Cruising is often marketed as one of the easiest, most stress-free vacations you can take and in many ways, it is. Your accommodations, dining, entertainment, and transportation between destinations are all bundled together, which is exactly why so many people fall in love with cruising.
But here’s the part most people don’t realize until after their first cruise: Cruising doesn’t operate like a typical land vacation.
Now, I know what you’re thinking “Of course a cruise is different, it’s a ship, not a hotel.”
And you’re right.
But the differences that catch people off guard usually have nothing to do with being on the water. They’re the little things most travelers don’t think about until they’re already onboard like your phone connecting to an expensive maritime network, your ship operating on a different time zone than the port you’re visiting, or finding out that the power strip you packed was confiscated at embarkation.
The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. Knowing what to expect before you sail can help you avoid common cruise mistakes and focus on what really matters – enjoying your vacation.
I’ve worked with many cruise clients, and I can tell you this with confidence: The biggest issues rarely come from big mistakes… they come from the little things people didn’t know to think about.
So before you sail, here are the cruise mistakes to avoid including the obvious ones, the overlooked ones, and the ones that tend to catch even experienced travelers off guard. Sometimes I even make these mistakes.
The Most Common Cruise Mistakes
1. Bringing the Wrong Power Strip: This is one of those rules that surprises even veteran cruisers. On cruise lines like Royal Caribbean & Celebrity, anything with surge protection, extension cords, or multi-outlet expansion is typically prohibited. Even if it’s marketed for a cruise, it can be confiscated during boarding.
Cruise cabins are limited on outlets to begin with, which is why people bring their own but unfortunately, not all are allowed on every cruise line.
Instead, bring a cruise-approved, non-surge USB hub. It solves the problem without risking confiscation. It’s easy to forget and grab the wrong charging block because it was fine on your last cruise. You don’t want to have to stop at the naughty table to pick up your power strip at the end of the cruise.
Another good idea is to bring a European travel adaptor to take advantage of the type E plug.
2. Not Putting Your Phone on Airplane Mode: It’s one of the easiest mistakes to make but can cost a small fortune in extra cellular charges. The best habit is simple – Turn on airplane mode as soon as you board the ship. From there, you can connect to the ship’s WiFi and use the ships app for free.
3. Not Following Ship Time: This is one way people miss the ship and yes, it happens more often than you’d think.
Your phone may automatically update to the local time in port, but the ship may be operating on a completely different time zone. OR your phone may not update to the correct time zone and you assume it did. If you’re not paying attention, you could think you have more time than you actually do.
Always double-check the daily schedule and “all aboard” time (I like to take a photo), and consider setting your phone manually or carrying a watch to avoid confusion. We were in Greece once and I couldn’t remember if my phone time was correct or not – it happens.
4. Booking Flights Too Close to Embarkation: It’s tempting to fly in the morning of your cruise to save time or money, but this is one of the riskiest decisions you can make.
All it takes is one delay, cancellation, or missed connection and suddenly the ship is leaving without you. This is also true with driving to the cruise terminal. Additionally, you need to keep in mind that boarding closes before the ship leaves port. Customs and immigration need to have cleared the ship for departure. Even arriving 1.5 hrs before sail away means that gangway is already up.
Arriving at least one day early gives you a buffer and allows you to start your trip feeling relaxed instead of rushed. If you’re flying somewhere further such as Europe or Asia, I’d suggest giving yourself at least a 2 day buffer.
5. Assuming Your Cruise Is Fully All-Inclusive: Cruises include a lot but not everything. It’s very common for travelers to underestimate how much they’ll spend onboard. Extras like gratuities, specialty dining, WiFi, drinks, casino, and excursions can add up quickly if you’re not expecting them. Some cruise lines include soda or/and WiFi, but most don’t and you’re stuck with unexpected fees.
Going in with a clear understanding of what’s included (and what’s not) helps you budget properly and avoid surprises at the end.
