Your First Cruise? Here Are 100 Tips You’ll Actually Use

Planning your first cruise? Brilliant choice. Below are 100 practical, no-nonsense tips pulled together from our research and experience to help you book smart, pack right, and have a cracking time at sea. 

1) Choose the right cruise line and ship

Not all lines feel the same. Match the ship’s vibe to you, whether that’s family-friendly, adults-only, party, or chilled. 

2) Pick an itinerary you’ll love overall

Don’t book for one dream port in case it’s skipped for weather. Choose routes where every stop appeals so the whole trip still feels worth it. 

3) Time it with the season

Check typical weather, school holidays and sea conditions for your region. Shoulder seasons can mean nicer prices and fewer crowds. 

4) Match to your travel party

Families, couples and solo travellers all have different needs. Check kids’ clubs, accessible itineraries and adult-only spaces before you book. 

5) Book early or be flexible

Early bookings secure cabins and perks, while off-peak dates can save loads. Last-minute can work but choice is limited. 

6) Choose the right cabin

Inside is cheapest; oceanview brings light; balcony adds private outdoor space. Mid-ship, low decks move less if you’re motion-sensitive. 

7) Know what’s included

Main dining rooms, buffets and entertainment are usually in the fare. Drinks, speciality dining, spa, Wi-Fi and some classes cost extra. 

8) Get proper travel insurance

Make sure it specifically covers cruises, medical care at sea and missed departures. Buy it as soon as you book. 

9) Check passports, visas and health rules

Confirm entry rules for every port and the passport validity window. Sort documents early to avoid stress. 

10) Arrive a day early

Fly or travel to the port the day before so delays don’t make you miss the ship. Book late flights home or stay a night after. 

11) Consider a cruise-specialist agent

They’ll steer you to the right line, find deals and handle logistics at no extra cost to you. 

Enquire with our recommended cruise specialist here.

12) Pre-book what you can

Reserve excursions, speciality restaurants, spa, shows and Wi-Fi in advance. Popular slots go fast and pre-prices can be lower. 

13) Join the line’s loyalty programme

It’s free, you’ll earn credit from cruise one, and perks stack up for future sailings. 

14) Don’t overpack

Cabins are compact. Plan mix-and-match outfits and use onboard laundry if needed. Leave room for souvenirs. 

15) Keep documents in your carry-on

Passports, boarding passes, insurance and meds should stay with you on embarkation day, not in checked bags. 

16) Use the luggage tags and porters

Attach cruise tags before you arrive. Tip the porter a couple of quid per bag and keep valuables with you. 

17) Pack a day bag for boarding

Swimwear, sunscreen, a charger, meds and a change of clothes mean you can start relaxing before your suitcase arrives. 

18) Know what not to pack

Irons, kettles, candles, certain power strips and most alcohol are banned. Check your line’s prohibited list. 

19) Bring a mini first-aid kit

Painkillers, plasters, motion tablets, antihistamines and your prescriptions in original packaging are handy and cheaper than the onboard shop. 

20) Prep for seasickness

Use tablets, acupressure bands or doctor-prescribed patches. If queasy, head mid-ship, look at the horizon and get fresh air. 

21) Choose sensible luggage

Hard cases slide under most beds, and a collapsible duffel helps with extras on the way home. 

22) Bring the right adapters and a USB hub

Many cabins have US and EU sockets. A non-surge multi-USB charger is usually allowed and solves the “too few plugs” problem. 

23) Carry a reusable bottle or mug

Top up at water stations and take it ashore. It saves money and plastic. 

24) Pack comfy shoes and layers

You’ll walk loads. Air-con can be cool even in warm regions, so a light jumper or wrap helps. 

25) Don’t stress formal nights

One smart outfit is enough if you’re taking part. Casual venues are always an option if dressing up isn’t your thing. 

26) Take a small backpack or beach bag

You’ll want sunscreen, water, wallet and a towel for port days. Zips help with security. 

