Feeling a Little Under the Weather? You Can Be Denied Boarding
Cruise lines have strict health screenings, and if you show symptoms of illness (like a fever or persistent cough), they can refuse to let you board. Similarly, unruly behavior- like intoxication, aggression, or violating security rules - can get you kicked off before the trip begins. Be mindful of both your health and conduct, or your dream cruise could end before it starts!
Fun Cruise Traditions
Families frequently take cruises, and you may see groups, couples, and families wearing identical t-shirts. They also enjoy creating personalized shirts for embarkation or port days. As a result, cabin door decorations are popular on cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival. Lastly, people hide rubber ducks throughout the ship for others to find. See if you can spot them!
Don’t Overthink Motion Sickness
Strong stabilizers that minimize movement are a common feature of modern cruise ships, and they are designed for stability. Bring motion-sickness medicines (such as patches, Bonine, or ginger candies) if you are prone to seasickness. It's important to keep in mind, though, that calm seas are typical and that you hardly ever feel the ship moving.
The Ship Won’t Wait for You
Cruise ships operate on strict schedules, and if you’re late to check in, you could literally miss the boat - even if your luggage is already on board. Unlike flights, ships don’t delay departures for late passengers. Unexpected traffic, flight delays, or long security lines can ruin your trip before it starts. Always arrive at the port early to avoid an expensive, heartbreaking mistake.
Cabins Are Compact
Cruise cabins are generally smaller than hotel accommodations. Families of four frequently share cabins featuring two single (or twin) beds that can be converted to one queen, as well as either a couch bed or Pullman bed. If you want more room, consider reserving two connecting cabins or bringing organizers that take up less space.
One Missing Paper Can End Your Trip
Even if your cruise is round-trip from the U.S., certain ports require a passport, visa, or vaccination proof - and forgetting them means no boarding. Many travelers assume a birth certificate and ID are enough, but cruise lines follow international entry laws. Some countries deny entry for missing documents, leaving you stranded. Always check your cruise’s travel requirements weeks in advance to avoid a last-minute disaster.
Food Is Plentiful
Your cruise cost usually includes meal options in the main dining room, buffet, and informal restaurants. However, alcoholic beverages, sodas, specialty coffees, and bottled water are typically excluded. To keep costs down, you can buy drink packages or limit yourself to free drinks like basic coffee, tea, and lemonade.
Cabin Bathrooms Are Airplane-Style
The toilet is one significant variation between hotel and cruise cabin restrooms, which frequently have comparable designs. It operates similarly to an airplane using a vacuum system. As with airplanes, don't be shocked by the sudden, deafening "whoosh!" It's quite typical.
There’s A Casino Onboard
The majority of cruise ships include exciting casinos that are open late if you enjoy playing poker, blackjack, or slots. If you intend to gamble, sign up for the casino rewards program. Regular casino patrons might receive benefits like future cruises for free or savings! Of course, this is only relevant to certain cruises.
There’s Lots Of Entertainment
From Broadway-style performances and comedy clubs to rock-climbing walls, waterslides, and surf simulators (on certain lines), there is no shortage of entertainment options aboard. Additionally, there are stores offering duty-free goods, jewelry, and even temporary sidewalk sales. Explore your cruise ship to take advantage of everything it has to offer.
Boarding Time Matters
You cannot arrive at 4:59 PM if the ship is scheduled to depart at 5 PM! The majority of cruise lines demand that you arrive at the terminal 90 to 2 hours before departure. You run the danger of not being allowed to board if you arrive late. Make sure to arrive early and account for any possible delays in your journey.
Don’t Expect Fast Luggage Delivery
It may take till the late afternoon or early evening for your bags to reach your cabin once you have checked them with porters. Pack everything you'll need for the day in a carry-on bag, such as evening wear, prescription drugs, and swimwear.
Room Service Breakfast Is Often Included
Most cruise lines offer free breakfast delivery; however, some charge for room service at other times. To find out how to place an order, check the app or your cabin TV. Ordering a small bite to go from your accommodation can save a lot of time if you have an early port day excursion.
Store Your Suitcase Under The Bed
Utilize all available areas because cabins can be small. After your suitcase is empty, you may typically slide it directly beneath the bed. If the bed frame appears low, raise the bed a little to make room for your suitcase.
Bring Small Bills
Gather tiny denominations of US dollars to tip porters and tour guides and for modest onshore purchases. US cash is commonly accepted and frequently preferred in most ports in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Bermuda.
Extra Outlets Are A Must
There are frequently few or no USB ports in cabins. Bring a USB charging hub or a power cube that isn't surge-protected. (Royal Caribbean permits some USB multi-outlet converters, but conventional power strips are not.) To be sure, check your cruise line's policies.
