Top 10 Tips Every First Time Cruiser Should Know

Cruising for the first time can be both exciting and overwhelming. With so many choices, activities, and preparations to consider, it's easy to feel lost before you even set sail.

Whether you're worried about what to pack, how to avoid rookie mistakes, or simply want to make the most of your time on board, these tips will guide you and help you have an enjoyable time at sea!

1. Arrive at your port city at least a day early

   If you only follow one piece of advice on this list, make it this one. Arriving early removes a lot of stress. Everyone knows how frustrating air travel can be. Don't add even more pressure by flying in on the same day your cruise sets sail. At that point, you're just hoping everything goes perfectly, and that doesn't always happen. The cruise ship won't wait for your delayed flight, missed connection, or traffic jam. It will leave without you. So whatever you do, don't miss your cruise.

   This is especially important if you're flying internationally. I'd suggest flying in two or three days early. International travel is more complicated because you have to go through customs, deal with jet lag, and navigate an unfamiliar area. Give yourself plenty of time in case of delays or unexpected problems. Most port cities have plenty of things to do while you wait.

   You don't want to board your ship while still dealing with jet lag, especially if you're on a European cruise that includes a lot of port stops. You might be surprised how many people miss their cruise because of flight cancellations or delays. Don't let that happen to you. This is one of those tips that experienced cruisers always follow, and there's a good reason for it.

2. Pack a carry-on bag for embarkation day

   This is one of those tips that experienced cruisers will preach, and for good reason. When you embark on the ship, the cruise line usually takes your luggage for you, and it'll arrive at your stateroom later. This is nice because then you're not hauling your luggage around the ship all day, since your room likely won't be ready when you first board.

   It's wise to take a carry-on bag with you to pack any swimsuits, sunscreen, sunglasses, portable phone chargers, medications, and anything else you'd need for the next few hours. During this time, you can explore the ship, go for a swim, or grab a bite to eat.

   Note that some cruise lines allow you to bring your own alcohol. If you're sailing with Disney, anyone 21 or older can bring alcohol onboard, but it must be in your carry-on bag, not your regular luggage. Make sure you know your specific cruise line's alcohol policy.

   I highly recommend boarding early so you can get the most out of your time on the ship. I'd also suggest staying away from the buffet and going for a sit-down lunch or a quick-service option instead, since everyone usually heads straight for the buffet.

   Take some time to explore the ship, walk around, and get familiar with the layout. You can really do whatever you like. Just remember that your room won't be ready for a few hours if you board in the morning.

3. Don't overpack

   This is one of those things that people tend to overthink, but your stateroom is not the size of a regular hotel room. It's very small, so you're not going to have much space. I think Disney's ships have some of the largest staterooms, and they're still smaller than most hotel rooms.

   If you're struggling to pack outfits, here's a helpful tip. Lay out everything you think you'll need, then take half of that. Trust me, you won't need as many clothes as you think. You can rewear shirts - nobody cares. Most ships offer laundry services if you really need them.

   It's smart to check the weather ahead of time and bring a rain jacket or hoodie just in case. Sometimes you'll feel like you're experiencing all four seasons on the same cruise. Also, research the dress codes. Most cruise ships have a formal night or themed night that you might want to prepare for.

   One last thing: if you're planning to visit places while in port, dress appropriately. Some locations require your shoulders and knees to be covered. This is true for places like Vatican City. Just do your research ahead of time so you're ready for everything on your itinerary.

4. Pay attention to when the ship is leaving

   If you plan on going on any port excursions, be sure to set a reminder and check your watch while you're out there. The cruise ship will tell you ahead of time when the all ashore and all aboard times are, and believe me, they mean it.

   If they say all aboard by 6:00 PM, they mean 6:00 PM sharp. Not 7:00, not 6:30, not 6:15, not even 6:01. The ship has a tight schedule and it will leave you behind if you're late. At that point, it's your responsibility to make travel arrangements to meet the ship at the next port.

   Now, if you're on a tour sponsored through the cruise line itself, the ship will wait for you as long as you stay with the group. However, if you're going independently, it's entirely your responsibility to make it back on time because the ship will not wait.

   For peace of mind, I recommend getting back on board an hour before the listed all aboard time just to have a buffer in case of unexpected delays.

5. Keep your phone in airplane mode

   You might not think much of this one, but whenever you try to use your cell phone outside your carrier's coverage area, you'll rack up a bunch of excess fees or roaming charges. Trust me when I say those charges are no joke.

