Planning your first cruise can feel overwhelming with so many decisions to make and details to consider. From choosing the right cruise line and ship to selecting your cabin and planning shore excursions, there are countless opportunities to make mistakes that could impact your entire vacation.
After talking with countless first-time cruisers and hearing their regrets, I’ve compiled the 20 biggest mistakes that can easily derail your cruise experience. These aren’t just minor inconveniences either. Many of these mistakes can cost you hundreds of dollars, ruin entire days of your vacation, or even cause you to miss your ship entirely.
The good news is that every single one of these pitfalls is completely avoidable with the right knowledge and preparation. Learning from these common mistakes will help ensure your maiden voyage is everything you’ve dreamed of and more, setting you up for a lifetime of amazing cruise adventures.
20 Cruise Mistakes New Cruisers Must Avoid
1. Skipping the Pre-Cruise Research
This is hands down the number one mistake first-time cruisers make. Picking the wrong cruise ship or itinerary can completely change your vacation experience. When researching itineraries, don’t just look at the ports of call, check how long you’ll be staying at each destination too.
Some cruise lines cater to party crowds while others focus on families or luxury experiences. Take time to read reviews and understand what each ship offers before booking. Avoiding these big cruise planning mistakes upfront will pay dividends throughout your entire cruise.
2. Choosing a Cruise Based Solely on Price
While everyone loves a good deal, the cheapest cruise isn’t always the best value. A budget cruise line might save you money upfront, yet you could end up spending more on extras that are included elsewhere.
Consider what’s important to you: specialty dining, entertainment quality, or cabin amenities, and factor these into your decision.
The ship’s age, size, and amenities can vary dramatically between cruise lines. What seems like a bargain might leave you feeling disappointed when you see what you’re missing.
Understanding how to book a cruise properly can help you find the best value for your money.
3. Flying in on Embarkation Day
This is one of the most devastating mistakes you can make. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, you could miss your entire cruise with no recourse. Most cruise lines require you to be at the port 1.5 to 2 hours before departure, and ships don’t wait for late passengers.
I always recommend arriving at least one day early, preferably two days if you’re flying internationally. This gives you a buffer for delays and lets you start your vacation relaxed instead of stressed about making it to the ship on time. There are good reasons to book cruise line air if you prefer the convenience and protection it offers.
4. Overpacking and Bringing Too Much Luggage
Cruise cabins are notoriously small, and overpacking will make your space feel even more cramped. Many first-time cruisers worry they won’t have everything they need and pack for every possible scenario. This leads to stuffed suitcases and no room to store anything once you’re onboard.
Focus on versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched. Remember, you can do laundry onboard if needed. Check out our packing tips to avoid bringing prohibited items that will be confiscated at security.
5. Not Buying Travel Insurance
Travel insurance might seem like an unnecessary expense, yet it can save you thousands if something goes wrong. Medical emergencies at sea are extremely expensive, and cruise lines aren’t responsible for covering these costs. Flight delays, family emergencies, or sudden illness can all derail your cruise plans.
The peace of mind that comes with travel insurance is worth every penny. Don’t let a preventable situation ruin your vacation budget or leave you stranded without coverage.
6. Ignoring Cruise Line Rules About Banned Items
Every cruise line has a list of prohibited items, and bringing them will result in confiscation at security. Common mistakes include packing power strips with surge protectors, clothing irons, or large Bluetooth speakers. These items are considered safety hazards and won’t make it past the security checkpoint.
Review your cruise line’s prohibited items list carefully before packing. Some items might surprise you, and replacing them onboard or at ports can be expensive and inconvenient.
7. Poor Cabin Location Choice
Cabin selection can make or break your cruise experience, especially if you’re prone to seasickness. Avoid cabins at the front (bow) or back (stern) of the ship if you’re concerned about motion. The middle of the ship on lower decks tends to feel the most stable.
Stay away from cabins near elevators, stairs, or high-traffic areas if you value quiet. Cabins under or near nightclubs, pools, or the jogging track can be noisy well into the night. Understanding the pros and cons of guarantee cabins can help you decide if that’s a good option for your budget.
8. Not Preparing for Potential Seasickness
Even if you’ve never been seasick before, the motion of a large ship can affect anyone. Don’t wait until you feel queasy to address this: prevention is key. Pack over-the-counter motion sickness medication like Bonine or Dramamine before you leave home.
Consider bringing motion sickness patches, relief bands, or other remedies that work for you. The ship’s medical center can help, yet their prices are significantly higher than what you’d pay at home. Learning how to prevent seasickness on a cruise can save your entire vacation.
9. Forgetting to Download the Cruise Line App
Download your cruise line’s app while you still have reliable WiFi at home. Once you’re onboard, connecting to the ship’s internet to download large apps can be frustrating and expensive. The app typically contains your boarding pass, daily schedules, deck plans, and sometimes allows you to make reservations.
Many cruise line apps are essential for staying informed about activities and important announcements during your cruise.
10. Not Understanding What’s Included vs. Extra Costs
One of the worst things I hear from cruisers is that they didn’t know the main dining room was included, or that they missed free shows because they thought everything cost extra.
Your cruise fare includes more than you might realize. For instance, the main dining room, casual restaurants, entertainment, and activities are typically covered.
