Planning Your First Cruise: The Ultimate Tips Guide

The first time that my family went on a cruise we were so excited, but there are so many things I wish I’d known before we went! A first time cruiser guide or a few tips could have really helped with planning.

I brought way too many things and didn’t wear half of what was packed in that huge suitcase (especially shoes)! The cruise was still amazing and one of our fondest memories, but I changed things up and streamlined my preparations on each subsequent cruise experience.

So, are you ready for an unforgettable cruise vacation? Make your bon voyage dreams a reality with the perfect getaway by researching your perfect cruise and being ahead of the game!

You may have a lot of questions regarding your first cruise (or cruising in general), and it can be challenging to know what’s in store – especially if this is the first time you’ve experienced this type of vacation. We’ve got you covered! This cruise tips guide is also a great check-up for seasoned cruisers, especially if it’s been awhile since your last cruise.

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First Cruise Planning Tips:

Our Travel Makes Me Happy team created this guide to help you plan your first cruise vacation! We’ll walk you through the whole process, from researching different cruise lines, what you should pack (and leave at home), and fun things you can experience during your trip.

How to Prepare for Your Cruise – Pre-Planning

The best advice I can give anyone taking their first cruise is to research, plan, and pack accordingly. The better you can plan, the better off you will be!

You don’t want to have any last-minute vacation anxiety or inconveniences because you forgot something important. It’s best to learn the process particular to the cruise line that you choose so that there are no surprises.

A great place to start your pre-planning for a cruise vacation is to visit the Cruise Critic Homepage. In the upper right corner or top navigation there is a link to the “boards” which has reviews, cruise tips, and information broken down by question or cruise line.

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Choosing the Perfect Cruise Destination and Departure Port

• Pick your ideal cruise destination: Consider whether you prefer sunny Caribbean beaches, exploring European cities, or a scenic river cruise with multiple stops.
• Choose based on your nearest home port to save money: Select an itinerary that departs from a nearby port to save time and money. For example, we often cruise from the Port of New Orleans since it’s close to home. The great thing about cruising from a port close to home is that you dont have the added expense of flights and extended days off from work. 
• Factor in your budget and time off: Let your budget and available vacation days guide your decision on the length and location of your cruise.
• Factor in flights if the port is far away: Leaving from a port that you will need to fly to will add to the total vacation budget so research flights first.
• Consider staying at a hotel near the terminal: We usually stay at a hotel close to the cruise terminal the night before to make boarding easier and stress-free on embarkation day.

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Check out the itineraries on Celebrity Cruises! They have great Alaska and Caribbean cruise options!

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Tips on How to Pick a Cruise Line and Ship

Before booking your voyage, it’s important to research the different cruise lines and ships available. Read past passenger reviews, look at ships’ photos, and compare prices. This will help you find the best cruise line and ship for your budget and needs.

Carnival Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean offer the most varied experiences, especially for multi-generational families. If you are looking for an adult-oriented feel, Virgin offers some great itineraries with many leaving out of Florida ports.

Disney is also a great cruise line for families, but their unique experiences sometimes come with a price tag to match. For river cruises, Viking is top notch in the cruise experience.

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Tip: We love decorating our cabin door with colorful magnets (from Amazon) to help us find it quickly and feel festive!

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How to Pick the Perfect Cruise Cabin: Stateroom Guide

Cruise ships come in different sizes and offer a variety of stateroom types and sizes.

You can choose the accommodation that best suits your needs, from rooms with balconies to interior staterooms.

Some regular staterooms also sleep up to 5 people (it varies by line), but that would be really tight for adults (in our opinion). You may not be in the room except for sleeping, but trying to get ready in the tiny cruise ship bathrooms would be a nightmare for us.

What size stateroom should you choose?

Most staterooms are smaller than a hotel room and the bathrooms are tiny. They do offer great storage space in most of them with closets, shelves, and drawers.

Balcony Staterooms

If you want more privacy or to spend time outside, then balcony rooms are ideal. A balcony also gives you a more private way to enjoy the view without having to go up to the public area decks.

When we took an Alaska cruise, a balcony cabin made such a difference in how much we enjoyed the cruise! It is really nice to sit out on your balcony and have coffee each morning or relax at night and watch the stars.

