So, you’ve finally booked your first cruise — how exciting!! 🚢🌊 Whether you’re sailing the Caribbean, exploring Europe, or just testing the waters, I’ve got you covered with some must-know tips that will make your very first cruise smooth sailing from start to finish.
⚓ Before You Cruise
1. Download the cruise line’s app.
This will be your best friend onboard! Most cruise lines let you check in, book shows, order Wi-Fi, make dining reservations, and view the daily schedule — all right from the app.
2. Check in online before you go.
You’ll need to select an embarkation time and print your cruise documents and luggage tags. Pro tip: choose the earliest time available and show up a bit before that — you’ll have a few quiet hours to explore the ship before it gets busy.
3. Never fly in the same day as your cruise.
Flight delays happen, and the ship won’t wait. Arrive at least one day early, relax, and start your vacation stress-free.
🧳 Embarkation Day (Cruise Day!)
4. Tag your bags and tip your porter.
Attach your cruise luggage tags before you arrive. Porters at the terminal will take your checked bags (don’t forget to tip them!). Keep essentials — travel documents, medication, swimsuit, and a change of clothes — in your carry-on, just in case your luggage arrives later.
5. Airplane mode = your best friend.
As soon as you board, put your phone in airplane mode to avoid roaming fees. Then connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi network so you can use the app (it’s free for onboard messaging). Want internet? You can purchase a package in the app or onboard — the crew is super helpful if you need assistance.
6. Get to know your ship.
Watch a few YouTube ship tours before you go, and once onboard, explore deck by deck. Cruise ships are massive — it can take a day or two to figure out where everything is!
7. Muster drill (safety check).
You’ll need to complete a short safety drill before the ship sails. Most lines now do this through the app with a quick visit to your muster station — easy peasy.
8. Unpack and settle in.
Once your luggage arrives, unpack fully and store your suitcase under the bed. Lock valuables and passports in your safe, and keep a photo of your passport in case of emergencies.
🍹 During Your Cruise
9. Travelling with friends? Combine your balconies!
If you and your friends have balcony cabins next to each other, ask your room attendant to open the balcony divider. It turns two (or more) smaller balconies into one big shared space — perfect for morning coffee or sunset happy hours together. 🌅
10. Order breakfast or coffee to your cabin.
Room service (continental breakfast) is often included and it’s such a relaxing way to start the day — especially with ocean views from your balcony.
11. Skip the buffet crowds.
The main dining room is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner — and it’s quieter with full table service. You can also try out other included eateries around the ship.
12. Don’t skip the soft-serve!
There’s usually a self-serve ice cream machine near the pool or buffet — grab a cone and embrace your inner kid. 🍦
13. Treat yourself to specialty dining.
If you’re celebrating or just want something extra, try a specialty restaurant. They charge a little more, but the food and experience are worth it.
14. Book shows early.
The big productions and comedy shows fill up fast! You can reserve your seats right in the app as soon as you board.
15. Understand gratuities.
Cruise lines typically add daily gratuities (around USD $18 per person). You can adjust or remove them at Guest Services, but most people leave them since they cover your hardworking dining and cabin crew. Bar bills already include a service charge — no need to double-tip.
16. Watch your spending.
Your ship card (or wristband) is your room key and your onboard credit card. It’s easy to lose track, so check your balance in the app to avoid surprises.
17. Excursions: cruise line vs. DIY.
Booking excursions through the cruise line can be a bit pricier, but if something runs late — they’ll wait for you! If you go on your own, keep an eye on the all-aboard time and be back at least 30 minutes early. ALWAYS stay on ship time!
🛳️ Disembarkation (aka the Sad Part 😢)
18. Follow the disembarkation instructions.
A couple of days before the end of your cruise, you’ll get info and luggage tags. Your tag color corresponds to your departure time. Pack, tag, and leave your luggage outside your cabin the night before — it’ll be waiting for you in the cruise terminal before clearing Customs.
19. Carry-off option.
If you want to get off the ship quickly, you can carry your own luggage — but you’ll need to disembark as soon as Customs clears the ship.
20. Settle your account.
Most people link a credit card when checking in, so charges are automatically paid. You can also settle up with cash at Guest Services before the last night.
21. Don’t book an early flight!
Try to schedule your return flight for noon or later. Disembarkation mornings can be slow, and you don’t want to sprint through the airport.
22. Expect “post-cruise blues.”
It’s real — and so are “sea legs” (that rocking feeling) for a few days afterward! Don’t worry, both pass quickly. Just start planning your next cruise to cure it. 😉
Ready to set sail? 🌊 Whether you’re heading to the Caribbean, the Med, or Alaska, these simple tips will help you make the most of every moment onboard. Once you cruise… you’ll be hooked! ❤️⚓
✨ Written by Lisa Smith
Travel Advisor with TravelBug Travel
If you’re dreaming about your first (or next!) cruise, I’d love to help you find the perfect ship, itinerary, and stateroom for your budget and style. 🌴
📩 Contact me, or any of the TravelBug Travel Advisors today to start planning your dream vacation — and let’s make your next adventure unforgettable!