Cruise Etiquette Tips
8 Etiquette Tips for Traveling on Cruise Ships
Before the hustle and bustle of the holidays gets underway, could you use a little rest and relaxation? Perhaps a host of great adventure is what you seek. Well, both can be found when traveling the high seas. Cruises can be fantastic fun and if you want your sailing manners to be ship shape, consider the following tips before you set sail.
- Follow the rules. – Cruise lines have well established plans for embarking, debarking, customs and provisions. You can be assured everything will go smoothly if you read over the rules and follow the system.
- Pay attention to the lifeboat safety drill. – You may be excited about your pending adventure, but pay attention to all safety drills. The life it saves may be your own.
- Keep a positive attitude. – If you remind yourself that “no one is perfect”, chances are you won’t be bothered by the occasional imperfection. Babies get cranky, things occasionally break, the weather can be unpredictable, etc. Of course, everyone wants to get the most out of their cruise experience, but realize unexpected problems may arise. Just roll with it and your journey will go more smoothly.
- Dress for public view. – Be modest, comfortable and elegant. You can check with your cruise line for suggestions on what clothing is recommended and keep in mind that many cruises are comprised of travelers of all ages.
- Be considerate of others. – Bear in mind the ship cabins are close together and are not soundproof. Open and close your door quietly so as not to disturb others who may be sleeping and speak at a sensible level.
- Don’t be afraid to get some exercise. – The elevators tend to get very crowded, especially around dinner times, so consider using the stairs. The added exercise will keep you in ship shape.
- Know your limits. – Yes, you are there to have fun, but if you overindulge in food, desserts, or alcohol, you may end up spending time in the medical facility. I’m guessing that’s not on your itinerary.
- Be a first-class tipper. – Your wait staff works hard to make your cruise an enjoyable experience, so don’t even consider skipping dinner on the last night to avoid tipping. They deserve a nice tip and a proper goodbye. You can ask your onboard concierge for gratuity guidelines or visit cruisetip.tpkeller.com.
Bon voyage!
Wishing you much happiness and success!
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com
Halloween Manners for Adults and Children
Halloween Etiquette
Gossip Makes You Ugly
4 Helpful Tips to Avoiding Office Gossip
Let’s face it; most of us have a desire to be liked by the people we work with. We want to form friendships and bond with at least one if not all of our co-workers. This is a good thing, but be careful you don’t make the mistake of allowing gossip to be the bond that holds your relationships together. “The Office Gossip” is not a label that suggests this is a person I can trust, count on, or want on my team.
Here are some tips to help you avoid the business “rumor mill” whether in the office face-to-face or via social networking sites.
- Set a good example. – Behave as though the person being spoken about is right there with you. How would you talk about them (if they were there) and how would you defend them?
- Change the subject. – If you find yourself among co-workers who are gossiping, attempt to redirect the conversation to another topic. Focus on something work related or a different subject that is uplifting in an effort to change the atmosphere.
- Be respectful. – If others are gossiping, don’t be rude or disrespectful, but be sensitive. Consider everyone’s feelings and handle the situation as diplomatically as possible. If the gossiping continues, politely excuse yourself and leave the conversation.
- It’s only hearsay. – There are two sides to every story, so if you happen to overhear someone gossiping, do not automatically assume the rumor is the Gospel truth. If you have a concern, you can confront both parties or speak with someone in human resources.
Keep in mind, gossip is hurtful and can be harmful to someone’s reputation and/or career. It can create stress in the workplace and distract people from getting their work done. Remember, you were hired for a particular job that has specific responsibilities, just like every other employee within the company. If you all work together, the company will be a success. Gossip will only hinder reputations, job effectiveness, and possibly the success of the company.
Wishing you much happiness and success!
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com
Banquet and Buffet Etiquette
5 Tips on Banquet and Buffet Etiquette
Banquets and buffets are more casual than formal sit down dinners and they offer guests a wonderful plethora of food choices. But before you head out to one of these relaxed feasts, be sure to load yourself up with a hearty helping of good manners and you just might increase your chances of corporate advancement.
Consider the following basic tips the next time you accept an invitation to a banquet or buffet dinner:
- Scope out the selections. – Choose three of your favorite food items to start with. On your second trip consider trying something new that you haven’t eaten before.
- Always use a fresh plate. – Each time you visit the buffet, make sure you take a clean plate with you. Never take your used plate to the buffet line.
- It’s a plate, not a platter. – Only put two or three different servings onto your plate at one time and don’t try to break any records for making it back to your table with the highest mound of food. You get to go back up for more food again and again if you wish.
- Polite behavior in line. – While serving yourself, be patient with others. Move with the flow of the line and don’t push through or in front of anyone. Don’t snack on food off your plate while in line and keep the serving utensils in their original dishes so different flavors don’t get mixed in.
- Don’t forget to tip! – It is customary to tip the wait staff 15% to 20% at a banquet or buffet. They are bringing you drinks and fresh plates when needed and they are keeping the buffet tables filled with fresh foods for your dining pleasure.
Bon Appétit!
Wishing you much happiness and success.
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com
Business Dress Blunders
6 Fashion Tips: How to Avoid Business Wear Blunders
Where you aware that the style, color choices, lengths and proper fit of your business clothes speak volumes about your ability to do a good job? If your career path is important to you, your goal should be to look professional rather than coming across trendy and cute. Keep in mind, the more distracting your appearance, the less appropriate it is for the office.
Following are some tips to help you look professional:
- Make sure clothes fit properly. – It doesn’t matter if your clothes are too tight or too big, neither will make you look well put together. If you should lose weight or gain, be sure to adjust your wardrobe accordingly.
- Don’t show too much skin. – Wearing low-cut tops or short skirts to the office is not professional and may earn you an undesirable nickname. Sexy should not be part of your business attire.
- Casual Friday faux pas. – With the advent of Casual Friday come the worst business wear blunders. Make sure you understand your company’s policy on office attire for casual days. Most don’t allow employees to show up in shorts and flip flops or mini-skirts . Generally it is still a collared shirt and long pants (may include jeans) or a modest skirt. Avoid clothes with rips or tears, soiled, wrinkled, or with inappropriate sayings.
- Accessories, less is more. – Don’t wear too much jewelry; it can be distracting. Also, choose a structured style handbag that projects an organized image. Although various perfumes and colognes smell lovely, some people are allergic to them. Be considerate of others and save the smell goods for open air occasions.
- Don’t ignore your footwear. – Make sure you keep your shoes clean or polished and in good condition, as they are part of the overall ensemble.
- A polished image. - A clean scent, manicured nails, and neat hair are also part of a polished image. Attentiveness to all details will leave a favorable impression with your supervisors, co-workers and clients.
There is no need to leave your personal style behind, just be sure your goal when getting dressed for work is to project a professional, competent image, no matter what your employment level.
Wishing you much happiness and success!
Patricia Rossi, America’s Etiquette and Protocol Coach, www.patriciarossi.com