6. Expecting Strong, Reliable WiFi: WiFi at sea has improved significantly over the years with most ships now equipped with Starlink.
Depending on the ship (especially older ones) and the location on the ship you’re trying to connect, you may experience slow speeds, dropped connections, or limitations on streaming and video calls. If you’re planning to work remotely or stay heavily connected, this can become frustrating.
Another mistake is assuming the free WiFi will be enough to get work done or stream. Virgin Voyages includes free wifi but it’s not strong enough for your Zoom call. You’ll need to upgrade your WiFi for higher lever functionality. Ensure you know what type of WiFi connection you’ll need in advance.
Another quick WiFi tip – Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offer discounts pre-cruise. NCL has Free at Sea with enough WiFi for you to send a few texts or social media posts if needed. Know how to save in advance.
7. Waiting Too Long to Book Dining and Activities: Many people assume they’ll just figure things out once they get onboard, but by that point, a lot of the best reservations are already gone.
This is especially true on popular ships within Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, where specialty dining and entertainment can book up quickly. The earlier you reserve, the more options you’ll have and the better your overall experience will be.
That’s not to say you HAVE to pre-book. I’m just letting you know it’s best if you do. You’ll also save money on lines such as Celebrity by taking advantage able of pre-cruise sales.
8. Overpacking (While Still Forgetting the Important Things): Cruise cabins are compact by design, and storage space is limited. Overpacking can quickly make your room feel cluttered and disorganized. Do you really need 5 pairs of shoes for a 7 night cruise?
At the same time, people often forget small but important items like motion sickness medication, sunscreen, or even basic over-the-counter essentials. Having to purchase items at the ship store can be costly.
9. Choosing a Cabin Without Considering Location: Not all cabins are created equal, even within the same category.
A poorly located cabin can mean dealing with early morning noise from the pool deck above, late-night music from club below or more noticeable motion if you’re too far forward or aft. If you’re unsure, mid-ship on a deck between floors is typically the safest and most comfortable option. Also, don’t forget to check for obstructed views if you’re booking Oceanview or above!
10. Skipping a Passport Because “You Don’t Need It”: While some closed-loop cruises allow you to sail without a passport, it’s not something I recommend.
If anything goes wrong like missing the ship in port or being injured, you’ll be required to fly internationally to catch up or return home. That process becomes significantly more complicated without a passport.
It’s one of those things you hope you never need, but you’ll be very glad you have if you do.
The Cruise Mistakes People Rarely Think About
These cruise mistakes are the ones that don’t get talked about enough, but can make a noticeable difference in your trip.
11. Not Reviewing Your Onboard Account: It’s easy to assume everything is correct, but mistakes can happen. Charges can be misapplied, duplicated, or simply be incorrect.
Reviewing your account the night before disembarkation gives you time to resolve any issues while you’re still onboard, which is far easier than dealing with it later. You’ll are able to access your account on the stateroom TV and in the app.
Watch for towel return fees on Royal Caribbean specifically.
12. Misunderstanding Drink Packages: Drink packages can be a great value but only if you understand how they work & calculate if you’ll get the full value.
There are often limits, exclusions, and specific rules depending on the cruise line and itinerary. Some beverages may not be included, and policies can vary in port. On NCL for instance, the Free at Sea Unlimited Open Bar package doesn’t include bottled water which is included on many other cruise line packages.
Taking a few minutes to review the details ahead of time can prevent confusion later.
13. Not Preparing Your Credit Card for Travel: Cruise charges, combined with purchases in different ports, can trigger fraud alerts from your bank. The last thing you want is for your card to be declined mid-cruise, especially when it’s tied to your onboard account.
A quick travel notification and a backup card can save you from a lot of inconvenience. Not all credit cards required a travel notice anymore, but verify with your specific bank.
Also, using a debit card instead of a credit card can become a real headache. Holds are placed on the card on file during your cruise. While these will drop off, how long it takes will depend on your bank. It could take weeks for the pending charges to drop which means your available cash is tied up.
