12 Cruise Tips You Wish You Knew Before Boarding

Cruises can be very exciting to plan, but it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and forget to think about some important details. No matter if you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser, there’s always something new to learn. Small tweaks can make a big difference from packing smart to making the most of onboard experiences.

To set you on the best course to set sail on your very own cruise adventure, here are 12 must-know tips.

Carry a Day Bag

On the first day of your cruise, there’s a waiting game when your luggage has to be delivered to your cabin. Beat the system by packing a small day bag with the essentials: a swimsuit, sunscreen, medications, and important documents. Others will be waiting for their bags while you’re poolside soaking up the sun like a seasoned pro.

Pack Like a Pro

Preparing for a cruise does not mean just tossing clothes into a suitcase, it is an art form. It’s one rookie mistake to overpack because cruise cabins are notoriously cozy. Your future self will be grateful that you packed light. Never forget your power strip. It’s harder to find a power strip at a cruise ship outlet than it is to find a parking space at the mall during the holiday rush.

Arrive a Day Early

Cruise ships get delayed and then delayed some more. Traffic jams happen, and invariably, whatever you attempt to plan seems to be ruined by the weather. You don’t need to arrive at your port city on the day of your cruise unless you’re looking for a good excuse to show up later than you said you would. It’s a buffer to breathe, recover from travel fatigue, and not be stressed that you have to get on a ship.

Don’t Skip the Muster Drill

Yes, you want to start your vacation, it’s tempting to tune out during the muster drill. That’s what makes this safety briefing more important than you might believe. If you are cruising for the first time, listen to the instructions. It’s the knowledge you hope you’ll never need, but you’ll be glad you have in an emergency: Learn how to use a life jacket, find your muster station, and when and why to abandon ship.

Maintain Onboard Expenses Track

Your room card is also your wallet on a cruise, and it’s all too easy to lose track of spending. That daily coffee habit, and those colorful cocktails, will soon add up to a shocking bill before you know it. Apps and kiosks may keep tabs on your spending, so you’re not surprised at the end.

Choose the Right Cabin

Finding the right cabin is like finding the right seat on an airplane, except you’re on it for days, not hours. If you are a light sleeper avoid cabins near elevators, above nightclubs, or in high traffic areas. Prone to motion sickness? A midship cabin on a lower deck is the most stable place to be on the boat. A little research can make the difference between peaceful nights and restless ones.

A cruise vacation is packed with so many exciting activities but the most popular ones are snapped up fast. Pre-booking these favorites means you don’t have to miss out on the sunset zip-lining excursion, a delicious dinner at one of the specialty restaurants, an exciting spa treatment, or whatever it is you’ve got your heart set on.

Be Strategic About Meals

The buffet bar is busy at meal times. You can drink the bar dry at the earliest or the latest possible hour, and you certainly don’t have to limit yourself to the most obvious places to eat. New dishes are best tried on cruises, but maybe hold off on the extra spicy curry on sea day instead of the night before a snorkeling excursion.

Research Your Ports

Each port of call has its charm, but to find the best spots you’ll have to do some homework. A little bit of prep goes a long way—from the most beautiful beach to the local dishes to the best time to visit to avoid the peak crowds—and can be done on your couch in under an hour. The payoff? Memories you won’t forget quickly.

Bring a Reusable Water Bottle

Hydration is important especially when you’re out and about soaking up the sun or exploring new destinations.. Eco-friendly, reusable water bottles are convenient. Most ships have refill stations, and you can skip the wasteful single-use plastics.

Embrace Theme Nights

Cruisers love a theme night. Whether it’s an elegant formal night or an ’80s dance party, it’s a blast. If dressing up isn’t your thing, bring some fun accessories to get in on the festivities. It’s a great way to bond with fellow passengers and create memories that you’ll be smiling about for years.

Be Flexible And Go With the Flow

No matter how much you plan, things can change. It never goes according to plan, you’ve got weather changes, and an itinerary that could change at any time, so pivot and move. Embracing the unexpected is an excellent way to go with the flow. You’re on a cruise, a floating haven from reality. Breathe, relax, and let the waves take you on an adventure.

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