Are you setting sail on a cruise and need some first time cruise tips and tricks? Perhaps this is your second, third or tenth cruise but you need a few new ideas or reminders. There are many things to consider in your cruise planning:
- Booking a cruise
- Planning the day before you leave
- Making the most of embarkation day
- Things to do during your cruise
- Packing for your cruise
- Knowing cruise do’s and don’ts
- Cruise tips for Disembarking
You may need to do a bit of homework in order to plan the best excursions. But… be prepared to create travel memories that will last a lifetime.
70 Cruise Tips & Tricks: Cruise Planning
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If you have begun your research for first time cruise tips, you know that cruises come in all shapes in sizes. For most rookie cruisers, starting with a six or seven-day cruise is a good option. You’ll visit two to three ports and begin to get a sense of what cruising is all about.
From there you will need to narrow down the cruise line, your ideal destination, and the type of cruise you would like to take.
Each cruise line is unique, so be sure to explore the amenities that are available on different ships during your cruise planning. Some cruise ships have skating rinks, wave pools, huge slides, and ziplines while others cater to cruisers who want to relax and enjoy time lounging by the pool
1. Use a Travel Agent to Book Your Cruise
Booking with a travel agent does not typically add to the bottom line of your vacation. In other words, there is not extra cost to you.
Kris Briggs of Kristin’s Adventures & Getaways would agree, “Travel can be life changing but planning a trip can also be time-consuming, stressful and daunting. I love taking that worry off my clients’ plates and using my knowledge and experience to create exciting trips. Some agents will even work for you without fees (like me) and it is always helpful to have an advocate work for you with vendors if something goes wrong.”
Kristin further notes, “We are paid a commission on the back end from the vendor, so that’s how we earn our income.”
2. Use Points to Book Your Cruise
If you are a frequent flyer, you may be able to use your airline frequent flyer miles/points to book your cruise. Chris and I often book through the United Cruises site. Even if we don’t use our points, we earn points from the cruise that can be added to our United Airlines MileagePlus account.
In addition, each cruise line has its own loyalty program. Credit card points can also be used. We like the Chase Sapphire Reserve card.
3. Watch for Perks
The goal for all cruise lines is to entice you to start your cruise planning with them. At various times of the year, you may find perks for signing up for a cruise. These may include a no or reduced deposit offer, bundled amenities packages, perks for traveling as a family, etc.
4. Pick the Right Kind of Cruise
Your options here are varied. You can choose from family cruises, couples cruises, themed cruises, senior cruises, singles cruises, luxury cruises or holiday cruises, just to name a few. Consider what best suits your needs.
5. Essential Cruise Tips & Tricks: Read Reviews
There are a variety of sites available where you can learn more about the cruise line, destinations, ports, types of cruises, cruise cabins, etc. Cruise Critic is one of the most notable sites. I highly recommend that you do a little research before booking your next cruise.
6. Consider Booking a Cabin with a Balcony
One of my first time cruise tips is to consider booking a cabin or stateroom with a balcony. When Chris and I sailed on our first cruise, we booked a cabin with a window view. We were young and trying to economize and this was the most cost-effective cabin for us. It was a bit of an upgrade to get the window!
You can book less expensive interior cabins that do not have windows. (We usually do this for our girls if we are traveling together). If you don’t plan to spend a lot of time in the cabin, then this may suit your needs perfectly.
An outside cabin with a window view is a step up, which may be bigger than an inside cabin and will have a porthole or window to allow natural light in.
7. Read the Rules & Regulations
All cruise lines have rules and regulations and it is my recommendation that you read them before you set sail. These rules may include the documents you need to bring, vaccination requirements, rules on sailing with young children or as a pregnant woman, customs requirements, deposit and booking payment schedules, luggage restrictions, dress codes, smoking and drinking policies, and safety drills.
8. Research Cruise Ports & Excursions
Once you have your cruise line and destination nailed down, you’ll want to take a look at the ports you will be visiting along with some of the excursions. Excursions will be an additional cost but can be a lot of fun. Plus, when you book through the cruise line, they take care of all of the logistics for you.
9. Book Your Excursions Early
You may wish to enjoy an excursion in a particular port, but if you don’t sign up for it in advance, you may find that it is full. This is a key step in your cruise planning.
10. Sign up for Private Tours
If you would prefer to sign up for a private tour, that is perfectly fine too. On our recent cruise to the Caribbean, one of our stops was in St. Thomas. Instead of booking through the cruise line, Chris did a little research and found a ferry that would take us to Water Island.
Just know that you are responsible for:
- Your transport to and from the port
- Any additional fees
- And especially for getting back to the cruise ship on time!