27) Use a lanyard for your cruise card

It’s your room key, ID and onboard payment. Keep it handy and carry a photo ID for some ports. 

28) Download the cruise app before you go

Check in, book things, see the planner and sometimes message your group without a Wi-Fi package. 

29) Bring a bit of cash

Small notes for tips, taxis and markets are useful. A backup card kept separate is smart. 

30) Plan to unplug

Ship Wi-Fi can be slow and pricey. Download maps, playlists and shows before you leave. 

31) Pack a few handy extras

Magnetic hooks, a highlighter for the daily, a nightlight for inside cabins and earplugs all earn their keep. 

32) Arrive at the terminal on time

Stick to your assigned slot if given. Earlier boarding means an earlier start to your holiday. 

33) Keep documents ready at check-in

Passport, boarding pass and any health forms should be easy to grab. 

34) Follow crew instructions

Embarkation is slick when everyone goes with the flow. Ask if you’re unsure where to head. 

35) Do the muster drill straight away

Watch the safety video and check in at your muster station. The ship can’t sail until you do. 

36) Dodge the buffet crush

On day one try an open dining room, pool grill or café instead of the heaving buffet. 

37) Explore the ship early

Find key venues, adults-only areas, and the best quiet corners before the rush. 

38) Book onboard stuff on day one

Restaurants, shows, spa and kids’ club registration can fill quickly. Sort your week early. 

39) Check your dining assignment

If you want to switch times or table size, see the maître d’ on embarkation afternoon. 

40) Meet your cabin steward

Say hello, learn their name and mention any preferences like extra pillows or daily ice. 

41) Unpack properly

Use all the nooks, shelves and under-bed space so the cabin stays tidy and calm. 

42) Catch sailaway

Head up top or to your balcony to watch the port fade and hear the horn. It’s a moment. 

43) Airplane mode at sea

Avoid shocking roaming bills by switching mobile data off and using ship Wi-Fi if needed. 

44) Read the daily planner each night

Circle what you fancy and set reminders in the app so you don’t miss good stuff. 

45) Pace yourself on night one

There’s a full week ahead. Enjoy a show or a stroll, then get some sleep. 

46) Track your onboard spend

Check your account on the app or TV every couple of days so nothing surprises you. 

47) Try new dishes

Main dining is included and flexible, so taste something different and don’t be shy to ask for seconds. 

48) Know the extras

Bingo, premium coffee, classes, gelato and spa services often carry a fee. Ask if you’re not sure. 

49) Weigh up drink packages

Do the maths based on your habits and remember service charges. Buying pre-cruise can be cheaper. 

50) See the shows

Production theatre nights, guest comedians and live music are a big part of the fun. 

51) Try unique ship activities

From climbing walls to flow-riders and ice rinks, give the signature attractions a go. Check any age or clothing rules. 

52) Find quiet corners

Libraries, promenade decks and adults-only solariums are ideal when you want peace. Make them part of your routine. 

53) Keep active

Use the gym, walk the track, take the stairs and join free stretch classes to balance out the puddings. 

54) Pool etiquette matters

Don’t reserve loungers for ages, return towels, and mind family vs adults-only areas. 

55) Expect the odd queue

Lifts, buffets and tenders peak at times. Breathe, be patient and go later if you can. 

56) Consider staying onboard in port

Quiet pools, spa deals and empty attractions can be bliss while everyone else is ashore. 

57) Live by ship’s time

Phones can switch to local time and mislead you. Set a watch and always return by the all-aboard time. 

58) Agree a way to keep in touch

Use the app’s chat, set meeting points or leave notes so your group doesn’t keep missing each other. 

59) Set a sensible casino and shopping budget

It’s easy to get carried away. Decide your limit and stick to it. 

60) Go to enrichment talks

Port lectures, cooking demos and tastings add lovely context to what you’re seeing and eating. 

