Mistakes Not To Make For First Time Cruisers

Cruising is way different than booking a vacation at a hotel or even going to an all inclusive resort. Nowadays, Many first time cruisers book their vacations online on the website and are not told everything. Without proper research, first time cruisers can make these easy mistakes.
In this post, I share some common first time cruiser mistakes, so you can avoid them and help make your vacation awesome.

Don’t Book a Cruise your not happy with

The worst mistake first time cruisers can make is booking the wrong cruise ship. Just because a cruise looks like a good deal doesn’t not necessarily mean it's for you.
When people think of cruise ships they often think of it as a glamorous experience and can often find themselves disappointed if they book an older ship and it isn’t what they expected. Some people may also enjoy a lot of entertainment and can often find some ships lacking.
Many first time cruisers may think that all cruises and cruise ships are the same. However, this is not true at all. People who cruise a lot know that every cruise line and every cruise ship is different. No two ships are the same even when they are with the same cruise line. Each ship has different things to do on board, from activities to entertainment and one size does not fit all!
It is best to do a little bit of research or ask a friend who may have been on cruise to find out which cruise line or ship you may prefer. If you like more action, you might not be happy with a cruise ship that’s more sedate. Likewise, if you want to relax, you don’t want a party ship. Always research when choosing a cruise, and don’t book based on price alone.

Never Fly in or drive in on the Same Day as the Cruise

Many first time cruisers make the mistake of flying in or driving in on the same day as the cruise. However, there is so much that can go wrong from flight delays, weather issues, and even if you're driving car trouble. It is never a good idea to arrive with only a few hours before boarding time (Embarkation).
Nowadays with COVID it is more and more common than you think for people to miss the cruise ship because of these issues. You can avoid this mistake by arriving at least one day before embarkation day. This will help to ensure you start your cruise stress and worry free.
Sadly, it’s more common than you think for people to miss their cruise ship, because their flight hasn’t arrived on time. Avoid this mistake and plan to arrive at least one day before your cruise vacation. You’ll have peace of mind and will start your cruise without any stress or worry.

Do Not Arrive Too Early or Too Late for Boarding Time

If you are a first time cruiser, It may surprise you to know that cruise lines require you to complete your check in online and choose your boarding time. It is important to make sure not to arrive too early or too late.
If you arrive too early on embarkation day, then you will have to wait outside the terminal until it is your time to board. You also want to ensure that you do not arrive too late, as you will need to complete the cruise boarding process.

Do not Book an Early Flight on Disembarkation Day

A common mistake first time cruisers make is booking an early flight on the last day of the cruise. It’s an honest mistake. When you check your cruise itinerary, you’ll see that your ship should be arriving back in port very early in the morning. However, it can take a few hours until you actually disembark from the ship.
The cruise ship has to clear customs before the thousands of cruise passengers are able to disembark and this process does take some time. If you carry off your own luggage you can disembark early but if not then you will have to disembark when they call your zone.
If you choose to pick up your luggage, then you need to get your luggage of course. No matter which option you choose, you will then need to pass customs as you leave the cruise port. Add on a transfer, Uber or taxi to the airport, and it can take much more time than you had originally planned.
If you're in a city you’ve never seen before, take some time and enjoy it. Stay the night in a hotel and enjoy the town before taking a flight the next morning. It’ll also help give you some time to rest if you’d like.

Not Everything is Included on a Cruise

Cruises are a very good deal and a wonderful vacation, but they’re not all inclusive. There are some things that are not included on a cruise and you’ll want to plan for them.
Here are a few things to remember:

Cruise Gratuities

Gratuities are customary on a cruise and can be paid in advance when booking your cruise. If not they are usually charged automatically to your onboard account. Some new cruisers may not even be aware of these cruise gratuities or tips until the end of the cruise.

Shore Excursions

At each port of call, you may want to book an excursion or tour which can be a great way to enjoy the port or even learn about the port. You can explore the port on your own or book a shore excursion with the cruise line or even through another vendor such as Viator or Shore Excursion group.

Internet/Wi-Fi

Cruise ship internet isn’t the same as the internet you have at home and it is much more expensive. Many cruise lines will have internet packages available often at a cheaper rate if booked prior to sailing.

Not Reading the Daily Planner or Checking the App

Many first time cruisers do not read their daily cruise planner or check the cruise lines app. You will miss so many amazing experiences, shows, activities, and even amazing sales or shopping experiences.
These are also helpful in giving information about different venues such as hours of operations or menus for dining restaurants. The cruise line app or the daily planner can help you plan your evening out and determine what you don’t want to miss.

