Things you wish you’d known before you cruised for the first time

[Anonymous]

We are preparing to embark on our first ever cruise and it feels daunting. I feel like I will forget something important or do something wrong, only to find out too late.

What general advice/tips would you give a first timer? Things you found out too late or wish you had known before you even left the house?

[Anonymous]

I wish I would’ve figured out how to smuggle in liquor.

[Anonymous]

Independent excursions are usually nicer or at least cheaper. Go visit cruisecritic’s forums if you want any tips for a particular port or cruise.

[Anonymous]

The sun is strong out on the ocean. Use a lot of sunscreen and reapply frequently, just like you would at the beach.

Book your excursions independently — better prices, better experiences.

If you care about specific dining or entertainment options, reserve those now or when you first get on board.

You will need half the clothes and shoes you think you do.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Independent excursions are usually nicer or at least cheaper. Go visit cruisecritic’s forums if you want any tips for a particular port or cruise.

I thought you should never book independent excursions because if something happens and you don't get back to the boat in time the boat won't wait for you.

[Anonymous]

Sea days are the best. There are usually activities that are cheesy but fun (games, towel folding, trivia). We've only cruised Disney but my favorite sea day activity is lying on a lounge chair on deck 4 with a book.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Independent excursions are usually nicer or at least cheaper. Go visit cruisecritic’s forums if you want any tips for a particular port or cruise.

I thought you should never book independent excursions because if something happens and you don't get back to the boat in time the boat won't wait for you.

This is what I heard too. And, they are vetted - if you go out on your own you could end up with some shady excursion that’s dangerous/not regulated/under the table.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Independent excursions are usually nicer or at least cheaper. Go visit cruisecritic’s forums if you want any tips for a particular port or cruise.

I thought you should never book independent excursions because if something happens and you don't get back to the boat in time the boat won't wait for you.

That is correct. Plus if you miss your excursion due to your boat being late to dock you won't get a refund. If you book it through the cruise company you will.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Independent excursions are usually nicer or at least cheaper. Go visit cruisecritic’s forums if you want any tips for a particular port or cruise.

I thought you should never book independent excursions because if something happens and you don't get back to the boat in time the boat won't wait for you.

Check out cruisecritic's. Plenty of people book their own and have no problem. Pick excursions that leave you plenty of cushion on both ends. There's an entire industry at ports that's geared toward cruises and the operators have it down pretty good. Read the reviews and pick what works for you. I've found that going on my own gives much more flexibility and helps avoid the crowds.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Independent excursions are usually nicer or at least cheaper. Go visit cruisecritic’s forums if you want any tips for a particular port or cruise.

I thought you should never book independent excursions because if something happens and you don't get back to the boat in time the boat won't wait for you.

These people build entire businesses around serving cruise ship passengers-- they know what they are doing and they are not going to risk not getting you back to the ship on time because no one would use them again.

I can see maybe going with the official excusions if you are talking about something with a 2-3 hour drive from the ship and there isn't a big window to get back in time, but generally speaking I wouldn't worry about that.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Independent excursions are usually nicer or at least cheaper. Go visit cruisecritic’s forums if you want any tips for a particular port or cruise.

I thought you should never book independent excursions because if something happens and you don't get back to the boat in time the boat won't wait for you.

This is what I heard too. And, they are vetted - if you go out on your own you could end up with some shady excursion that’s dangerous/not regulated/under the table.

Frankly I trust cruisecritic/tripadvisor "vetting" more than a cruise line's.

[Anonymous]

Have a stash of meds. Ibuprofen, allergy meds and Dramamine. There is usually a sundries gift shop but it is int open 24/7. Also, look at the calendar for the days ahead. Things like bingo and trivia are fun but you should get there early because they are popular. Also, if you can get on board early, do so because you can scope it out before all the activities begin. And, I don’t do the bags outside the door the night before. For me, putting my bag out at 10:30pm is too early. So having all my stuff is more important and then you just wheel it to the breakfast room and leave it outside. Then I eat and get off at a more leisurely pace.

[Anonymous]

Pp here. I talked about bags out night before… that refers to your last night.

[Anonymous]

The walls are magnetic, so you can bring strong magnetic hooks for extra hanging space!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Independent excursions are usually nicer or at least cheaper. Go visit cruisecritic’s forums if you want any tips for a particular port or cruise.

I thought you should never book independent excursions because if something happens and you don't get back to the boat in time the boat won't wait for you.

This is what I heard too. And, they are vetted - if you go out on your own you could end up with some shady excursion that’s dangerous/not regulated/under the table.

The excursions to see the Whakaari volcano in New Zealand (in 2019) were RCL vetted. Yet numerous people died or were horribly burned by the eruption. A cruise excursion is no guarantee that all will go well!