14. Not Using the Cabin Space Efficiently: One of the simplest cruise “hacks” is also one of the most overlooked – cabin walls are magnetic.
Magnetic hooks can instantly give you more storage for hats, bags, lanyards, and other small items, helping keep your space organized throughout the trip. I also suggest unpacking your suitcase then sliding it under the bed. This helps save space and keeps the room more organized.
15. Waiting to Buy Essentials Onboard: I mentioned, this above but items like sunscreen, medications, and toiletries are always available onboard, but they come at a premium price. The same can be said for traveling with babies in diapers. They will have some onboard for sale but the quantity of sizes is limited and expensive.
Bringing what you need from home is a small step that can save both money and time.
16. Heading Straight to the Buffet on Embarkation Day: It’s the first place most people go and because of that, it’s often crowded and hectic.
A better option is to look for alternative dining venues that are open. You’ll start your cruise in a much calmer environment. You’ll usually find one of the main dining rooms open for embarkation day lunch. Some Royal Caribbean ships also have the Solarium Bistro that will have a less busy buffet on embarkation.
Select specialty dining venues may also be open if you want to splurge on Day 1.
17. Saving Pool Chairs for Hours: “Chair hogging” is one of the most common complaints on cruise ships. Someone gets up early, puts their belongings on the chairs and disappears for hours.
Most lines have policies against reserving chairs for long periods without using them, and enforcement is becoming more common. Being mindful of shared spaces goes a long way in creating a better experience for everyone.
18. Not Understanding the Ports: Not all cruise ports are located right in the center of town. Some require transportation, long walks, or even tenders.
Without researching ahead of time, you can end up wasting valuable port time just figuring out logistics.
19. Booking Independent Excursions Without a Time Buffer: Independent tours can offer great experiences, but they also come with added responsibility.
If your tour runs late, the ship will not wait. That’s why it’s important to choose excursions that return well before the all-aboard time, giving yourself a comfortable buffer. I always recommend independent excursions that have you back to the port at least 2 hours prior to all-aboard.
20. Missing Pre-Cruise Deadlines: Online check-in, dining reservations, and excursion bookings all have timelines. Missing those windows can limit your options and make planning onboard more stressful than it needs to be.
The same is true for final payment. Cruise lines don’t send email reminders about final payment. You are responsible for making your payment on time to avoid your cruise being automatically cancelled.
*Working with me, I keep track of these important dates so you don’t have to.
21. Waiting to Book Add-Ons Until You’re Onboard: In general, pricing for things like drink packages, WiFi, and excursions are often lower before your cruise. Waiting until you’re onboard can mean paying more for the same experience.
There are some instances where you can get a great discount on booking and dining at a specially restaurant the first night, but generally you’ll pay more booking onboard.
22. Choosing the Wrong Cruise for Your Travel Style: Not every cruise is the same, and this is something many first-time cruisers overlook.
Some ships are high-energy and family-focused, while others are quieter and more relaxed. Choosing the wrong fit can impact how much you enjoy your trip overall. Sailing Virgin Voyages vs Holland America is an example of 2 drastically different cruise experiences. Both are great, but you need to know what to expect beforehand to ensure it’s a good fit.
23. Ignoring Basic Cruise Etiquette: Cruises are shared environments and small behaviors can have a big impact. Being respectful of lines, noise levels, your kids, and crew members helps create a more enjoyable experience for everyone onboard.
24. Assuming Cruising Works Like a Land Vacation: This is the biggest mindset shift. Cruises run on schedules. They have specific rules, structured timing, and unique logistics that you don’t encounter in a typical hotel stay.
Once you understand that and plan accordingly, everything becomes much smoother.
25. Not Buying Travel Insurance: This is something many cruisers skip and it could cost you thousands of dollars. I understand, you may be young and healthy or you’ve purchased travel insurance before and never needed it. Great! I hope you don’t need it! But life happens. Get the insurance and hope you don’t need it.
