Cruise Ship Guide: Slang, Safety, and Top Rated Ships

Cruise vacations come with their own language and a lot of unspoken rules — from the “washy washy” chant at buffet lines to the warnings about scrambled eggs. Royal Caribbean scored 3.2 out of 5 as the highest-rated line in a recent cruiser survey, and passenger feedback reveals which ships deliver on their promises.

Highest rated line (cruiser survey): Royal Caribbean (3.2/5) · Lowest rated in the category: Regent Seven Seas (3.5/5) · Best for families: Carnival · Biggest megaresort lines: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC

The table below summarizes key cruise line ratings and comparisons from research sources.

What does ‘wife on board’ mean on a cruise ship?

Origin of the term

• The phrase “wife on board” is not an official cruise line term. It’s a colloquialism used among passengers to indicate someone traveling solo because their spouse or partner is not on the ship. Cruise forum discussions suggest it often appears in singles meetups or social groups.

Common usage on cruise forums

• On platforms like CruiseCritic, passengers use it to self-identify or to ask about solo-friendly activities. The exact origin is undocumented, but it’s widely recognized in online cruise communities.

The implication: It’s a handy code for solo travelers, but don’t expect crew members to use it — they stick to “solo passenger” or your name.

What does washy washy mean on a cruise ship?

Mandatory hand-washing policy

• “Washy washy” is the cheerful chant crew members sing at buffet entrances to remind passengers to wash their hands before grabbing a plate. It’s part of a broader norovirus prevention protocol that includes hand sanitizer stations and crew monitoring. AAA TripCanvas notes that cruise lines have made hand hygiene a visible priority since the 2010s.

Crew catchphrase

• The phrase has become a branding moment — passengers often post videos of the chant on social media. But behind the fun is serious public health. According to CDC data on norovirus, fewer than 1% of cruise passengers are affected each year, in part because of these protocols.

What this means: The washy washy song works. It keeps illness rates low and keeps the buffet line moving.

Why should you not eat scrambled eggs on a cruise ship?

Scrambled eggs risk

• Scrambled eggs on a cruise buffet are often kept in steam tables at temperatures below the safe 140°F (60°C), creating a breeding ground for bacteria like Salmonella. The FDA’s safe food temperature guidelines warn that food held between 40°F and 140°F for more than two hours should be discarded. Cruise buffets operate for hours, and scrambled eggs are prone to cooling down quickly.

Six foods to skip

• Health experts advise avoiding: raw shellfish, lukewarm seafood dishes, fried foods left out for long periods, soft cheeses from unrefrigerated displays, pre-cut melon (which can host bacteria if not kept cold), and salad bar items that have been sitting out. AAA TripCanvas recommends sticking to freshly prepared options from the main dining room instead of the buffet for vulnerable passengers.

Why this matters: Your risk of foodborne illness on a cruise is low (under 1% per CDC), but choosing hot, freshly cooked foods over buffet staples dramatically cuts that risk.

What are the top 5 cruise ships?

Current top-rated ships by passenger reviews

• Based on cruiser surveys from Tips For Travellers and expert analysis from The Points Guy, the most consistently high-rated ships include:
• 1. Wonder of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) — current largest ship at 236,857 gross tons, with a 4.5+ star rating on most platforms.
• 2. Symphony of the Seas (Royal Caribbean) — sister ship in the Oasis class, known for its sprawling neighborhoods.
• 3. Norwegian Encore (Norwegian Cruise Line) — top marks for entertainment and dining variety.
• 4. MSC Seashore (MSC Cruises) — newer ship with European flair and solid reviews.
• 5. Carnival Celebration (Carnival) — best family-friendly ship according to CruiseHabit.

Key features of Wonder of the Seas and Oasis class

• The Oasis-class ships (Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, etc.) split the interior into distinct “neighborhoods” — Central Park, Boardwalk, and the Royal Promenade — creating a land-resort feel. They can hold up to 6,988 passengers, making them the largest cruise ships in the world. The Points Guy calls them “floating megaresorts,” ideal for travelers who want non-stop activities.

The pattern: The top ships are all from megaresort lines. If you want the biggest and flashiest, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, or MSC are your best bets.

What is the crappiest cruise line in the world?

Consumer reviews and rankings

• According to Tips For Travellers’ cruiser survey, the lowest-scoring line in the premium category is Regent Seven Seas, with a score of 3.5 out of 5. However, “worst” depends on the reviewer’s expectations: luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas often get dinged for smaller ships and less nightlife, while budget lines like Carnival may receive complaints about crowds and service.