   It's always a good idea to keep your phone in airplane mode when traveling internationally. Spoiler alert: you're not going to get any coverage from your carrier in the middle of the ocean.

   If you need to call or text, you can purchase Wi-Fi packages through the cruise line. Just know that it may be spotty or slow. I've found that older ships tend to have the slowest connections. Purchase it only if you absolutely need it, and keep its limitations in mind.

6. Book any excursions or onboard activities in advance

   They say the early bird gets the worm, and that's usually the case when it comes to cruise ship activities. If you want to go on a tour, join a class, go to the spa, eat at a specific upscale restaurant, or attend a certain show or performance, it's a good idea to book a reservation for those things in advance.

   That's not to say there aren't late deals to be found, because there absolutely can be, but you might not have much choice when it comes to booking things. The most popular events and times can, and usually do, get booked up completely before you even board the ship. So basically, keep in mind that those activities are usually competitive. If you happen to snag an opening, take it. You can always back out of it if your plans change for some reason.

   That doesn't mean all hope is lost. If there's anything you want to do but couldn't book online before your sailing, you can go to guest services and ask if there are any last-minute openings available. You can also be added to the waitlist.

   As for port excursions, you definitely want to do your own research ahead of time, before you board the ship. Have a plan in place to get the most out of your time in port. Most cruise lines offer an excursion deal where you can simply check a box when booking your cruise, and that's it. They'll take care of the rest for you.

   There's always the option to do a private excursion, which is sometimes cheaper and a bit more personalized than a cruise-sponsored tour. You have more freedom to explore the sights you want to see when you want to see them and stay as long as you like. Just know that with a private tour, you'll have to do a little more work yourself to plan your day.

7. Use your ship's app or onboard daily planners

   Most cruise ships will either give you a flyer with daily events and times in your cabin or post them on their specific app. Most cruise lines nowadays have an app where you can see the day's events, along with when and where everything is happening onboard.

   Make sure you download their app. Take advantage of it and see what's available. Some apps will let you book activities directly or order drinks and beverages from anywhere on the ship.

   Different cruise lines have different apps, but you'll want to use it consistently to make the most of your experience. Some apps even offer chat features to stay in touch with people in your party, and the app works even if you don't purchase a Wi-Fi package, at least on Disney.

8. Don't feel obligated to do it all

   There's so much happening on your cruise ship that there's simply no way to do absolutely everything, and that's okay. Don't worry about trying to do it all. You can miss a few things and still have an amazing and unforgettable experience.

   Honestly, it's better to only book and schedule the things you actually want to do and fully enjoy those rather than stressing about doing everything. Don't let fear of missing out get in your way.

   Remember, you're on vacation. Take some downtime for yourself and catch an ocean view. Trust me, you won't regret it. Plus, if you cruise again, you can always do the things you missed last time.

9. Pick your stateroom carefully

   Picking your stateroom is kind of like picking a hotel room, but there's a bit more thought involved, which some people might overlook. Find a stateroom that fits both your budget and vacation needs. Suites and rooms with handicap access tend to fill up rather quickly.

   Also, location matters. You can choose an interior room with no windows, which is normally cheaper, or go for one with a balcony. The next thing you need to be aware of is the location of your stateroom. Try to avoid rooms near restaurants, pool areas, bars or nightclubs, or other high-traffic areas, as these can create unwanted noise in the middle of the night.

   A good rule of thumb is to make sure your room is surrounded on all sides by other staterooms. Trust me, you may think the noise won't be a problem, but I promise you'll only make that mistake once.

10. Stay healthy

    The worst thing that can happen is getting sick on a cruise ship. I think everyone remembers the infamous event that happened in 2020. Most ships have plenty of hand sanitizing stations throughout the ship. Just make sure you're always washing your hands, especially when you're in public areas, which is basically everywhere.

    Also, bring any medications you might need. If you're a first-time cruiser, it's totally normal to worry about motion sickness. The good news is that most cruise ships are so large you usually won't even notice you're on the water. Sometimes, if you're watching a movie or a show, you might even forget you're on a ship at all.

    That said, you will feel the ship move now and then since you're out on the ocean. I find that getting fresh air on the open decks can help. Being stuck in your stateroom can actually make it worse.

    When in doubt, bring some over-the-counter medicine like Dramamine. Medications and sunscreen are a lot more expensive on the ship, so bring what you'll need with you. That way, you can spend your money on fun instead.