Ship trip insurance is fine and better than nothing, but I recommend taking a look at other companies such as Travel Insured. The coverage is better and usually less expensive than the cruise line policies.
My husband broke his ankle on our Alaska cruise. The unexpected happens, so be prepared.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cruising
These answers are mostly included above but here is a quick reference to FAQ’s.
What is the biggest mistake first-time cruisers make?
The biggest mistake many first-time cruisers make is treating a cruise like a traditional hotel vacation. Cruise ships operate on strict schedules and missing a deadline whether it’s online check-in, an excursion return time, or final payment can have much bigger consequences than it would at a resort. Understanding how cruising works before you sail can save a lot of stress.
What should you never do on a cruise?
Some of the most common cruise mistakes include arriving at the port too late, ignoring ship time while in port, bringing prohibited items (even things legal in your state or country), and sitting on railings. Small mistakes can quickly become expensive or frustrating once you’re onboard.
Is it okay to fly in the day of my cruise?
While it’s possible, it’s generally not recommended. Flight delays, weather issues, or cancellations can cause you to miss the ship entirely. Whenever possible, arrive at least one day before embarkation so you can start your vacation relaxed instead of rushing to the port and hoping you make it.
Do I really need a passport for a cruise?
Even when a passport isn’t required, traveling with one is strongly recommended. If you miss the ship in a foreign port or need emergency medical transportation, having a passport can make the process much easier and less stressful.
Is cruise WiFi actually good?
Cruise internet has improved dramatically in recent years, especially on ships using Starlink technology. However, speeds can still vary based on the ship, itinerary, weather conditions, and how many guests are online. It is generally fine for email, messaging, and social media, but you should avoid relying on it for important work or video meetings.
What are the most commonly forgotten cruise items?
Some of the most forgotten cruise essentials include sunscreen, motion sickness medication, portable chargers, magnetic hooks for cabin organization, reusable water bottles, and over-the-counter medications. These items are usually available onboard but often cost significantly more than they do at home.
Is a drink package worth it on a cruise?
It depends on your travel style. Drink packages can provide excellent value for guests who enjoy cocktails, specialty coffees, bottled water, or soda throughout the day. Before purchasing, estimate how much you’ll realistically drink and compare that to the package cost. Also take in consideration your itinerary. More port days mean less time onboard consuming beverages.
What is the best cabin location on a cruise ship?
For most travelers, a mid-ship cabin on a middle deck offers the best balance of convenience and stability. These cabins tend to experience less motion and provide easier access to dining, entertainment, and public spaces throughout the ship.
How early should I book excursions and specialty dining?
As early as possible. Popular excursions, specialty restaurants, and entertainment reservations can sell out weeks or even months before sailing, especially on newer ships and during peak travel periods.
Can I use my cell phone normally while at sea?
Not without potential charges. Cruise ships often connect to maritime cellular networks that are not included in standard cell phone plans. To avoid unexpected fees, place your phone in airplane mode before the ship departs and use the ship’s WiFi if needed. Some cell carriers also offer cruise packages, but check the rate and inclusions before buying.
Are cruises really all-inclusive?
Cruises include accommodations, most meals, entertainment, and transportation between ports. However, many extras such as alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, WiFi, shore excursions, spa treatments, and gratuities typically cost extra.
What is the easiest way to avoid cruise mistakes?
Do your research before sailing, complete all pre-cruise tasks early, arrive at your embarkation city at least one day ahead, and carefully review your cruise line’s policies. A little preparation can make a huge difference in your overall experience.
Cruising really can be one of the most enjoyable and effortless ways to travel, but only when you know what to expect. Most of these cruise mistakes are easy to avoid once you’re aware of them, and making just a few small adjustments can completely change your experience.
A little preparation upfront means less stress, fewer surprises, and more time actually enjoying the experience. The difference between a good cruise and a great one isn’t luck, it’s understanding how cruising works before you ever step onboard.
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