11. Cruise Planning 101: Complete the Online Check-In Process
You may find this cruise planning step to be quick and easy as you add your guest information, set up an onboard expense account, and sign legal forms.
Using a credit card is recommended. You may also be asked to submit a photo for each member of your party. If your children or other family members stay in a separate stateroom, you can choose to add them to your expense account and decide whether or not to give them purchasing privileges.
12. Consider a Drink Package
Since we do not drink alcohol, we have not opted for the drink packages in the past. On our recent cruise in 2023 (and traveling with three adult children), we opted for the drink package as part of a promo deal when we signed up.
There were lots of sodas and non-alcoholic drinks ordered, and we didn’t have to worry about each drink adding to our bill.
13. You May Enjoy a WiFi Package
The onboard WiFi package was also part of a promotion when we booked our recent cruise, and it was mighty nice to have. The package was assigned to two people in each stateroom, which meant that our youngest was without it on some days. We did pay to allow her access on the final days of the cruise when we were at sea. The cost was minimal.
14. Should You Bundle in a Gratuities Package?
Be aware that you will be required to pay gratuities or tips at the end of the cruise. These tips are divided among your room steward, the wait staff, and employees who serve you throughout the cruise.
Our gratuities package was included as part of our package deal when we signed up for the cruise. If you are not aware, these “gratuities” can be quite a surprise. You can expect to pay between $15 to $20 per cruiser per day. This is one of the cruise tips that is essential to know before you go!
15. Consider Travel Insurance
Take the worry off your plate and opt for travel insurance.
Travel Insurance Tip
No matter how well you plan, the unexpected happens. Travel insurance covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, and lost or delayed luggage—giving you both peace of mind so you can focus on enjoying the trip. Shop around and read the fine print before you buy.
16. Do you Need Your Passport?
It depends. For example, if you are a US Citizen leaving from and returning to a US port, you typically do not need your passport. You WILL need some type of identification. Read the Rules and Regulations for your specific cruise.
17. Download the Cruise Line’s App
The Princess Medallion app for our recent cruise was so handy. While on board, we used the app regularly to order drinks, sign up for dining, book activities, and order different amenities (ie., ice buckets and feather pillows).
18. Join a Facebook Group
These groups can be specific to you cruise line and destination and offer discussions, cruise tips and tricks, and answer questions cruisers might have.
19. Be Mindful Where Your Stateroom is Located
You may wish to stay away from elevators or shy away from staying in rooms under the casino due to noise. Other things to consider are which deck is right for you, whether your want to be on the port or starboard side, at the front of the ship or back of the ship.
Before the Cruise
20. Don’t Forget to Pack your Medallion or Print Your Sailing Pass
If your cruise line sends you items in advance, such as the Princess Medallion, don’t forget it. The medallion links to your identity and onboard account. It will be your means of access during embarkation and validate your identity if you leave the ship. For other cruise lines, you may simply need to print your boarding documents.
21. Add Luggage Tags to Your Bags
Not only should you always have luggage tags attached to your bags when you travel, but you will also be able to print cruise specific tags that you will want to attach to your bags prior to boarding. Each tag identifies your bag and specifies where it will be delivered once onboard the ship. Do not attach your cruise luggage tags until you are headed to the port.
22. Add AirTags to your Luggage
I have had my luggage lost a number of times. Usually by one particular carrier. In fact, they have lost my toiletry bag on more than one occasion! This was the case on our recent trip. Let’s just say I was praying mightily that it would arrive before our cruise ship left Fort Lauderdale!
This is another one of my first time cruise tips: AirTags can be a lifesaver in being able to know where your bags are. This leads into the next point of why you should arrive a day early.
23. Arrive at Your Departure Port a Day Ahead of Schedule
Again, if your luggage is lost, this gives the airlines some time to find it and deliver it to you. Who wants to go on a cruise without toiletries or clothes? Arriving early is also important if you experience flight cancellations or delays.
Embarkation Day Cruise Tips
24. Pick an Embarkation Time and Be on Time
When you fill out your online registration, you’ll be able to pick a time to board this ship. Don’t be early. Don’t be late.
25. Pack a Carry On Bag for Embarkation Day
Once you check your luggage with the stewards at the port, you won’t have access to your bags until later in the afternoon when they arrive at your cabin. Be mindful of what you might need until then and pack it in a carry on bag or backpack, ie., meds, identification, your medallion, a book, or your swimsuit.
26. Pack Your Swimsuit in Your Carry On Bag or Wear it Under Your Clothes
Chances are, you are going to want to enjoy the amenities of the ship once you are onboard. Plan ahead and pack your swimsuit or wear it onboard. Don’t forget the sunscreen. It will take time for your luggage to be delivered to your stateroom.
