Carnival Cruise Line shares 'rules' for controversial ship space
Something that should be a matter of common sense seems to require written rules on a Carnival cruise ship.
Whether you’re sitting in traffic, traveling through the airport, or vacationing on a cruise ship, you’ve probably noticed that, in general, people are becoming less inclined to wait their turn and extend courtesy to others.
Maybe it’s because the ability to skip lines has become a privilege that people can pay for at places like airports, theme parks, and even on cruise ships.
Related: Carnival reveals an updated loyalty program perk
But even if they don’t pay for it, some people just feel entitled to special privileges. If they want to get somewhere faster, they don’t hesitate to cut in front of others and cause disorder to do it.
This issue can be amplified on cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers, especially since certain spaces—like elevators—seem to descend into chaos during busy times.
The problem has become such a pain point for Carnival cruise passengers that one etiquette-conscious cruiser felt it necessary to propose a set of cruise ship elevator rules for the cruise line.
Sign up for the Come Cruise With Me newsletter to save money on your next (or your first) cruise. Image source: Carnival Corp.
Carnival cruiser suggests elevator etiquette rules
Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald shared the proposed elevator rules in a post on his popular Facebook page, noting that he personally agreed with all of them.
“Interesting, these were posted by ‘W’ and I wondered if you agree with all of them like I do,” Heald asked his 600,000 Facebook followers.
The proposed cruise ship elevator rules are as follows:
- You should always let people out of the ship’s elevator before you try and get in.
- If somebody is waiting to get in the elevator and they have an obvious walking challenge like being in a wheelchair or on a mobility scooter you should let them in first before you.
- Always walk to the back of the elevator to allow room for other people to get in.
Related: Carnival Cruise Line won’t enforce this cruise dining rule
More than 2,400 passengers shared their opinions in comments and the post, and notably, not everyone agreed with every one of the suggested rules.
For any passengers who happened to disagree with all of them, the brand ambassador made sure to provide some direction with a clever play on words.
“For those who say they disagree with all of the above, please can I respectfully ask that you take steps to avoid the elevators,” Heald wrote.
Carnival passengers have strong opinions on elevator etiquette
In comments on the post, many of Heald’s followers confirmed that impolite and disorderly elevator behavior is a problem on Carnival cruise ships.
“I thought I was the only one who noticed the total lack of elevator etiquette! Is it the excitement of the cruise? Ignorance? Or stupidity,” Duane Dukeman questioned. ‘Simple logic tells you ‘If we can't get off you can't get in.’ The mobility issue goes both ways. I've encountered some very rude and determined people who were bent on getting on the elevator even if their device won't fit.”
Although most Carnival passengers agree that elevator etiquette should be a matter of common sense, not all agree with at least one of the suggested rules.
More Carnival cruise news:
- Carnival Cruise Line shares suspicious item warning
- Carnival Cruise Line passengers reject key cabin change
- Carnival Cruise Line shares big main dining room plan
“I am fine letting a person get in first, but I think someone in a scooter or wheelchair should get in line and wait their turn. At that point, yes, they should enter first, and others get in as they can,” Val Pearce commented. “Some people standing may have difficulty standing a long time. If there is a long line waiting for a good deal of time, then no, the scooter or wheelchair should not just jump to the front.”
While some passengers agreed with this, others pointed out problems that prevent those who use mobility scooters and wheelchairs from getting their turn to enter the elevator. An orderly line doesn’t often form around the elevators, and passengers sometimes push past those who use mobility devices.
Some passengers suggested that the cruise line could enhance accessibility and avoid some of the chaos by designating separate elevators for passengers with mobility limitations.
(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a cruise.)
Make a free appointment with Come Cruise With Me's Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.
