Eight Things You Should Know Before You Go on Your First Cruise

For beginners, traveling on a cruise ship can be exhilarating. When you're on a big ship with lots of places to eat and a wide range of activities and excursions, it can be hard to figure out how to get the most out of your trip. Insider shared tips to help plan an unforgettable cruise vacation.

1. When packing for a cruise, keep it light but make sure you have everything you need.

Sharon Taylor, who has been on five cruises, said she doesn't advise beginners to pack a bunch of things. “People often think that a cruise is a fashion show. They take too many clothes and shoes with them, but you just want to feel comfortable,” she said. For the seven-day cruise, she took with her two swimsuits, four pairs of shorts, two pairs of shoes, one dress, eight pairs of underwear and six tops. She planned to buy two more tops on the trip.

Paul Gallifrey, who has been on 30 cruises, advised taking everything you need with you, but adding a few extras just in case. “Maybe you'll decide to change between the pool and the buffet,” Gallifrey suggested. “An extra shirt and a pair of shorts will come in handy.” Gallifrey clarified that certain activities on the ships and excursions require special clothing. For example, you need lace-up shoes with a zipper. Review these requirements on the cruise line's website and pack accordingly.

2. Don't forget to take a magnet with you to make it easier to find your cabin

On large cruise ships, there are usually endless corridors of cabins with the same doors. Taylor advises grabbing magnets to attach to the outside of the door. "You'll be glad you did it when you look for your room in those long corridors."

3. If you need to fly to the port your ship is departing from, book your flight at least one day before departure so you don't miss your ship

According to Stephanie Franks, who has been on more than 15 cruises, the ship will leave without you, even if you are late due to a flight delay or cancellation.

At Royal Caribbean, if you book a flight through a cruise line and it is delayed or canceled, the emergency travel team will transfer you to an earlier flight or take you to the next port to join the cruise. If you don't book through the cruise line, you'll have to deal with it yourself.

Franks, for example, said her friend's flight to Miami was canceled the day before her cruise because of Florida weather. “They jumped in the car and drove for 19 hours straight to get there on time. You never know for sure, she said. “But it’s better to be prepared and arrive early than be late.” She recommended arriving at least one day before the ship's departure to allow extra time for delays and cancellations.

4. Even before you board the ship, experienced cruisers recommend pre-booking something with additional costs.

Cruise ships often have restaurants and activities included in the ticket price, as well as specialty à la carte (a la carte) restaurants. During stops at the ports it is possible to order excursions for an additional fee. Once your trip is booked, you can pre-pay for the ship's meals and port excursions. Reservations are usually processed quickly. In addition, you will pay less than if you waited before the trip.

“Do the best you can before you board to save money,” says Tekeshia Brown, who has been on more than 100 cruises.

On the subject: A cruise ship that left New York got stuck in the ocean: the company canceled the tour in the middle of the trip and abandoned the tourists

5. If you are a beginner, the easiest way to book excursions is with a cruise company.

At each cruise port, passengers can disembark and spend their time however they wish. They can go sightseeing on their own, take a taxi to the beach, connect with a local guide, or join a cruise company's official tour.

Gallifrey advises beginners to choose the latter option. “If you're new to cruising and have no experience organizing excursions, it's easier to go with excursions from a cruise line,” he said. These excursions ensure that the ship will be waiting for you if the trip takes longer than planned.

6. Some say there is enough to eat, see and have fun on a cruise ship.

What is included in the ticket price is enough for a great holiday. You can eat at several restaurants on the ship, participate in games and activities, attend shows and explore ports at no additional cost.

“In fact, you don't have to spend a penny after you've paid for your cruise. Every port has tons of amazing free shows, food, things to do,” Taylor explained. “In ports, I wander around the shops and look at the products of local artisans.”

7. No matter how you decide to spend your weekend, always check the daily cruise schedule

On Royal Caribbean cruises, attendants deliver the Cruise Compass to the cabins every night. From lounges and sports games to dance and karaoke classes, the ship is full of planned activities that you'll find out about when you read The Cruise Compass or check out the Royal Caribbean app.

8. If you want to relax by the pool, take a sunbed in advance

Franks noticed that on most ships, by noon, people were taking the deck chairs by the pool, covering them with towels. Therefore, she recommends getting up early to get a seat around 6 am.

“Ironically, this is a serious problem on large ships,” she said. “Small ships call at small ports, so people are more focused on island tours than on the pool deck.”