If you've never cruised before, these cruise recommendations will address all of your concerns and give you important information for your upcoming trip.
Most first-time cruise passengers are a little concerned about what to bring and what to anticipate because they have never cruised before. Some additionally worry about motion sickness and being claustrophobic.
But don't panic; we've got some great advice for first-time cruisers to help you understand how a cruise plan is different from a land-based itinerary.
Despite what some people may assume, taking a cruise offers excellent value. Many claim that having thousands of others around you on a boat does not allow you any privacy or alone. They couldn't be more wrong.
1. Don't blindly book any cruise line and cruise ship!
Picking the right cruise can make or break a cruise vacation. Not only that, but if you leave your first cruise with a bad experience, that could lead you to never cruise again! Same goes for ships. Different ships cater to different types of cruisers. Some are better for couples, others for families and some for solo travellers. Working with a travel agent will help you ensure you get the best fit for the experience you are looking for.
2. Fly in the day before the cruise
Flying out on the day of your cruise can be quite risky. Flights are unpredictable with cancellations, mechanical delays, weather delays and more. If you try to fly in the same day before your cruise and the inevitable happens, you could miss your cruise! We always recommend flying in at least 1 day prior to your cruise. This ensures you buffer room for any issues. You just stay at a hotel near your port for the night and get an early start the next day.
3. Don't Overpack
I have to admit I can be very guilty for this! As first time cruisers we can overpack and bring way to much stuff. I tend to pack and not even wear half the stuff I bring. Think of basic wardrobe items that you can mix and match. One tip, always bring double the amount of underwear! Reason being, if you are out all day on an excursion then you get back, go to the pool. You go to get dressed for dinner, you will want that fresh new pairs of undies! (You'll thank me later lol)
4. The Essentials List
Sunscreen
Aloe
Seabands or Gravol
Hat
Sunglasses
Swimsuit
1 pair of runners
non-surge power bar
Silicone straws
This list seems self-explanatory but you wouldn't believe how many people forget one of those items (myself included). During my last cruise I was pregnant with my 3rd child and I don't ever burn. Well, I burnt quite bad and didn't have an aloe or AfterSun on hand. They do carry this in the cruise shops but it cost quite a pretty penny! A non-surge power bar is a must have! There are limited outlets in the room so to maximize everyone's device charging, it's better to have a power strip! For me, silicone straws were a must. As with most restaurants and cruise lines, they have switched to paper straws and I cannot stand them. Silicone straws were great because they could be used in any drink (including the frozen ones!). Metal straws are okay but if you plan on any frozen type drink, they don't work too well for those ones.
5. Print out your Cruise Documents
This is one of the cruise mistakes we see people always make. They don’t print out their cruise documents, thinking that having them on their phone is enough. It’s not. What if you don’t have wi-fi or a data signal? Plus, it’s easier for port staff checking you in to have a physical copy of your documents. They can stamp it or scan it and move you along faster.
That also includes your cruise luggage tags.
6. Don't miss the All Aboard Time!
Missing all aboard time and returning to the cruise port after or just as the cruise is about to depart is one of the worst cruise mistakes first-timers can make.
The cruise ship will not wait for you. They will leave without you. If you miss the departure, you will have to find your own way back to the next port city, which can be expensive, and you will not get a refund for your cruise.
All aboard time is repeatedly announced in the morning as cruisers disembark at the port-of-call, the time is also listed in the daily cruise planner, and there is always a sign in the gangway on your way out. It is always 30 minutes before departure time on your itinerary.
We recommend not cutting it close and making sure you are back at the cruise port at least 1 hour before the cruise ship departure, just in case.
7. Don't be shy in the Dining Room
Many first-time cruisers don’t know they can order as much as they want in the main dining room. One of the tips for first-time cruisers is to order that second appetizer or share a second entree. It’s all included!
If it’s lobster night, make it a surf and turf dinner. Order the prime rib with it.
