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.

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Cruising for the First Time? Here’s What to Do Before and After You Board

Cruising has continued to skyrocket in popularity since the pandemic, with 37.1 million passengers expected to sail globally in 2025! Over the past two years, approximately 27% of cruisers were first-timers. Plus, seven new cruise ships are debuting this year alone—so there’s never been a better time to book a cruise for your next vacation.

If you’re new to cruising, stepping onboard for the first time can feel overwhelming. Cruising is a unique way to travel, and first-time cruisers often have a lot of questions about how to get the most from their experience.

Before diving into what to do once you board, let’s start with a few essential tasks to complete before arriving at the cruise port—and a quick look at what to expect at the terminal.

A. Download the cruise line app after booking your cruise. After booking your cruise, download the cruise line’s app and log in or create an account. The app provides pre-cruise information, allows you to purchase add-ons (like excursions and drink packages), and streamlines the check-in process. While the website is also useful, the app becomes essential once onboard. You’ll need it to:

• Connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi

• Access the daily schedule

• Watch the mandatory safety video

• Manage expenses and reservations

• Use onboard messaging (if available)

Additionally, your boarding documents (eDocs) will be accessible through the app—so make sure it’s downloaded and ready before you arrive at the port.

B. Complete online check-in before heading to the port. Complete the online check-in process via the cruise line’s app or website. This typically opens 30–45 days before your sail date (exact timing varies by cruise line). Online check-in usually closes 2-3 days prior to sailing. During check-in, you’ll:

• Enter personal and travel information

• Upload your passport or required travel documents

• Take or upload a selfie (required for boarding)

• Add a payment method

• Choose a boarding time

Check-in must be completed for each passenger. It’s usually simple to complete for all guests on the same reservation. Most systems let you enter basic info early and return later to upload documents.

Don’t forget to complete the mandatory health questionnaire, usually available 24 hours before sailing. Failing to complete online check-in means you’ll need to do it all at the port—delaying your boarding and likely assigning you the latest arrival time. If you’re working with a travel advisor like me, I’ll notify you as soon as check-in opens 🙂

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