Cruise ships

Cruise ship worker warns of four things staff ‘hate’ passengers doing on holiday

A seasoned cruise ship worker has shared the four things that crew members really hate about passengers

Cruising should be an enjoyable and tranquil getaway, but certain passenger behaviours can seriously spoil the atmosphere for everyone involved. Lucy Southerton, a veteran crew member with nine years under her belt working aboard cruise ships, has revealed some of the biggest gripes shared amongst her colleagues.

Boasting a loyal following of more than 65,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel Cruising as Crew, Southerton provides insider perspectives and practical guidance for cruise aficionados. In a recent upload, she explored the irritations encountered by crew members, from dishevelled cabins to inappropriate advances.

Here are four behaviours passengers ought to steer clear of to guarantee a more pleasant voyage for all, reports the Express.

1. Dishevelled Cabins

According to Southerton, crew members, especially those in housekeeping and stewarding roles, become exasperated by passengers leaving their cabins in complete chaos.

She stressed that their role involves cleaning and sanitising the accommodation, not picking up after guests.

“It’s crazy to think they’re only on board for five days because of the amount of stuff that’s everywhere,” Southerton remarked. She appealed to passengers to show consideration and respect for crew members’ duties whilst occupying their cabins.

2. Inappropriate Advances Towards Crew

Southerton warned passengers against making unwanted romantic or flirtatious overtures to crew members, describing it as a form of sexual harassment.

She shared accounts from male cabin crew who felt uneasy and irritated when travellers overstepped the mark. “It’s hard when they take it another way and they think that they have a chance with you just because you’re a sexy crew member,” Southerton explained.

3. Lack of Manners

Among the most frequent complaints from cabin crew is passengers’ failure to display basic courtesy. Southerton emphasised the significance of simple pleasantries like saying “please” and “thank you.”

She recalled occasions where travellers would bark orders without a shred of politeness, underlining the necessity for respectful conduct, particularly whilst on holiday.

4. Bragging

Finally, she voiced her frustration with passengers who show off, particularly those who parade their wealth in front of less privileged individuals.

She encouraged passengers to be conscious of their surroundings and avoid boasting, especially to crew members grafting hard to provide for their families.

“Brag to people who are on a similar level to you,” Southerton advised, emphasising the need for consideration and compassion.

By remaining mindful of these behaviours, passengers can help create a more enjoyable and considerate atmosphere aboard cruise ships, encouraging positive exchanges between travellers and crew members alike.

Source link

I got a sneak peek inside the £30k-a-cruise suite onboard the Disney Wish

I got a sneak peek at the luxurious Tower Suite on Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Wish, with Moana-themed décor, walk-in wardrobes and prices from £15,000 per cruise

A tour of a suite costing £30,000 per cruise is likely the closest I’ll come to actually seeing inside. So, when given the opportunity for a sneak peek at Disney Cruise Line’s stunning Tower Suite, tucked away in the funnel of the Disney Wish cruise ship, I jumped at the chance.

The cost varies depending on the itinerary and duration of the cruise, but prices for the suite reportedly start at £15,000. Despite the hefty price tag, it’s regularly booked out.

It’s easy to see why; the luxury begins before guests even set foot in the suite. There’s a dedicated check-in area, a private entrance to the suite, and a lift within the funnel itself for those who’d rather not take the stairs.

Upon entering, it’s immediately apparent that this isn’t your average cruise ship cabin. The suite draws inspiration from the much-loved animated film Moana, with stunning artwork and an eye-catching sculpture welcoming you as you step inside. The main space is a vast open-plan living and dining area, complete with sofas, sideboards, a coffee table, and a large dining table.

READ MORE: Sneak peek at mega cruise ship ‘bigger than UK towns’ set to sail in 2026

The entire room was practically larger than my own home, and the floor-to-ceiling windows (tinted for privacy) only added to the sense of grandeur. A central island conceals a retractable TV, ensuring unobstructed views of the ship when not in use.

There’s a compact kitchen complete with a well-stocked fridge, and a freezer drawer brimming with Mickey choc ice bars, a beloved treat amongst Disney enthusiasts on its cruises and Florida theme parks. On the subject of food, one of the suite’s greatest advantages is the array of in-room dining possibilities if you’d rather not venture out amongst your fellow passengers.

Those staying in the Tower Suite can request in-suite dinner from the main restaurants during their service hours, and if you fancy the all-inclusive Palo brunch, you can have everything brought to your room as well. (The brunch at Palo steakhouse is an all-you-can-eat affair that’s adults-only, and one I’d thoroughly recommend – just save room for the generously portioned servings!)

The Tower Suite sleeps up to eight guests, and spans two floors with two master bedrooms, a children’s room featuring bunk beds and an additional room that can serve as either another bedroom or a library. Given that cruise ship cabins and suites are notorious for requiring inventive space-saving solutions, visitors to this suite won’t face that challenge.

The bedrooms themselves offer ample space and exceed the size of some hotel rooms I’ve experienced, but the real showstopper was the walk-in wardrobes. Truthfully, I’m not convinced I could fill them even if I packed up my entire wardrobe and gave it my best shot!

READ MORE: I went to UK city crowned ‘world’s most beautiful’ with Hollyoaks link

The bathrooms were nothing short of spectacular, featuring plush robes, enormous freestanding tubs and generous showers. They resembled the sort of space you’d stumble upon in an upscale spa, complete with marble finishes, expansive mirrors and naturally, Disney toiletries.

Guests who book the Tower Suite gain access to the Concierge desk and its accompanying benefits; staff can assist with arranging shore excursions, securing restaurant bookings or activities on the ship, plus you’ll have access to exclusive Concierge areas such as a lounge and sun deck. For those who love cruising, one significant advantage of the concierge accommodation is the complimentary bottled water included – which can be rather precious on cruise ships!

READ MORE: Your ultimate guide to all the best holiday destinations every month in 2026

Sadly for me, a sneak peek tour is likely as near as I’ll get to experiencing the Tower Suite, but thankfully the Disney Wish boasts a wide selection of other stunning staterooms with a gentler price point, yet still offering ample space. During my recent voyage on the vessel, I was in a Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom with a verandah, and it provided all the room we required – myself, my partner and our little one sharing the quarters.

Of course, whilst a lovely cabin is wonderful on a cruise, it’s equally about what’s on offer throughout the ship – and the Disney Wish certainly delivers on that front. You can read my full review of the Disney Wish here, but standout features included the action-packed schedule of performances, trivia competitions, deck celebrations, live entertainment, West End-calibre productions, and the AquaMouse water slide.

That’s before even mentioning the Star Wars -themed bar, pirates-inspired pub, and the fantastic dining venues including an interactive Frozen meal experience. You can discover more about the Disney Wish and next summer’s itineraries on disneycruiseline.com..

Source link