First-Time Cruise Guide: Cruise Tips You Should Know Before Your First Cruise
If you've never been on a cruise before, you probably have a lot of questions.
What do you actually need to pack? How does boarding work? Should you book excursions through the cruise line? What happens on a sea day? Do you have to eat at a specific time? Don't worry. You really don't need to have cruising figured out before you step onto the ship.
I've been on 18 cruises, and one thing I've learned is that there isn't one "right" way to cruise. You can spend your days doing every activity on the schedule, or barely leave the pool. You can book excursions at every port, or stay on the ship. You can dress up for dinner or keep things casual. That's part of what makes cruising so fun.
Your experience will depend on the cruise line, ship, destination, itinerary, and even the time of year you travel. But there are a few things I wish every first-time cruiser knew before boarding. So, here's my first-time cruise guide, based on what I've learned from doing this more than a few times.
Table of contents
The TL;DR version
Compare the total value of the cruise, not just the advertised fare.
Research the ship and itinerary before booking.
Research every port before deciding whether to book an excursion.
Check your cruise line's current gratuity policy before sailing.
Bring cash for optional extra tips.
Download the cruise line's app before sailing.
Complete your mandatory safety briefing as soon as required.
Leave plenty of time to get back to the ship on port days.
Don't assume everything on the ship is included.
If you have a preferred dining time, make sure you were assigned to it.
Tell the cruise line about dietary restrictions ahead of time.
Keep your final-day essentials with you when you disembark.
Most importantly, you don't have to do everything.
That last one might be the hardest for first-time cruisers. There will probably be more activities happening than you could possibly attend, and that's okay. Don't be overwhelmed, enjoy the ride!
1. Before you board: How to prepare for your first cruise
How do you choose the right cruise for your first time?
Choosing your cruise isn't just about finding the cheapest fare. Start by looking at three things:
The cruise line. The itinerary. The price.
Different cruise lines have different personalities, price points, onboard experiences, and target audiences. Two cruises can visit the exact same destination and still feel completely different.
For example, Royal Caribbean is one of my personal favorites because I love the combination of entertainment, activities, food, and the overall experience onboard. Norwegian Cruise Line is another established option, while MSC has been expanding its presence in Miami and the U.S. market. Virgin Voyages has an adults-only concept, which naturally creates a very different atmosphere from a family-focused ship. And if you're traveling with children, you'll want to look closely at the kids' clubs, family activities, pools, entertainment, and other age-specific amenities available on that particular ship.
The important thing is to choose based on the experience you actually want, not just the name of the cruise line.
Compare what's included, not just the cruise fare
This is one of my biggest first-time cruise tips. A cruise advertised at one price may end up costing considerably more once you add drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants, excursions, and other extras.
And cruise lines structure these differently.
For example, Norwegian currently offers packages such as Free at Sea that can bundle benefits including beverages, specialty dining, Wi-Fi, and excursion credits, depending on the offer and booking. So when comparing cruises, don't just ask: "Which cruise is cheaper?", instead ask "What am I actually getting for that price?" That can completely change the comparison.
2. Cruise packing tips: What should you bring?
Packing for a cruise is a little different from packing for a regular vacation. One of the biggest things to remember is that you probably won't have your checked suitcase immediately after boarding. When you arrive at the port, you can usually hand your larger suitcase to the porters. Your luggage will then be delivered to your cabin at a later time. That means you should not put everything you need for the first few hours of your cruise inside that suitcase.
Keep these items in your carry-on
Think about it this way: If your suitcase doesn't arrive for several hours, what would you be annoyed not to have? If you want to change after boarding, freshen up, or get ready for dinner, you'll be very happy you didn't put your entire bathroom and outfit inside the suitcase you handed over at the port. I recommend keeping the following:
Passport and travel documents
Medications you'll need in the next 5 hours
Wallet
Phone and charger
Toiletries you'll need in the next 5 hours
Sunscreen and a swimsuit if you want to jump in the pool right away
A change of clothes
Download my cruise packing checklist
I've put together a 7-day Caribbean cruise packing checklist specifically for women, so you don't have to figure out everything from scratch.
More versions coming soon.
3. Shore Excursions: Should you book through the cruise line?
Once you've booked your cruise, it's time to start looking at your ports of call in detail. This is when the homework portion of the trip happens. For every destination, look at:
What is there to do?
How far is the attraction from the port?
How long does transportation take?
What time does the ship leave?
How much does the excursion cost?
How much free time will you actually have?
Your port research and excursion planning really go hand in hand.
Cruise-line excursion vs. independent excursion
You generally have two options.
Book through the cruise line
This is the option I tend to prefer when I'm visiting somewhere unfamiliar, especially if it's a destination that feels culturally very different from what I'm used to. One reason is logistics. Cruise-line excursions are organized around the ship's schedule. That can provide some peace of mind when you're in a destination you've never visited before.
Book independently
Independent tour operators can be a great option too, particularly if you're trying to save money or want a smaller, more personalized experience. But there's one thing you should never forget: You need to keep an eye out for the ship departure time.
