First-Time Cruiser? Here’s What Most People Get Wrong
Booking your first cruise is exciting but it also comes with a steep learning curve. With over 200 nights at sea and dozens of cruises under our belt, we've seen it all. From planning mistakes to packing missteps and missed opportunities onboard, there are some lessons you don’t want to learn the hard way.
Whether you're sailing the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, or somewhere far-flung and bucket-list worthy, these tips are meant to help you avoid the common pitfalls we see time and time again. Here's what most first-time cruisers get wrong and how you can cruise like a pro from day one.
1. Booking Based on Price Alone
We get it cruise pricing can be confusing, and when you see a $399 deal for a seven-night sailing, it’s tempting to jump. But that rock-bottom fare might land you in an inside cabin with no natural light, in a part of the ship that's far from everything. What’s more, not all cruise lines are created equal. A cheap cruise on the wrong line for your travel style could mean less-than-stellar dining, dated staterooms, or a vibe that’s completely off from what you expected.
Instead of starting with price, start with what kind of experience you want. Are you traveling as a couple? With kids? Looking for relaxation or nonstop activity? Once you narrow that down, a travel advisor can help match you with the right line and the right room saving you from buyer’s remorse later.
2. Underestimating Travel Logistics
One of the biggest mistakes we see is cruisers flying in the morning of their cruise. It's a gamble. Flight delays, missed connections, or lost luggage can completely derail your trip. If you’re flying to a different time zone, jet lag makes things worse.
Always plan to arrive in your departure city at least one night before, if not two especially for international sailings. For our recent Mediterranean cruise, we arrived in Madrid three days before our cruise and used that time to adjust, explore, and start the vacation stress-free. Bonus: you get more vacation days in a new city.
3. Skipping the Travel Advisor
We’ve had countless clients come to us after a bad DIY experience. Sure, online booking engines are convenient, but when something goes wrong, you’re stuck calling a customer service line or dealing with chatbots. A good travel advisor is your advocate, helping with everything from cabin selection and dining reservations to pre- and post-cruise hotels and emergency support. And many of us don’t charge planning fees.
More importantly, we know what to look for like when certain ships have better layouts for families or which itineraries avoid high-traffic ports on peak days.
4. Thinking All Cabins Are the Same
Not all staterooms are created equal. Even within the same category, two balcony cabins can have vastly different experiences depending on their location. Some are under noisy venues, while others have obstructed views or limited space.
For example, on Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class, we’ve stayed in everything from the Ultimate Panoramic Suite to a Surfside Family Suite. The layout, proximity to dining and kids’ areas, and even bathroom size can impact your trip. If you have a child who naps, or a teen who needs space, the right room matters. It’s not just about sleep—it’s about sanity.
5. Ignoring What’s Included (and What’s Not)
Cruises are not all-inclusive. Your fare typically covers your stateroom, basic meals, some entertainment, and transportation between ports. But specialty dining, Wi-Fi, alcoholic drinks, certain fitness classes, and shore excursions? Those cost extra.
Many first-time cruisers are surprised when their onboard bill adds up quickly. Our tip? Budget for the add-ons that matter to you. A drink package might not be worth it for light drinkers but can be a good value for cocktail fans. Prioritize what enhances your experience.
6. Booking Excursions Only Through the Cruise Line
There’s nothing wrong with cruise-line excursions, but they’re often more expensive and less personalized. We’ve had better experiences booking with third-party platforms like Viator, GetYourGuide, or even direct with local guides. Just make sure you leave plenty of buffer time to return to the ship the ship will wait for cruise line tours, but not for independent travelers.
On our last cruise, we did a private Vatican and Rome city tour with a local operator, and it was far more intimate and tailored than anything we could’ve booked onboard.
7. Not Packing the Right Things
You don’t need a massive suitcase but there are some cruise-specific items that will make your life easier. We always bring:
Magnetic hooks (walls are metal instant extra storage)
Motion sickness bands or patches
A small portable fan
Non-surge power strip
Reef-safe sunscreen
Waterproof phone pouch
Lightweight backpack for port days
Also, check the dress code. Some lines still have formal nights or specialty venues that require pants and collared shirts. Don’t be the person turned away in flip-flops.
8. Skipping Pre-Booking for Dining and Shows
Gone are the days of just walking into dinner. On newer ships like Icon or Wonder of the Seas specialty restaurants and headline shows book up quickly. First-timers often miss out because they didn’t plan ahead.
Book your dining, shows, and even spa treatments as soon as your cruise planner opens. You can always cancel or adjust later, but locking in early means you get the times you want.
9. Trying to Do Too Much in Port
Europe is packed with history and sights, but trying to see four cities in one day leads to burnout. We’ve learned to choose quality over quantity.
In Florence, for example, we focused on a single museum and a leisurely lunch and it made the day feel like a vacation, not a marathon. Give yourself space to enjoy the moment, especially when traveling with kids or a multigenerational group.
10. Not Taking Advantage of Sea Days
Sea days are part of the journey not a break from it. These are your moments to sleep in, enjoy the ship’s activities, hit the spa, or grab a drink at your favorite bar with a view.
Some of our best memories happened on sea days: brunch at 150 Central Park, cocktails with family on the suite deck, or just lounging by the pool while the kids were at Adventure Ocean. Don’t overlook them when planning your experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s no perfect way to cruise, but there are plenty of ways to make it easier and more enjoyable. If it all feels like a lot to manage, that’s where we come in.
As travel advisors who cruise regularly and plan trips for dozens of clients each year, we know what works, what’s worth it, and how to tailor the experience to your travel style and budget.
Book smart, pack well, and don’t try to do everything and your first cruise will feel more like a dream than a learning experience.