27. Join the Crowd at the Sail Away Party
The Sail Away Party is the cruise line’s way of saying let’s go, and it’s worth dropping your suitcase and heading up to the pool deck for it. As the ship pulls away from port, the music cranks up, the crew gets everyone dancing (or at least swaying along), and the ship’s horn blasts one last goodbye to land. It’s a fun, high-energy way to kick off the trip and get everyone in your group excited for the days ahead. Unpacking can wait, this only happens once per cruise.
28. Sign Your Kids Up for the Kids Club
Sign your kids up for the kids club the moment you board, before you even unpack. Programs fill up fast, especially on sea days, so the earlier you register, the more activities and time slots your kids will have to choose from. It’s a great way for them to make new friends and burn off energy, while you sneak in a little relaxation of your own (or actually finish that book you packed).
29. Explore the Ship
Not only does this give you a chance to discover all of the cool activities and amenities onboard, but it also give you the opportunity to familiarize yourself with where things are located.
30. You Can Skip the Buffet the First Day Onboard
While the buffet is one of the fun dining options onboard, it can be packed as everyone arrives and wants to eat. There is usually a secondary option in one of the dining rooms.
31. Relax
With so much to see and do onboard, it’s easy to turn your cruise into a checklist instead of a vacation. Give yourself permission to skip an excursion, sleep in, or just claim a lounge chair and watch the ocean go by. You booked this trip to unwind, so let a few hours, or even a full sea day, go completely unplanned.
During the Cruise Tips & Tricks
32. Be Sure to Pack & Wear Sunscreen
In addition to face sunscreen and body sunscreen, you may also wish to pack an after sun gel if you happen to get a little too much sun.
33. Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode
You may find charges from your carrier if you forget this step. The onboard WiFi packages allow you to still text and surf if you wish.
34. Don’t Be a Seat Saver
Don’t be one of those cruisers who clips a towel to a lounger early in the day and then doesn’t show up until late in the afternoon to claim their spot! This is one of the cruise do’s and don’ts everyone should follow.
35. Get to Know the Staff Who Serve You
Chris and I always like to get to know our room steward and waitstaff. When you find servers that you enjoy, you can request to be at their tables in the dining room.
36. Use Hand Sanitizer & Wash Your Hands Often
Cruise ships pack thousands of people into a small space, and norovirus doesn’t care about your vacation plans. Wash your hands before every meal, and keep hand sanitizer in your bag for the buffet line, elevator buttons, and anywhere else hundreds of hands have already been. It’s a small habit, but it can save your entire trip.
37. Plan to Attend Performances, Trivia & Sing Alongs
Performances, trivia nights, and sing-alongs are some of the easiest ways to fill your evenings without spending extra money, and they’re a great way to actually meet other people on the ship. Check the daily schedule when it lands in your cabin (or on the app) each morning, and pick one or two to build your evening around. You’ll be surprised how competitive trivia gets, even among total strangers.
38. Did You Know You Can Order More Than One Appetizer, Entree or Dessert?
Cruise dining rooms won’t blink if you order two appetizers, three entrees, or every dessert on the menu. It’s all included in your fare, so there’s no reason to settle on just one option if something else catches your eye. Just ask your waiter, they’re used to it, and it’s the easiest way to actually try everything instead of committing to a single dish.
39. Be on Time on Port Days
If you are late, you might just find that your ship has sailed without you, and you will be financially responsible for getting yourself to the next port.
40. Don’t Be Late for Dinner
If you’ve got a set dining time in the main dining room, treat it like an appointment. Showing up late doesn’t just hold up your own table, it throws off the whole rotation for waitstaff juggling multiple tables at once. Set a reminder if you have to, but don’t be the reason your tablemates are still waiting on appetizers at 7:45.
41. Take the Stairs
Not only can the elevators be crowded, you may often have long waits. Take the stairs and work off that second dessert!
42. Be Mindful of Your Eating & Drinking
With food available almost around the clock and drink packages built to be used, it’s easy to overdo it on a cruise. Pace yourself with both, your body will thank you halfway through the week, and you won’t spend a sea day recovering instead of enjoying it. Balance is what keeps the whole trip fun, not just the first two days.
43. Read the Daily Newsletter
The daily newsletter lists the schedule of activities and helpful information for the day. I brought this handy folder to keep all of our newsletters and correspondence in during the cruise.
