First time cruising? You’re in for an amazing experience — but knowing what to expect before you board can make the difference between a stressful embarkation and a smooth, unforgettable vacation. Here’s everything first-time cruisers need to know, based on real-world experience.
1. Arrive at the Port City a Day Early
This is the #1 tip from experienced cruisers: never fly in the same day your ship departs. Flights get delayed. Luggage gets lost. If you miss embarkation, the ship leaves without you — and you’ll have to meet it at the next port (at your own expense). Arrive the night before, stay near the port, and start your vacation stress-free.
2. Book a Mid-Ship, Lower-Deck Cabin If You’re Worried About Motion
If seasickness is a concern, cabin placement matters. Mid-ship cabins on lower decks experience the least movement. Avoid the very front (bow) and very back (stern) on upper decks if rough seas are possible. Most Caribbean and Mediterranean routes are calm, but Alaska and transatlantic crossings can get choppy.
3. Understand What’s Actually Included
Your cruise fare typically includes: your cabin, main dining room meals, buffet meals, basic beverages (water, juice, coffee, tea), most onboard entertainment, and port taxes/fees. What it usually does not include:
- Alcoholic beverages (usually $10–$16 per drink)
- Specialty restaurant meals ($25–$60 per person)
- Gratuities ($16–$20 per person per day)
- Shore excursions
- Wi-Fi ($20–$30/day or package pricing)
- Spa treatments
- Casino
- Photos
Budget for these extras — they can easily double the cost of a “cheap” cruise if you’re not careful.
4. Consider a Drink Package (But Do the Math First)
Drink packages typically cost $60–$110 per person per day and include alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. To break even, you’d need to drink 6–8 cocktails per day — doable on a vacation, but not for everyone. If you only drink a glass of wine with dinner and a cocktail by the pool, you may come out ahead ordering à la carte.
5. Pack Smart — Less Than You Think
Cruise cabins are small but clever. You’ll find hangers, drawers, shelves, and often under-bed storage. Pack for the climate and any formal nights your cruise includes (usually 1–2 on 7-night sailings). Pro tip: bring a power strip — cruise ships have very few outlets, and you’ll want to charge multiple devices.
6. Book Shore Excursions in Advance (Or Go Independent)
Ship-sponsored excursions are convenient and guaranteed to get you back before the ship sails — but they’re often 30–50% more expensive than booking the same tour independently. For popular ports (Dubrovnik, Santorini, Cozumel), book ship excursions for the convenience guarantee. For less-hectic ports, independent tours offer better value and smaller groups.
7. Use Onboard Credit Wisely
Many booking promotions include Onboard Credit (OBC) — essentially ship money. Use it strategically: pay for gratuities, book a specialty dinner, or put it toward shore excursions. OBC usually doesn’t carry over, so have a plan to spend it.
8. The Muster Drill Is Mandatory — Take It Seriously
Shortly after boarding, all ships conduct a mandatory safety drill where you learn emergency procedures and locate your muster station. It’s not optional, and crew members verify attendance. Most cruise lines now do this via video and mobile app, so it’s much less painful than the old days of standing on deck for 45 minutes.
9. Eat at the Main Dining Room — It’s Underrated
First-timers often skip the Main Dining Room (MDR) for the buffet — don’t. The MDR offers a multi-course, sit-down dinner with real service, real menus, and real quality. It’s included in your fare and is often the highlight of the evening. Request the same table and waiter throughout the cruise for a more personalized experience.
10. Your Sea Day is a Feature, Not a Bug
Many first-timers are nervous about “sea days” — full days at sea with no port. Experienced cruisers will tell you these become their favorite days. Sleep in, claim a pool chair, take a cooking class, hit the spa, read a book, or catch a show. A sea day is a full resort day with nothing on the schedule. Embrace it.
Ready to book shore excursions? Browse top-rated Caribbean tours on Viator — verified reviews, free cancellation on most bookings, and options for every budget. Also check out our Ready to book your first cruise? Check out our latest deals page for the best current promotions, and our cruise line comparison guide to find the right ship for you.