Cruise passengers sharply divided over cutting buffet lines to sneak quick bites

A common cruise ship buffet habit is raising questions — and eyebrows — about what passengers should and shouldn't do while filling their plates during meals.Cutting ahead of others to grab just one item may seem a harmless action, but it can frustrate fellow passengers who have been patiently waiting their turn.Buffet line-cutting was recently highlighted in a discussion about etiquette while at sea, according to the "Royal Caribbean Blog."CRUISE BUFFET GUESTS FACE SURPRISE CHARGES FOR TAKING FOOD BACK TO CABINSPassengers should wait their turn even if they only want something quick, such as a piece of toast or fruit, rather than squeezing past others or reaching around them, the blog advised.Jumping ahead generally sends the wrong message, said Diane Gottsman, an etiquette expert based in Texas. A common cruise ship buffet habit of grabbing an item out of turn is stirring a debate about etiquette while at sea.  (iStock)"It's never acceptable to jump in front of someone in a buffet line, whether on a cruise ship, at a restaurant buffet or at a wedding," Gottsman said."Everyone is waiting their turn, so having someone jump in front of you comes across as rude," she added."It also disrupts the flow of the buffet line, and in some cases can even cause a buffet traffic jam."CRUISE PASSENGERS CRITICIZE NEW PROGRAM IDENTIFYING EARLY TIPPERS ON BOARDThere may be exceptions, however, depending on what someone needs and how crowded the buffet may be.Gottsman said reaching in for a napkin is more understandable than cutting ahead to grab food.

If only a few people are waiting, politely asking to step in briefly for a fork or knife may also be acceptable.Holding a place for someone else can also test the patience of passengers who have been waiting.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"If you're holding a space for your spouse, a friend or a child, the child generally gets a pass," said Gottsman.But the spouse and friend are probably being judged and frus...