10 First Time Cruise Tips (What I Wish I Knew Before My First Cruise)

If you’re planning your first ever cruise, welcome to the wonderful world of ocean breezes, all-you-can-eat buffets, and waking up in a new country every morning. It’s exciting, a little overwhelming, and totally addictive once you get started. I remember obsessively googling “first time cruise tips” before I set sail on my first Marella Cruise with friends last January to the Caribbean and Central America, and still managed to miss a few important things! So, consider this your handy cheat sheet of cruise tips and tricks that’ll help you feel confident and cruise-savvy before you even board the ship. It’s what I wish I’d had pre-cruise last year!

Whether you’re going for a romantic getaway, a multi-gen family trip, friends holiday, or the ultimate solo holiday, these cruise tips for beginners will help you get the most out of your voyage.

1. Choose the Right Cruise Line for You

One of the biggest cruise tips for first timers is this: not all cruise lines are the same. Some are all about luxury and fine dining (think Cunard or Celebrity), others are family-focused with waterparks and characters galore (hello, Disney Cruises), and some are built for fun-loving partygoers (Carnival), or more on a budget (Marella).

Before booking, have a little think about what you’re looking for when it comes to your cruise holiday. Do you want peace and quiet? Nightlife and entertainment? Lots of kid-friendly options? Do your research and check reviews, as what works for one person might not float your boat (pun fully intended). Here are some of the best cruise options for families available right now. 

2. Book Your Cruise Early 

Another one of those first time cruise tips I wish I’d listened to: book early if you want the best cabin selection, especially if you’ve got your heart set on a balcony or a specific deck. But if you’re flexible and happy to take a bit of a gamble, you can often score great last-minute deals.

The sweet spot? Booking 6–12 months ahead usually gets you early bird perks and a good choice of rooms.

3. Don’t Overpack 

Cruise cabins aren’t huge (unless you’re splurging on a suite), so this is one of the cruise tips and hacks that’ll save you space and sanity. You don’t need five pairs of heels or multiple formal outfits usually. Think capsule wardrobe: lightweight layers, comfy shoes, and a couple of smart-casual outfits for dressier dinners. Marella have just the one ‘dress to impress’ night, so this made packing a little easier!

Most cruises have laundry facilities or laundry services if needed, so you won’t need a different outfit for every day. And yes, you’ll probably live in Bydee women’s swimwear and cover-ups a lot of the time!

4. Always Pack a Carry-On Bag

After you land at the airport and go through customs, your main luggage gets taken away and delivered to your cabin – sometimes it can take a few hours. So here’s one of those golden cruise tips for beginners: pack a carry-on with essentials like suncream, swimwear, medication, chargers, and anything else you’ll want access to straight away.

Trust me, there’s nothing worse than waiting in your travel clothes while everyone else is already poolside with cocktails, or out and about exploring.

5. Research Shore Excursions (But Don’t Feel Pressured)

A big part of cruising is exploring different destinations. Cruise lines will offer a load of shore excursions – from city tours to scuba diving – but they’re not the only option. One of my favourite cruise tips and tricks is to research ports in advance and plan your own adventures if they’re fairly easily accessible/ safe. You’ll often save money and enjoy a more flexible, less crowded experience.

Of course, organised excursions can be brilliant too – just weigh up your options and do what feels right for you.

6. Be Strategic with Your Cabin Choice

Your cabin can make or break your cruise. If you get seasick easily, aim for a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck – it’s the most stable part of the ship. If you’re a light sleeper, avoid rooms near nightclubs, theatres, or over the anchor (early morning rattling is real!).

And if you’re torn between a balcony and an inside room? First-timers often love a balcony for the fresh air and ocean views – and it’s totally worth the splurge if your budget allows. You can read my Marella Explorer 2 balcony cabin review to get a feel for a balcony room is actually like!

7. Get to the Port in Good Time

Here’s one of those practical cruise tips and hacks that can save a lot of stress: arrive at your departure port the day before your cruise if possible, or pick an early flight. Flight delays, train cancellations, traffic – things happen. Missing your cruise because of a late connection is every traveller’s nightmare.

