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. After sailing on major cruise lines like Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises more times than I can count, I’ve realized that there are a lot of things that are important to do (and not do) before going on a cruise.

First time cruises can make many rookie mistakes, from packing way too much stuff to poorly planning their trip to the port city. Fortunately, there are many frequent cruisers who have become experts in stress-free cruising and love sharing what they’ve learned over the years. I spoke with experienced cruisers to find out what mistakes first-time cruisers make most often and how to avoid them.

Related: 20 Essential Things to Pack on a Cruise Ship

Take the plane on the day of departure

Courtney Ball is a content creator who shares her travels on Instagram And TikTok and cruises often. Ball says to those who fly in a port city going on a cruise, flying the same day is “a huge no-no”. For what? When cruise lines depend on on-time flights and no travel issues on boarding day, they’re taking on a pretty big risk.

The solution:

Instead, Ball recommends arriving the day before your ship leaves port. “Never, ever steal,” she said. “Find a hotel near the port the day before you depart and take that time to relax and explore the city you’re in. This way your morning cruise will go smoothly.”

Overpackaging

Viktor Tuparov and his partner collectively have more than 50 cruises under their belt. Tuparov, who works as a public relations manager at a theme park, says that on his first cruise he completely overpacked…and he regretted it. “My suitcase was full to the max and I was barely carrying half of what I had brought,” he shares. “Now I’ve got it down to a science. I can fit everything I need in a carry-on bag for a week’s trip.”

Blade :

So how should new cruise passengers prepare for their vacation? “The trick,” says Tuparov, “is to think about versatility. Choose clothes that you can mix and match and remember to dress them up or down depending on your needs. Most importantly, wear what makes you feel good. It’s your vacation, so being comfortable should be a priority.”

Booking excursions through Cruise Line

While it’s incredibly easy to book excursions (activities at each cruise port that are done from the ship) directly through the cruise line, Tuparov says it’s not always the best solution. “There are many independent local providers offering amazing experiences, often at a better price,” says Tuparov. “Of course, booking with a cruise line has its benefits, like ensuring you won’t be left behind if your tour is late, but don’t hesitate to check out other options.”

Blade :

It’s helpful to research the ports along your individual cruise itinerary in advance. Spending time researching independent travel providers in each port online and watching content on sites like YouTube and TikTok to see what other tourists have been doing in the area can pay off. No time to plan ahead? Often you can walk off the ship and find port-based tour guide companies that can offer activities for the day for an additional fee.

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

Do not buy travel insurance

Another must-have for Ball? Take out travel insurance in advance. “Life can be unpredictable,” she explains. “I have seen countless people have to unexpectedly cancel their trip at the last minute or experience flight delays that cost them their vacation and thousands of dollars.”

The solution:

In short, if a trip is worth buying, it’s also worth protecting your investment. “The best thing to do is to get insurance in advance,” says Ball. “It doesn’t have to go through the cruise line, but it’s a good idea to insure your cruise vacation to avoid the heartbreak of cancellation.”

Book online while waiting for the best price

Vicki Winters is a luxury travel advisor with Bucket List Travelers and says there are many benefits to using a travel agent to book a cruise vacation rather than booking the trip yourself online. “Using a trusted travel agent (could) save you money and hassle,” Winters says. “If you haven’t planned well, you (may) receive a bill for additional fees at the end of a cruise. Depending on the line, these fees can be astronomical and surprising to say the least.”

The solution:

Winters says that often, travelers book a cruise thinking it will cost a flat rate per person, but are surprised to find that there are additional fees once on board the ship, such as Wi-Fi fees or coffee costs. She says using a travel agent can help cruise lines understand prices and choose the fare best suited to their needs. “An agent can (maybe) save you a lot of trouble,” she adds. “Purchasing certain fares, which include Wi-Fi, drinks or specialty meals before boarding, can save a good chunk of change and an agent can explain this to you.”

Not selecting the best cruise for your needs

Winters says it’s also common for new cruise passengers to book cruise vacations without thinking about what they hope to achieve on their vacation. “If you want to be around families, some cruise lines are better for that,” she says. “Something hipper, without kids? More ports, less time at sea? Good food? Party all day? Relax on your balcony? Need to work?” Winters says it’s important to think about exactly what you’re looking for on a cruise, because every cruise line and ship is different.

The solution:

There are many ways to research which cruise ship is best for your vacation needs, from searching 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 want someone who has eaten mass market, low quality buffets, been bashed by screaming kids, eaten the best meals at sea and can help you choose the best one to your needs,” she says.

Pack boarding day essentials in checked bags

Brandy Yearous is a content creator and entrepreneur who has been sailing with her family for years. Since the luggage you check in upon arrival at the cruise port won’t arrive at your cabin until later in the afternoon, Yearous says it’s important to think about the items you’ll need during your first few hours on the ship and packing them. a carry-on style bag.

The solution:

“Don’t delay the fun of waiting on your luggage before you leave,” says Yearous. “Take your swimsuit and sunscreen in your carry-on.” Other items to put in your day bag? Cameras, reading materials, prescription medications, and possibly a change of clothes in case your luggage arrives after dinner time.

Booking dinner time slot earlier

Most cruise lines offer early and late dinner each evening. While it’s easy to assume that your group will prefer the earlier time slot, Yearous advises thinking about how you want to spend your nights aboard the ship before committing to a dinner time. “Don’t book an early dinner just because that’s the time you eat at home,” says Yearous.

The solution:

“The sailing time is very different, as are your eating habits on board,” says Yearous. “If you book an early dinner, it’s often just as the boat leaves a port and leaves you very little time to prepare.” Instead, consider dining later, especially on port days, so you have plenty of time to get back on the ship and shower for dinner.