
Planning your first cruise? You’re in the right place!
Whether you’re curious about motion sickness, budgeting, cabins, or ports, these are the things you’ll wish you knew before setting sail. Not being prepared can leave you wasting money, feeling unprepared, or missing key details that can impact your cruise vacation.
So, let’s dive into 35 tips every first-time cruiser should know!
35 Cruise Tips for First-Time Cruisers
1. Don’t Worry Too Much About Motion Sickness
Modern cruise ships are built for stability and often have powerful stabilizers that keep movement to a minimum. If you’re prone to seasickness, come prepared with motion-sickness remedies (like patches, Bonine, or ginger candies).
However, it’s worth noting that calm seas are the norm, and you’ll rarely feel the ship’s motion.
2. Cruise Ship Internet Is Getting Better
You might have heard horror stories about cruise ship Wi-Fi. The good news? Internet access has improved significantly in the last few years.
Most lines offer a basic email and social media plan and a premium plan for faster speeds (ideal for streaming or work). Remember, Wi-Fi packages cost extra on most cruise lines, so plan accordingly.
3. Cabins Are Compact (Especially for Families)
Cruise cabins tend to be smaller than hotel rooms. Families of four often share a cabin with two single (or twin) beds convertible to one queen, plus either Pullman (bunk-style) beds or a sofa bed.
If you prefer more space, consider booking two connecting cabins or plan on bringing space-saving organizers. Just be prepared to get cozy.
4. Food Is Plentiful, but Drinks Can Cost Extra
Dining options like the buffet, main dining room, and casual restaurants are typically included in your cruise fare. However, sodas, specialty coffees, bottled water, and alcoholic beverages are generally not included.
To stay on budget, you can purchase drink packages or stick to complimentary options like basic coffee, tea, and lemonade.
5. Cabin Bathrooms Have Airplane-Style Toilets
Cruise cabin bathrooms often look similar to hotel bathrooms, but one big difference is the toilet. It uses a vacuum system, just like an airplane.
Don’t be surprised by the loud, quick “whoosh!” It’s perfectly normal.
6. There’s a Casino Onboard
If you love to play slots, poker, or blackjack, most cruise ships have lively casinos that stay open late. Sign up for the casino rewards program if you plan on gambling.
Frequent casino players can earn perks like discounts or even free future cruises!
7. So Much to Do Onboard! (You Won’t Feel Stuck)
There’s plenty of onboard entertainment, from rock-climbing walls, waterslides, and surf simulators (on some lines) to Broadway-style shows and comedy clubs. You’ll also find shops selling duty-free items, souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, and even pop-up sidewalk sales.
When you’re on a cruise ship, explore your ship to see all it offers.
8. Boarding Time Matters
If the ship is scheduled to leave at 5 PM, it doesn’t mean you can show up at 4:59! Most cruise lines require you to be at the terminal 90 minutes to 2 hours before sail away.
Arrive late, and you risk being denied boarding. Be sure to plan for potential travel delays and arrive early.
9. Don’t Expect Luggage Delivery Right Away
After you check your bags with porters, it can take until late afternoon or early evening for them to arrive in your cabin. Bring a carry-on bag with anything you need for the day, including swimsuits, medications, and evening attire.
Since your suitcase can arrive late in the afternoon, bringing a carry-on with your embarkation day essentials is important.
Related: 28 Cruise Embarkation Day Tips and Secrets You Need to Know
10. Room Service Breakfast Is Often Included
While some cruise lines charge for room service at other times, most include breakfast delivery at no extra cost. Check the app (or your cabin TV) to see how to order.
If you have an early port day excursion, ordering a quick bite to your room can save a lot of time.
11. Store Your Suitcases Under the Bed
Cabins can be small, so make use of every inch of space. You can usually slide your luggage right under the bed once it’s emptied.
If the bed frame seems low, slightly life the bed so your suitcase can fit.