Spending a night nearby also means you’ll be well-rested and ready to enjoy embarkation day rather than rushing and panicking with your suitcase in tow.

8. Use the Cruise App or Daily Newsletter

Most cruise lines now have apps that show you daily schedules, restaurant opening times, show bookings, and more. Others still use a trusty paper newsletter delivered to your cabin each evening. We thoroughly enjoyed Marella’s daily ‘Cruise News’! Either way, reading the daily planner is one of my top cruise tips – it helps you plan your day and make the most of what’s on offer.

Some of the best activities (like trivia nights, dance classes or cooking demos) are easy to miss if you’re not paying attention!

9. Budget for Extras – They Add Up

Cruises often market themselves as “all-inclusive” – but that’s not always the full story. Drinks packages, speciality restaurants, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, shore excursions, and gratuities can all be extra. One of my most valuable first time cruise tips is to check what’s included before you book and factor in the extra costs. As a rough idea, I spent £200 on ‘extras’ during my last cruise – a massage, eye treatment, wifi package, a couple of bags of crisps and some iced coffees. 

Some cruise lines let you pre-pay for packages or include them in bundles, which can be more cost-effective if you’re planning to use them.

10. Embrace Sea Days and Don’t Overschedule

It’s tempting to try and do everything – every quiz, every show, every class. But one of the most underrated cruise tips for beginners is this: give yourself permission to relax. I absolutely LOVE a sea day, and these are the perfect time to sleep in, read a book, or sit on the deck with a coffee or cocktail!

One of my best first time cruise tips is to realise that you’re not missing out by doing less, and sometimes those chilled moments are the ones you’ll remember most.

FAQs: Cruise Tips and Tricks for First Timers

What should I know before going on my first cruise?

Before your first cruise, it’s helpful to know what’s included in your fare, how embarkation and disembarkation work, and what to pack (hint: don’t overdo it). Read up on your specific cruise line’s policies and download their app if they have one. Also, be prepared to tip – most lines add gratuities to your bill automatically, but it’s good to know how much you’re likely to spend.

Is a balcony cabin worth it on a cruise?

If it’s your first cruise and you’re unsure how you’ll feel at sea, a balcony cabin can be a great choice. It gives you fresh air, natural light, and a private space to relax away from the crowds. That said, inside cabins are usually cheaper and still comfortable – perfect if you’re on a budget or plan to be out and about most of the time.

Should I buy a drinks package on a cruise?

Drinks packages can be great value if you plan to drink a lot of soft drinks, coffees, or alcohol each day. But they don’t suit everyone – so do the maths before you commit. Some lines allow you to buy them in advance at a discounted rate. If you’re not a big drinker, you may save money by paying as you go.

What are some cruise tips and hacks for saving money?

Some of my favourite money-saving cruise tips and hacks include:

• Booking early (or grabbing last-minute deals)

• Looking for cruises outside peak season

• Bringing your own reusable water bottle

• Skipping pricey shore excursions and exploring independently

• Watching for flash sales on spa treatments or dining packages

Do I need travel insurance for a cruise?

Yes – always. Cruises often travel internationally, and medical care at sea can be expensive. Make sure your insurance covers cruise-specific issues, like missed ports or emergency evacuations. It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but will be SO glad to have if you do.

Will I get seasick on a cruise?

Modern cruise ships are incredibly stable, and most people are absolutely fine. But if you’re worried, book a cabin mid-ship on a lower deck, pack seasickness tablets or acupressure bands, and avoid too much alcohol or heavy meals when the sea’s choppy. For most people, any nausea passes quickly.

Is Wi-Fi included on cruises?

Not usually. Wi-Fi on cruise ships can be slow and pricey, although some premium lines now include it in certain packages. If staying connected is important to you, check the options ahead of time. Otherwise, it can be a nice excuse to unplug and enjoy a digital detox.

Your first cruise is full of excitement and a few learning curves. But hopefully with my cruise tips and tricks, you’ll be well ahead of the game. From picking the right cabin to packing smart and pacing yourself, it’s all about making choices that suit your travel style.

And once you’ve experienced that first magical sunset at sea, you’ll totally understand why so many people fall in love with cruising!

Found these first time cruise tips useful? See more of my travel posts here!

Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.