Essential Tips for First-Time Cruisers: 10 Must-Know Insights

Cruises are making a comeback. Once considered the domain of “the newly wed and the nearly dead,” major cruise lines have recently intensified marketing efforts towards younger generations. Consequently, the median age of the average cruiser has dropped to 42 as of 2018, down from 47 in 2017 and 56 in 2002. In order to provide a comfortable entry-point for first-timers, the industry has seen an increase in celebrity ambassadors, sip ‘n sail packages, themed cruises, and luxury options.

If you’re headed to the high seas for the first time, here’s what you need to know before hopping on board.

Get Ready to Find Your “Sea Legs”

Feel like the room you’re standing in is tilting? That’s because your inner sensory system needs time to adjust to standing in a constantly moving environment. Until it does, your body’s muscles will go into survival mode, trying to keep you upright. Thus, don’t be concerned if you experience a bit of rocking and rolling during the first 48 hours onboard. However, if you have a history of seasickness, it is wise to consult a healthcare provider about medication to pack for your journey.

Be Careful Where You Place Your Cruise Card

If you’re cruising on a Princess or Carnival ship, you’ll be using a thin, magnetic card to access meals, drinks, and — most importantly — your room. Commonly known as a “cruise card,” this will serve as your identification during your time on the ship, scanned by cruise staff daily. However, be cautious: the card will immediately demagnetize when placed near your phone or even AirPods. Therefore, store it in an electronics-free place to avoid being locked out of your stateroom.

Be Prepared to Sanitize Your Hands — a Lot

With thousands of people in a confined space for a week or more, illness can spread quickly, potentially ruining your long-awaited vacation. Additionally, expect cruise staff to take extensive precautions against the spread of norovirus. Several cruise lines, like Viking and Princess, ask cruisers to line up and sanitize their hands before entering any dining area. Hence, look for frequent reminders about hygiene throughout your cruise.

Explore Your Dining Options

Don’t rely solely on the buffet. Most ships offer a variety of dining options that you may not be aware of unless you do your research. Your best strategy is to consult the daily bulletin that will be delivered to your stateroom each evening. This document will not only outline activities but will also provide important details about dining hours, cultural theme nights, and special events hosted at various venues on the ship.

Understand Your Drinks Package

You may believe you signed up for unlimited margaritas, but make sure to read the fine print. Cruise line drink packages vary widely, from all-inclusive to minimal offerings. Several basic packages don’t include items like “specialty coffees,” meaning you’ll need to pay extra for that chai latte. Moreover, if you have purchased an unlimited beverage package, be aware that most only cover beer, wine, and cocktails by the glass, so ordering bottles for your room would incur an additional charge.

…and Your WiFi Package

The majority of cruise lines charge for internet usage based on time bundles, usually costing 40 to 75 cents per minute. Thus, a simple mistake, like forgetting to log out after checking email, could use up all your internet time for the cruise. Several cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Princess also provide packages charged by the megabyte, which could be a better fit for those using low-bandwidth apps like Facebook and Instagram. Nevertheless, don’t expect to upload pictures or stream Netflix while at sea, as satellite internet lacks the needed bandwidth.

The 13th Floor Deck Doesn’t Exist

Don’t panic. Similar to the hotel industry, many cruise lines, including Princess, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival, do not have a 13th floor deck. Therefore, it’s normal if your elevator skips directly from deck 12 to deck 14.

There’s a Protocol for Whales

Worried about a potential collision with a whale? Take a deep breath. All major cruise lines have a “whale protocol” established, and the crew is trained to avoid encounters with these large mammals. Before any trip, Princess Cruises’ staff receives training on how to reduce speed during whale sightings, effectively treating the whale as they would another ship in traffic.

Want to Actually See a Port Town? Pick an Early Excursion

While enjoying amazing excursions is an important part of any cruise experience, to truly appreciate the region you’re cruising through, consider skipping at least one excursion. Most excursions last several hours, and if they coincide with a port day in a town you wish to explore, the opportunity to experience the local culture diminishes. Alternatively, opt for an early morning excursion, providing ample time to enjoy a stroll or lunch in your port town before returning onboard.

Bring a Good Pair of Binoculars

Whether you’re cruising through the Caribbean or the Arctic, you’ll gain access to stunning destinations not visible from land. When your ship slows to take in the surroundings, don’t be the only person on deck without binoculars. Missing out on breathtaking views will undoubtedly disappoint you later.