Interior Staterooms

Interior staterooms offer great value for couples or families who wish to keep their budget to a minimum. Keep in mind that they don’t have windows, so it can get dark and feel claustrophobic.

The upside is that if you like it really dark to sleep an interior room is great. When we cruised with our kids we would get a balcony cabin and we’d get the kids an interior room across the hall and it was a great way to save money for us.

Some cruise ships even have virtual windows or portholes to make it less claustrophobic and give the illusion of a window.

Ocean View Staterooms

Ocean View Staterooms are usually a little less expensive than balcony rooms, but if the price difference is not that great I’d choose a balcony every time.

These rooms offer a window so that you can see the ocean and get some light in the room.

Suites and other Staterooms

Suites are a luxe option if your budget allows. They offer larger bathrooms and balconies usually.

The rooms also have larger seating areas and some really posh ones have amazing amenities and come with a butler to cater to your every need.

Spa Staterooms are another option on some ships and offer daily entry into the spa to enjoy the thermal pool, saunas, and other offerings (it will vary by ship).

Spa treatments are extra, of course.

We loved the spa balcony that we had on the NCL Breakaway and started each day with a dip in the thermal pool and visit to the salt therapy room.

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Know What’s Included in Your Fare

When you book a cruise, most of your meals and entertainment are usually included in the fare.

A few exceptions include shore excursions, spa treatments, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and upgrades.

When planning your trip, research what will be included in your fare and budget accordingly.

Some cruise lines such as Viking offer a more inclusive experience with excursions and other things included in the basic fare. Virgin also does this to an extent.

It’s best to research exactly what is included in what you are paying because you don’t want to be hit with a huge alcohol bill at the end of the cruise.

In addition to the fare you will be charged a daily gratuities amount (it varies by line).

How to Find the Best Deal for Your Cruise

Do some research to find the best cruise deals.

Many cruise companies offer specials and discounts for early bookings or family vacations, so check their websites for details. You can also sign up for alerts on cruise-booking sites like Travelocity Cruises to discover when new offers become available.

We also have a Free Easy Travel Budget Calculator to help you find out how much you’ll need for your trip!

Here are some of our top pics for cruise deals from our partners:

Incredible Deals on the Best Cruises: Last-Minute Sailings from $149!

Also, don’t forget good travel insurance to protect your cruise investment! Don’t cruise without coverage – get the best travel insurance with Travelex!

Dining Guide – Early Dining vs. Late Dining (or neither) on Your Cruise

We are usually early diners so choose the earliest time for the main dining room.

This leaves enough time for shows or activities after dinner for us.

The main shows usually have multiple showings to accomodate early and late diners so it just depends on if you like to eat earlier or not.

If eating in the main dining room (or multiple main dining rooms on some ships) you are assigned the same table number and service crew for each night of the cruise.

“Your time” dining or “anytime dining” is also an option on most ships so you can eat whenever you are ready instead of rushing to make your set time. This leaves things more fluid and you can eat when you want instead of sticking to a strict schedule.

Make sure to check out all of the dining options for the ship that you choose.

What you need to know about the Mandatory Muster Safety Drill

On embarkation day (the day you board the ship) there will be a Mandatory safety drill that you and your group will have to attend or check into.

Your muster station is usuallly listed on your sail card and you must check in to your station number area for the safety briefing.

This is to inform you of safety procedures and location of life vests/boats in case of emergency.

**UPDATE** We just got back from a Carnival Mardi Gras cruise and they had us check in at the station and then “self-muster” in the room with a video so other lines may have moved to this or will soon. This seems to be the “norm” now which is much easier!

Cruise Cabin Unpacking tip

It’s a great idea to unpack and organize on the first day of the cruise after dinner when the luggage has arrived.

Staterooms usually have many options for storage so that you can unpack and organize everything.

You can then place the empty suitcase under the bed or in the closet so that it doesn’t take up floor space.

This will help you be able to find the things that you need without having to go through the suitcases and make the most of the small stateroom space.

If you need some great tags for your cruise, Amazon has these great clear cruise luggage tag holders that work great and keep your printed tags from getting ripped during travel!

