The Biggest Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make (And How to Dodge ’Em Like a Pro)
If you’ve never stepped foot on a cruise ship before… whew, boo. Let me tell you—there is nothing like that first sail-away moment. The music’s vibin’, the ocean breeze is poppin’, and you’re out here living your best life before you’ve even unpacked.
But listen… that first cruise also comes with a whole lotta “I wish somebody would’ve told me.”
I know, because I’ve seen it. I’ve lived it. And I’ve helped thousands of travelers avoid rookie mistakes that can low-key sabotage an otherwise perfect vacation.
So today, we’re breaking it ALL the way down.
If you’re prepping for your very first cruise—or traveling with someone who is—this is your guide to walking on that ship confident, unbothered, and fully in your cruise-girl era.
Let’s get into the biggest mistakes first-time cruisers make… and how to avoid every single one.
1. Waiting Too Long to Book the Cruise
Ooooh, this one right here? It hurts people every. single. time. First-time cruisers often think cruises work like flights: wait for a sale, wait for last-minute deals, wait for the price to drop.
But cruises do the exact opposite.
Prices go up the closer you get.
Cabins sell out—especially the good ones.
Group spaces, adults-only areas, and popular sailings? Gone quickly.
And when you wait too long, you end up with:
A cabin you don’t want
A deck you didn’t choose
A price you definitely didn’t expect
Pro Tip:
Book early and put down the deposit. That’s it. That’s the tweet. Cruise lines often let you adjust your price if it drops—or upgrade later—but you can’t fix “sold out.”
2. Flying in the Same Day the Cruise Leaves
Listen… I’m gonna say this with love:
Do NOT fly in on embarkation day unless you enjoy chaos and emotional damage.
All it takes is:
A delayed flight
A missed connection
A lost bag
Weather acting up
Air traffic control playing games
…and your entire vacation is gone poof like it never existed.
I’ve seen folks running through the airport like they’re in a Fast & Furious audition. I’ve seen tears. I’ve seen breakups. I’ve seen whole families watching their ship sail away while standing at the port with luggage in their hands.
Don’t let this be you.
Pro Tip:
Fly in one day early—two if it’s winter.
Enjoy a relaxed morning, grab brunch, take your time… then head to the port cute and stress-free.
3. Not Doing Online Check-In (Or Doing It Late)
Online check-in is not optional. It’s the difference between:
A 7-minute breeze into the ship
vs.
Standing in the terminal sweating and confused while your vacation slips away.
Completing your check-in early usually gives you better:
Arrival times
Boarding groups
Access to reservations
Easier document uploading
Smooth security process
Pro Tip:
Set an alarm for check-in day. Cruise folks do not play about it.
4. Overpacking Like You’re Moving Onto the Ship
Babyyyyyy… the way first-timers pack like they’re relocating?
You do not need that much.
Here’s the truth nobody tells you:
Half your cute outfits won’t get worn.
You’ll live in swimsuits, sundresses, and comfy fits.
The ship has laundry if you really need it.
Storage space is decent—but not “14 pairs of shoes” decent.
Plus, dragging around six suitcases is not the flex you think it is.
Pro Tip: Stick to:
2–3 swimsuits
1 dressy fit
Comfortable walking shoes
A light jacket (ships get cool)
Daytime outfits you can mix and match
Pack smarter, not heavier.
5. Not Booking Dining or Entertainment Early
A lot of first-timers stroll onto the ship thinking they can decide their plans once they arrive.
But the popular restaurants? Booked.
The top shows? Booked.
The specialty classes, tastings, spa appointments? Booked.
Cruise lines work like Disney—if you want the good stuff, you gotta claim it early.
Pro Tip: As soon as reservations open (usually after check-in), grab:
Specialty dining
Shows
Spa appointments
Fitness classes
Excursions
Cabana/daybed rentals
You can always cancel later. But you can’t book something that sold out.
6. Choosing the Wrong Cabin for Your Vibe
All cabins are NOT created equal—and first-timers usually choose based on price alone. But the wrong cabin can ruin your sleep, your mood, and honestly your whole cruise.
Quick breakdown:
Interior Cabin
Great if you want dark, hotel-like sleep. Not great if you’re claustrophobic or want natural light.
Oceanview
Window only. Cute on a budget.
Balcony
Perfect for coffee outside, sea views, and quiet moments. A must if you like space or are sensitive to motion.
Higher-end suites
If you want premium perks, bigger rooms, and concierge vibes.
Cabin location matters too
Avoid cabins:
Directly under the pool deck
Near nightclubs
Near engine rooms
Near elevators if you’re a light sleeper
Pro Tip: Talk to an advisor (hi, boo 👋🏾).
We know which rooms to avoid and which decks feel luxurious.
