9. Avoid controversial subjects at dinner.

Can't stand the folks who bring up politics with strangers or complain about literally anything and everything? We feel your pain. Just like on land, the goal is not to be those folks at sea either. 

How to deal: Avoid any subject that could lead to disagreements. And if you see tablemates start to head into unchartered conversation territory, do your best to change the subject. For example, if someone starts flaunting their diamond status or bringing up a heated debate about guns, coolly change the subject to something the whole table can relate to, such as the day’s port visit. After all, everyone is on the same trip so there are plenty of subjects you'll all have in common if you stick to discussing the vacation.