Etiquette for Steam Ship Passengers

‘Do you remember my cousin who crossed with you in the spring of ‘95?’

 

WHAT NOT TO ASK THE CAPTAIN

“The annual rush of tourists back and forth over the Atlantic has begun,” said a liner’s captain, “and I am hardening myself to stand the usual ten tourist questions.

“There are ten questions that every tourist who can get near enough puts to me. You'll put them to me if you ever cross on my ship. I have been asked these ten questions 3,764,952 times. They are:

1. ‘Were you ever shipwrecked?’
2. ‘Any whales in this latitude?’
3. ‘How deep is the water here?’
4. ‘What tips are usually given, and to whom?’
5. ‘How many times have you crossed the Atlantic?’
6. ‘What is the best remedy for seasickness?’
7. ‘Why are you always painting this ship?’
8. ‘Will you let me come up on the bridge some time?’
9. ‘Do you remember my cousin who crossed with you in the spring of ‘95?’
10. ‘I suppose the passengers ask you a great many stupid questions, don't they?’”—Philadelphia Bulletin, 1910

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Etiquette On Board a Steamer

Good-breeding forbids that one monopolize the steamer piano or do all the talking in the ladies’ cabin. Pay some regard to the comfort of those who retire earlier than yourself. Politeness which springs from a kind heart is opposed to boisterous laughter and loud talking.

Steamer Acquaintances

On a steamer where people are thrown together for days, many pleasant acquaintances spring into existence, and some warm friend ships which have stood the test of time have been formed.

But even here, where much freedom is allowed, it is conceded that a certain degree of reserve should be observed on the part of a lady, and that no familiarity should be permitted; also that an acquaintance formed on board a ship need not proceed further than the place which gave it countenance.

Good-breeding forbids that one monopolize the steamer piano or do all the talking in the ladies’ cabin.

Pay some regard to the comfort of those who retire earlier than yourself. Politeness which springs from a kind heart is opposed to boisterous laughter and loud talking.

Table Etiquette on Board Steamer

At the table do not eat hastily and greedily. It is not only ill mannered, but is not a healthy practice. Time is ample here, and you have not the excuse of a hastily-eaten meal at a railway station. Besides, the hundred or more pairs of eyes that are observing you will comment unfavorably.

Never allude to sea-sickness at the table. Most every one is squeamish on the water, and any allusion of this sort is in bad taste.

Remember here, as elsewhere, to avoid giving offense, and regard the rights of all.

Hold yourself ready to pass anything should occasion require. – Annie Randall White, 1901

Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia