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First-time cruisers often spend a ton of time researching cruise ships, looking over deck plans, studying activity schedules, and reading cruise message boards for advice. Yet, no amount of preparation can quite capture the full experience of your first cruise – that’s something even the most experienced cruise travelers would agree on.

If you’re a new cruiser preparing for your maiden voyage and want to make the most of every moment, we’re here to guide you. From things you’ll want to avoid doing on embarkation day to cruise etiquette tips you’ll want to follow, this post will help you navigate your first cruise like a pro!

With that said, here are the things to avoid doing on your first cruise.

17 Things Not to Do on Your First Cruise

1. Don’t Fly in the Same Day as Your Cruise

A valuable piece of advice for first-time cruisers is to fly into your departure city the day before your cruise. While it might be tempting to save money by flying in on the day of your cruise vacation, it’s a risky move that could add unnecessary stress to the start of your trip.

Several factors, such as flight delays, cancellations, or unexpected weather conditions, can derail your travel plans and cause you to miss the ship’s departure.

By arriving a day early, you build in a buffer against potential travel hiccups, allowing yourself time to adjust, relax, and have a stress-free embarkation day.

2. Don’t Spend Too Much Time in Your Cabin

While cruise cabins are designed to be a comfortable home base, spending too much time in your room can mean missing out on everything your ship has to offer.

Cruise ships are packed with activities – from live entertainment, to onboard attractions and poolside games. With many options right outside your cruise cabin door, spending too much time in your stateroom can lead you to miss out on all the fun.

Exploring the cruise ship lets you discover hidden gems, like quiet lounges with stunning ocean views, hidden bars, and more!

Although the cruise cabin is perfect for catching a good night’s sleep or enjoying a moment of relaxation, don’t spend too much time there and take advantage of the amazing things the cruise ship offers!

3. Avoid Leaving Packing Until the Last Minute

Procrastinating on packing is a common pre-cruise pitfall, but it can lead to forgotten essentials and unnecessary stress just before your trip.

Something new cruisers will want to avoid doing is waiting till the last minute to pack. Procrastinating on packing can lead to forgotten clothing, cruise essentials, and unnecessary stress before your cruise vacation.

Scrambling to pack the night before your cruise can result in items like medications, chargers, or important travel documents being left behind. It can also make for a chaotic start to what’s supposed to be a relaxing cruise vacation.

Starting the packing process early helps keep your pre-cruise excitement intact, rather than turning it into a last-minute panic. If you pack ahead of time, you’ll arrive on embarkation day feeling organized, prepared, and ready to enjoy the cruise adventure ahead.

4. Don’t Ignore the Muster Drill

The muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise that takes place shortly after you board the ship. While it may seem like a formality, it’s actually an important part of your cruise experience.

The muster drill familiarizes you with emergency procedures, shows you the location of your assigned muster station, and provides instructions on how to properly use life jackets. The muster drill process only takes a few minutes, so it’s best to get it out of the way right away so you can fully enjoy the first day of your cruise.

Related: 15 First Things to Do on a Cruise Immediately After Boarding

5. Never Assume Everything Is Included

Although cruises are often advertised as fairly inclusive vacations, it’s important to know that not everything is covered in your fare. While essentials like meals in the main dining room, basic beverages, and some onboard activities are typically included, many cruise extras come at an additional cost.

Specialty dining, alcoholic drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments, and even certain fitness classes can come at an extra cost. Many cruise lines also charge for Wi-Fi, gratuities, and certain onboard attractions.

To avoid any unexpected charges, review what’s included in your cruise package ahead of time and budget for any extras you plan to enjoy.

Related: 10 Things Rookie Cruisers Don’t Know are Included (FREE) on a Cruise

6. Don’t Overindulge on Embarkation Day

Even if you’ve purchased the beverage package, it’s important to avoid overindulging on your first day of the cruise. Many new cruisers make the mistake of consuming several alcoholic drinks as soon as they get onboard, which causes them to feel unwell and prevents them from enjoying the evening.

If you have the beverage package, remember that you can enjoy the drinks for the duration of your cruise. Although you may want to get your “money’s worth”, you don’t want to feel sick and ruin the rest of your trip.

Related: 13 Big Drink Package Mistakes Not to Make on a Cruise

7. Avoid Booking Shore Excursions Last Minute

When it comes to shore excursions, planning is important to guarantee yourself a spot for the activities and experiences you want to try. Many cruise lines offer a variety of excursions, from island tours to thrilling adventures, but these popular shore excursions can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.

Waiting until the last minute to book can leave you with limited options or, worse, no availability. Planning and reserving your excursions early allows you to choose the experiences that truly excite you.

8. Don’t Forget to Thank the Crew

Cruise crew members work tirelessly to ensure your vacation runs smoothly, often going above and beyond to create memorable passenger experiences. With so much going on throughout your cruise vacation, it can be easy to overlook the crew’s efforts.

Whether it’s your cabin attendant, dining staff, or a member of the entertainment team, taking a moment to express your gratitude can mean a lot to them. A simple “thank you” or acknowledging their hard work is a nice gesture that can go a long way.

Related: Stop Doing These 12 “Polite” Things Crew Actually Dislike

9. Skip Waiting For Elevators if You Can Take the Stairs

Elevators can become congested on a busy cruise ship, especially during peak times like dining hours or after the theater shows. Instead of waiting in line, consider taking the stairs whenever possible.

Not only does this save time, but it also gives you a chance to sneak in some exercise and burn off some of those cruise calories. Plus, the stairs often provide a quieter alternative to the crowded elevators.

10. Don’t Forget to Pack Medications

When packing for your cruise vacation, it’s important to remember any medications you may need, including prescriptions and over-the-counter remedies. Since you’re on a cruise, you may get seasick, so bringing seasickness remedies—such as Bonine and ginger tablets is a good idea.

Packing your important medications in your carry-on bag is also a wise move, as it allows easy access during the trip and guarantees you won’t be left scrambling in case of delays or lost luggage.

Related: How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise: 10 Effective Remedies

11. Avoid Only Eating in the Buffet

While many new cruisers love the buffet as it offers a wide variety of delicious options and is incredibly convenient, sticking to it exclusively can cause you to miss out on some of the cruise’s best culinary experiences. Many cruise ships feature casual dining venues and main dining rooms that provide a more relaxed atmosphere.

Furthermore, cruises offer specialty dining restaurants for cruisers looking for an enhanced culinary experience.

It’s a good idea to venture beyond the buffet to explore alternative dining options. You might prefer the more relaxed dining experience in the main dining room, casual restaurants, or specialty dining venues.

Related: 11 Cruise Ship Buffet Tips You Need to Know

12. Never Pack Your Passport and Government ID in Your Checked Luggage

When preparing for your cruise, it’s essential to keep your passport and government ID secure and accessible, which means never packing them in your checked luggage. Your passport and government ID are not just travel documents; they are often required for boarding the cruise ship.

Store these important documents in your carry-on bag or a secure travel pouch that you always keep with you. This way, you’ll know your identification is safe and ready for any situation, ensuring a smooth embarkation day.

13. Overlooking Free Activities

As a new cruiser, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the exciting activites and onboard attractions available. One common mistake new cruisers make is overlooking the variety of free activities on board.

From dance classes and trivia contests to movie nights under the stars, there are plenty of engaging and included activities onboard a cruise.

I remember going on my first cruise and being surprised by the different theme parties, onboard activities, and attractions that allowed me to step outside my comfort zone and try something new.

As a new cruiser, it is important to embrace the free onboard activities and entertainment to create amazing memories during your cruise vacation.

14. Don’t Forget to Turn Your Phone on Airplane Mode

As you prepare for your first cruise, one important cruise tip is to turn your phone on airplane mode once you board the ship.

With so much going on during embarkation day, it can be hard to remember. However, forgetting to turn your phone on airplane mode can lead to high roaming charges that can pile up when you’re out at sea.

By activating airplane mode, you’ll prevent your phone from connecting to cellular networks, assuring you don’t accidentally incur hefty fees from your mobile carrier.

Don’t worry! You can still access the ship’s Wi-Fi to stay connected with family and friends or share your amazing cruise experience on social media.

Related: Are Cruise Ship Wi-Fi Packages Worth it?

15. Never Arrive Late to Your Cruise Ship

Whether it’s on embarkation day or port day, never arrive late at your cruise ship!

Many cruisers don’t realize that the cruise ship will not wait for you. If you don’t return to the cruise ship on time, you must figure out your travel accommodations to meet the cruise ship in the next port or fly home.

Missing the cruise ship will ruin your vacation, so it’s best to always plan ahead and arrive back to the ship early.

16. Don’t Be a Chair Hog

While having a lounge chair by the pool is nice and an important part of the cruise experience, it’s essential to be mindful of your fellow cruise passengers and avoid becoming a “chair hog.” The term chair hog refers to those who claim prime deck chairs for hours, often leaving their belongings unattended while they explore the ship or enjoy meals.

This not only limits other cruisers’ opportunities to find a comfortable spot but can also create frustration among fellow cruisers.

To create a more communal and enjoyable atmosphere, be considerate by using a chair only when you’re present. If you step away for an extended period, it’s courteous to free up the space for others.

This simple act of kindness enhances everyone’s onboard experience, ensuring that all cruise guests can enjoy the cruise to the fullest.

Related: 8 Clever Ways to Outsmart Chair Hogs On a Cruise Ship

17. Don’t Pick the Wrong Cruise Ship

Picking the right cruise ship can make or break your vacation. When planning a cruise, choosing a cruise line and ship that matches your vacation style, wants, and needs is important.

Before booking a cruise, research the different cruise lines and what they offer. Furthermore, before choosing a specific ship, ensure it has all of the accommodations you’re looking for.

A crucial mistake that some new cruisers make is booking the wrong cruise ship. This mistake can ruin their vacation and even prevent them from ever going on another cruise again. So, before booking your cruise, ensure you booked the right cruise line.

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Final Thoughts on Things Not to Do on Your First Cruise

While a cruise vacation is exciting, avoiding these common pitfalls will help ensure your experience is smooth sailing. Be sure to pack your important travel documents, resist the temptation to stay cooped up in your cabin, and don’t shy away from trying new activities!

Do you have an upcoming cruise planned? Please let me know in the comments below.

Happy Cruising!

Ethan

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Ethan Schattauer, a seasoned cruiser since the age of four, has gone on over 40 cruises with his family. Drawing from his extensive travel experiences, Ethan offers a fresh and youthful perspective on the world of cruising. He also writes about cruise cuisine, onboard experiences, and practical tips, providing valuable insights for cruise travelers worldwide.