Top Things To Know For First Time Cruisers

You might have traveled before, reached stunning picturesque destinations and experienced amazing culinary adventures. However, cruising might come as a different flavor, but a remarkably decadent one and a worthwhile journey especially if you have been bitten by the travel bug.

Got questions and need tips for your first cruise? We got you covered. Take note that cruise lines differ in some of their program details and packages, but there are some things that might be helpful to know before you go on any cruise line. Here’s hoping you’ll have an amazing first cruise!

Be sure to check out our other cruise articles and tips:
a. 33 Things to Pack for a Cruise Besides Clothes
b. Cruising Essentials for your Next Cruise Adventure
c. 18 Hidden Costs That Bump Up Your Cruising Budget

#1 Don’t Forget your Travel Documents

Whether it is for flying to the nearest airport to get to the port, or cruising by sea to different ports of call, you need to bring your travel documents for the final check in. You will not be allowed to board if you fail to bring necessary travel documents and your cruise fare will not be refunded.
A passport should remain valid for at least 6 months after your cruise ends. This is your travel document of choice for air and sea travel. For closed looped cruises, the following documents are also acceptable for US citizens:

• Passport Card
• US Enhanced Driver’s License
• Birth Certificate with Government Issued Photo ID
• Certificate of US Naturalization

#2 Download your Cruise Line’s App

In this day and age when smart phones are everywhere, cruise lines are utilizing these nice pieces of technology to heighten the cruising experience. Make sure to download your cruise line’s free app if available. Typically, you will be using the app to manage your account, make reservations, check schedules, even communicate with fellow passengers with onboard messaging features.

#3 Know What to Expect on Dining and Beverages

Part of the timeless allure of cruising is the exquisite array of mouthwatering offerings and of course, refreshing drinks to wash it all down.

Cruise ships have casual all-you-can-eat buffet areas and a few snack bars for a more relaxed dining experience. Want something with a touch of added elegance? The Main Dining Room (MDR) offers exquisite a la carte dining that you can dress up especially on formal nights. Note that these are all inclusive to your cruise fare and you can definitely order and sample more than one entree or appetizer to your heart’s desire.

For those who desire a more elevated dining experience, cruise ships offer what they call Specialty Dining restaurants for an additional charge. Some cruise ships offer dining packages that you can purchase pre-cruise to enjoy discounted rates for dining in specialty restaurants.

When it comes to beverages, there is selection of complimentary beverages which typically includes water, juice, regular iced tea and coffee. However soft drinks, premium coffee & tea, fresh fruit juices, bottled water, non-alcoholic mixed drinks and any alcoholic drinks carries an additional charge. An 18% gratuity is added to the price.

Unlimited beverage packages can be purchased pre-cruise and comes in different sizes depending on your drink preferences.

Cruise lines also offer seating options for the MDR which includes early or late seating in which you will be seated with the same group on the same time frame while having the same server every night. Free seating is also available, giving you the freedom to show up at the dining room any time within the dinner service. Depending on how crowded it gets, there might be a bit of a wait with this option.

Lastly, room service is also available. Some complimentary, yet others charge a small convenience fee.

#4 Make Sure You Check In Online

Cruise lines have an online check in system that you have to complete at least 72 hours before you cruise. This allows you to finalize your booking preferences, submit travel documentation, reservations, purchase packages pre-cruise and print your boarding pass and luggage tags.

#5 Purchasing WiFi Packages

Stay connected if you wish while at sea. Depending on the cruise line, most of them offer unlimited high speed internet packages that you can purchase for the entirety of your cruise, or for a 24 hour period. Some cruise lines still offer internet packages in megabytes of data.

Internet cafes are available on most cruise ships as well.

#6 Booking Excursions through your Cruise Line

Port excursions add thrill and a sense of adventure to your cruising experience. While you are free to book any excursion you want as your itinerary allows, booking through the cruise line does carry a few advantages.
a. If there are any unforeseen delays on your excursion, your cruise ship will wait for you.
b. Excursions purchased through the cruise line will fit perfectly with your cruise itinerary.
c. If for any reason the excursion is cancelled due to weather conditions, your payment will be refunded.

