The first time I stepped onto a cruise ship, I had no idea what to expect… despite having spent approximately a gazillion hours researching the trip in advance.
Although I made many rookie mistakes, I had an incredible time. So now, in the hope of helping you avoid at least a few of the blunders I made, here’s a list of lessons I learned.
21 Lessons Learned from My First Cruise
1. Get a Map at Guest Relations
I spent the first two days wandering around the ship aimlessly. Had I only bothered to swing by guest relations to get an easily pocketable map, I could have saved myself a lot of time!
2. Seasickness Is Over-Hyped
Before my first cruise, message boards convinced me I’d be seasick without sea bands, ginger candies, pills, and deep breathing exercises. As it turned out, I didn’t need any of those and experienced no nausea. While it’s great to be prepared, there’s a good chance you’ll be fine.
Read More: 7 Ways to Avoid Seasickness
3. Food Is Everywhere
The moment you board the ship, you’ll find endless edible delights. Fun fact: You don’t have to eat it all. Another fun fact: If you do, you’ll understand why people gain weight during a cruise!
4. Cruise Lines Put a Hold on Your Account
Before boarding, you’ll use a credit or debit card for incidentals. The cruise line will likely put a hold on your account, usually between $50 and $500, to ensure you can cover any expenses incurred. This can put you in a bind if you use a debit card, as the holds sometimes take days to lift.
5. Look at a 10-day Forecast When Packing
Weather can change unexpectedly, but an extended forecast can give you a good idea of what to expect. It might save you from packing unnecessary items, like a parka when all you need is a light sweater.
6. The Daily Itinerary Is Your Best Friend
The itinerary left in your room each night contains everything you need to know about the day ahead. Mark important activities with a highlighter. Families can use different colors to track individual interests.
7. Bring a Cup
The glasses onboard, especially in buffets, are often small. Bring a larger cup or a popular Yeti tumbler to save trips to the water cooler.
8. You Can and Will Sunburn
The Caribbean sun is unforgiving. Apply sunscreen when going on excursions, using water slides, or lounging by the pool. Skipping this step can result in expensive purchases from the ship’s gift shop.
9. Shops Onboard Are Pricey
After a painful day in the sun, I paid $14.99 for a bottle of aloe that would cost $3.99 at home. Bring essentials like sunscreen and aloe to save money.
10. Don’t Overpack
Aside from formal night, the ship’s atmosphere is casual. Pack light; you can always launder clothes onboard if needed.
11. Don’t Use Your Cell Phone
Using your phone onboard is expensive. Calls can cost $2.50 per minute, texts $0.50, and photo messages $1.30. You’re on the ship’s network if you see “Cellular at Sea” or similar on your screen. However, a majority of the cruise ships now have Starlink high-speed internet, and the cost isn’t too outrageous to stay connected.
12. Limited Outlets in Staterooms
Most staterooms have one or two outlets. Pack a power strip or USB adapter to charge multiple devices. Be sure it’s cruise-approved.
13. Just Say “Yes!”
Volunteer during ship activities. You’ll likely have fun and win prizes like champagne or a free cruise.
14. Try the Character Breakfasts
Character breakfasts aren’t just for kids. They’re fun for all ages, with unique menus and opportunities to meet characters. Options include Carnival’s Green Eggs and Ham breakfast.
15. Consider Buying the Drink Package
I skipped the drink package and regretted it. It’s worth calculating whether it’s cost-effective for you. Note that some cruise lines require all adults in the same cabin to purchase it.
16. Bring Dollar Bills
Dollar bills are handy for tipping luggage porters, bartenders, and room service staff. Avoid onboard ATM fees by bringing singles from home.
17. Set a Price-Drop Alert
Websites like Cruiseline.com monitor price drops in real-time and notify you of changes. You could secure refunds or upgrades by staying informed.
18. Ask People for Gift Cards
Ask for cruise line gift cards as holiday or birthday gifts. They can cover gratuities, specialty dining, and more.
19. Gift Cards Are Cheaper on AARP
AARP offers discounted cruise line gift cards. Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America gift cards often have eight to 10 percent discounts on them. And you don’t need to be 50 to join AARP!
20. Practice Blackjack with Cards from Guest Services
If you’re hitting the casino, ask for a free deck of cards from guest services. Use them to practice and keep them as a souvenir. As of 2024, not every cruise ship still has these, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
21. Don’t Let Anyone Rain on Your Parade
Worrying about what others think can hold you back. Embrace cruise activities, whether it’s singing karaoke, trying new experiences, or indulging in three desserts. Have fun—you’ll likely never see most of the passengers again!