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How to Book an Amazing Cruise Excursion on Your First Cruise

Look into what is available in each port of call and ensure that it fits within your time frame and activity level.

If there is something special you want to do, make sure to plan for that in advance.

We usually book our excursions well in advance of the cruise, but I know some people like to wait until they are on the ship to book. One drawback of this strategy is that the excursion you really want may be sold out if you wait until you are on the cruise.

Most cruise lines offer shore excursions at each port. These are usually organized activities or tours you can join and explore the local area with other passengers. It’s a great way to get off the beaten path and experience something in the company of fellow cruisers.

Excursions through the Cruise Line

The great part about booking and excursion with the ship (not an outside company) is that the ship will not leave you at port if the tour is running late. There are also tour organizers outside of the cruise line that you can book, but make sure the timing works out and read reviews before you book.

If you book your excursion through the cruise line they will deliver an envelope to your stateroom with the tickets or information about what time and where to meet on the day of the excursion.

Many cruise lines also let you off of the ship first if you have an early excursion booked through them so make sure to check.

It’s also a good idea to pay attention to the travel time to and from the excursion too and if it involves a boat ride or long bus ride to get there.

We took an excursion in Cozumel one time that had a half hour ferry ride in rough waters each way that kind of took away from the dream experience I had imagined (I should have been more prepared).

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Just type the name of the excursion into search and read reviews from other cruisers who have taken it.

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Get Back to the Ship Before “All Aboard” time

Don’t be a “pier runner”! On almost every cruise we sit on our balcony (if we have one) and watch pier runners feverishly running to try and get back on the ship after or close to “all aboard” time. Some don’t make it.

It happens easily when people are having too much fun at the port bars and lose track of time.

Each evening on a cruise you are usually given a daily calendar of what is going on the next day on the ship. On port days you will be given a guide of the port and what time to be back on the ship.

There will also be announcements over the speaker the morning of the port call so make sure to pay attention to the time you need to be back on the ship because they will leave if you are not back before “all aboard” time (and people will be laughing and cheering you on from their balconies).

**Important Customer Service Tip**

A reader recently alerted us to the fact that if there is an issue with your cruise account or other customer service issue and it is not resolved before leaving the ship it may be difficult to get a quick solution.

She sailed Carnival and was told that there is only email customer service after the cruise as they have done away with the phone c.s. line and her response time was 45 days.

So, if there is any issue it is best to wait at guest services and get it resolved before the cruise is over.

What to Pack for a Cruise – Essential Packing List

Packing for a cruise can be overwhelming, but focusing on the essentials will help you avoid overpacking and ensure a smooth trip. Here’s a handy list to help you prepare:

Clothing

• Warm-Weather Destinations:
  • Lightweight, comfortable, and multi-functional clothing
  • Swimsuits and cover-ups
  • Flip-flops or sandals for poolside and beach days – Check out these waterproof Birkenstock sandals on Amazon they work great!
• Colder Climates:
• For colder climates like Alaska, bring layers along with rain gear (if there’s space). It’s sensible to be prepared for changes in temperature or an unexpected shower.
  • Layers for varying temperatures
  • Rain gear (if there’s space) – We love this unisex packable raincoat option because it is perfect for travel and saves space.
• Formal or Themed Nights:
  • Outfit for formal night (if applicable) Participating in formal nights is not mandatory. It is totally up to you how dressed up or down you get. There are also other restaurants like the buffet that you can visit on that evening if you don’t want to get dressed up.
  • Themed party attire (e.g., glow party, Mardi Gras night)

**You do not need to pack a beach towel as most cruise lines provide beach towels that can be checked out or are in your stateroom for use on port days.

A lightweight backpack (like this one on Amazon) or tote for transporting cruise ship towels and beachwear for excursions is also great. The soft backpack ones with the strings work really well.