12. Bring Small Bills
Collect small denominations of US dollars to tip porters, tour guides, and to make small purchases ashore. In most Caribbean, Mexican, and Bermudian ports, US currency is widely accepted and often preferred.
Related: 13 Big Tipping Mistakes to Avoid on a Cruise
13. Extra Outlets Are a Must
Many cabins come with limited (and sometimes no) USB ports. Bring a non-surge-protected power cube or a USB charging hub. (Note that Royal Caribbean does not allow traditional power strips but does allow certain USB multi-outlet adapters.) Check your cruise line’s policies to be sure.
Related: Popular Cruise Essential Confiscated? Here’s Everything You Need to Know [Power strip ban]
14. Plan for Disembarkation
When it comes to disembarkation, cruise passengers have two options.
Cruisers can either:
Use Assisted Disembarkation: Put your bags in the hallway the night before. The crew will offload them, and you will collect your luggage in the cruise terminal.
Self-Disembark: Carry all of your luggage off yourself. Beware that hallways and elevators are jammed on the last morning, so you may need to carry bags down multiple flights of stairs if you go this route.
Also, make sure to leave out an outfit (and shoes!) for the final morning so you’re not stuck in PJs.
Related: 21 Cruise Disembarkation Tips You Need to Know
15. Must-Know: The Muster Drill Is Mandatory
By law, all passengers must attend a safety (muster) drill before or just after embarkation. These days, many lines let you watch a safety video on your phone or cabin TV and then check in at your muster station, where your cruise card is scanned.
Don’t skip the muster drill! (it’s essential and required).
16. Salon Discounts (Especially on Port Days)
If you plan to visit the onboard spa or salon, port days usually offer discounted treatments because most people head ashore. Another way to save is by choosing an afternoon or early-evening appointment instead of a prime morning slot.
Booking in advance via the cruise line app can net extra savings too, so look out for deals .
17. Beat Elevator Crowds by Heading Aft
Elevators can get busy on embarkation and disembarkation days, or just after a show. The middle elevators near the atrium are typically the most crowded.
Try the forward or, better yet, the aft elevators, which tend to have the shortest lines.
Another option to avoid waiting in long elevator lines it to take the stairs. Taking the stairs is also a great way to burn off some of those cruise calories.
18. Budgeting for Extras
Most of your cruise is included in your fare, but don’t forget:
Daily Gratuities: Usually $15–$20 per person, per day. You can prepay or add it at the end of the cruise.
Specialty Dining: Optional restaurants carry a surcharge.
Drink Packages: From soda-only plans to all-inclusive alcohol packages, decide what’s worth it for you.
Spa, Bingo, and Casino: These can add up, so plan ahead.
19. Print and Protect Your Luggage Tags
After online check-in, print out your paper luggage tags (one for each bag). Many seasoned cruisers purchase reusable plastic luggage-tag holders sized to their cruise line, which are waterproof, durable, and save time vs. stapling or taping tags onto bags.
20. Keep Your Cruise Card (or Medallion) Handy
Your “cruise card” functions as your room key, onboard credit card, and ID. You’ll need it to:
- Access your cabin
- Buy drinks, coffee, or souvenirs
- Check in and out of the ship in ports
Carry it in a lanyard or a special cruise card holder so you don’t lose it.
Related: How to Carry Your Cruise Card (cruise lanyards & alternatives)
21. Pack a Light Sweater or Cardigan
Even in the tropics, the ship’s air conditioning can be chilly, especially in theaters and dining rooms. Packing a sweater, hoodie, or cardigan is a great way to stay comfortable indoors or during a breezy night on deck.
Related: 25 Cruise Wardrobe Essentials Every Women Should Pack for Vacation
22. Check Your Daily Cruise Planner
Whether it’s a paper newsletter delivered to your cabin or your cruise line’s app, check each day’s itinerary for shows, events, sales, and specialty dining deals. You’ll also see times for port arrival, departure, and onboard activities.