Not Knowing What Restaurants Are Included

There are so many different restaurants on a cruise ship that it can be hard to determine what is included and which ones you have to pay for. On many cruise ships, The ship buffet or Lido deck marketplace (On Carnival) is not the only free place to eat. The MDR (Main Dining Room) is also free for breakfast and Dinner sometimes even lunch.
Some ships may even offer certain specialty restaurants for a limited time for free such as inauguration sailings. It's always a good idea to research your cruise ship to see what restaurants (and other venues or activities) are included or free. Look your ship up and Don’t let this happen to you!

Not Researching Cruise Ports

While it is perfectly fine to wing it and figure things out as you go, a big mistake first time cruisers make is to get off the ship at the cruise port and not have a plan of what to do.
Depending on where you are, there may or may not be a lot close by the port to do. While other ports often have many free beaches that can be enjoyed if you're just looking for a nice beach day.
If this is your first time cruising, consider booking an excursion. This means your excursion and day is planned all out for you and all you have to do is take your transfer to and from the ship. If you prefer to explore independently or book a private excursion, just make sure to research your cruise port before you go.

Over planning

Over planning can make your vacation overwhelming and leave you feeling as if you were not able to accomplish everything you wanted. Don’t try to do it all in one trip or one vacation. Overdoing it just won’t feel like a vacation and will tire you out.

Not Exploring the Cruise Ship

Make time to explore your cruise ship. There is so much to see and do. It also helps to familiarize yourself with your home away from home for the next few days. Many cruise ships offer several pools, some often less crowded than others because people haven’t found them yet, there are also hot tubs, lounges, and even more bars scattered throughout the ship. You will also find many activities both inside and on outdoor decks.
Exploring the ships is how you’ll know what your favorite place to be or go is and what you’ll enjoy the most. It can be what makes your cruise experience amazing.

Don’t eat too much

Cruise food is the best food!! But too much food can leave us feeling unwell or stuffed. Take your time and don’t over do it. There will be delicious and appealing food every day.

Waiting for Elevators

Sometimes on a cruise, You will find people waiting on elevators. Think about it most cruise ships have anywhere from 14-17 decks, over 3,000 people, and only about 10 elevators. So you see it bound to happen.
If possible, think about taking the stairs up or even down at least some of the time. It’ll help you feel less frustrated and save time, It may even make you feel better (Or look Good )

Don’t Overspend

Many first time cruisers are not aware of additional charges or charges can add up faster than you think if you are not keeping up with them. One of these is alcoholic beverages. They can sink you fast. Keep a check on your account in the cruise ship app and make sure to speak with Guest Services about any issues that may arise.
There’s no judgment – we’re all on vacation.
So as a lesson, watch your budget and plan for some extra expenses. If you do think that drinks may add up, consider buying a beverage package in advance in order to save money in the long run.

Not Buying Travel Insurance

Many First time cruisers do not purchase travel insurance or do not purchase adequate insurance. Even if we don’t think something will happen or we don’t think we’ll have to cancel, unfortunately that is not always the case and it happens more than you think.
Travel Insurance helps to protect the money you have invested in the event you have to cancel and allows you to get that money back. It also helps to ensure that you are covered for any medical situations that can occur on a cruise or while traveling. Most primary insurances will not pay in a foreign country which makes it even more important to consider getting insurance.
Make sure to check with your travel professional or cruise line for your specific needs. You’ll want to ensure you cover everything.

Not Trying New Things

Trying new activities or new food can help make a cruise enjoyable as well. You only live once and there’s no better place to do it than on a cruise. No one knows you on a cruise which makes it the perfect opportunity for even a shy person to live a little. So have a little fun and live a little.

Not Registering the Kids for the Kid’s Club

Parents, Make sure to register your children in the kid’s camp and let them attend it. It gives you a great break to enjoy some time on your own and your kids get a chance to learn and have fun as well.
If you’re going on a family cruise, this will allow your children to get comfortable and meet new friends while on board. You can visit the kid’s club along with your children and see what they will get to do. This is a great opportunity for you to meet the staff taking care of your children as well.

Not Booking a Future Cruise on Board

Consider booking your next cruise while on board. Many Cruise lines have some awesome incentives for booking your next cruise onboard, usually in the form of extra OBCs (on board credits).
Most of the time, you can make a deposit, and then make payments or pay for your add on until time to board making it much easier to pay for everything in smaller payments.
This is a great way to get some amazing deals and cruise more often.

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