It can be really exciting going on holiday but when you are considering going on a cruise, there are some things which you really need to think about. Things such as manners are often forgotten and whilst you may be paying a lot of money to go on the vacation, you still need to remember to be polite.

Remembering Your Manners

You are not going to be alone on the ship even if you are actually traveling alone. Generally the passengers on the ship including you are part of a community and even the staff is included in that too. Think about it, you have your meals cooked for you and you do not even have to do any washing up. Yes you are paying for the privilege but there really is no need to be rude to staff and passengers because you have paid!

So how should you act on a cruise ship? Well the first thing you should consider is tipping. When you go to a restaurant or to the hairdressers, usually it is custom to leave a tip afterwards. This is exactly the same on a cruise ship so whenever you can, tip the staff for their service to you. After all you cannot have a good time if the staff look miserable and if they provide poor service can you.

Now when it comes to the other passengers there are also basic rules that you should stick to. The first is not to cut in line for things. Whether it is for an attraction, a queue to eat or generally just when passengers are standing around, it is just not nice to cut in front of people or rudely push them out of the way. So if you do need to get passed somebody be polite about it and don’t spoil the relaxing atmosphere.

You should also consider your manners when you are watching something such as a theatre show. When everyone is trying to focus on the show they do not want to hear you talking or making a lot of noise so be respectful of that and you should be ok.

One thing which you may not think about is the dress code on the ship. Now each cruise liner will be different but usually there are quite strict rules about what you should and shouldn’t wear, especially during meal times. So if you do prefer to dress a little more casual then ensure that there is a fairly casual restaurant on the cruise ship.

If you do not follow simply ship rules then the other passengers could feel uncomfortable and they could start to dislike you for your lack of compliance. This would obviously make the vacation a little less enjoyable and you would not com back feeling refreshed. Cruises provide you with a fantastic opportunity to see new things and to forget about everything so do not spoil it by not following general ship rules.


The idea of partying on the beach is universally appealing, conjuring up images of dancing from sunset to sunrise on golden sands, with bonfires, great music, crashing waves and cocktails in the mix.

From Ibiza to Miami, there are as many types of beach parties as there are party-people looking for a good time. From down and dirty dancing to celebrity-spotting socializing, read on for the 5 best party beaches in the world!

IBIZA, SPAIN

The name Ibiza has been synonymous with the phrase ‘beach party’ ever since the late ‘80’s when the former hangout of hippies and flower-children, metamorphosized into the party capital of the world. Stars, celebs and models all love to get down at the clubs dotted around this picturesque Spanish isle. The Playa d’en Bossa Beach is the longest stretch of beach on the island with its bars and cafés. The far end of the beach (away from Ibiza Town) is calmer, with less people and house music. But for the definitive Ibiza beach party, head to Bora Bora, half way along d'en Bossa beach. Ibiza is also known as a gay-friendly beach party destination.

MYKONOS, GREECE

With its welcoming locals and trendy beach bars oceanside, Mykonos is another great place to party on the sands. Head to Paradise Beach Bar, located right on the beach between the palm trees. Here the partying starts early - from 2 pm – and goes on till sunrise the following day. This breathtakingly beautiful island is another favourite destination of the world’s fashionable party-set, so expect to enjoy celebrity-spotting while you dance the night away. Lots of places of historical and cultural interest, plus great tanning opportunities, mean you’ll never be bored while waiting for the fun to begin.

SOUTH BEACH, MIAMI

Where the beautiful people hang out – South Beach offers all the partying you’ll ever need. Although not strictly speaking ON the beach, the numerous fabulous clubs sprinkled along this expensive coastline are so hot that they bring the beach atmosphere right inside. This is where the posh people party, but the good times only get under way from 11 pm, so strolling along the beach, dining out or having a drink in the earlier part of the evening is recommended to avoid arriving too early. Many top model agencies send scouts to South Beach - you never know who might spot you on one of the awesome dance floors. The beach itself is stunning, with white, baby-powder sands caressed by the Atlantic. Not only can you dine here during the day but when the sun goes down you can have fun at the beds on stilts at Nikki Beach.

BLOOMINGDALE AAN ZEE, HOLLAND

This event-venue opened nearly 7 years ago as a beach party for Amsterdam locals. The club has grown to accommodate 2 400 revelers with both in- and out-of-door areas. The setting is one of the most aesthetic on the Netherlands coast. Bloomingdales is renowned for its all-day Sunday parties held regularly throughout the year. The music tends towards chilled, laid-back tunes, perfect for the beach-setting. Top DJ’s are hosted regularly here.

CAMPS BAY, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA

The white sands of this beautiful beach are popular throughout summer with both locals and international visitors to the Mother City of Cape Town, South Africa. With bars, cafes and restaurants right along the Camps Bay strip there are always trendy and beautiful people spilling out of these venues on to the beach. While volley ball and tanning are popular by day, sundowners and impromptu beach parties are on from early evening to well past midnight. Enjoy music, fire-jugglers and drumming around the huge bonfires which are lit during the summer holiday season.

So if sun, sand and sea make put you in the mood for some sexy partying – why leave the beach? Head for one of these 5 hot spots and the party need never end!