61) Use ship photographers your way

Pose for fun, then buy only the photos you love. No obligation at all. 

62) Be a good shipmate

Keep corridors quiet late, follow dress codes, wash hands and be kind to crew. It lifts everyone’s day. 

63) Ask questions

Crew would rather you ask than miss out. From dining tweaks to towel locations, they’ve heard it all. 

64) Bring a small umbrella or packable mac

Weather turns quickly in some regions. A light layer saves the day.

65) Pack swimwear in your carry-on

Hot tubs are open even if your suitcase isn’t with you yet.

66) Take copies of key documents

Store digital copies in the cloud and email them to yourself as a backup.

67) Use packing cubes

They make the tiny wardrobes feel bigger and keep outfits grouped.

68) A laundry plan helps

Check if your ship has self-serve launderettes or bag-wash offers mid-cruise.

69) Check dress codes for speciality dining

Some venues expect smart-casual. Trainers and shorts aren’t always welcome at night.

70) Bring a spare charging cable

Ship shops are pricey for replacements.

71) Pack sunscreen and aftersun

Sea breeze hides the burn. Reapply often and wear a hat.

72) Carry a basic sewing kit

A popped button or split seam is easily fixed onboard.

73) Take a high-street tote for shopping in port

Folds flat, useful for beach towels and markets.

74) Consider a lightweight binocular

Great for fjords, glaciers and spotting dolphins.

75) Download offline maps for each port

Handy when you don’t want to pay for data.

76) Note the ship’s emergency number

It’s on your keycard. If you’re delayed in port, call immediately.

77) Keep your cabin safe locked

Store passports, spare cards and cash inside whenever you’re out.

78) Use door magnets or a ribbon on your cabin door

It helps you find your cabin quickly along long corridors.

79) Don’t overload hooks or sprinklers

Never hang things from the fire system; use magnetic hooks on metal walls instead.

80) Try room service breakfast at least once

A peaceful start, especially on early tour mornings.

81) Check the kids’ club schedule on day one

Register early and note any themed nights or late-stay sessions.

82) Rotate venues for variety

Alternate between main dining, buffet and casual spots so it never feels samey.

83) Share a table sometimes

You’ll pick up tips from seasoned cruisers and maybe new friends.

84) Taste the local food ashore

Don’t fill up at the buffet before trying that pastry, tapas or gelato in port.

85) Keep small notes for local tips

Drivers and guides appreciate a little cash for good service.

86) Be back onboard at least 30 minutes early

Crowds and traffic can bite. Give yourself a buffer.

87) Check tender ticket procedures

Some ports use small boats. Collect tickets early if it’s a popular stop.

88) Book ship tours for hard-to-reach sites

If timing is tight, ship-run excursions give you “we’ll wait” security.

89) DIY ports when easy

If the port is walkable or has simple buses, save money with a self-guided wander.

90) Carry your ship card and photo ID

Some ports won’t let you back into the terminal without both.

91) Hydrate and rest on port-heavy itineraries

Alternate big days with easier ones so you don’t burn out.

92) Try a speciality restaurant on a quieter night

Port days or show nights often have better availability.

93) Look out for spa port-day deals

Treatments are often discounted while others are ashore.

94) Visit guest services before the final night

Sort bill queries and small issues early to avoid queues.

95) Put gratuities in context

Most lines add them automatically. Extra cash tips for exceptional service are appreciated but optional.

96) Pack a “last night” pouch

Keep travel clothes, toiletries and chargers out when you put cases in the corridor.

97) Double-check your disembarkation group

Read the letter, note the meeting time and keep essentials in your carry-on.

98) Don’t book a tight flight home

Disembarkation can be slow. Aim for afternoon departures or stay over.

99) Keep meds and valuables with you when leaving

Bags are handled in bulk. Your carry-on stays with you.

100) Start planning the next one

You’ll know what you loved and what you’d tweak. Many lines offer onboard future-cruise deals.