44. If You Are Traveling With Family & Friends, Plan Your Expectations
Not everyone in your group is going to want the same excursions, the same dinner times, or even the same wake-up hour, and that’s fine. Talk through expectations before you set sail: which nights you’ll all eat together, what’s optional, and where it’s fine to split off and do your own thing. A little planning upfront saves a lot of tension once you’re actually onboard.
45. Don’t Let Your Kids Run Unsupervised
Don’t be those parents. One of the top cruise do’s and don’ts is to keep track of your kids. Be mindful if they are splashing everyone in the pool or disturbing other passengers.
46. Fact: If You Gamble You Can Still Lose Money at Sea
Yes, you’re on vacation, but the ship’s casino runs by the same rules as one on land. Set a budget before you walk in and treat it as money you’re fully prepared to lose, not part of your travel budget. The ocean views are free. The slot machines are not.
47. Keep an Eye on Your Charges
First time cruise tips: Budget is important to most people. If you happen to see a charge on your account (which you can check in the Cruise app), don’t hesitate to talk to Guest Services about it.
48. Let You Wait Staff Know if You Have Allergies
Let your wait staff know about any food allergies on the first night, not halfway through the cruise. Most dining rooms can accommodate allergies easily, but they need a heads up to prep safe options in advance, sometimes even the night before. It’s a small conversation that can save you from a scary situation later in the trip.
49. Book Another Cruise
If you already know you want to book another cruise from the same cruise line, do it while onboard as there are discounts for cruise planning before leaving the ship. You may need to do a little research in advance to know dates and potential destinations.
50. Ask for Changes in the Menu
Don’t like the sound of what’s on the menu tonight? Ask anyway. Most cruise dining rooms can swap ingredients, adjust a sauce, or even whip up something off-menu entirely if you ask your waiter. It never hurts to ask, and it’s an easy way to get a meal you’ll actually enjoy instead of settling.et, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
51. You Don’t HAVE TO Dress Up for Formal Night
Formal night sounds fancier than it actually has to be. Sure, you can break out a gown or a suit if that’s your thing, but plenty of cruisers just throw on a nice shirt or a sundress and call it good. Wear what makes you comfortable, nobody’s checking IDs at the dining room door.
52. Go to the Fitness Center
Cruise buffets are basically designed to derail your best intentions, so a little time in the fitness center can help balance things out. Most ships have a solid gym with ocean views that beat any land-based workout, and morning sessions are usually the least crowded. Even a quick workout can make the extra dessert feel a lot less guilty.
53. Bring your ID & Ship’s Medallion or Key Card with you on Shore Days
You will need to scan your medallion or key card when you leave the ship and then return on port days. You don’t necessarily need your passport, but you will need some type of ID (think Driver’s License).
54. Optional: Leave an Extra Tip for Staff who Excel
Most cruise lines already add automatic gratuities to your bill, but if a specific waiter, room steward, or bartender goes above and beyond, a little extra cash goes a long way. Crew members work long seasons away from home, and a tip on top of the standard one is one of the best ways to say thank you. It’s optional, but it’s rarely forgotten.
Packing & Cruise Planning
55. Use a Cruise Packing List
Packing for a cruise is its own beast: formal night outfits, swimsuits, port day layers, and a dozen little extras you won’t think of until you’re already at sea. Save yourself the guesswork (and the inevitable “I forgot my…” moment) and grab my free Cruise Packing List below. It covers everything from cabin essentials to what actually gets used on port days.
56. First Time Cruise Tips: Don’t Over Pack
First-time cruisers tend to pack like they’re heading off-grid for a month, when in reality your cabin closet is tiny and most ships have laundry service if you really need it. Pack versatile pieces you can mix and match, and leave room in your suitcase for anything you pick up on port days. You’ll thank yourself when you’re not wrestling a suitcase that won’t close on the way home.
57. Valuables
Normally I would suggest that you leave your valuables and flashy jewelry home when you travel, but a cruise is a little different as you will have formal nights that you’ll want to dress up for. Note * each cabin has an in-room safe.
58. Take Time to Unpack
Each stateroom has a closet, hangers, shelves, and drawers. One of the cruise tips I recommend is to take the time to unpack your suitcase and hang clothes up.
59. Bring a Variety of Shoes
One pair of shoes won’t cut it on a cruise. Pack sneakers for the fitness center or an active excursion, flip-flops for the pool deck and beach days, comfortable walking shoes for exploring ports, and something dressier for the dining room or formal night. Your feet will thank you for the variety by day three.
60. Pack Meds for Sickness
When you are in close proximity to so many people, you may get sick. You may even get a little seasickness from the motion of the boat. Be sure to bring your prescription medication as well as over the counter meds.
