17 Common Cruise Mistakes That Could Ruin Your Trip
Cruising is a more unusual and luxurious way to see the world. It offers ocean vistas, world-class amenities, and often unforgettable experiences. According to CLIA, 10% of cruise travelers take three to five cruises annually. Global cruise capacity is expected to grow at least 10% between 2024 and 2028.
But even with the enticement of these floating resorts, many novices and even experienced cruisers make mistakes that make the voyage a less-than-positive experience. Ready to set sail with confidence? Read on!
Delaying Your Next Cruise Booking

Most cruise lines offer early booking incentives, including discounts, onboard credits, or reduced deposits. If you wait too long to book, you might miss out on these, especially if you’re trying to travel on in-demand dates.
Popular itineraries, such as Alaska or the Mediterranean, fill up well in advance. Procrastination can have a substantial financial cost, and options will also be limited.
Picking a Random Cabin

Picking the wrong cabin might lead to sleepless nights or less fun. Cabins above nightclubs or near engine rooms are notorious for noise complaints.
More expensive balcony cabins have personal outdoor space, while interior cabins are best for budget-conscious travelers. Research deck plans before booking to avoid problem areas, such as near elevators or beneath the pool deck.
Forgetting Essentials in Your Carry-On

Pack enough sunscreen, snacks, a change of clothes, and travel documents to get you through in a carry-on. For families, throw in some entertainment for kids. A little strategy with your carry-on prevents unnecessary stress and gets your cruise vacation off to a smoother start.
Leaving Allowed Alcohol at Home

Most cruise lines permit passengers to bring their wine and/or Champagne on board. Rules vary by cruise line, and limits and corkage fees often apply. They allow at least one 750 ml bottle to enjoy in a restaurant or bar or the privacy of their cabin.
Check this with the specific cruise line; some allow additional bottles for a small corkage fee, meaning you can plan in and enjoy your preferred beverages without breaking the bank.
Not Following COVID-19 Rules for Destinations

Each port has different health and entry requirements, ranging from vaccination mandates to mask-wearing protocols. “Some travelers may think the world is open and vaccinated just like their home country, but that simply may not be the case,” says Jeremy Clubb, founder of Rainforest Cruises.
Not following regulations might imply refusal at the ports, let alone onboard. Check with the latest information from authentic government websites and cruise lines.
Not Putting Your Phone in Airplane Mode

Turning on airplane mode is a key neglect that could be costly. This results from roaming, as cruise ships usually operate at sea on cell networks, which are not covered under the ordinary mobile plan.
Immediately turn your phone on airplane mode and connect via the ship’s Wi-Fi for calls or texts via apps like WhatsApp or Skype. Buying a Wi-Fi plan for cruising will also keep you connected without any financial surprises.
Waiting Too Long to Reserve Extras

Dining reservations, spa treatments, and shore excursions can fill up before you even board. Many cruise lines report that specialty dining slots are booked well in advance. Waiting until embarkation day limits your options, especially for popular activities.
Many cruise lines allow online reservations weeks in advance, giving you the first-choice advantage. Planning early also ensures you budget appropriately for these extras.
Skipping Ship Maps or Apps

Modern cruise ships are massive, often exceeding 200,000 gross tons and carrying thousands of passengers. Without familiarizing yourself with ship layouts, you risk wasting time navigating or missing key attractions.
Many cruise lines now offer interactive mobile apps featuring maps, daily schedules, and onboard services. These tools ensure you’re always in the know, making it easier to find your favorite pool deck or arrive on time for activities.
Assuming Everything Is Included

While cruises are marketed as “all-inclusive,” many amenities—like premium dining, alcoholic drinks, and shore excursions—cost extra.
Carefully read the cruise line’s terms to understand what’s included. If you plan to indulge, consider purchasing drink or dining packages, as these often offer savings compared to à la carte pricing.
Booking Flights Too Close to Cruise Times

It’s a mistake to book a flight before 11 a.m. for an airport near the cruise port and before noon if there’s a considerable drive, like at Port Canaveral.
It is risky to book flights that arrive within hours of embarkation. When flights are delayed or canceled, ships get missed. At least one day of arrival accounts for those unexpected travel problems.
Overpacking or Underpacking

Overpacking might bury you under a wardrobe avalanche in your cabin, and not packing essentials will have you racing for sunscreen in a remote port. Since the average cruise cabin is cramped, you must be strategic about what you take.
Pack multipurpose clothing for both formal and casual events. Remember your power adapters and sunscreen. Check the cruise line’s dress code to avoid wardrobe malfunctions.
Missing Price Drops After You Book

“We use a tracking tool to watch sales prices, so if a price drops prior to final payment, we often catch it before our clients can even notify us of the price decrease and proactively adjust the price for them,” says Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, owner of the travel agency Live Well, Travel Often.
Tools like Cruise Watch and Price Alerts help monitor price fluctuations. If you see a lower rate, have your cruise line or travel agent adjust it, as they may sometimes offer onboard credits or cabin upgrades.
Avoiding Travel Insurance

Travel insurance covers trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage—essential safeguards for any cruise. Without insurance, medical evacuations from ships can be extremely costly. Invest in a comprehensive plan to protect your vacation investment and provide peace of mind.
This oversight can cost a traveler far more than the price of the cruise. Most domestic health insurance policies, including standard Medicare, do not cover the member after a cruise ship reaches international waters.
Only Booking Ship Excursions

While convenient, booking only the cruise line’s excursions can limit your options and cost you more. Ship-organized excursions tend to be pricier than those offered by local tour operators. Independent excursions often provide more unique experiences and the flexibility to explore independently.
Research trusted local operators or use platforms like Viator to find reputable alternatives. This not only saves money but also offers unique experiences.
Returning Late From Port Visits

“If you’re going off on your own around the port, make sure to return to the ship long before the embarkation time,” said Christina Schlegel, a travel advisor with Bluetail Travel. Losing the ship during a port stop is an expensive mistake, which can involve flying to the next port.
The ships have strict schedules, and the departure time cannot be changed. So, set yourself a personal deadline to return at least an hour in advance in the case of unexpected delays.
Using an Invalid or Expiring Passport

Many countries require passports valid for six months beyond your travel dates. “I’ve seen many mishaps when it comes to not having proper documentation, especially when it comes to expiration dates,” says Jeff Rolander via TripAdvisor.
Double-check your passport’s expiration date and renew it well in advance if necessary. Some cruises may accept birth certificates for U.S.-based itineraries, but having a passport ensures flexibility for unforeseen changes.
Ignoring Cruise Line Rules

Ignoring rules—like smoking policies or dress codes—can result in fines or even a ban from the ship. Familiarize yourself with the regulations outlined in your cruise line’s terms and conditions.
Compliance means less hassle and avoids unnecessary conflict with the crew or other passengers.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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