Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel. There is something wonderful about waking up to a beautiful ocean view, visiting a new destination, and then returning to the comfort of the ship at the end of the day.
But after taking cruises, I’ve learned that a little planning can make a big difference in your experience. From choosing the right cabin to deciding what to do in port. Here are some things I wish I had known before my first cruise.
1. Your Cabin Location Really Matters
One of the most important decisions you’ll make is choosing your cabin.
If you’re concerned about feeling the motion of the ship, I recommend looking for a cabin near the middle of the ship. I’ve found that a midship location can be more comfortable when the water is rough.
I also like being reasonably close to the elevators. Cruise ships can be enormous, and after a long day in port, you may appreciate not having a long walk back to your room.
2. Always Check What’s Above and Below Your Cabin
Don’t choose a cabin based only on its cabin number or deck.
Before booking, look at the ship’s deck plans and find out exactly what is located above and below your room.
A cabin underneath a busy public area, entertainment venue, or other potentially noisy space may not be ideal if you value peace and quiet. I prefer having other cabins above and below me whenever possible.
Taking a few minutes to study the deck plans before booking can save you from an unpleasant surprise later.
3. If You’re Booking a Balcony, Check for Obstructions
I personally prefer a balcony cabin.
Cruise ship cabins can feel rather small, and having a balcony makes the room feel much more open to me. I love being able to step outside, breathe in the ocean air, and look at that gorgeous turquoise water.
But not every balcony has the same view.
Before choosing one, check whether the cabin is listed as having an obstructed or partially obstructed view. Lifeboats and parts of the ship’s structure can sometimes affect what you’ll see.
If I’m paying extra for a balcony, I want to be able to enjoy the view!
4. Don’t Automatically Choose the Buffet for Every Meal
The buffet is certainly convenient, especially when you’re in a hurry. But I’ve found that I often prefer eating in the dining room.
To me, the dining room provides a more relaxed experience. The food can feel fresher and more carefully prepared, and it’s nice to sit down, slow down, and enjoy your meal rather than navigating a busy buffet.
There are times when the buffet makes perfect sense—especially when you have somewhere to be—but don’t overlook the dining room just because the buffet is quicker.
You’re on vacation. Sometimes it’s nice not to rush!
5. You Don’t Have to Book a Ship Excursion at Every Port
Cruise-line excursions can be very convenient. One important advantage is that excursions booked through the cruise line generally provide greater protection if an organized tour is delayed returning to the ship.
But that doesn’t mean you need a ship excursion at every port.
With some research and planning, you can sometimes create your own day for less money and on a schedule that suits you better.
On one cruise, I had excursions that required me to get up around 6:00 in the morning so I could eat breakfast and be ready to meet the tour.
That’s not always how I want to spend my vacation!
6. Plan Your Own Port Day Sometimes
One of my favorite alternatives is having a leisurely breakfast and then heading out on my own.
Depending on the destination, you might take a taxi, rideshare, or water taxi to a beautiful beach and spend the day enjoying the water.
You could also plan your own visit to a museum, go shopping at a local market, explore the area, or book an independent snorkeling tour.
The important part is doing your research beforehand. Know how you’re getting there, how you’re getting back, and how long it should take.
Most importantly, give yourself plenty of extra time to return to the ship before departure. The ship won’t necessarily wait for independently touring passengers who are late.
7. Don’t Overschedule Your Vacation
It can be tempting to schedule something for every minute of every port day.
I’ve learned that sometimes a wonderful vacation day is simply waking up at a reasonable hour, having a nice breakfast, visiting a beautiful beach, and enjoying the destination at your own pace.
You don’t have to see everything in one trip.
Sometimes slowing down is what makes a vacation feel like a vacation.
8. Take Advantage of What’s Happening on the Ship
The ship itself is part of your vacation, so make time to enjoy it.
Check the ship’s daily activity schedule every day. Cruise lines offer all kinds of activities and entertainment, and many are included in your cruise fare.
You may find trivia, games, live music, demonstrations, shows, dance classes, poolside activities, and other events you hadn’t planned on attending.
Some of my favorite moments can be the things I didn’t plan ahead of time.
9. Decide How You Want to Handle Gratuities
Tipping is something worth understanding before you cruise.
Many cruise lines offer or automatically apply daily gratuities or service charges, and policies about who receives those gratuities vary by cruise line. It’s a good idea to read your cruise line’s current gratuity policy before deciding how you want to handle tipping.
I personally like recognizing the people who take especially good care of me during my cruise, such as my room attendant and members of my dining team.
I may tip throughout the cruise and then give an additional tip at the end to people who have gone above and beyond to make my vacation memorable.
Whatever approach you choose, knowing the cruise line’s policy ahead of time helps prevent surprises on your final bill.
10. Remember That It’s Your Vacation
Perhaps the biggest thing I’ve learned is that there isn’t one “right” way to cruise.
You don’t have to book every excursion. You don’t have to eat at the buffet every day. You don’t have to participate in every activity.
Choose a cabin that makes you comfortable. Eat where you enjoy eating. Explore the ports in a way that works for you. Spend an afternoon on your balcony watching the turquoise water if that’s what makes you happy.
After all, you’re on vacation.
A little research and planning before you leave can help you spend less time worrying about the details—and more time enjoying the journey.
Happy cruising!
— Cherita
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