#7 Limited Electrical Outlets

All of our portable electronic devices have one thing in common. They all needed to be charged after each use. Unfortunately, cruise ships limit the number of electrical outlets in the stateroom for safety purposes. Here are some ways you can mitigate this problem:
a. Use a USB Charging Station
b. Purchase a European power adapter

Note: Most cruise ships prohibit bringing of power strips with surge protection on board.

#8 You can bring wine or other beverages to your stateroom

While cruise ship policies differ on bottles of wine and beverages you can bring on board, most cruise ships allow two bottles of wine or champagne per stateroom. These can be kept in the stateroom and consumed without paying corkage fees. If consumed in the MDR with your meal, you might be charged a corkage fee depending on the ship’s policy.

Different cruise lines have different policies on beverages other than wine or champagne you can bring on board. Some would allow non-alcoholic beverages as long as they are sealed in their original container.

#9 Laundry Services

Most cruise ships offer laundry and pressing services on board for an additional fee. Express or same day service is also available with some added charges. This is great for those formal nights onboard the ship.
Some cruise ships have self service laundry areas that you can pay with coins or charge to your cruise account. Irons are also available for use in these areas.

Please note that because clothing irons are considered a fire hazard, they are generally not allowed to be used in the stateroom. Bringing some wrinkle release sprays is a great alternative to irons.

#10 Daily Newsletters

Daily newsletters are distributed during the evening hours and contains information on the next cruise day. It will contain detailed hour by hour breakdown of the next day’s schedule, shows and entertainment options, details on varied ship venues, daily specials, and other important announcements.

Paperless versions of the newsletter are also available through the app that you can download for free.

#11 Seasickness Remedies

When you’re on a cruise, the one thing you don’t ever want to have is to get seasick. It’ll ruin everything enjoyable on your vacation. With so much food, drinks, activities and excursions to enjoy, you really don’t want to miss out on any of them. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent you from being seasick.

Here’s a few of our recommendations that helps:
a. Scopolamine patch (Prescription – prevents motion sickness)
b. Dramamine (Over the counter but get the less drowsy kind)
c. Zofran (Prescription – helps with nausea)
d. Ginger Pills (Natural way to prevent motion sickness)
e. Seabands (Naturally prevents motion sickness by applying pressure to certain point on your wrist)
f. Choose a stateroom on a lower deck and located mid ship.  Rooms closest to the front or the stern of the cruise ship experience most of the rocking motion.

#12 Bring Cash or Credit Cards

Cash is great for tipping and for making purchases at Ports of Call. Some shops accept credit cards but some of them add around 10-12% to the total price just for using your plastic. On the bright side, cash can give you a bargaining edge for your purchases.

Notes:
a. If you still prefer to use credit cards, make sure you use the ones that don’t charge foreign transaction fees. These fees can quickly add up to a hefty sum at the end of your credit card billing cycle.
b. On board the cruise ship, you will be using your stateroom keycard for your purchases and this is charged to your cruise account.

#13 Get back on the ship as scheduled

As you get off the ship during port days, take note of the time you have to get back on the ship. Make sure to get back on board at least 30 minutes before. If you miss your ship, you can contact the cruise line for assistance. But please note that any expenses incurred including airfare to the next port of call will not be reimbursed by the cruise line and will be at your own expense.

#14 Cabin Types

Cabin types differ in terms of amenities, luxury and size. Cruise lines might call their cabins differently, but here are some of the different cabin types available on cruise ships:

a. Inside Cabin – interior windowless rooms and usually the most affordable

b. Ocean View – windowed staterooms with a view of the open ocean

c. Balcony Rooms – spacious rooms with your own private balcony

d. Suite Rooms – most luxurious accommodations. Perks may include your own personal butler and private access lounge and pool area.

#15 Muster Safety Drill

The Muster Safety Drill is a mandatory drill instigated by the US Coast Guard so everyone on board will have an idea on how to safely evacuate in case of an emergency at sea. The drill usually lasts between 15-25 mins depending on how fast everyone responds. To ensure everyone’s participation, your stateroom ID cards are scanned by the crew members.

