8 mistakes to avoid on a cruise, according to experts

I travel and write about it for a living, and cruising is one of my favorite ways to get away from it all and enjoy a truly relaxing vacation. Having sailed on major cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises more times than I can count, I’ve learned that there are many things that are important to do (and not do) before going on a cruise.

There are plenty of rookie mistakes that new cruisers can make, from packing too much to timing their arrival in a port city incorrectly. Luckily, there are many frequent cruisers who have become experts at stress-free cruising and love to share what they’ve learned over the years. I talked to experienced cruisers to find out what mistakes new cruisers make most often and how to avoid them.

Related: 20 Important Things to Bring on a Cruise Ship

Arrival on the day of departure

Courtney Ball is a content creator who shares her travels on Instagram and TikTok and frequently travels on cruises. For those flying into a port city for a cruise, Ball says flying on the day of the holiday is a “huge no-no.” Why? When cruise ships depend on on-time sailings and no disruptions in transit on embarkation day, they are taking quite a big risk.

Solution:

Instead, Ball recommends arriving the day before your ship leaves port. “Never, never, never fly on this day,” she says. “Find a hotel near the port the day before sailing and use that time to relax and explore the city you are in. This way your cruise morning will go smoothly.”

Repackaging

Victor Tuparov and his partner have more than 50 cruises under their belt. Tuparov, who works as a public relations manager for a theme park, says he overpacked on his first cruise… and regretted it. “My suitcase was stuffed to the brim and I could barely carry half of what I brought,” he shares. “Now I’m going to do science. I can fit everything I need into my carry-on for a week-long trip.”

Soul:

So how do first-time cruise travelers get ready for their vacation? “The trick,” says Tuparov, “is to think about universality. Choose clothes that you can mix and match, and remember to dress them up or down as needed. Most importantly, wear what you feel good in. This is your vacation, so comfort should be a priority.”

Booking excursions through the cruise line

While it’s incredibly easy to book excursions—events at each cruise port that run from the ship—directly through the cruise line, Tuparov says it’s not always the best move. “There are plenty of local independent providers that offer amazing experiences, often at a better price,” says Tuparov. “Of course, booking a cruise line has its benefits, such as ensuring you won’t be left behind if your tour is late, but don’t hesitate to check out other options.”

Soul:

It makes sense to research the ports of your personalized cruise itinerary in advance. Spending some time online researching independent tour operators in each port and watching content on sites like YouTube and TikTok to see what other tourists have done in the area can pay off. Don’t have time to plan ahead? You can often step straight off the ship and find tour guide companies in port who can arrange activities for the day for a fee.

“Whether you decide to vacation on a ship, join a cruise line-sponsored excursion, or explore on your own, just make sure you make the most of each port,” adds Tuparov.

Don’t buy travel insurance

Another must-have for Ball? Advance purchase of travel insurance. “Life can be unpredictable,” she explains. “I have seen countless people who have had to unexpectedly cancel their trip at the last minute or experience flight delays, costing them their vacation and thousands of dollars.”

Solution:

In short, if the trip is worth buying, it’s worth protecting your investment. “It’s best to buy insurance in advance,” Ball says. “It doesn’t have to be through the cruise line, but it would be a good idea to insure your cruise vacation to avoid the heartache of cancellation.”

Book online while waiting for the best price

Vicki Winters, luxury travel consultant at Bucket List Travelers, says there are many benefits to using a travel agent when booking a cruise vacation over booking the trip yourself online. “Using a trusted travel agent (can) really save you some money and a lot of hassle,” says Winters. “If you haven’t planned properly in advance, you (may) be billed for additional fees at the end of the cruise. Depending on the line, these fees can be astronomical and surprising to say the least.”

Solution:

Winters says travelers often book a cruise thinking it will cost a set price per person, only to be surprised to find that once they board the ship there are additional costs, such as Wi-Fi fees or coffee fees. She says using a travel agent can help cruise passengers understand fares and choose the best rate for their needs. “An agent (may) be able to save you a lot of grief,” she adds. “Purchasing certain fares that include Wi-Fi, drinks or specialty meals before boarding can save a significant chunk of change, and the agent can help explain this.”

Not choosing the best cruise for your needs

Winters says first-time cruisers also often book cruise vacations without thinking about what they hope to accomplish on vacation. “If you want to be surrounded by families, some cruise lines are better for that,” she says. “Something more fashionable, no kids? More ports, less time at sea? Great food? Party all day? Relax on the balcony? Need some work? Winters says it’s important to consider exactly what you’re looking for from a cruise vacation, since every cruise line and every ship is different.

Solution:

There are many ways to figure out which cruise ship is best for your vacation, from researching on YouTube to using a travel agent like Winters. Winters says to remember that most travel agents have “already done the hard work for you.

“You need someone who has eaten mass market, poor quality buffet food, been run over by screaming children, eaten the best food at sea, and can help you choose what best suits your needs,” she says.

We pack everything you need for boarding into your checked baggage

Brandi Yerous is a content creator and entrepreneur who has been traveling with her family for years. Since the bags you check when you arrive at the cruise port won’t arrive in your stateroom until late afternoon, Yerus says it’s important to think about the things you’ll need during the first few hours on the ship and pack them. carry-on style bag.

Solution:

“Don’t delay the fun by waiting for your bags to arrive before you set sail,” says Yerus. “Pack a swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry-on luggage.” What other things can you put in your everyday bag? Cameras, reading materials, prescription medications, and maybe a change of clothes in case your bags arrive after dinner.

Early dinner reservation

Most cruise lines offer early and late dinner each evening. While it’s easy to assume you’d prefer an earlier time slot, Yerous advises thinking about how you want to spend your nights aboard the ship before committing to dinner. “Don’t order an early dinner just because that’s when you’re eating at home,” Yerus says.

Solution:

“Time on a ship is very different, and so are your eating habits on board,” Yerus explains. “If you book an early dinner, you’ll have plenty of time before the ship leaves port, leaving very little time to prepare.” Instead, consider having a later dinner, especially on port days, so you have enough time to get back to the ship and shower in time for dinner.