruise lines are better than others at wiping down commonly touched surfaces, but I don't take any chances. I avoid touching things others frequently touch, and I wash my hands frequently,' Tammy said.
She stated: 'I'd definitely rather be safe than sorry.'
But Tammy's top tips did not stop there.
She revealed that another thing that she would never do is wear her room key around her neck - and the reasons are two-fold.
'First, I see many passengers using the room keys dangling from their necks to flaunt their cruise loyalty status. It just looks pretentious,' she started.
The second was due to safety, explaining: 'In port, that room key bouncing off your chest looks like an invitation to be robbed. It screams, "I have money! Come and take it from me."'
She concluded by advising people to allow for more time than you think to make it back without a last-minute rush (stock image)
Tammy also had stern words for anyone thinking of misnaming the ship they are on.
'Ships have proper names, and so do not require a definite article. For example, "Tomorrow I am embarking on Discovery Princess," or "I enjoyed scenic cruising on MS Westerdam."
'If you want to look like a savvy sailor, learn to drop the "the!"'
And, last but not least, she said it was crucial to avoid planning a tight itinerary.
'Oh, the recurring nightmares I've had about not making it back to the ship on time during a port day,' she dished.
'I've never missed a sail away, but I have cut it too close at times and have had to run down a pier or two.'
She concluded by advising people to allow for more time than you think to make it back without a last-minute rush.
