Tips and Tricks for a smooth first Cruise Experience

Planning your first cruise can be exciting but also overwhelming, especially with so many different cruise lines and itineraries to choose from. Whether you're sailing with Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney, Celebrity, or Norwegian, there are plenty of tips and tricks to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. So, what are the best cruise tips for beginners, and how can you maximize your time onboard? From the first thing you do when you step on a cruise to insider hacks that will help you get the most out of your trip, we've compiled essential advice for first-time cruisers. Whether you're heading to Alaska with Princess or P&O or enjoying a magical vacation on Disney's Wish or Fantasy, these cruise tips and tricks will help you make the most of your voyage. With expert guidance tailored to popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, and Disney, you'll discover everything you need to know to embark on your adventure with confidence. Read on to find out how to maximize your cruise experience and get the best out of your trip, no matter which ship you're sailing on!

Cruise ship sailing to its destination with cruisers

Follow these tried-and-tested tips offered by experienced cruising guys from their observations and experience to ensure your journey goes smoothly, from the moment you book your ticket to the day you return home.

Arrive at Your Departure Port a Day Early

If there’s one golden rule to follow when preparing for a cruise, it’s this: always arrive at your departure port at least a day in advance. While cruises often set sail in the afternoon, arriving on the morning of departure can be risky. A delayed flight or a traffic jam can lead to missed departures – and trust us, the ship won’t wait.

For international cruises, it's wise to arrive two or even three days ahead of time. Not only does this buffer help you avoid travel delays, but it also gives you time to recover from any jet lag. This is particularly important for European cruises, where port-intensive itineraries can be physically demanding. You'll want to be rested and ready to explore from the moment you step on board.

Pack Your Bathing Suit in Your Carry-On

Once you arrive at the port, porters will take your luggage and deliver it to your cabin later. This is convenient, but it means you might not have access to your belongings for several hours. To avoid missing out on the fun, pack essential items in your carry-on. This includes your bathing suit, sunscreen, medications, phone charger, and anything else you might need during your first few hours on board.

Don't Overpack

It’s easy to fall into the trap of overpacking, but less is more when it comes to cruise vacations. A good strategy is to lay out everything you plan to bring, then cut it in half. Most cruises are casual, and you’ll only need a few outfits. If you need to refresh your wardrobe during the trip, most ships offer laundry services or have self-serve laundromats on board.

Packing lighter not only makes your travels easier but also frees up space for souvenirs and other treasures you may pick up along the way.

Bring Your Own Drinks Onboard

Contrary to popular belief, many cruise lines allow you to bring your own drinks aboard. While there are limits, this is a great way to save on expensive onboard beverages. For instance, Disney Cruise Line allows adults to bring up to two bottles of wine or six beers, while Royal Caribbean allows one bottle of wine or Champagne per passenger. These must be packed in your carry-on.

However, be mindful of corkage fees if you want to enjoy your beverages in the ship's dining areas. It's always best to check the rules specific to your cruise line before packing any drinks.

Don’t Forget Extra Toiletries

While cruise ships stock common items like sunscreen and aspirin, these come with a hefty price tag. To avoid overpaying, pack a small bag with over-the-counter medications and other essentials like seasickness pills, band-aids, and extra toiletries.

For frequent cruisers, packing a "go bag" with these items ensures you’re always prepared, saving you both time and money on board.

Additional Essentials to Pack

Besides toiletries, seasoned cruisers suggest bringing a few extra items that can make your experience more comfortable:

Clorox wipes to sanitize your cabin surfaces.
Room freshener for small cabin spaces.
Foldable shoe racks to store toiletries and other small items.
Highlighters to mark activities in the daily planner.
A lanyard to keep your cabin keycard handy.
Magnets with hooks for hanging clothes and important documents on the metal walls.

Though not essential, these little extras can make your cruise more organized and enjoyable.

Skip the Buffet on Day One

When you board a cruise ship, the buffet is often the go-to spot for most passengers, making it incredibly crowded. Instead of joining the masses, consider exploring alternative dining options. Some ships open specialty or sit-down restaurants for embarkation day, providing a more relaxing and quieter meal experience.

