First-Time Cruiser Tips: What to Know Before You Sail

Boarding day is easier than it looks

Arrive at the terminal in your check-in window, keep your ID and boarding documents handy, and drop your big bags with the porters. They'll show up at your cabin later. Carry a small bag with what you need for the afternoon, because your cabin may not be ready right away.

Your cabin is your home base

Inside, ocean view, balcony or suite, every cabin comes with daily housekeeping, a private bathroom and more storage than you'd expect. If you're deciding between cabin types, think about how much time you'll spend in the room. Balcony fans love morning coffee with a sea view; travelers who are always out and about often do just fine in an inside cabin.

Meals, shows and most of the fun are already included

Main dining rooms, the buffet, the pool deck, live shows, the gym and the kids' clubs are all part of your cruise fare on Margaritaville at Sea, Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian. Specialty restaurants, drinks, spa treatments and shore excursions are extras you can add if you want them.

Port days are yours to plan

In each port you can book a shore excursion through the cruise line, explore on your own, or simply enjoy a quieter ship. Whatever you choose, check the all-aboard time in the daily planner and give yourself a comfortable buffer to get back.

A few habits that make everything smoother

Download the cruise line's app before you sail, keep your cabin card with you, put your phone in airplane mode to avoid roaming charges, and take a few minutes on day one to walk the ship. Then ask us anything else. Helping first-time cruisers is one of our favorite parts of the job.