#16 Stateroom Key Card

Your stateroom keycards are convenient ways to keep all your information on a single card during the entire cruise. To keep them from getting lost, check out these nautical-themed water resistant badge holders you can use.
Here are some of its uses:
a. Personal identification
b. Virtual credit card for purchases.  Note: Use your Stateroom card to pay for your drinks, spa, excursions, etc. Upon checkout, you just need to pay the balance on your card.  Tip: Keep track of your expenses by checking your balance periodically.
c. Stateroom Access Key

#17 Alcohol Purchases

You can purchase alcoholic beverages onboard your cruise or on ports of call, but these will be held for safekeeping until the last day of your cruise when it will be delivered to your stateroom.

#18 Pack a small day bag

After you check your luggage in, there’s no guarantee what time it will be delivered to your stateroom. If you want to have a change of clothes before your dinner reservation, you can always bring your first set of clothes in your day bag. Day bags are great for holding your excursion essentials like beach towels, sunscreen, swimsuits and bottled water.

Check out our post on cruising essentials you’ll need for your next cruising adventure. Click here to read the post.

#20 Dress codes and attires

Part of the charms of being on a cruise is to immerse in the timeless elegance of fine dining while flaunting your formal wear. Most cruise ships have formal nights with the number of nights dependent on the length of your cruise. It is best to pack at least two formal wears to help you look the part. But again, you’re on vacation so it’s up to you. If you want to stay casual, you can always dine at the buffet during formal nights.

#21 Automatic Gratuities

Cruise ships charge automatic gratuity which is added daily to your cruise account. At your discretion, this can be changed but you need to talk to guest services especially if your expectations are not met during your cruise. A service and gratuity charge of around 18% is also added to bar drinks and spa services.

#22 Arrive early if possible

Depending on your cruise line, some would allow you to get onboard earlier than your embarkation time. If this is the case, go for it. The sooner you get onboard, the earlier your vacation starts. It’ll also be a great way to look around and check out different areas on your ship before it gets too crowded.

#23 Pregnancy Regulations

Cruising policy states that “Pregnant women who have entered the 24th week of estimated fetal gestational age at any time during the cruise should not be eligible to sail with the ship.”
The ship does not have an Obstetrician/Gynecologist on board. Pregnancies can potentially be life threatening when unstable and poorly controlled. Secondly, since the ship is in the middle of the ocean, getting timely expert medical care is unlikely.

#24 Wash your hands often to stay healthy

Because of the recent Norovirus scare that has affected cruise ships of late, it is best to practice proper hand hygiene especially when you’re onboard a cruise ship. According to the CDC, alcohol based hand sanitizers can be used in addition to hand washing, never as a substitute.

#25 Production shows and onboard entertainment

Cruising is like Vegas at sea to some degree. You have to watch the shows especially production type shows. You’ll be amazed at the level of quality and entertainment these shows offer while you cruise.

Shows are almost always scheduled around evening dinner. Typically, there would be an early showing, and a late one. You can of course pick and choose whichever one you prefer. Just remember that you’re on a floating vessel with literally thousands of people who might want to watch the same show. If the cruise ship you’re on allows reservations, make sure to procure one. Otherwise, show up at least 30 mins to an hour before show starts to have decent seats.

#26 Ways to communicate with fellow passengers

Modern technology made shipboard communication easier than the good old ways of leaving sticky notes and messages in your stateroom. Here are some great ways you can make it happen.

a. Roaming services on mobile

• Cruise ships are equipped with its own cell tower that allows you to make calls and send text messages while onboard. Just remember that since you’re roaming, your mobile carrier will charge extra for these services. On the other hand, to avoid any unnecessary fees, always remember to set your phones to airplane mode as soon as you board.

b. Via Internet VOIP

• If you decided to purchase the WiFi package, you can communicate with your group using messaging apps or any other ways you can with an internet connection.

c. Onboard App

• Most cruise lines now have an app that you can download for free and may come with a messaging feature that allows you to send messages to fellow cruisers. You also have to be connected to the ship’s WiFi. Charges may apply to use this feature, or complimentary to some.

d. Stateroom phone

• Staterooms are equipped with a phone that you can use to make calls to other staterooms, or call your loved ones on land. The latter will incur charges by the minute depending on the cruise line.