If you're on an independent excursion and something goes wrong with transportation, traffic, or the tour itself, you have to make sure you get back to the port in time. That doesn't mean cruise ships automatically leave every independent traveler behind, but you should never plan an excursion that cuts your return too close to the ship's all-aboard time. I always want a comfortable buffer.
When should you book excursions?
You can book shore excursions either before your cruise or after you board. My recommendation is that if there's something particularly popular that you really want to do, book early. Popular excursions can sell out, and some cruise lines allow guests to reserve them well before sailing. Also, make sure to check the cancellation policy before booking.
Shop my Cruise Essentials here
From extra hangers, to towel clips and motion sickness medication.
4. Embarkation: What happens when you arrive at the cruise port?
This is one of the parts first-time cruisers tend to overthink. The basic process is pretty straightforward: Arrive → drop luggage → check in → go through security → board → complete your safety requirements → start exploring.
Your exact check-in window and boarding process will depend on the cruise line and port, so follow the instructions in your cruise documents.
Don't assume getting to the port is easy
Research transportation before your cruise day. Depending on the port, you might be dealing with:
Airport transportation
Uber/Lyft/Taxis (there could be port limitations)
Parking (they could set you back $50 per day)
Hotel shuttles
Traffic around the cruise terminal
And sometimes the most obvious transportation option isn't actually the easiest one. Give yourself enough time that a little traffic or confusion doesn't turn embarkation day into a stressful experience.
Safety briefing on cruises
Every cruise has a mandatory passenger safety procedure. It might feel familiar, like the safety demonstration on an airplane, except you'll learn where your assigned muster station is and what to do in an emergency.
On Royal Caribbean and MSC, for example, the current muster process includes watching safety information, listening for the emergency signal, and checking in at the assigned muster station. The exact process varies by cruise line, but the important part is simple: Complete it. Otherwise, they'll chase you and send you a warning to your cabin. It's mandatory, and you don't want to start your vacation by ignoring the safety instructions.
5. What to expect on a cruise?
Once you're actually onboard, the easiest way to understand your cruise schedule is to think of your days in two categories: Port days and sea days.
What is a port day?
A port day is when the ship arrives at a destination. If you have an excursion, your day may start pretty early. You might:
Have breakfast → Meet your excursion group → Spend several hours exploring → Return to the ship → Shower and change → Have dinner → Go to a show or evening activity.
Depending on the excursion, you could be off the ship for 4 hours or 8 hours. And yes, sometimes you'll come back absolutely exhausted. That's part of the fun!
What is a sea day?
A sea day means the ship is traveling and you aren't stopping at a port. These are the busiest days onboard because the ship becomes the destination. You'll usually find activities happening throughout the day, from trivia and dance classes to sports, pool activities, shows, and other entertainment.
My advice? Don't try to do everything. Seriously, especially as a first time cruiser. You'll look at the schedule and think, I can totally do all of this. You can't, so pick the top things you actually care about and leave some room to wander around, sit by the water, or do absolutely nothing.
Download the cruise app
Many major cruise lines now have an app that acts almost like your personal cruise schedule.
You can use it to see:
Daily activities
Restaurant information
Reservations
Showtimes
Port information
Communicate with other cabins, or your own
Your schedule
Ships also have printed daily schedules around the ship or big interactive digital screens so you can look for activities without needing to depend on your phone at all times.
6. Cruise ship entertainment: What is there to do?
One of the biggest misconceptions about cruising is that you'll get bored. If anything, the opposite can happen. There can be too much to do. On most cruises, you might find:
Trivia
Dance classes
Live music
Pool activities
Sports: Basketball, soccer tournaments
Kids' clubs
Arcades
Board games, chess, backgammon, billiards
Theater productions, comedy shows
Nightclubs
Then, here comes the differentiation. Depending on the cruise line, and ship, you may even find the following activities onboard:
Ice skating
Laser tag
Surf simulators
Zip lines
Rock climbing
Skydiving or F1 simulators
Royal Caribbean, for example, has ships with attractions such as FlowRider surf simulators, ice skating, and iFLY on select ships. And if none of that sounds like your thing? Find a quiet area, grab a book, and enjoy the view.
My favorite cruise activity? Trivia!
I will absolutely rush from one corner of the ship to the other for a good cruise trivia. Some could be about history, countries, etc, my favorites are the specific ones such as Harry Potter trivia, or 2000's Pop Music trivia.
I find it fun because it's one of those activities where you can end up having a random conversation with people you wouldn't otherwise meet. But again, you don't need to participate in everything. A cruise is not a scavenger hunt.
7. Cruise dining: What food is included?
Food is one of the biggest parts of the cruise experience, but this is also an area where first-time cruisers can get confused. The exact dining options vary by cruise line and ship, but you'll generally find a combination of:
Buffet
The buffet is usually the easiest option when you want something quick or want lots of choices.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are commonly available. Operating hours vary. This is the place where people go to at the end of the night, since it's most times the one open the latest.
