1. Choosing a Cruise Based on Price Alone
Sure, when browsing cruise line websites, all ships may seem alike. But in reality, they’re not. Just like hotels, cruise lines have their own strengths and weaknesses, so you should choose the one that best suits you. For example, Disney Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises may have similar prices, but Disney is perfect for lively families with kids, while Celebrity is better for those seeking tranquility, such as empty nesters or retired couples. The price may be comparable, but the experience is different—so do your homework before booking.
2. Not Considering Your Cabin Location
Modern mega-ships offer over 30 types of cabins, making the choice quite challenging. Once you’ve selected the type that suits you best, it’s crucial to think about the specific location of your cabin. Consider where you’ll be spending most of your time onboard and avoid cabins directly under swimming pools, nightclubs, or high-traffic areas.
3. Flying to Your Departure Port on the Day of Sailing
Unlike land vacations, sailing itineraries have fixed departure times, and cruise ships won’t wait for latecomers. So make every effort to arrive at the port on time before your cruise sets sail.
4. Failing to Plan Ahead
Like life itself, cruising requires some advance planning. While many find the appeal of cruising in that it allows for a more relaxed approach—buying a package and enjoying plenty of sea time, spa treatments, shore excursions, fine dining, and quick bites—still, it’s wise to check your chosen cruise line’s website to see if they offer everything you want, and how early you can book to secure what you need.
5. Not Registering Online in Advance
Many cruise lines allow passengers to register online ahead of time. While this may seem like an annoying extra step while you’re busy preparing for your trip, it can actually save you a lot of time when you’re boarding the ship.
6. Overpacking for Your Trip
Cruise cabins are relatively small, so confirm the dress code in advance, bring only the essentials, and leave behind unnecessary items such as extra shoes or spare clothes. Also, if your luggage is light enough, you can carry it on board to avoid the risk of loss or delay.
7. Not Keeping Valuables in Your Carry-On Bag
If you leave your luggage on the cruise deck and have it delivered to your cabin later (which many cruises do), make sure to pack essentials in your carry-on bag. Each cruise line has different policies about when passengers can access their cabins. If you plan to spend the first day by the pool or at the gym, ensure you have the necessities with you — otherwise, you might feel out of place lounging by the pool without them.
8. Not planning ahead due to internet restrictions
Most cruise Wi-Fi is expensive and unreliable, often unavailable for long stretches. Make sure you’ve packed everything you need before departure, and set up an out-of-office message on your work email and homepage so you can stay in the loop about important updates while enjoying your well-deserved holiday.
9. Hogging the best lounge chairs
Most cruise ships don’t have enough lounge chairs for everyone. The fastest way to make enemies onboard? Leaving your stuff on a deck chair for hours while you’re off having breakfast, working out, getting a spa treatment, or eating lunch. When you return in the afternoon, even if the staff hasn’t removed your items, the judgmental looks from fellow passengers will be hard to ignore.
10. Taking yourself or your vacation too seriously
Cruises are full of silly traditions — theme nights with over-the-top costumes, goofy contests, and ridiculous activities. For many travelers, these fun moments are the highlight of the trip. So a word of caution: openly mocking them is a quick way to isolate yourself.