Nobody is saying you should overeat and waste food. The servings are usually small or of normal size, so it’s easy to order extra and even share with your party if you like.
8. Bring a Carry-On
You won't have access to your stateroom or luggage right away. If you are travelling with your family or another person, try to pack a small roller carry-on luggage with a few essentials until you get access to your other belongings. Things to pack in it would be:
Medications
Travel Documents
Change of Clothes
Swimsuit
Electronics (Phone, Tablets, Cameras etc)
Cruise Lanyard
Sunscreen, Hat, Sunglasses
Portable Charger
Children's items (diapers/wipes/clothes etc)
Refillable water bottles
Allowable Beverages (Wine, Pop, Juice, Water etc)
9. Organization is key
If you are travelling as a family in one stateroom, organization is key! As a mom who travels frequently with her 3 kids (currently 10, 4.5, and 8 months) it can be overwhelming if you are unprepared. Things that I take on my cruises are things like black fabric shower curtain and magnetic metal hooks. This allows me to black out a space for the crib or bed for the kids so they can still have darkness while I can watch TV or read without them being bothered by light. We stuck these magnetic hooks EVERYWHERE! All on the walls to hold lanyards, hats, bathing suits and more. I also recommend bringing an over the door show organizer. This can be hung over the bathroom door and can store things like diapers, wipes, snacks, water bottles, hats, extra shoes, and whatever else you think to put in there.
10. Keep your phone in airplane mode
Some of the biggest cruise ship horror stories you’ll find on the internet are tales of cruising newbies who racked up thousands of dollars in cellphone charges while on ships. This can happen when you leave your phone turned on and, say, watch videos on the internet. Many phone plans — even international plans — do not include talking, texting and data on cruise ships, and you’ll pay exorbitant roaming rates for such services that will show up weeks later on your phone bill.
There are ways to make calls and access the internet on the ships without spending a boatload of money. You can buy a Wi-Fi package, for instance, that will let you make FaceTime calls and stream videos (on some ships) over Wi-Fi without using phone data.
Some phone companies have cruise-specific plans you can buy in advance of a voyage. But I personally never go that route. I keep it simple. I just put my phone in airplane mode the moment I step on board a ship and never switch it back on. I then turn on the phone’s Wi-Fi, buy a Wi-Fi package and do all my calling, texting and internet surfing over Wi-Fi. That way, there’s no way that I can be surprised by an unexpected charge.
11. Onboard Account
You will receive a sail and sign card as you prepare for embarkation. Keeping this card in a safe place is essential.
Every cruise line works on a cashless system, so your card acts like a credit card. The cruise line will request a credit card number to bill your gratuities and purchases.
Your card is charged temporarily, and the amount will vary by the number of days you are sailing. Different cruise lines (e.g., Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises) can charge different amounts.
The hold amount can be as low as USD 100 or as high as USD 500. If you do not own a credit card or have enough limit, be prepared to give cash upfront.
Princess Cruises uses a Medallion. The disk hangs on a lanyard, or you can wear it on a watch band, belt clip, necklace, or other wearable pieces. It serves the same purpose as a sail and sign card.
Occasionally you may want to check your account. A balance check is available at onboard kiosks, customer service desks, the cruise ship app, or in some cases, on your cabin TV. You will receive a detailed statement on the last morning of your cruise. Only do something if you requested to pay by credit card and the billing is correct. If you want to pay by cash or partly cash, visit the customer service desk before debarking your cruise ship.
Final Thoughts
Your best takeaway will be the memories of the places you’ve seen and the fun you had. Be bold and try things you may have been reluctant to do at home.
No one on your cruise ship knows you, so sing your heart out at karaoke (even if you’re out of tune). Also, it’s okay to dance with two left feet and participate in the game shows.
I hope you will find you love cruising as much as we do. It’s a great way to see the world without breaking your budget.
This is the last piece of advice. Never forget this is YOUR vacation so remember to have fun!
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