First-Time Cruise Tips: What to Know Before You Set Sail

Embarkation day is the day you board the ship. Unlike checking into a hotel, cruise boarding usually happens during assigned arrival windows. Your cruise line may ask you to complete online check-in, upload travel documents, select an arrival time and print or download boarding documents before you arrive at the port.

Before embarkation day, review your cruise line’s instructions carefully so you know:

• What time to arrive at the cruise terminal
• Which documents you need to show
• Whether luggage tags need to be printed in advance
• Where to drop off checked bags
• What items are not allowed onboard

When you arrive, your larger bags may be collected and delivered to your stateroom later in the day. Keep anything you need right away in a small carry-on bag.

Because checked luggage may not arrive at your stateroom immediately, pack a small carry-on with the items you’ll want during your first few hours onboard.

Consider including:

• Cruise documents and identification
• Wallet, phone and chargers
• Prescription medications
• Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
• Swimwear or a change of clothes
• Toiletries you may need before dinner
• Any valuables you do not want to check

This can help you start enjoying the ship right away without waiting for your luggage to arrive.

Every cruise line handles inclusions differently. Some dining venues, beverages, shows and onboard activities may be included in your cruise fare, while others may cost extra.

Before you sail, check what your fare includes so you know what to expect onboard. Pay special attention to:

• Specialty dining
• Drink packages
• Wi-Fi packages
• Fitness classes
• Spa services
• Gratuities
• Room service fees
• Shore excursions

Knowing what is included can help you budget more accurately and avoid surprises once you’re onboard.

Cruise ships can be large, and first-time cruisers may need a little time to get oriented. Review the deck plan before boarding so you have a general sense of where major areas are located.

Look for:

• Your stateroom deck
• Main dining rooms
• Buffet or casual dining areas
• Pool decks
• Guest services
• Medical center
• Theater or entertainment venues
• Kids’ clubs, if applicable
• Muster station location

Once onboard, take a short walk around the ship. This can help you feel more comfortable navigating between dining, entertainment and activity areas throughout your cruise.

All cruise passengers are required to complete a safety drill, often called a muster drill. Depending on the cruise line, part of the process may be completed through the cruise line’s app or in your stateroom, while another step may require visiting your assigned muster station.

Do not skip this step. Your cruise line will provide instructions on when and how to complete it. Finishing the safety drill early can help you settle in and enjoy the rest of embarkation day.

Most cruise lines provide a daily schedule through an app, printed newsletter or stateroom TV. This schedule can include dining hours, entertainment, fitness classes, trivia, live music, kids’ activities, port information and special events.

Check the schedule each morning so you can decide what matters most to you. Some activities may require reservations or have limited capacity, so planning ahead can help you make the most of your time onboard.

Cruise dining can work differently depending on your ship and fare type. You may have an assigned dining time, flexible dining or the option to book specialty restaurants for an added cost.

Before your cruise, review your dining options and decide whether you want to make reservations. This is especially helpful if you are traveling with a group, celebrating a special occasion or want to try a popular specialty restaurant.

If you have food allergies or dietary needs, notify the cruise line before sailing and speak with dining staff once onboard.

Shore excursions are one of the biggest highlights of cruising. These are organized activities at ports of call, such as guided tours, beach visits, snorkeling, sightseeing, food tours or cultural experiences.

That said, you do not have to book an excursion at every port. Many onboard amenities may stay open while the ship is docked, which can make port days a good opportunity to enjoy the pool, spa, fitness center, casual dining or other ship activities with smaller crowds. If you are looking for a quieter day, staying onboard during a port stop can be a relaxing way to enjoy the ship at a slower pace.

If you do decide to go ashore, pay close attention to timing. The ship will have a scheduled all-aboard time, and it is your responsibility to return before departure.

Before booking an excursion, consider:

• How long the activity lasts
• How far it is from the port
• How physically demanding it is
• Whether meals, equipment or transportation are included
• Whether the excursion is booked through the cruise line or independently
• How much time you will have before the ship leaves

For your first cruise, booking at least some excursions through the cruise line may feel simpler because transportation and timing are usually coordinated with the ship’s schedule.

When you leave the ship for a port stop, bring only what you need for the day. A small day bag can help keep your essentials together.

Depending on your plans, consider packing:

• Ship card or cruise ID
• Government-issued identification, if required
• Phone and portable charger
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Refillable water bottle, if allowed
• Cash or payment card
• Any needed medications
• Light jacket or cover-up
• Printed or digital excursion details

Always check the cruise line’s instructions for what documents you need to bring ashore at each port.

Cell service and Wi-Fi can work differently at sea, and onboard internet packages may come with added costs. Before you sail, decide how your group will communicate during the cruise.

Many cruise lines offer onboard apps with schedules, maps and messaging features. Some messaging tools may be included, while others may require a small fee or internet package. If you’re traveling with a group, you may also consider low-range walkie-talkies, but check your cruise line’s rules before packing them since policies and performance can vary by ship.

You can also keep it simple by choosing meeting spots and times throughout the day, especially before meals, shows or shore excursions.

Cruises often use a cashless system onboard. Purchases may be charged to your room using your cruise card, wristband or app. This can include drinks, specialty dining, shopping, spa services, excursions and other extras.

Check your onboard account during the cruise so you can keep track of spending. It is easier to ask questions while you are still onboard than after you disembark.

If you have a question during your cruise, guest services is usually the best place to start. The crew can help with onboard account questions, lost items, stateroom needs, dining concerns and general ship information.

It is also helpful to know where the medical center is located. Onboard medical services are typically available for illnesses, injuries or other health concerns that may come up during the cruise. Costs, services and billing practices can vary by cruise line.

Some first-time cruisers worry about seasickness. Modern ships are designed to feel stable, but motion can still happen depending on the ship, route and weather.

Before sailing, consider speaking with your doctor or pharmacist about motion sickness options if you are concerned. You may also want to choose a stateroom location that tends to feel more stable, such as a midship cabin on a lower deck.

Disembarkation is the process of leaving the ship at the end of your cruise. Your cruise line will provide instructions the day before, including luggage procedures, departure groups and timing.

There are usually two common options:

• Place your luggage outside your stateroom the night before so the crew can collect it
• Carry your own luggage off the ship in the morning

Keep important items with you on the final night, including identification, medications, travel documents, valuables and anything you need for the morning.

A cruise can include several moving parts, from the cruise fare itself to flights, port transfers, excursions and prepaid add-ons. A travel insurance plan may help protect your trip investment if certain covered issues affect your cruise.

Depending on the plan and the covered reason, travel insurance may help with things like certain trip cancellations, travel delays, baggage issues, emergency medical expense coverage or trip interruptions. Be sure to review your plan documents so you understand the terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions.

For cruise-specific coverage details, review Travel Guard’s cruise travel insurance information before choosing a plan.

Your first cruise should feel exciting, not overwhelming. By learning how embarkation works, packing your carry-on carefully, checking the daily schedule, planning shore excursions thoughtfully and understanding onboard procedures, you can feel more prepared from the start.

A little planning before you board can help you spend less time figuring things out and more time enjoying your first cruise.