Main dining restaurant
The main dining room is more of a traditional restaurant experience. You'll usually have a menu with multiple options, and the meal takes longer than grabbing something from the buffet. It's a nice option when you actually want to sit down, get served, and enjoy dinner rather than eat quickly between activities.
Specialty restaurants
These are additional restaurants that typically cost extra. Think of them more like going to a restaurant in a city. You may have steak, sushi, Italian food, seafood, or other specialty concepts depending on the ship.
Smaller included food spots
This is where cruising gets fun. Depending on the ship, you may also find things like:
Pizza
Ice cream
Snacks
Cafés
Poolside food
Casual restaurants
Some are included and some have an additional charge, so check your specific ship.
What about cruise dining times?
When you book your cruise, you may be asked to select a preferred dining time or dining arrangement. Once you're onboard, check your cruise information for your assigned dining details.
And here's a first-time cruiser tip: If you don't like your assigned dining time, ask about changing it on the first day. The earlier you ask, the better your chances to have it adjusted.
What if you have dietary restrictions?
Tell the cruise line ahead of time. Don't wait until you're sitting down at dinner for the first time to mention a serious allergy or dietary restriction. The more advance notice the dining team has, the better they can prepare.
8. Cruise tipping and gratuities: What should you know?
Cruise tipping can be confusing because there isn't one universal tipping system across cruise lines. Some cruise lines automatically add daily gratuities or service charges to your onboard account. Others structure gratuities differently, and some packages may include certain service charges. So before sailing, check your cruise line's current policy rather than relying on what your friend did five years ago.
Should you bring cash?
I do, some cash. Even when standard gratuities are already handled, I like having cash available in case someone provides exceptional service and I want to thank them directly. Depending on the cruise line and your service arrangement, you may also want to give an additional tip to people such as your cabin steward or dining staff. The important thing is to understand what you've already paid for before you start tipping everyone you meet.
9. Disembarkation: What happens when the cruise ends?
And suddenly, the moment no one wants is here: vacation is over. Disembarkation is generally a morning process, and there are usually two basic ways to handle your luggage.
Option 1: Carry your luggage off
If you can comfortably manage your suitcase, you can take it with you when you leave the ship.
This can be convenient because you don't have to wait for your luggage later.
Option 2: Leave your luggage outside your cabin
Many cruises offer a luggage collection process where you place your larger suitcase outside your cabin the night before. Crew and port staff then move it to the terminal. If you do this, keep a separate carry-on or backpack with you. You'll want your: Passport and documents, medication, phone and charger, toiletries, other morning essentials.
Don't put tomorrow morning's toothbrush inside the suitcase you're sending away tonight. Yes, people do this. No, you don't need to be one of them.
What happens after leaving the ship?
Depending on the itinerary and port, you'll generally collect your luggage if you checked it, then go through the applicable customs and immigration process before leaving the terminal. The exact process depends on the port, itinerary, and your citizenship or travel documents, so always follow the instructions provided by your cruise line.
Give yourself some flexibility if you're boarding a flight afterward. Disembarkation isn't always a perfectly predictable 20-minute process. Crowds, luggage collection, customs, traffic, and transportation can all affect how long it takes.
10. A few more first-time cruise tips
Wash your hands. A lot.
You're sharing a ship with a lot of people. Wash your hands before eating, after using public facilities, and generally whenever you have the opportunity. It sounds obvious, but it's one of the easiest things you can do to help protect yourself during your trip.
Decide how connected you actually want to be
Cruise Wi-Fi is available on many ships, but it often costs extra unless it's included in your fare or package. Here's my personal take: You don't necessarily need to be connected every second. You're on vacation! One of the things I enjoy about cruising is that it's a chance to slow down.
Whether you're cruising for a weekend or spending seven days at sea, take some time to actually be where you are. Put the phone down. Have dinner with your travel companions, watch the sunset, sit on the deck, play trivia, talk to strangers, or stare at the ocean for 20 minutes and do absolutely nothing.
You don't always need to document the experience to enjoy it.
Don't forget your packing checklist before you go
The most important first-time cruise tip
Don't try to cruise the "right" way, because there isn't one.
Maybe you love getting up at 7 AM for an excursion.
Maybe you'd rather sleep until noon.
Maybe you want to spend every sea day at the pool.
Maybe you want to take dance classes, play trivia, see every show, and somehow squeeze in a steak dinner afterward.
Or maybe your perfect cruise involves a book, a chair, and absolutely no plans.
All of those are valid.
After 18+ cruises, my biggest lesson is that cruising is about finding your rhythm. Choose what you love. Skip what you don't. Leave yourself room to be spontaneous. And most importantly, enjoy the present.
Written by Andrea Covarrubias
About Cova Travels
I'm Andrea, the traveler behind Cova Travels.
I've visited 30+ countries and taken 18+ cruises, and I created Cova Travels to share the practical things I learn along the way, from travel tips and itineraries to the little details that make a trip easier. I don't believe you need to travel perfectly. I just want you to feel a little more prepared before you go.
Follow @CovaTravels for travel experiences, itineraries, and tips.
