First Time Cruiser | Dee Charles and Associates

First-Time Cruiser Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Cruise

Your first cruise is exciting, but there are a lot of little things that aren't obvious until you've cruised before.

What's included in your fare? When do you pay gratuities? What should you pack in your carry-on? What happens to your luggage when you arrive? And what exactly is a muster drill?

This guide walks you through the entire cruise experience-from choosing your cruise to stepping off the ship at the end of your vacation— so you'll know what to expect along the way.

Before You Book
After You Book
What Your Cruise Really Costs
What To Pack
Embarkation Day
Your First Day OnBoard

Life OnBoard
Port Days
Your Last Night
Disembarkation
First Time Cruiser Mistakes
Final Checklist

IN THIS GUIDE

First-Time Cruiser Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Your First Cruise

Your first cruise is exciting, but there are a lot of little things that aren't obvious until you've cruised before. What's actually included? When do you pay gratuities? What happens to your luggage? And what exactly is a muster drill?

This guide walks you through the cruise experience from planning to disembarkation so you'll know what to expect along the way.

Before You Book

A great price doesn't necessarily mean it's the right cruise. Before booking, look at the itinerary, ship, cabin, what's included, and the additional expenses you're likely to have.

The Itinerary

Check every port you'll visit, how long you'll be there, and the number of sea days. A port-heavy itinerary can feel very different from a cruise with several days at sea.

The Ship

Ships within the same cruise line can offer completely different experiences. Look at the actual ship's restaurants, entertainment, activities, pools, and amenities before choosing.

Your Cabin

Interior, ocean-view, balcony, and suite cabins each offer something different. Also check the cabin's location—being near elevators, entertainment venues, or directly beneath busy decks can mean more noise.

Understand the Real Cost

Your cruise fare generally includes your cabin, many meals, entertainment, and transportation between ports. Depending on your cruise line and fare, you may pay extra for gratuities, drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, excursions, spa services, parking, transportation, and other purchases.

FIRST-TIMER TIP: Don't compare cruises using the advertised fare alone. Consider what you'll realistically spend after adding the extras that matter to you.

After You Book

Download your cruise line's app and pay attention to important dates for final payment, online check-in, dining reservations, excursions, and other activities.

Make sure you understand the travel-document requirements for your specific itinerary and arrange transportation to the cruise terminal.

What to Pack

Keep travel documents, medications, valuables, electronics, and anything you'll need immediately in your carry-on. Your larger luggage may not reach your cabin until later.

Embarkation Day

You'll typically drop off larger luggage, go through security, complete check-in, and board the ship. You'll also need to complete the cruise line's required safety or muster process.

Life Onboard

Take some time to learn the ship. Find your dining venues, entertainment areas, pools, and other places you plan to use. Check the cruise line's app or daily schedule for activities and events.

Port Days

You can book an excursion or explore independently. Whatever you choose, know the ship's all-aboard time and give yourself plenty of time to return.

Your Last Night & Disembarkation

Review your onboard account before leaving the ship so you can address unexpected charges. Follow the instructions for luggage and disembarkation, and keep anything you'll need that morning with you.

Keep Planning

There's plenty more to learn, but you don't need to figure it out all at once.

Explore next: Cruise Planning • Cruise Packing List • Planning Tools