On the flip side, specialty restaurants, premium drinks, WiFi, and shore excursions usually cost extra. Understanding what’s included helps you budget properly and take advantage of everything you’ve already paid for.
11. Not Booking Shore Excursions and Activities Early
Popular shore excursions and onboard activities fill up quickly, sometimes before you even board the ship. If there’s something specific you want to do, book it as early as possible: ideally when it becomes available online before your cruise.
Shore excursion planning shouldn’t be left to chance. The most sought-after tours sell out first, leaving you with limited options or the need to book more expensive alternatives at the last minute.
12. Not Checking Your Cabin Immediately
As soon as you can access your cabin, do a quick inspection. Check that lights work, the toilet flushes properly, the TV remote has batteries, and the bed is comfortable. If anything needs attention, contact your cabin steward or guest services right away.
The sooner you report issues, the faster they can be resolved. Waiting until later in your cruise means you’ll be frustrated longer and the problem might take more time to fix when the crew is busier.
13. Not Budgeting for Gratuities and Onboard Extras
Gratuities can be a shock if you’re not prepared for them. Most cruise lines automatically charge $15 to $20 per person per day to cover tips for your cabin steward, waitstaff, and behind the scenes crew. This adds up quickly for families or longer cruises.
Factor in costs for WiFi, specialty drinks, shore excursions, spa treatments, and shopping. These extras can easily double your cruise budget if you’re not careful about spending.
14. Putting Your Phone in Airplane Mode Too Late
International data charges can be astronomical if your phone connects to cell towers while you’re at sea. Put your phone in airplane mode before you leave your home country and keep it there throughout your cruise unless you purchase the ship’s WiFi package.
The cruise line app and WiFi will still work in airplane mode when you’re connected to the ship’s network. This simple step can save you hundreds in unexpected roaming charges.
15. Eating Only at the Buffet on Embarkation Day
On embarkation day the buffet is typically packed and chaotic on the first day as thousands of hungry passengers board around the same time. Instead, head to the main dining room or grab a quick bite at other venues that are usually less crowded.
This gives you a chance to explore the ship and avoid the longest lines of your entire cruise. You’ll have plenty of time to try the buffet when it’s less hectic. Avoiding common cruise buffet mistakes will make your dining experience much more enjoyable.
16. Overplanning Every Minute
While some planning is essential, scheduling every moment of your cruise defeats the purpose of a relaxing vacation. Leave room for spontaneity and don’t feel pressured to attend every activity or visit every venue.
Some of the best cruise memories come from unexpected discoveries: a quiet deck with amazing views, a new friend at the bar, or simply enjoying a beautiful sunset without rushing to the next scheduled event.
17. Not Exploring the Ship Fully
Large cruise ships have dozens of venues, and many passengers stick to the same few areas throughout their cruise. Take time on the first day to walk around and discover everything the ship offers. You might find hidden gems like quiet lounges, unique eateries, or entertainment venues you didn’t know existed.
Use the deck plans in your cruise app to plan your exploration. Many ships have multiple pools, various dining options, and entertainment spaces that aren’t obvious from the main thoroughfares.
18. Taking Elevators Instead of Stairs
Elevators on cruise ships can be painfully slow and crowded, especially during peak times like dinner hours or when the ship is in port. Walking up a few decks is often faster and gives you some exercise to offset all that delicious cruise food.
Plus, you’ll discover parts of the ship you might miss when you’re always in elevators. The stairwells often have beautiful artwork and windows with great views.
19. Forgetting About Time Zone Changes
Your ship operates on “ship time,” which might be different from the time zones of the ports you visit. This can cause confusion when planning shore excursions or meeting times. Pay attention to announcements about time changes and consider setting a watch to ship time.
Your phone might automatically adjust to local port time, which could cause you to miss the ship if you’re not careful. Always double-check the time before leaving the ship for excursions.
20. Not Trying New Things
Your cruise is the perfect opportunity to step outside your comfort zone. Try foods you’ve never eaten, attend shows you wouldn’t normally see, or participate in activities that seem interesting. Many cruise experiences are included in your fare, so there’s no additional cost to experiment.
Whether it’s rock climbing, dancing lessons, cooking classes, or exotic cuisine, embrace the chance to discover new interests. The worst that can happen is you don’t love it: the best case scenario is you find a new passion.
Final Thoughts on What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cruise
Learning from these common mistakes will help you avoid the pitfalls that trip up many first-time cruisers. The key is preparation, flexibility, and keeping an open mind about new experiences.
Remember that your first cruise is a learning experience. Don’t stress about making everything perfect. Instead, focus on enjoying yourself and making memories.
Every experienced cruiser made rookie mistakes on their first voyage, and those mistakes often become the funny stories they share years later.
Take time to appreciate the unique aspects of cruise travel: waking up in a new destination, the convenience of unpacking once, and the variety of experiences available right onboard.
With proper planning and realistic expectations, your first cruise will likely be the first of many. These things first-time cruisers should do can help you make the most of your maiden voyage.
Most of all, relax and enjoy the journey. Cruising is supposed to be fun, and with these tips in mind, you’re well-equipped to avoid the major pitfalls and make the most of your floating vacation adventure.
Are you planning your first cruise? Please let me know in the comments below
Happy Cruising!
Ilana
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