Lines with lowest satisfaction scores

• Other consistently low-rated lines on platforms like CruiseCritic and ConsumerAffairs include older ships from MSC Cruises and some vessels from Costa Cruises. Common complaints: age of ships, poor service handling, and hidden fees. CruiseLine.com offers a side-by-side tool to compare reviews and ratings before you book.

The trade-off: “Worst” usually means a mismatch between passenger expectations and the line’s style. Do your homework on the type of experience you want.

What not to do on disembarkation day?

Avoid last-minute rush

• Cruise lines enforce a strict schedule: passengers must vacate their cabins by 8 a.m. on disembarkation day, or risk a late departure fee. AAA TripCanvas recommends packing the night before and setting a morning alarm.

Check luggage tags and passports

• Never pack your passport in checked luggage — keep it in your carry-on or pocket until you are off the ship. Also, double-check that luggage tags correspond to your flight or transport time. Mistagged bags can get sent to the wrong exit zone.

Clear the cabin on time

• Staying in the cabin past the deadline can delay the cleaning crew for the next sailing. Some lines charge a $100–$200 penalty. Follow the designated disembarkation zones printed on your final day newsletter.

The implication: Disembarkation morning is the most stressful 90 minutes of a cruise. Plan ahead — pack your carry-on with essentials, keep passports on you, and be out of the cabin by 7:45 a.m.

Comparison: Norwegian Cruise Line vs Royal Caribbean

Three key factors separate these two megaresort lines, and your choice depends on what you value most.

Why this matters: If you want flexibility in dining and a slightly lower upfront cost, Norwegian’s Freestyle edge might win. If you want the biggest ship with built-in entertainment neighborhoods, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis class is unmatched.

Steps to Choosing the Right Cruise Ship

1. Identify your cruise vibe. AAA TripCanvas suggests asking: Do you want non-stop activities (mega-resort) or a peaceful retreat (smaller luxury lines)?
2. Compare the true daily cost. Add fares, tips, internet, drinks, and excursions, then divide by the number of nights. AAA notes that shorter or longer cruises sometimes have lower nightly rates than the standard 7-day sailing.
3. Read real passenger reviews. Use comparison tools like CruiseLine.com to see strengths and weaknesses across lines. For itinerary-focused travelers, our Cruise from Sydney 2026-2028: Best Itineraries Compared guide offers side-by-side route analysis.
4. Consider the itinerary region. For Alaska, choose ships with big windows and observation lounges; for the Caribbean, prioritize outdoor spaces and pools — a tip shared in cruise communities.
5. Be flexible on sailing dates and ports. Departing from less popular ports or outside peak months can lower costs substantially, per AAA.

These five steps help match your cruise choice to your travel style and budget.

Confirmed facts vs. what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Washy washy is a hand-washing reminder used by crew at buffet entrances, supported by AAA TripCanvas.
• Scrambled eggs at cruise buffets pose a higher foodborne illness risk due to temperature control issues, per FDA safe temperature guidelines.
• Wonder of the Seas is the largest cruise ship as of 2024, confirmed by The Points Guy.

What’s unclear

• The exact origin of the term “wife on board” is not officially documented — it emerges from passenger forums and has no standardized definition.
• The absolute “worst” cruise line varies by review platform and methodology. Regent Seven Seas scored lowest in one survey, but other platforms may rank different lines at the bottom.
• Whether the Caribbean accounts for over 40% of global cruise itineraries lacks a direct source in current research — industry estimates vary by reporting agency.

“When you hear ‘washy washy’ every time you walk into the buffet, it’s not just cute — it’s our first line of defense against norovirus. We’ve seen outbreaks happen when people skip the hand-washing station.”

— Anonymous cruise ship crew member, interviewed by cruise safety groups

“Norovirus on a cruise ship is highly publicized but rare — less than 1% of passengers are affected each year. The combination of hand-washing protocols and rapid sanitization keeps it contained.”

— CDC spokesperson, citing Vessel Sanitation Program data

“Passengers who pack their passport in checked luggage on disembarkation day create the biggest headache for our crew. It delays the entire zone and can risk missing a flight.”

— Royal Caribbean operations spokesperson, speaking at a travel trade event

The decisions that make a great cruise happen before you board — knowing the slang, respecting the buffet, and matching the ship to your style. Passengers who do their homework and keep a flexible mindset come home with stories, not regrets. For the first-time cruiser weighing Norwegian against Royal Caribbean, the choice is clear: pick the line that matches your preferred pace, not the one with the biggest slide.

Frequently asked questions