Cruise Passenger Etiquette: Luggage in Elevators

Cruise passengers are engaging in a debate about the etiquette of bringing luggage into crowded ship elevators, especially during busy disembarkation periods. This has become a contentious topic among travelers who board these ocean vessels.

Many passengers who choose to carry their own bags rely on elevators to move through decks as thousands of people prepare to disembark. Social media discussions have intensified the argument, questioning the practicality and politeness of cramming suitcases into packed elevators.

Expert Opinions on Elevator Use

Diane Gottsman, a Texas-based etiquette expert, states that passengers can bring luggage into elevators but advises consideration of limited space. She mentioned, “When traveling, space is a priority. You must consider the people around you.”

Gottsman suggests leaving larger suitcases outside the cabin for collection by crew members. She emphasizes minimizing luggage when entering crowded cruise ship elevators.

Operational Guidelines from Cruise Lines

Cruise lines such as Carnival Cruise Line have specific baggage handling procedures. Their policy indicates checked baggage service during embarkation ends two hours before the ship’s scheduled departure. After this, passengers must manage their own bags.

Planning is crucial during embarkation and disembarkation days. Gottsman advises patience, allowing others to exit before entering elevators and opting to wait for another elevator if it’s already full. Passengers with mobility issues should be prioritized, while those with extra luggage must be prepared to wait.

Social Media Reactions

The discussion erupted on Reddit after a first-time cruiser shared an experience of being criticized for using an elevator with rolling suitcases. Many Reddit users defended them, asserting elevators as the practical choice for transporting luggage across multiple decks.

One commenter stressed, “Elevators are often the most practical option for passengers carrying luggage across several decks.” Another questioned alternate methods, saying, “How else would you get your luggage down so many decks?”

Testimonies about rudeness encountered during disembarkation were shared, with suggestions to remain considerate and create space when feasible.

Industry Insights

Some argue that utilizing the ship’s luggage service facilitates smoother departures for all passengers. Cruise industry experts anticipate a global increase in ocean travelers this year, surpassing last year’s record according to The Associated Press. The Cruise Lines International Association’s report predicted 38.3 million seafaring passengers for this year, a 4% increase from the 37.2 million recorded last year.