The Muster Drill Is Mandatory
Before or shortly after embarkation, all passengers are required by law to participate in a safety (muster) drill. Many lines now allow you to watch a safety video on your phone or cabin TV before scanning your cruise card and checking in at your muster station. The muster drill is necessary and crucial, so don't skip it.
Beat Elevator Crowds By Heading Aft
On days when people are embarking and disembarking, particularly right after a performance, elevators can get crowded. Usually, the most packed elevators are in the middle, next to the atrium. The elevators with the shortest lines are usually the forward or, better yet, the aft ones.
Budgeting For Extras
Your cost covers the majority of your trip, but keep in mind that daily gratuities are typically $15 to $20 per person per day. It can be added at the end of the voyage or paid for in advance. With this, drink packages only cover basic beverages, and specialty dining may be subject to a cost. Lastly, budget ahead of time because spa, bingo, and casino may add up.
Print And Protect Your Luggage Tags
Print your paper luggage tags (one for each suitcase) after checking in online. Since reusable plastic luggage tag holders are waterproof, long-lasting, and quicker than stapling or taping tags onto bags, many seasoned cruisers buy them in the size specified by their cruise line.
Keep Your Cruise Card Handy
You can use your "cruise card" as your ID, onboard credit card, and room key. In order to check on and out of the ship in ports, purchase coffee, drinks, or souvenirs, and access your cabin, you will need it. To prevent losing it, keep it in a lanyard or a specific cruise card holder.
Pack A Light Sweater Or Cardigan
The ship's air conditioning, particularly in the dining rooms and theaters, can be cold even in the tropics. An excellent strategy to remain warm indoors or on a windy night on deck is to bring along a sweater, sweatshirt, or cardigan.
Check Your Daily Cruise Planner
Check the daily schedule for performances, activities, bargains, and specialty dining offers, whether it's through your cruise line's app or a paper newsletter sent to your cabin. Timetables for port arrivals, departures, and onboard activities are also displayed.
Bring Magnetic Hooks And Towel Clips
Magnetic hooks or clips can be a game-changer for hanging towels, swimsuits, bags, and daily schedules because the majority of cabin walls on modern ships are made of metal. Additionally, since your towel might easily fly away in the seaside breeze, bring towel clips or bands for sea days on the Lido deck.
Stay Flexible
The captain may decide to divert your ship to safer ports in the event of inclement weather or a hurricane. Missing your scheduled stop is disappointing, but it's preferable to getting caught in a storm. For everyone's safety, remain adaptable and have faith in the captain's judgment.
Use Your Cabin Safe
Cash, credit cards, jewelry, and passports should all be kept in your in-room safe. It is important to note that cabin stewards are not able to open it. You may relax knowing that your belongings are safe because only a supervisor has the authority to override it in rare situations.
Check For Laundry Specials
Ask your cabin attendant whether there is a mid-cruise laundry special (such as a flat charge to wash a bag of clothes) if you have a longer itinerary or would rather travel light. Around the halfway point of the cruise, many cruise lines often provide this.
Ask Your Cabin Attendant For Extras
Unlike hotel housekeeping, cruise cabin attendants go above and beyond. If you require additional towels or pillows, a mattress topper, ice bucket refills, or a pressing service for wrinkled clothing (usually at an additional cost), let your attendant know, especially early in the cruise, to guarantee availability.
Expect A Possible Time Change
Even brief Caribbean cruises may change the time to align the ship's clock with the local port time. If your phone automatically changes to local time, you may become confused. To ensure you don't miss the all-aboard, consider packing a basic watch that you can manually adjust to "ship time."
Not All Cruising Ship Lines Are The Same
Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, Holland America, MSC, and Virgin Voyages are just a few of the cruise lines that have their own distinct vibes. Even within the same cruise line, ships can vary greatly; older ships may feel cozier, while newer ships may offer more contemporary amenities.
Arrive In Your Port City One Day Early
If your flight is delayed, cruise ships won't wait for you. You will usually lose one or two days of your vacation before you can join the ship at its next port if you miss the embarkation day. Fly in at least one day early to start your cruise vacation in a relaxing manner and reduce stress and risk.
Internet Is Better Than It’s Believed To Be
You may have heard terrifying tales about Wi-Fi on cruise ships. The good news is that over the past few years, internet availability has substantially improved. Most lines offer a basic plan for social networking and email as well as a premium plan with faster speeds (perfect for work or streaming).
Check Your Bill And Collect Photos Before Disembarking
Verify your onboard spending on the final night of the voyage to ensure there are no unforeseen fees. After you leave the ship, it's almost impossible to fix mistakes. Download or pick up your prints by the day of disembarkation if you bought a photo package, or you risk losing them.