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Accessories

• Sunglasses and a hat
• Lightweight backpack or tote for excursions – see our above recommendation
• Comfortable walking shoes for exploring the ship
• Cash for ports (most cruise lines are cashless, but you may need cash for tips or local purchases)

Toiletries

• Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (if you prefer your own) – Cruiselines do have dispensers usually of shampoo/conditioner/body wash, but if you are particular to your favorite bring it if space allows.
• Toothpaste and toothbrush
• Sunscreen and bug wipes
• Basic first-aid items (pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, allergy medication, motion sickness remedies)
• Staterooms also usually provide decent hairdryers too so you can save space and leave yours at home.

Electronics

• Portable Backup Battery Charger: Essential for keeping your phone charged while taking photos and videos. You’ll likely take many pictures or videos while sailing so the battery will drain very quickly. It’s a good idea to take a portable back up battery charger that will recharge your phone should it go dead with all of the amazing pictures you will be taking!
• Phone in Airplane Mode: Avoid expensive roaming fees by switching your phone to airplane mode. You can still use the ship’s Wi-Fi package if needed.

Cabin Organization

• Magnetic Hooks: Use these magnetic hooks (on Amazon) tomaximize space in your cabin by hanging clothes, hats, or bags on the metal walls.
• Magnetic Door Signs: Easily spot your cabin with a personalized magnetic sign on your door.

Additional Items to Pack for your cruise

• Lightweight sweater or pashmina for chilly evenings on the ship – Restaurants and cruise ship casinos can quickly become chilly spots. So be sure to tuck away a sweater or pashmina just in case! We usually wear a sweater or light jacket in the auditorium for evening shows because it gets chilly.
• Passport or birth certificate (depending on your cruise requirements)
  • Tip: Take a photo of your passport to keep on your phone for added security.
  • We usually take a photo of our passport so that we have it on port days, but do not take it with us on excursions.
  • You really only need your ship sign and sail card to get on and off the ship at port.
  • I know some people insist on having their passport with them at all times, but we just wouldn’t want to lose it.
• Cash for ports. Most cruise lines are cashless, but you will probably need cash for some ports, tipping, etc.
• Outfit for elegant or formal night (or nights) if you choose (it depends on the cruise line), outfits for themed parties like the NCL infamous “glow party”, Carnival Mardi Gras’ 80’s party and of course their “Mardi Gras” party, and other lines have their own version so make sure to read up on it before you cruise.

Medications

Remember your medication if you need it at sea! Take a small first-aid kit containing essential medicines such as pain relievers, anti-diarrheal tablets, Benedryl (for those with allergies), and motion sickness medication. If you have to purchase these in the ship gift shop they are usually more expensive.

Combat motion sickness with Sea Bands or motion sickness patches if you are prone to motion sickness to help you feel your best while traveling. However, if you do get seasick guest services will usually have packets of seasick medication that you can get for free or 1-3$.

Being well stocked with basic medications before setting out on your journey will help to guarantee that you have an enjoyable time away from home!

Embarkation Day

Most cruise lines will give you a time to show up at the port or you schedule your selected time.

When you arrive you can hand off your larger bags to luggage assistants (don’t forget to tip them!).

They will make sure your bags are properly tagged (with the printed tags provided at online check-in) and take them away until they show up at your stateroom later in the day.

We usually keep an extra set of clothes in our carry-on bag or tote in case the luggage is late showing up and it is time to go to dinner.

You’ll then line up to go into the port and go through security where they check your passport/birth certificate and boarding paperwork. You then go through the bag check which is similar to airports. Make sure not to bring any prohibited items (check your cruise line website).

Many cruise lines allow 1 bottle of wine per adult and we usually take advantage of this for having a bottle in the room to sit on the balcony in the evenings with.

Once you are through security, you will be guided to the cruise check-in area and this is where your onboard account is set up, passports/birth certificates checked again, and cruise paperwork.

You are then given a sign and sail card (or it may be called different things on other lines). This card is how you scan into and off of the ship.

NOTE: Sometimes we have received our cards at the stateroom outside of the door instead of at check-in.

After you have your cards in hand you are given a boarding group and wait until it is called to board the ship. Then the fun begins!

After Boarding Your Cruise

Once you are on the ship many people head to the buffet. We like to see what other eating options are open on embarkation day (it varies by ship) and usually choose another option that is less crowded. Either way, you will not be disappointed because there is a variety of food available.

