Cruising 101: Essential Tips for Your First Voyage

Cruising is a unique and exciting way to travel, offering the opportunity to explore multiple destinations in one trip while enjoying all the amenities and entertainment of a floating resort. However, for first-time cruisers, the experience can be overwhelming and daunting. From selecting the right itinerary to packing for the journey, there are many factors to consider to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. As a seasoned cruiser, I’ve put together a list of 15 tips and tricks to help first-time cruisers, especially parents, make the most of their first cruise vacation. So sit back, relax, and let’s sail on this adventure together!

Choose the Right Itinerary

Before booking your cruise, consider the length of the trip, the ports of call, and the type of ship that will suit your needs and preferences. Think about taking a shorter cruise, something under 5 nights, for your first adventure. This can be a great way to determine if cruising if for you or not. If you love it, great! Book longer ones in the future. If you find it’s not for you, you’re only on the boat for a few nights.

Book Early

Cruise lines often offer early booking discounts, so be sure to book your cruise well in advance to take advantage of these deals. Booking early also gives you the most room options. If you’re planning something super popular like a Disney Cruise, you’re going to have to book months to years in advance. But they also allow you to pay overtime. So booking early can help you spread out the total cost.

Pack Wisely

Make a list of everything you need to bring, including clothing, toiletries, and any other items you might need, such as medication and sunscreen. Most importantly, don’t over pack! Bring outfits that can pull double duty.

Don’t Forget Travel Documents

You will need passports or birth certificates to board the ship. Make sure you know where these documents are well ahead of your cruise date. Passports can take weeks to arrive if you need to order a new one. If your cruise line has any specific paperwork, make sure to print it off before you leave home. Usually you will need to print of luggage tags and attach them to your bags before arriving at the port.

Arrive a Day Early

I can’t stress this tip enough. Never, ever plan to arrive the day you’re scheduled to leave port. With all the delays and cancellations from airlines these days, the last thing you want is to be delayed and stressed about whether you will make it on the ship in time. We like to arrive 1-2 days early and explore the city for a day or an evening. We then get up early and get on the ship as early as we can.

Consider the Best Cabin Type for You

Balcony cabins or cabins with large ocean views are great if you want to be able to enjoy the open seas from your room, but these are also more expensive. Interior rooms can be great, especially if you don’t plan to spend a lot of time in your room. You can save money by booking an interior room and still get all the great amenities of the ship.

Attend the Muster Drill

Safety is of utmost importance on a cruise, so make sure to attend the mandatory muster drill to learn about emergency procedures. These take all of 5 mins so please take the time to attend the drills.

Book Shore Excursions in Advance

Popular shore excursions often sell out quickly, so it’s a good idea to book your desired excursions in advance to avoid disappointment. Most cruise lines offer discounts on things like excursions, WiFi, and drink packages if you book before your cruise. Take advantage of these discounts as these can definitely be pricey.

Pack a Small Day Bag

Bring a small day bag when you board. You will drop your luggage off before boarding the ship and it will be delivered directly to your stateroom. Usually you will have a few hours between boarding the ship and being able to access your room and luggage. Pack a small bag with things like swimsuits, sunscreen, a water bottle, and anything else you think you might need when you board.

Take Advantage of Onboard Activities

Cruise lines offer a wide range of onboard activities, from shows to classes and games, so take advantage of these opportunities to make the most out of your experience. Turns out my kids loved playing Bingo when we went on our first cruise so almost every day, we’d get a break from the sun and swimming and play a little Bingo.

Don’t Over Schedule

It can be tempting to fill your itinerary with activities and excursions at every port, but leave some time for relaxation and spontaneous exploration. I’ve done some amazing excursions so don’t pass on one you’re really looking forward to, but so many ports of call have things you can do for free and explore the local culture. Plus you can disembark and board whenever you want as opposed to being tied to a strict schedule.

Consider Purchasing the Beverage Packages

Depending on your drinking habits, a beverage package might be a cost-effective option for unlimited drinks throughout your cruise. For most cruise lines that I’ve travelled you have to drink, on average, 8 – 10 drinks per day to make it a cost-effective option. If you’re going to exceed that, you should absolutely get it. If you’re not going to also consider what the ship allows you to bring onboard or purchase in advance. Many cruise lines allow at least 1 bottle of wine per adult to be brought on board, or you can purchase 6 or 12 packs of select beer to be delivered to your stateroom when you board. If you only plan to have a cocktail or two, these might be more effective.

Bring Motion Sickness Medication

Whether you’re prone to seasickness or not, be sure to pack medication or other remedies to alleviate discomfort. You never know when seas are going to get rough and cause your stomach to churn. Much better to have options on hand than having to look for something onboard and paying 2-3x as much as you would off shore. There are so many homeopathic options you can purchase from Amazon. You can even get wrist bands that are supposed to help if taking medication or supplements isn’t your thing.

Don’t Forget to Tip

While gratuities are often included in the cruise fare, don’t forget to tip staff members who provide exceptional service during your trip. Most cruise lines will provide an envelope or two at the end of your cruise that you can stuff with cash to tip those that made your experience amazing.

Taking a cruise for the first time can be an exciting and unforgettable experience, but proper planning and preparation are essential for a smooth and enjoyable trip. By following these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to making the most out of your first cruise vacation.