Cruise Ship Proper Fine Dining Etiquette
Cruise Ship Dining?
If you have decided to go on a cruise, you will want to take full advantage of everything the ship has to offer. Most cruise ships have amazing foods served in a refined setting. For those unaccustomed to fine dining, the formal dining experience on a cruise ship can be cause for alarm. To avoid any embarrassing faux pas, here is a refresher course in formal dining etiquette:
General Tips:
Dress Appropriately: Most cruise ships will send out daily bulletins reminding their guests of the dress code for the evening’s meal. Adhere to these dress codes as closely as reasonably possible.
Arrive On Time: Meals hours for the formal restaurants should be posted. There is no excuse to be late.
Patience:
Do not start eating until everyone at the table has been served.
Sharing:
If you order a bottle of wine, offer to share it with others at the table. On most cruise lines, you will be seated with the same group every night, so it is likely that they will reciprocate at some point. You can even make a nightly event of it by taking turns sampling each other’s favorite wines.
Smoking:
Do not smoking at the table. Period. Many cruise ships now offer non-smoking dining areas; however, even if the dining area does permit smoking, it is rude to smoke while others are eating.
Posture:
No slouching. Sit up straight. Don’t lean over your plate to meet your food halfway; bring the food to you.
Elbows:
Keep them near your sides and off the table.
Spread it out on your lap while eating. Large dinner napkins should be folded in half, while small napkins should be opened entirely. When the meal is finished, place the semi-folded napkin at to the left of your plate.
Silverware:
Start with the piece of silverware farthest from your plate and work your way inward. When finished with each piece of silverware, place it on the dish to which it belongs.
Passing Dishes:
Always pass to the right.
Cutting Meat:
Cut only one or two pieces at a time. It is acceptable to cut up the whole piece at once for children or elderly people who are unable to cut their own meat.
Chewing:
Take small bites and chew slowly. Do not rush. The point of a fine meal is to take your time and savor it.
By knowing a few basic tips for fine dining, you can be sure to fully relax and enjoy the meal as you should. By acting with class, you will feel like a millionaire and look like you could be one too.