61. A Few More Packing Hacks
You may also want to pack Clorox wipes, air freshener, a foldable hanging shoe rack, a highlighter, lanyard, magnets and hooks.
62. Bring a Variety of Swimsuits
One swimsuit means you’re either wearing it wet or not wearing one at all. Pack at least two so you always have a dry one ready to go, whether you’re hitting the pool deck, a beach excursion, or the hot tub after a long day in port. It’s a small thing, but a soggy swimsuit is an easy way to ruin an otherwise great pool day.
Cruise Do’s and Don’ts
63. Don’t Bring Drugs On Board this Ship
Cruise lines take this one seriously, bags get scanned at the terminal, and getting caught can mean being denied boarding or removed from the ship at your own expense. Leave anything illegal at home, it’s not worth losing your vacation over.
64. Don’t Sit or Stand on Balcony Railings or Throw Things Overboard
This should go without saying, but people fall overboard every year doing exactly this. Stay off the railings, keep an eye on kids near the balcony, and don’t toss anything into the ocean, even something as small as a cigarette butt can violate maritime environmental laws.
65. Smoke Only in Designated Areas—Your Balcony is NOT a Designated Area
Smoking on your balcony can set off the ship’s smoke detectors and land you a hefty fine, sometimes over $500, on top of a warning. Stick to the designated smoking areas onboard, usually a section of an outdoor deck, and you’ll avoid the fine altogether.
66. Don’t Feel as Though You Have to Do Everything
Cruise itineraries can feel like a checklist of activities, shows, and excursions, but you don’t have to hit every single one. Pick what actually sounds fun to you and skip the rest without guilt. It’s your vacation, not a scavenger hunt.
67. Do Visit the Spa
The spa on a cruise ship is easy to overlook when there’s a pool deck and a dozen activities competing for your attention, but it’s worth carving out an hour for. Sea days tend to have shorter waits and better deals, so that’s your best window to book a massage or facial. It’s a small splurge that can make the whole trip feel more relaxing.
Disembarkation Day Cruise Tips
68. Don’t Book Your Return Flight Too Early
There is a process and organization to disembarking. Essential cruise tips suggest giving yourself ample time to disembark, pick up your luggage, schedule a transfer to the airport, and get through airport security.
69. Set Out Your Luggage the Night Before
You have the option of setting out your luggage the night before and it will be offloaded for you to pick up at the port. Alternately, you can carry your luggage off yourself. If you are in a hurry, this will can be a timesaver.
70. Plan Your Disembarkation Day Outfit & Toiletries
If you do set out your luggage the night before, be sure to plan for toiletries and clothing for the morning that can be packed in your carry on bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have to have a passport for a cruise?
If you are a US citizen and do not have a passport, one option is to take a closed-loop cruise. This type of cruise is a round-trip sailing that leaves from and returns to the same US port. You will need a birth certificate and a driver’s license. Read the rules and regulations from your chosen cruise line.
What are some unique things to bring on a cruise?
Cruise Tips and Tricks: An insulated water mug, colorful towel clips, matching cruise t-shirts, cabin door decorations, magnetic wall hooks, power bar with USB ports, and a travel journal.
How fast does a cruise ship go?
Depending on the power of a ship’s engines, the weather, and sea conditions, a modern cruise ship has an average speed of approximately 20 knots (23 miles per hour). It can reach a maximum speed of about 30 knots (34.5 miles per hour).
What are the shortest and longest cruises?
Shorter cruises range from 2 to 4 days while the longest cruise is 274 days leaving from Miami, FL on December 10, 2023.
Where can I cruise?
Cruise ports are found all over the world and include destinations in places such as Alaska, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, South America and even full world cruises.
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You Are Ready to Set Sail
Get set to sail! Is the countdown on to your first or next cruise? With these sensational cruise tips and tricks, your cruise planning should be slick. If you are a rookie cruiser, these first time cruise tips will help you look like a seasoned pro as you embark on your adventure.
Don’t forget to grab your Free Cruise Packing List. You’ll be glad you have it. Bon Voyage!
I haven’t been on a cruise in years. This has inspired me to look into my next cruise!
I hope to go on a cruise one day. This post is very helpful. Thanks for sharing.
Great post and all great tips. Thanks for the shout out!
A really useful article. Inside knowledge like this is always great!
This is a great list. I especially like the tip to skip the buffet on embarkation day. After a day spent driving/flying to the port, I much prefer to enjoy a relaxing meal in the dining room.
I’ve never been on a cruise so if I ever do, I know where to come for my planning and preparation! It blows my mind to learn that some cruise ships have ice rinks – amazing. Love the tip about being aware that you can still lose money gambling at sea, ha ha!