I travel and write about it for a living, and cruising is one of my favorite ways to get away from it all and enjoy a truly relaxing vacation. After embarking on major cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line and Princess Cruises more times than I can count, I’ve realized that there are many important things to do (and not do) before going on a cruise.

Cruises for the first time they can make a lot of rookie mistakes, from packing way too much to timing the trip to the port city wrong. Fortunately, there are plenty of frequent cruisers who have become experts at stress-free cruising and love to share what they’ve learned over the years. We talked to experienced cruisers to find out what mistakes first-time cruisers make most often and how to avoid them.

Related: 20 Essential Things to Bring on a Cruise Ship

I fly on the day of departure

Courtney Ball is a content creator who shares her travels Instagram and TikTok and frequent cruises. Ball says for those who fly in a port city going on a cruise, flying on the day is a big no-no. Why? When cruise lines depend on on-time flights and zero travel hiccups on the day of embarkation, they are taking on quite a risk.

The solution:

Instead, Ball recommends arriving the day before the ship leaves port. “Never, never, never fly on the day of,” she says. “Find a hotel near the port the day before you sail and spend that time relaxing and exploring the city you’re in. That way, your morning cruise is smooth sailing.”

Overpacking

Viktor Tuparov and his partner have more than 50 cruises under their belts collectively. Tuparov, who works as a public relations manager for a theme park, says that on his first cruise, he absolutely went for a ride…and regretted it. “My suitcase was packed to capacity and I barely carried half of what I brought,” he says. “Now I have to get my bags down to a science. I can fit everything I need in a carry-on for a week’s trip.”

The soul:

So how should first timers pack their cruiser for their vacation? “The trick,” says Tuparov, “is to think about versatility. Choose clothes that you can mix and match, and don’t forget to dress them up or down as needed. Most importantly, wear what makes you feel good. This is your vacation, so comfort should be a priority.”

Book trips through Cruise Line

While it’s incredibly easy to book excursions — activities in each cruise port that take place outside the ship — directly through the cruise line, Tuparov says that’s not always the best move. “There are a lot of local, independent providers that offer great experiences, often at a better price,” says Tuparov. “Sure, booking with a cruise line has its advantages, like the guarantee that you won’t be left behind if your tour is delayed, but don’t hesitate to check out other options.”

The soul:

It pays to do some research in advance for ports along your individual cruise itinerary. Spending time searching online for independent tour providers in each port and watching content on places like YouTube and TikTok to see what other tourists have been up to in the area can pay off. Don’t have time to plan ahead? You can often walk right off the ship and find tour guide companies set up in port that can offer activities for the day for a fee.

“Whether you decide to relax on the ship, join a cruise line-sponsored excursion, or explore on your own, make sure you get the most out of each port,” adds Tuparov.

Don’t buy travel insurance

Another must-have for Ball? Purchasing travel insurance in advance. “Life can be unpredictable,” she explains. “We’ve seen countless people unexpectedly have to cancel their trip at the last minute or experience flight delays that cost them their vacation and thousands of dollars.”

The solution:

In short, if a trip is worth buying, it’s worth protecting your investment. “The best thing to do is buy insurance early,” says Ball. “It doesn’t have to be through the cruise line, but it’s a good idea to insure your cruise vacation to avoid the pain of cancellation.”

Online bookings waiting for us at the best price

Vicki Winters is a luxury travel advisor with Bucket List Travelers and says there are many benefits to using a travel agent when booking a cruise vacation rather than booking the trip yourself online. “Using a trusted travel agent (could) actually save you some money and heartache,” says Winters. “If you haven’t properly planned ahead, you (may) be billed for additional charges at the end of a cruise. Depending on the line, these fees can be astronomical and surprising to say the least.”

The solution:

Winters says travelers often book a cruise thinking it will cost a flat rate per person, but are surprised to find there were additional charges once they boarded the ship, such as Wi-Fi costs or coffee fees. She says using a travel agent can help cruisers understand fares and choose the best fare for their needs. “An agent (could) save you a lot of pain,” she adds. “Purchasing certain fares that include Wi-Fi, drinks or specialty meals before boarding can save a good chunk of change, and an agent can help explain this.”

Don’t select the best cruise for your needs

Winters says it’s also common for first-time cruisers to book a cruise vacation without thinking about what they hope to get out of their vacation. “If you’re looking to be surrounded by families, some cruise lines are better for that,” she says. “Something more trendy, no kids? More ports, less time at sea? Great food? Party all day? Relaxing on the balcony? Got some work to do?” Winters says it’s important to consider exactly what you’re looking for from a cruise vacation because every cruise line and every ship is different.

The solution:

There are lots of ways to search for the best cruise ship for your vacation needs, from researching on YouTube to using a travel agent like Winters. Winters says to remember that most travel agents “have already done the hard work for you.

“You want someone who has eaten mass market, low quality buffet food, been knocked over by screaming children, eaten the best meals at sea and can help you choose the best one for your needs” she says.

Packing the essentials for the day of boarding in checked baggage

Brandy Yearous is a content creator and entrepreneur who has been walking around with her family for years. Since the bags you check when you arrive at the cruise port won’t arrive in your cabin until later in the afternoon, Yearous says it’s important to think about the items you’ll need in the first few hours on the ship and pack them. a handbag.

The solution:

“Don’t delay the fun that’s waiting on the bags before you take off,” says Yearous. “They pack your bathing suit and sunscreen in the trunk.” Other items to throw in your day bag? Cameras, reading materials, prescription drugs, and possibly a change of clothes if your luggage arrives after dinner time.

Early dinner time slot reservation

Most cruise lines have early dinner seating and a late dinner each night. While it’s easy to assume the party will prefer the earlier time slot, Yearous says to consider how you want to spend your nights onboard before committing to dining time. “Don’t book an early dinner just because that’s the time you’re eating at home,” says Yearous.

The solution:

“Shipping time is very different, and so are eating habits while on board,” explains Yearous. “If you book dinner early, a long time the boat departs from a port and leaves you very little time to prepare.” Instead, consider later dinner seating, especially on port days, so you have plenty of time to get back to the ship and shower for dinner.