It is also a great time to wander around and get the feel of the layout of the ship and all that is offered.

Your luggage will show up later in the day (usually before dinner) and the staterooms will be ready at a time designated by the particular ship you are on.

There is a mandatory Muster Drill (mentioned earlier) that you will need to attend (you are given a station area) and check in for before everything else opens and the cruise gets in full-swing.

Tips for Exploring and Navigating Your Cruise Ship Like a Pro

It’s a good idea to learn the navigation terms for the sections of the ship such as:

• Forward: The front side onboard interior of the ship
• Aft: The onboard rear side of the ship
• Port side: The left side of the ship if you are facing forward (towards the front of the ship).
• Starboard: The right side of the ship when facing forward

Scheduling Your Time Onboard

To get the most out of your time onboard, it’s important to schedule some activity for each day of your trip—you don’t want to miss out on anything!

We love to look at the next day’s newsletter schedule after returning to the stateroom each night to see what we are interested in doing the next day.

Cruise ships offer various activities for guests, including spa treatments, fitness classes, dance classes, games, entertainment options, and more.

On larger cruise ships that offer many different shows or activities you have to book a reservation in advance.

Check your online cruise planner for your ship to make sure you don’t need to book a reservation in advance.

We were surprised the first time we sailed on RCL Harmony of the Seas that we had to book everything in advance! The ice skating show was amazing (below pic) and I’m glad we made a reservation.

Cruise Activities:

Top Cruise Activities You Won’t Want to Miss

While you’re hanging out on the ship for several days, you may be wondering what’s in store for you and what your entertainment options are.

Here are some unique things you can do on many of the popular cruise lines!

See a Musical or Comedy show

Take in a night at the theater, entirely free of charge! On select Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line ships, you can enjoy iconic musicals like Grease, Mamma Mia, or Jersey Boys.

We love the Broadway-caliber shows on so many of the ships we’ve been on. Get ready to experience the world’s best theaters without leaving the ocean’s waves!

The comedy shows are also a favorite with our crew!

Mini Golf and Sports Deck

Mini-golf is a fun activity for families and couples aboard cruise ships, so it’s no surprise that you can find courses on Carnival cruises, Royal Caribbean vessels, Norwegian Breakaway, and some of their Breakaway Plus class ships as well as Disney Cruise Line’s Dream and Fantasy!

SkyRide, North Star, Roller Coasters, Bumper Cars, Surfing, Rock Climbing

A first-time cruise can have so many adventurous activities all on the ship! SkyRide® (Carnival Vista class ships) is like pedaling a bicycle.

You’ll never forget it. But unlike biking, how often can you ride around the ship while suspended in mid-air above the vessel and gazing at the azure ocean below? SkyRide offers an experience that’s totally out of this world!

The Larger Carnival ships like Mardi Gras even offer a roller coaster at sea! Some of Disney’s ships also have a coaster.

We loved the RCL Harmony of the Seas giant slides and amusement park area! There was so much to do that we didn’t get to it all.

Some NCL ships that we’ve been on have bumper cars that are a blast!

Most of the ships have rock climbing, some have bowling, basketball courts, and other fun activities! Sea days can be relaxing or exciting with all there is to do.

Cruise Spa Access

If you’re looking for some relaxation, then the spa on some cruise ships is the place for you. A great first-time cruise tip is to make time for at least visiting the spa to see what is offered.

With options like saunas, steam rooms, Salt therapy rooms, and thermal tubs available to guests on board ships from Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Costa Cruises, and more, you can easily sit back and relax!

One of our favorites is the previously-mentioned NCL Breakaway’s thermal pool and salt room in the spa. They also had heated bed loungers that look out to sea that were amazing!

You can get a day pass that provides entry to the rooms and thermal pools or buy a week pass (if you book a spa cabin it is usually included).

Specific spa services (like massages, facials, etc) are extra, but just visiting the spa and relaxing in the steam rooms is rejuvenating!

Tipping Guidelines for Great Service Onboard

I know tipping can be a controversial topic on many of the cruise ship forums, but we always tip our cabin stewards, main dining room wait staff, and many bartenders extra on top of the daily tips that are added to your cruise fare.

