Cruises can be a lot of fun. There’s a reason why the cruise industry is booming, and it’s not because they’re continuing to attract new customers. Well, they are; the number of people taking cruises for the first time is higher than ever. But it’s the repeat passengers who form the backbone of the industry. A huge percentage of people who take cruises end up going back for more, which is another way of saying that if you have your first one lined up, then it’s possible that it won’t be your last.
With that said, experiencing cruise-vacation success isn’t a nailed-on guarantee. Cruises aren’t the same as other vacation types, and that can catch first-timers out, who often make a few common errors that have an oh-so-slightly negative impact on their trip.
So let’s make sure that doesn’t happen. Below, we’ve put together a collection of mistakes new cruise passengers usually make, so you don’t have to.
Booking On Price/Destination Alone
If you’ve already booked your cruise, then you can skip this point and move on to the next one. It’s meant for people who are still in the pre-booking stage.
Oftentimes, cruise passengers book their cruise based on price and/or destination alone, but it’s also important to take a deep dive and investigate other factors, such as the cruise line (some are family-friendly, others are for older adults) and the season (visiting a tropical destination out of season can be nice, but only if it’s what you expected). And on the price factor — there are great cruise deals out there, but it’s always best to know why a cruise is so cheap before booking.
Failing to Adequately Plan How They’ll Get To The Port Terminal
Unless you happen to live next to a cruise port, you’ll likely be flying into a nearby airport and then making your way to the port. And if you’re taking a cruise that departs from the US, that’ll probably mean that you’re flying into Florida.
You need to have a plan for how you’ll arrive at the port terminal. Failure to do so runs the risk of beginning your cruise with high stress levels or, even worse, missing the departure time altogether. We’d recommend flying in the day before and using a Miami Airport to Miami Port, FLL to Fort Lauderdale Port, or Orlando Airport to Port Canaveral car service to take you to the terminal. Spend the night in a hotel, and you’ll wake up refreshed and — most importantly of all — with the peace of mind of knowing that you’re next door to the port.
Waiting Until You’re There to Book Excursion
For many vacation types, you can simply turn up and wait to see what you feel like doing while you’re there, but that’s a risky approach on a cruise vacation. Not only is it more expensive to book excursions when you’re on the ship, but you’ll also run the risk of missing out, since the best excursions book up early.
Cruise itineraries are tightly scheduled, and shore time is limited, which means excursions have a capped number of spots. By waiting until the last minute, you may find that the tours you were most excited about—such as small-group adventures, wildlife encounters, or iconic sightseeing trips—are no longer available. This can leave you scrambling to choose from less appealing options or spending your port day without a clear plan.
Booking excursions ahead of time also gives you the chance to research your options, compare reviews, and select experiences that best match your interests, activity level, and budget. Planning in advance can reduce stress, help you make the most of each port stop, and ensure your cruise feels like a well-rounded, memorable vacation rather than a series of missed opportunities.
To wrap things up, the key to a great first cruise is understanding that a little preparation goes a long way. Cruises are designed to be relaxing, but the best experiences tend to happen when you’ve taken the time to plan the important details in advance. By choosing the right cruise for your travel style, arranging stress-free transportation to the port, and booking key excursions ahead of time, you set yourself up for a smoother, more enjoyable trip.