7. Not Budgeting for the “Extras”
A lot of first-time cruisers think the cruise fare is all-inclusive… and while it covers a lot, there are extras you should plan for:
Gratuities
Drinks (unless it’s Virgin Voyages)
Specialty dining
WiFi
Shore excursions
Spa
Taxis or Ubers/Lyfts to/from ports
Photos
Casino moments 👀
Souvenirs
And listen… nothing hits your spirit harder than surprise charges on the last night of the cruise.
Pro Tip: Create a “cruise wallet” ahead of time. Plan what you’re willing to spend daily so you don’t go off vibes alone.
8. Skipping Travel Insurance
I know, I know—insurance is the least sexy part of travel planning. But it’s also the one thing that saves you when life starts lifin’.
Travel insurance covers:
Missed flights
Lost luggage
Medical emergencies
Weather delays
Cruise interruptions
Shipboard medical visits (which can run HIGH, y’all)
Pro Tip: Buy it when you book your cruise, not the week before. It protects you from the jump.
9. Not Understanding Ship Time vs. Local Time
This is the mistake that gets folks left in port.
Cruise ships typically operate on ship time, not always local island time.
If you’re off exploring, shopping, or enjoying the beach and you’re tracking the wrong time—babyyyy that’s it. That’s the end. Ain’t no coming back.
The ship will not wait for you.
And watching your ship sail away without you? That’s a villain origin story.
Pro Tip: Set your phone to airplane mode and manually adjust to ship time. Or buy a $10 watch just for the cruise.
10. Booking the Wrong Excursions (Or None At All)
Some first-timers hop off the ship and say:
“I’ll just figure it out.”
And then… they end up getting hustled, stuck with a bad tour, or missing the best parts of the port entirely.
Excursions matter because they shape the whole vibe of your day.
Pro Tip: Decide your intention for each port:
Adventure? Pick ATVs, ziplining, snorkeling.
Relaxation? Private beach or day pass.
Culture? Guided city tours, food tours.
Luxury? Cabanas, yacht days.
Instagram moments? Waterfalls, scenic tours.
And book early so you don’t get stuck with leftovers.
11. Underestimating How Big the Ship Really Is
Cruise ships are floating cities. Some are bigger than small towns. You are not going to “just figure it out” once you’re on board.
First-timers often:
Get lost daily
Miss shows because they can’t find the venue
Walk miles without realizing it
Forget to explore certain neighborhoods
Don’t discover half the restaurants until day 5
Pro Tip: Download the ship’s app before you board and learn the layout. Look at deck plans. Know what’s where.
Trust me—it’ll save your feet and your patience.
12. Saying Yes to Everything (And Burning Out)
The cruise schedule is PACKED. There are shows, activities, trivia, parties, games, restaurants, events, classes, and more.
First-timers try to do everything and end up exhausted by day 3.
This is a vacation, not a marathon.
Pro Tip: Pick 2–3 must-dos each day. Everything else is a bonus. The best cruises are the ones where you have time to slow down and enjoy the moment.
13. Not Hydrating or Wearing Sunscreen
I shouldn’t have to say this, but here we are:
You are on an ocean. Under the sun. With tropical weather.
Dehydration will sneak up on you. Sunburn is rude and disrespectful. And both will have your mood on 2—not 10.
Pro Tip: Bring:
A refillable water bottle
Electrolytes
Reef-safe sunscreen
Aloe gel
Protect your skin and your energy.
14. Forgetting to Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode
You think roaming fees are cute until you get that $500 bill.
The moment the ship pulls away, your phone starts “searching for a network,” and that’s when the chaos begins.
Put. That. Phone. In. Airplane. Mode.
Pro Tip: Buy WiFi if you need it. Or enjoy the digital detox. Both options are better than surprise charges.
15. Not Knowing That You Can—and SHOULD—Eat Everything
Most first-timers don’t realize the magic of cruise dining:
You can order multiple appetizers
You can get a second entrée
You can try things you’d never make at home
Dessert? Go ahead and get two, boo
Don’t be shy. This is your moment. Cruise food is a playground—explore it.
Cruise Like a Pro, Even on Your First Try
Your first cruise is supposed to be joyful, relaxing, and full of memories you’ll talk about for YEARS.
But avoiding these mistakes?
That’s the difference between:
“My cruise was cool…”
and
“OMG that was the best trip of my LIFE—I’m booking another one right now.”
You deserve the second one. Every time.
So remember:
Book early
Fly in the day before
Choose the right cabin
Make reservations
Protect your coins (and your peace)
Know ship time
Hydrate
Wear sunscreen
Slow down and enjoy the ride
You’re not just cruising—you’re stepping into your soft life era at sea. ✨
Ready to Plan Your First (or Next!) Cruise?
If you want a stress-free, “I don’t have to think about anything” kinda vacation… that’s literally what I do.
👉🏾 Sign up for my newsletter for weekly cruise tips, deals, and destination inspo.
👉🏾 Drop a comment and tell me your biggest cruising question.
Your dream cruise is calling, boo.
Let’s get you booked and blessed at sea. ✨