It’s a personal choice, but we feel they always go above and beyond.

The amounts vary and also vary by the length of the cruise but on average we tip our cabin steward 20-60$ on the last day of the cruise, wait staff in the main dining room 10-20$, and an extra 1-2$ to the bartenders/coffee shop most times on each order.

We bring cash for the cabin steward and wait staff, but just add an extra 1-2$ here and there on the bill for drinks when we sign for them.

Tipping extra is totally optional! I just thought I’d mention it because I was unsure on our first cruise and some examples would have helped with planning.

Smooth Sailing on Debarkation Day: What to Expect

At the end of your cruise you will get information in the room the day before about debarkation procedures.

If you choose, you can have your larger bags packed and outside of the stateroom the night before where they will be picked up and will have already gone through customs when you get off the ship.

You can also roll your bags off of the ship yourself and go through customs [self assist].

Either way is usually efficient. Having the larger bags picked up the night before just saves you from having to lug so many bags off the ship.

You will be given (or choose) a time to get off of the ship and when your group, floor, etc. is called you can make your way to the waiting area.

You are then called to the gangway to head off of the ship (sad face) and on your way through customs and then home.

I’m usually sad after the cruise ends and ready to book another one!

Top Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make (And How to Avoid Them)

Embarking on your first cruise is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Many first-time cruisers make common mistakes that can impact their experience. Here’s a quick list of pitfalls to avoid and tips to make the most of your trip:

• Overpacking: Like my first cruise experience, it is easy to overpack. One of the biggest mistakes first-time cruisers make is bringing too much luggage. Remember, staterooms are smaller than hotel rooms, and storage is limited. Pack smart by focusing on versatile clothing items and essentials only.
• Not Arriving at the Port a Day Early: We have also made this mistake and almost missed our cruise. Travel delays happen, and missing your cruise departure can ruin your entire vacation. Always plan to arrive at your departure port a day early to avoid unexpected delays.
• Skipping Travel Insurance: Many new cruisers think they won’t need travel insurance, but it’s essential to protect your trip investment. From missed flights to medical emergencies, travel insurance can save you from significant expenses. Get travel insurance before you go – Travelex!
• Not Researching Excursions in Advance: Researching excursions ahead of time is the best way to go. Waiting until you’re on the ship to book excursions can lead to disappointment. Popular excursions fill up quickly, so plan and book in advance to secure your preferred activities.
• Ignoring the Muster Drill: The safety drill, or muster drill, is mandatory for a reason. Pay attention to the instructions, so you know what to do in case of an emergency. Each ship is a little different so it may vary.
• Not Keeping Track of Time at Port: It’s easy to lose track of time while exploring a port. Always be mindful of the ship’s departure time to avoid becoming a “pier runner”—those who sprint to the ship just before it leaves or miss the ship altogether.
• Assuming Everything Is Included: While cruises offer many inclusive features, some things cost extra, such as specialty dining, spa treatments, and alcohol. Familiarize yourself with what’s included in your fare to avoid unexpected charges.
• Skipping the Daily Newsletter: Cruise ships provide a daily newsletter either online in their app or printed with a schedule of activities, dining options, and important announcements. Skipping it can mean missing out on fun events and helpful information.
• Not Packing Essentials in a Carry-On: Your checked luggage may not arrive in your stateroom until later in the day. Pack a carry-on with essentials like a change of clothes, medication, and important documents to be prepared.
• Not Using Airplane Mode: Failing to switch your phone to airplane mode can result in expensive roaming charges. My husband found this out with a 200$ charge on our last cruise because he was working on his iPad and didn’t realize. Even if you purchase a Wi-Fi package, make sure your phone is in airplane mode to avoid surprise bills.

Final Thoughts on First-Time Cruise Planning Guide and Tips

Taking a cruise for your next vacation can be a gratifying experience that will be amazing for the whole family.

With proper planning and packing beforehand, scheduling activities during your time onboard, and connecting with other passengers along the way, you will have an incredible adventure!

Before you know it you will be a cruise expert with tons of sailings under your belt!

Are you taking your first cruise or are you a seasoned cruiser? Drop us a line and let us know your story!

Bon Voyage!

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