How can we do better?

I have put off writing about this topic because I have so many feelings about it. It makes me sad, angry, disgusted, upset, scared…so many emotions.
But, it truly is the “elephant in the room.”

Why do people pay thousands of dollars to go on a wonderful vacation of their dreams and then get involved in fights?

Thankfully, I personally have never witnessed a fight on all of our cruises. Except for maybe a wife getting upset at her husband in the casino… no, it wasn’t me!

But it seems like every week I’m reading stories about another fight. It’s not just on Carnival either! Yesterday a Royal ship had to turn around because someone needed to be hospitalized after a fight. That’s so wrong!

When you cruise you might encounter other guests who have no manners. They push and shove in lines and on the elevator. They treat the staff rudely.

Cruise guests report kids running and screaming throughout the halls with no discipline. They are loud, obnoxious and have no respect for rules or those around them. I haven’t personally ever seen this on a cruise. But, honestly, I’ve experienced it in the grocery store!

New cruisers wonder why there’s a 15 drink limit? Maybe is why.

How do we handle bad situations ?

• First, don’t look for a reason to get offended or “bent out of shape.”

• Ignore bad behavior as much as possible.

• Try not to make comments.

• Don’t escalate the problem by getting into it with them.

• Walk away!

• Notify someone in authority.

The cruise lines are trying to institute rules and policies to prevent these fights.
Most cruise lines have a passenger code of conduct prohibiting fighting, disorderly behavior, and sexual misconduct.

Passengers who violate these policies may face consequences. They may be removed from the ship at the next port. Violators could also face lifetime bans from cruising.

They are also increasing visible security throughout the ships and instituting better crew training.

Think about it. Crew members are trained to be respectful to the guests under all circumstances. Many don’t speak English well. Now they have to make sure we are following the rules and behaving! I think that’s a hard situation for them.

WE CAN DO BETTER. We are better. It starts with you and I.

WE need to have patience, follow the rules, show respect for others, and teach our kids good manners.

We can show kindness and understanding to others.

We are all here to have a wonderful vacation and it starts with US.