#27 Travel Insurance

Cruise travel insurance is purely optional, but a recommended purchase to cover those what-if moments that can happen during your cruise. Remember, your regular health insurance might not cover medical coverage during your cruise.

Here are things that a good travel insurance covers:
a. Emergency Medical Care
b. Emergency Medical Evacuation
c. Baggage Loss or Delay
d. Identity Theft
e. Trip Cancellations Due To Hurricanes and Bad Weather

#28 Join your ship’s loyalty program

Cruise lines reward their most loyal customers with perks through their loyalty programs. Each time you cruise, you will gain points which qualifies you to move up to the next tier. Perks may include room discounts, onboard credits, free upgrades, free gifts, complimentary salon and spa services, and other great additions depending on your cruise’s loyalty program.

#29 Check out your cruise ship’s youth programs

Cruise lines make sure all their passengers, even their youngest cruisers, have a lot of fun and plenty of things to do on the cruise. This includes kids, preteens and teen programs with age-appropriate activities designed to entice their young minds and engage in group activities. Some would even include babysitting services so parents can drop off their child while they have fun and participate in evening activities.

#30 Don’t Overpack

Just because you can bring more to your cruise compared to what airlines allow onboard, it does not mean you have to pack every single thing you can think of. Planning ahead is key to proper packing for your cruise. Check out our tips on what to pack for your cruise and of course, what not to pack for your voyage.
a. 33 Things to Pack for a Cruise Besides Clothes
b. Things to Leave Behind When Packing for your Next Cruise

#31 Book your cruise with a travel agent

It will not cost you extra to book with a travel agent. They are paid by cruise lines to help cruisers find the best deals and travel arrangements. Plus, they can help you with questions especially if you haven’t cruised before. It’s an awesome way to not miss out on great deals and find something that works best for you.

#32 Bring magnets and magnetic hooks

Since cruise cabins are primarily made of metal, magnetic hooks can be quite handy in helping you organize and adding extra real estate to your limited cabin space. You can even decorate and personalize your stateroom doors with magnets to liven things up a notch and maybe help you identify your room in case you forget your room number.

#33 Book spa events on port days

If you like being pampered while you cruise, save money by booking spa and salon services on port days. Most cruise lines offer discounts and specials during port days when majority of cruisers are on port doing sightseeing activities and excursions. It’s a win for people who decided to stay on the ship and enjoy a little bit of me time.

#34 Purchase packages pre-cruise to save

There are several ways to save on a cruise. One way is to purchase packages like souvenir photos, spa reservations, dining and beverage packages or even internet packages pre-cruise to save your precious dollars for other purchases you can make on your trip. You can typically make pre-cruise purchases on your cruise account as part of your online check in.

#35 Join your cruise’s Facebook group

If you have questions or wanted advice for your trip, Facebook has several groups created by individuals who have cruised before and are more than willing to share what they experienced. It’s a great way to get real reviews and tips from fellow cruisers. Some would even start Facebook groups for upcoming trips, which is a great way to meet new friends before you even set sail.

#36 Get an over-the-door shoe organizer

With the exception of suite or balcony rooms, cruise cabins have limited space for storing and organizing all your belongings. Getting an over-the-door shoe organizer helps you keep things organized and make things a lot easier to find when you need them. It’s a smart hack to cope with limited space.

#37 Smoking is allowed but only on certain areas

Cruise ships have designated smoking areas where you are allowed to light up and smoke. These areas , however, differ from ship to ship. As a general rule, smoking is not allowed inside staterooms or on the balcony. A “cleanup” charge is imposed if you are caught. Check with guest services to find out where the designated smoking areas are.

Conclusion:

This is our growing list of tips and tricks that is extremely helpful for first time cruisers. Please leave a comment below if you have anything to add to this list.

Check out other first timer tips on our site. Bon Voyage!
a. Royal Caribbean
b. Carnival
c. Holland America
d. Norwegian
e. Princess
f. Celebrity
g. Disney