I was on a Royal Caribbean cruise onboard Symphony of the Seas, and I was heading into the ice rink for the evening show.
I always like to go to the evening shows when possible, and the Ice skating shows are very popular.
People arrive and line up early, and many want to save seats for family and friends who arrive later.
I thought I’d seen everything, until I saw this….
What Happened?
I walked in and saw a man on the other side of the Ice rink.
He clearly wanted to save two extra seats. Instead of using his jumper/sweater or perhaps a bag, he casually took off his shoes and socks – and placed one sock on each chair!
He seemed very calm and confident about it – as if this was the most normal thing to do in the world! He gave the impression that this was perfectly acceptable cruise etiquette.
When his cruise mates arrived, he put his socks and shoes back on and acted as if nothing had happened.
My Reaction (and Everyone Else’s)
People noticed, but nobody said anything. Nobody challenged him or attempted to sit there. For him, this odd seat-saving strategy worked.
Perhaps people thought his behaviour was a little odd and wanted to avoid him!
I was a little shocked, it’s something I would never have considered doing in a million years!
Why It Was So Funny (and Gross!)
It seemed that good manners and cruise ship etiquette had gone out the window when it came to getting a good view of the show.
Normally, it’s towels by the pool, jumpers on chairs, but using socks to save seats at an entertainment venue took it to a whole new level.
It clearly wasn’t malicious, just bizarrely funny – and slightly disgusting.
Studio B on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas has a seating capacity of 769 people for its ice-skating shows and other events. You wouldn’t think he would need to go to these extreme lengths to secure the best seat.
Have a closer look at the Mediterranean cruise I took onboard Symphony of the Seas here:
Before You Go
Find out about some more odd things that members of our Facebook group have seen other guests doing here:
The Weirdest Things We’ve Ever Seen Guests Do On A Cruise – 29 Examples
Find out below how to get things back if you leave them on the cruise ship (but don’t expect them to return your smelly socks!)
How to Get Your Items Back if You Leave Them on a Cruise Ship
Book a Cruise (I’ve Launched My Own Travel Agency)
I’ve spent the last 10 years creating cruise content online and over that time I’ve learnt that having a great travel agent makes a HUGE difference.
That’s why in 2026, I launched my own agency and built a team of real cruise experts who love cruising as much as I do.
We combine great prices with personal service. Just click the button below and we’ll find you the perfect cruise. No request is too big or too small, we’re here to help.