While visiting Celebrity Mercury this weekend, I was astonished by the behavior of a few unruly travel agents. We were on largely separate tours of the vessel but intersected at several points.

Penthouse bed,
post-travel agents

In the Penthouse, they'd rifled through papers, apparently sat on a bedspread (and didn't even straighten it afterward), and tossed pillows around. A cabin steward was following up right behind, but it's a pity he had to do his job twice.

Here at CruiseSavvy, we believe it is important to be considerate to crew and give priority to guests, and we encourage everyone who visits ships to do the same.

Sure, visits like these can foster a sense of entitlement, as one is feted by officers and whisked past queues, but it's important to remember how hard the crew work. 10-12 hour days, 7 days a week, for months at a time. And if you leave grubby fingerprints on a pillow that leads to a cabin steward losing gratuities, you've cost his family a substantial part of their income.

Similarly, the cruise customer should always come first. Heck, the cruise exists for the customer -- we are just facilitators. Let them go ahead of you. Offer directions if they look lost. Help in any way you can. Remember, their good (or bad) experience is what they will share with their friends (potential customers) back home.

I'd like to propose these guidelines for visiting ships:

• Don't be unhygenic. Unless you will be sailing in that cabin, don't touch towels, pillows, or drinking glasses
• If you do move something, perhaps to take a photo, put it back!
• Respect your hosts' time. Take photos quickly, ask your questions while you are walking, and don't wander off
• If you are able, take the stairs. Especially on embarkation day the elevators will be busy with guests and luggage. Do like the officers and improve your glutes
• Be gracious. Thank your hosts. If there's a presentation, listen and applaud. Yes, they are trying to sell you on their product, but they are also going out of their way to provide you with information and hospitality.

*sigh*

On that note, CruiseSavvy would like to thank Liz Jakeway from Celebrity Public Relations for arranging the visit; Captain's Club Host Tanushka for an informative, fun and efficient tour; and of course Hotel Director Sonja Gruber for her hospitality aboard this beautiful and well-run vessel.

Feel free to tour the ship yourself through our pictures of Celebrity Mercury.