Cruise Like a Pro: 25 Common Mistakes to Avoid for a Smooth Sailing Experience

Setting sail on a cruise promises an unforgettable blend of luxury, exploration, and relaxation, but navigating the vast sea of planning can be a daunting task, especially for first timers.

To ensure your voyage is smooth and stress-free, it's essential to be aware of common cruise mistakes to avoid.

From overpacking your suitcase to neglecting essential cruise planning advice, even seasoned travelers can overlook these crucial details.

In this guide, we'll delve into the top things to avoid on a cruise, offering insightful travel cruise tips that will transform you into a savvy seafarer.

Whether you're embarking on a dreamy escape with your partner, enjoying a family adventure, or exploring with friends, these cruise do's and don'ts will help you sail like a pro.

Flying in Same Day

I have seen it all from lost luggage, flight delays and missed connections, all of which resulted in missed cruise.

It is always best to spend the money on pre cruise hotel than miss out on the vacation you have been planning for months and sometimes maybe even years.

Not Buying Trip Insurance

From missed connections to lost luggage, anything can go wrong.

Nobody wants to start a weeklong vacation with lost luggage and the first 2 days are at sea.

Flying in same day and your flight gets delayed a few hours and you miss embarkation?

Travel insurance is never fun to purchase but thankful we have it when we need it.

Heading Straight to the Buffet

The buffet on the first day is an absolute madhouse!

Instead check out what other options are available.

Some are included and some are an additional charge so be sure to check on ship app for more information.

Trying to Skip “Muster Drill”

The best plan of action is to report to your muster station ASAP after boarding, that way you can officially kick off vacation.

The ship CAN NOT leave port until everyone has completed their safety briefing.

You don't want to be the person the crew is trying to track down because the ship is late leaving.

Not Returning Your Towel

Most major cruise lines provide beach towels to use during the duration of your cruise.

If you do not return the towel, they will charge you up to $50 per towel.

It is always best to return any towel before dinner on your last night of sailing.

Not Checking Your Onboard Account

Make sure to keep an eye on your onboard account daily.

Places you can check your account are guest services, stateroom tv, your ship app and even some ships have kiosks that will print you an updated statement.

Sometimes things happen and you can be miss charged or want clarification on what a charge was for.

Maybe you spend way more than you planned and its only day 2.

Always keep an eye on your account and be sure to visit guest services with any questions before leaving the ship, as once you disembark, it can be close to impossible to get onboard charge matters resolved.

Not Packing First Aid Supplies

Anything from a broken nail to a paper cut can have you searching for a quick fix.

The ship sales a lot but remember they can’t sale everything and stores are only open when at sea.

Stores on board are known to run out of items frequently and nobody wants to make a rush to the store at the first port you get to.

Not Mentioning a Special Occasion

If celebrating a birthday or anniversary, make sure to mention it.

There is no guarantee but sometimes you will get a special dessert at dinner, or a small gift left in your stateroom.

Buy a Glass Instead of a Bottle

If you do not have the drink package, then a glass of wine every evening with dinner can get pricey.

Buy a bottle instead and you can recork it to use later.

Also, most cruise lines will let you bring 1 bottle of wine per adult onboard during embarkation, which can cut down on your onboard spending.

Chair Hogging

Please be mindful that there are limited lounge chairs in prime pool locations.

There are a ton of quiet places to enjoy your day at sea.

Please do not leave personal belonging or towels on chairs to reserve them for hours before actually sitting down.

Not Checking What is Included in Your Cruise Fare

An all-inclusive cruise sounds great, and you can definitely stick to that.

Be sure to check the daily planner as it will show you if the activity is an additional charge such as mixology classes, specialty dining to drink in novelty glasses.

Becoming Dehydrated

It’s nice to spend the day relaxing by the pool and drinking Mojitos.

The sun and heat set in fast, especially when cruising the Caribbean, so be sure to frequently drink water in between those fruity cocktails to not become overly dehydrated.

Not Bringing Cash

For the most part ships use a cashless system, but if you are wanting to spend a little time in the casino, it is best to bring cash to avoid overspending or having to pay the high ATM fee’s that average $9.99 per transaction.

Some cruisers also opt for cash for things offshore instead of swiping their debit/credit cards.

Packing to Much

Overpacking is common in cruising.

Pick out clothes that are multi use and shoes that are versatile.

Not Considering Where Your Room Is Situated

Do you want to be near an elevator?

How do you do with motion?

Are you going to be near the nightclub or kitchen where noise is going to bother you all evening?

Are you under the basketball court where people start playing at 7:00 am?

All of this needs to be considered when picking your room location.

Not Checking Which Items are Prohibited

Some things you may not realize are not allowed are steamers, personal blender, extension cords and certain power strips.

It is always best to check the do’s and don’ts of your specific cruise line.

Not Knowing When to Disembark

You won’t be able to sleep in on disembarkation day, as staterooms have to be cleared out by 8:30 am.

Again, the buffet is a madhouse this morning.

I suggest grabbing a cup of coffee and maybe a yogurt or banana and start making your way off the ship.

Not Putting Your Phone on Airplane Mode

This can be a very expensive mistake.

Luckily, most cruise lines require your phone to be in airplane mode and Wi-Fi on to connect to their apps which helps remind people to switch into airplane mode.

Not Washing Your Hands Often

You are sharing the ship with thousands of other people and illnesses spread quickly on cruise ships.

You can help prevent that by washing frequently and using a pocket-sized sanitizer anytime you like.

Forgetting Sunscreen

Nothing is worse for a vacation then becoming a lobster on day 1.

Reapply often to keep from burning and if you forget to pack some, most ship stores have it for sale.

Pro tip – not all ships sale Aloe Vera for afterburn.

Packing to Much in Your Carry On

You will be carrying this bag with you from the time you arrive at the port until your stateroom is available, usually 1:30 pm.

This bag gets heavy and can be a pain to lug around. Remember, only pack the necessities to make this time a bit easier to manage.

Buying too Much Merchandise

There are some great sales on the ships, especially considering everything is duty free.

But, do you really need the $1 inch gold sale or the 2 t-shirts for $35?

Even experienced cruisers can get wrapped up in a good what seems to be a great deal.

Not keeping track of time

Especially on port days, make sure the time you are watching matches “ship time” which doesn’t always match port time.

Nobody wants to go viral for being the last-minute pier runner or getting left behind completely.

Not Knowing the Ship Layout

Newer ships are massive, like mini cities, and it pays to know where major things are located.

Familiarize yourself with key locations to help you navigate your way around.

Only eating the buffet or MDR

There are multiple dining options on board.

Don’t miss out on some amazing food by only eating at the buffet or main dining room.

Be sure to check your app as some specialty restaurant to have an additional cost but this is a great opportunity for a date night, especially if traveling with kids.

Travel advisors pride themselves on their years of knowledge and even personal mistakes to help you make the most of your vacation. Start planning your next adventure today. Click below to schedule your complimentary consultation!

Complimentary Consultation