If you’re thinking about taking your first cruise, you’re probably excited… and slightly overwhelmed.
What cruise line should you choose?
Do you need a passport?
What’s included?
What should you pack?
How do you avoid making expensive mistakes?
I’ve been cruising since I was a kid. I’ve cruised as a teenager, a solo traveler, on my honeymoon, while pregnant, with a six month old baby, and most recently with two kids under three.
Cruising remains one of my favorite ways to travel because once you understand how it works, it’s one of the easiest vacations you’ll ever take.
So let’s cover everything I wish every first time cruiser knew before stepping onboard.
First: What Is Actually Included?
One of the biggest misconceptions about cruising is that everything costs extra.
In reality, a lot is already included in your cruise fare.
Typically included:
- Your cabin
- Main dining room meals
- Buffet meals
- Most snacks
- Entertainment and shows
- Pools and hot tubs
- Kids clubs
- Transportation between ports
- Basic beverages like water, tea, coffee, and lemonade
Things that usually cost extra:
- Alcohol
- Specialty dining
- Spa treatments
- Shore excursions
- Internet
- Soda packages
- Gratuities on some cruise lines
Before you cruise, understand what’s included on your specific ship so you aren’t surprised by charges at the end.
Interior, Ocean View, Balcony, or Suite?
This is probably the biggest decision you’ll make when booking.
Interior Cabin
Cheapest option.
No windows.
Great if you’re trying to save money and plan to spend very little time in your room.
Ocean View
A window to the outside world but no balcony.
Nice compromise between price and natural light. Not to be overlooked, some ocean view rooms are larger than some balcony rooms.
Balcony
My personal favorite.
After cruising with babies and toddlers, balcony cabins completely changed cruising for us.
When the kids napped, we could sit outside, watch the ocean, drink coffee, read, and still relax without sitting in a dark room.
We also had more room for toys, diaper changes, two cribs, and all the extra gear that comes with little kids.
We tried an interior cabin on one cruise thinking we’d barely be in the room.
By day three, we felt surprisingly cramped. My husband also dealt with some seasickness, and having access to fresh air would have made a huge difference.
Since then, we almost always choose balconies.
Suites
More space, additional perks, and often priority boarding.
Wonderful if the budget allows.
Not necessary for most first time cruisers.
Arrive the Day Before
If you take only one piece of advice from this article, make it this.
Never fly in the morning your cruise departs. Flights get delayed.
Weather happens. Luggage gets lost.
Cruise ships do not wait.
I always recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation and starting your vacation stress free.
Download the Cruise Line App
Most cruise lines now use apps for:
- Daily schedules
- Dining reservations
- Deck maps
- Messaging family members
- Viewing your onboard account
Download it before you leave home. It makes navigating your first cruise significantly easier.
Don’t Overpack
I know.
This advice sounds impossible. But hear me out.
Most first time cruisers pack for every possible scenario.
The reality?
You’ll wear swimsuits, casual clothes, dinner outfits, and pajamas most of the trip.
A few things I always recommend:
- Magnetic hooks for cabin walls
- Refillable water bottles
- Motion sickness medication
- Portable chargers
- Lanyards for cruise cards if your ship still uses them
- Small first aid kit
- Swim cover ups
- Formal night outfit
You do not need twelve pairs of shoes.
Understand Sea Days vs Port Days
Sea Days:
The ship is the destination.
You’ll spend your day enjoying pools, activities, shows, restaurants, and relaxation.
Port Days:
The ship docks somewhere exciting and you can explore.
Many first time cruisers book excursions every single port.
You don’t have to.
Some of our favorite cruise memories involve simply walking around town, grabbing local food, and exploring at our own pace.
You Don’t Need Every Package
Cruise lines are masters of upselling.
Drink package.
Internet package.
Dining package.
Photo package.
Spa package.
Excursion package.
For some travelers these are worth it. For others they become expensive purchases that don’t get fully used.
Before buying any package, ask yourself: “Will I actually use this enough to justify the cost?” One soda per day rarely justifies a soda package.
Likewise, specialty dining every night may not make sense if you’re perfectly happy in the main dining room.
Book Excursions That Match Your Travel Style
Don’t book something because everyone else is doing it.
Book what you’ll actually enjoy.
Love adventure? Ziplining might be perfect.
Traveling with grandparents? Maybe a scenic tour is better.
Traveling with toddlers? An easy beach day may create better memories than a six hour excursion. The best excursion is the one your family enjoys.
Formal Night Isn’t As Formal As You Think
Years ago, cruising felt much more formal. Today? Most cruise lines are significantly more relaxed.
You’ll see everything from cocktail dresses to sundresses and polo shirts. Pack something nice if you want photos, but don’t stress over tuxedos or ball gowns.
The Best Cruise Tip Nobody Talks About
Book your next cruise onboard. Even if you’re only considering another cruise someday.
Cruise lines frequently offer:
- Reduced deposits
- Onboard credit
- Additional perks
- Better pricing
Our family often books future cruises while we’re still sailing because the savings can be substantial. Even if we haven’t finalized every detail yet, locking in the offer can save hundreds later.
Final Thoughts
Cruising can feel intimidating before your first sailing.
Then you step onboard.
Someone hands you lunch.
Your luggage magically appears later.
Dinner is waiting.
Entertainment is scheduled.
Transportation is handled.
And suddenly you understand why so many people become cruise addicts.
Cruising truly is one of the easiest ways to see multiple destinations while unpacking only once.
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