23. Helpful Cabin Items: Magnetic Hooks and Towel Clips
Most cabin walls on newer ships are metal, so magnetic hooks or clips can be a game-changer to hang towels, swimsuits, backpacks, and daily schedules. Also, pack towel clips or bands for sea days on the Lido deck as your towel can easily blow away in the ocean breeze.
Related: 75 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
24. Itinerary Changes Happen, So Stay Flexible
If there’s bad weather or a hurricane, the captain might reroute your ship to safer ports. Though it’s disappointing to miss your planned stop, it’s better than being stuck in a storm.
Stay flexible and trust the captain’s decisions for everyone’s safety. The reality of cruising is that weather is unpredictable and itineraries can change.
25. Use Your Cabin Safe
Keep valuables like jewelry, passports, credit cards, and cash in your in-room safe. It’s worth noting that cabin stewards do not have access to open it.
In rare circumstances, only a supervisor can override it, so rest easy knowing your items are secure.
Related: How to Keep Your Belongings Safe on a Cruise Vacation
26. Check for Laundry Specials
If you’re on a longer itinerary or prefer to pack light, ask your cabin attendant if there’s a mid-cruise laundry special (like a flat fee to wash a bag of clothes). Many cruise lines routinely offer this around the halfway mark of the cruise.
27. Ask Your Cabin Attendant for Extras
Cruise cabin attendants go above and beyond typical hotel housekeeping. If you need:
- Extra towels or pillows
- A mattress topper
- Ice bucket refills
- Pressing service for wrinkled clothing (there’s usually a fee for laundry or pressing)
Just let your attendant know, especially early in the cruise to ensure availability.
28. Guest Services Lines Can Be Long
Guest Services will be packed on the first and last days of your cruise. If you have questions or billing issues, try to visit them at non-peak times, like late night or early morning, to avoid standing in line.
29. Learn Basic Cruise Lingo
Here are a few cruise lingo terms that are worth remembering:
- Deck = Floor
- Cabin = Room
- Forward = Front of the ship
- Aft = Back of the ship
- Port = Left side (when facing forward)
- Starboard = Right side (when facing forward)
These nautical terms are used for directions, so they’ll help you navigate.
30. Expect a Possible Time Change
Even short Caribbean cruises may have a time change so the ship’s clock lines up with the local port time. If your phone auto-adjusts to local time, you could get confused.
Consider bringing a simple watch you can set manually to “ship time” so you don’t miss all-aboard.
31. Fun Cruise Traditions
You might see:
- Matching T-shirts: Families, couples, and groups love making custom shirts for embarkation day or port days.
- Cabin Door Decorations: Especially popular on lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean.
- Cruise Ducks: Folks hide rubber ducks around the ship. If you find one, you can keep or re-hide it!
32. Not All Lines (or Ships) Are the Same
Whether it’s Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, or Virgin Voyages, each line has a different vibe. Even within the same cruise line, ships can differ drastically.
Newer vessels offer more modern amenities, while older ships might have a cozier feel. Research your specific ship to match your vacation style.
33. Arrive in Your Port City at Least One Day Early
Cruise ships will not wait if your flight is delayed. Missing embarkation day often means you lose 1–2 days of your vacation until you can catch the ship at its next port.
To avoid stress and risk, fly in at least one day prior and enjoy a relaxed start to your cruise holiday.
34. Download the Cruise Line App Before Boarding
Most cruise lines now have an official app you’ll use for:
- Checking daily schedules
- Restaurant menus and opening times
- Onboard messaging with travel companions
- Checking your onboard account balance
You usually don’t need a full internet plan to access these features.
35. Check Your Bill and Collect Photos Before You Disembark
On the last night of the cruise, review your onboard spending to make sure there are no unexpected charges. Resolving errors once you’re off the ship is nearly impossible.
If you purchased a photo package, download or pick up your prints before disembarkation day, or you might lose access to them.
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Are you planning your first cruise? Please let me know in the comments below
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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