Research Ports in Advance

Cruises are known for their short, often jam-packed port calls, so it’s important to research each destination ahead of time. Arriving prepared ensures you make the most of your time ashore. Resources like travel blogs, Facebook groups dedicated to cruise lines, or cruise-specific guides can help you discover the best excursions and hidden gems in each port.

Join a Cruise Facebook Group

Joining Facebook groups for your cruise line can be an invaluable resource. From destination tips to packing advice, these groups are full of seasoned cruisers eager to help. Groups like the Royal Caribbean Cruises group or Holland America Line Fans can provide insights and answer questions, often more quickly than official channels. Plus, you might even make new friends before your voyage.

Consider Booking Private Tours

While booking shore excursions through your cruise line is easy, you might find better deals or more personalized experiences through independent tour operators like Viator or ToursByLocals. Independent tours often cater to smaller groups and visit less crowded spots, providing a more intimate experience.

And if you’re worried about missing the ship, many independent tour operators offer return-to-ship guarantees, ensuring you’re back in plenty of time.

Sign Up for Activities Early

Many cruise lines allow you to book activities, excursions, and specialty dining before your trip. Signing up early ensures you snag your preferred time slots, especially on larger ships where reservations fill up fast. If pre-booking isn’t an option, make reservations as soon as you board to avoid disappointment.

It’s Okay to Relax

With so many activities onboard, it's easy to feel like you have to do everything. But remember, you're on vacation. Make sure to carve out some downtime for relaxation. Whether it’s enjoying your balcony, sipping a cocktail, or simply watching the waves, taking a break will make your cruise even more enjoyable.

Always Carry the Ship’s Contact Info

Whenever you go ashore, bring the ship’s contact information with you. It’s usually included in the daily newsletter delivered to your cabin. In case of delays or emergencies, having this information on hand will make it easier to contact the cruise line.

Keep Your Phone in Airplane Mode

One of the most common mistakes first-time cruisers make is leaving their phone on, only to rack up enormous data roaming charges. Even international plans often don’t cover cruise ships, and the fees can be astronomical.

To avoid this, switch your phone to airplane mode and use Wi-Fi for any online needs. Many cruise lines offer Wi-Fi packages that allow you to make calls and access the internet without data charges. Some phone carriers also offer cruise-specific plans, but keeping your phone on airplane mode is the simplest way to avoid surprise fees.

Download the Cruise Line’s App

Most cruise lines now offer apps that can be incredibly useful during your voyage. These apps often include daily activity schedules, dining options, and even the ability to make reservations or order drinks. Best of all, these apps typically work without requiring a Wi-Fi package, allowing you to stay connected to ship activities without extra cost.

Book Through a Travel Agent

Booking a cruise can be overwhelming with so many choices to make — from cabins to excursions to dining options. A seasoned travel agent who specializes in cruises can simplify the process, helping you find the best deals, secure additional perks, and offer assistance if anything goes wrong.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is essential for any cruise. From last-minute cancellations to medical emergencies, having insurance can save you a lot of stress and money. Consider looking into "cancel for any reason" (CFAR) travel insurance, which offers the flexibility to cancel your trip for reasons that standard travel insurance may not cover. Here's a helpful comparison of top CFAR travel insurance providers and information on costs and benefits.

Choose Your Cabin Wisely

When selecting a cabin, it’s best to avoid areas near elevators, nightclubs, casinos, and other noisy spots. Cabins below the pool deck or near the anchor can also be loud. Research your ship’s layout before making a final decision to ensure a peaceful night's sleep.

Credit: UndercoverTourist

Use Points for Onboard Purchases

Maximize your credit card rewards by using a travel points card to pay for onboard purchases. Cards like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Chase Sapphire Preferred® offer bonus points for travel and dining, helping you earn rewards while enjoying your vacation.

Watch for Automatic Gratuities

Many cruise lines automatically add gratuities to your bar bills and spa treatments, typically around 18% to 20%. Make sure to check your receipt before adding an additional tip, as you may end up tipping twice.

Use Points for Flights to Your Cruise

While using points for the cruise itself may not always be the best value, redeeming points for flights to and from the port can save you a lot of money.

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