Royal Caribbean is known for the amazing shows on its cruise ships, but etiquette still applies even if you're in a theater at sea.
While there's clearly a difference between the Aquatheater on Utopia of the Seas and the Winter Garden Theater in Times Square, New York, respecting the performers and your fellow guests is still important.
There are plenty of unwritten rules on a cruise ship, and nearly all of them stem from the same basic concept: be considerate of others.
As I was enjoying Aqua80sToo on Royal Caribbean's newest cruise ship, I couldn't help but notice certain things some people did during the show that could be avoided.
Hold seats
There's a fine line when it comes to reserving seats for friends or family. If they're behind you in line and a few minutes delayed coming in, I can see that not being a problem.
However, it's when someone tries to hold seats for an extended period of time right up until the beginning of the show that creates an issue.
This is especially true with the very popular shows, such as an Aquatheater show or Broadway performance. Seats are limited and lots of people want to see the show.
Try to have your entire party arrive well before show time to ensure you can all get seats. Someone can always get up and go to the bathroom or grab a drink later.
If you're on an Oasis, Quantum, or Icon Class ship, be sure to get tickets for everyone when show times become reservable.
Leave early to beat the crowd
I know you want to beat the crowd and get in the elevator before they get swamped, but leaving the show early is considered rude.
Leaving while the show is in progress or before the actors have finished their final curtain call is distractive to others and discourteous to the actors.
The expectation is you'll stay for the entire show and curtain call, and then depart.
Leaving the show earlier in the performance can happen, but this is about leaving in the final minutes simply to avoid the crowd out of the theater. In fact, I'll sometimes sit in my seat for a few extra minutes to let the crowd leave and then depart to avoid the crowd.
Talking during the show
Talking loudly during a show is the most clichéd faux pas of them all, but it happens a lot.
There's nothing wrong with whispering something, or sharing a quick giggle. The problem are the people having a full conversation during the show.
You can always excuse yourself to step out of the theater and finish the conversation.
Record during the show
Recording video during a Royal Caribbean show might be the most commonly broken piece of protocol I've noticed.
Besides the fact there are announcements saying video recording is prohibited, there are three really good reasons not to record a video during the show.
First, your screen is bright in a dark theater and distracting to everyone behind you.
Second, I can tell you from experience you will never watch the video recording later when you get home.
Third, and most importantly, no one else at home wants to watch your video either. Yes, the skill and performance was amazing, but you really had to be there to appreciate it.
I'm certainly one to snap a photo during a show (for blogging purposes), but recording video is a bridge too far.
Vacation isn't a free pass to be rude
You're on vacation, and that comes with a certain attitude of enjoying yourself. But it's also not carte blanche to do whatever you want.
Whether in a show, waiting for an elevator, or sharing a bus during a shore excursion, it's always a good idea to be polite and respectful to others.
Cruises are pretty laid back to begin with, so no on expects country club level behavior. And the truth is most passengers are quite polite.
However, cruises have their own subset of nuances that are important to note. I find most people want to make sure they're not making a mistake, whether it's about money, time, or etiquette.
