First-Time Cruising: Everything You Need to Know Before You Book
- Jul 29
- 10 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
Your Complete Beginner's Guide to Planning Your First Cruise
Thinking about taking your first cruise? Exciting...but maybe a little intimidating too.
With dozens of cruise lines, hundreds of ships, and countless itineraries, it's easy to wonder where you should even begin. The good news? Once you understand a few basics, choosing the right cruise becomes much easier.
When I planned my first cruise, I spent countless hours researching cruise lines, comparing ships, reading reviews, and second-guessing every decision. Looking back, I was worrying about a lot of things that didn't really matter while completely overlooking some of the things that did.
That experience is actually one of the reasons I became a travel advisor.
I genuinely enjoy helping people navigate all of the choices so they can spend less time stressing over the details and more time looking forward to their vacation.
The good news is that planning your first cruise isn't nearly as complicated as it may seem.
Once you understand a few basics, planning your first cruise becomes much easier. This guide will walk you through the biggest decisions, answer some of the most common questions, and help you feel confident about booking your first cruise.
In This Guide, You'll Learn How To...
Whether you're still deciding if a cruise is right for you or you're ready to book, this guide will help you make informed decisions every step of the way.
Decide whether cruising is the right vacation for you
Choose the cruise line and ship that best fit your travel style
Understand what's included before you book
Avoid the most common first-time cruiser mistakes
Feel confident planning your very first cruise
Why So Many People Love Cruising
Cruising has become one of the fastest-growing ways to travel, and it's easy to understand why.
Instead of unpacking every few days or figuring out where to eat every meal, your hotel travels with you. You unpack once, settle into your cabin, and wake up somewhere new almost every day.
Instead of enjoying one Caribbean beach, you can wake up each day to a new one, or explore a different historic European city. In Alaska, you'll wake up to charming coastal towns one day and awe-inspiring glaciers the next.
At the same time, your evenings are just as enjoyable. Dinner, live entertainment, music, comedy shows, pools, lounges, and activities are all just a short walk away.
For many travelers—including my own family—that combination of convenience, relaxation, and variety is what keeps us coming back.
🌊 Wavebound Tip
Don't let old cruise stereotypes keep you from trying one. Modern cruise ships are incredibly different from what many people imagine. Whether you're looking for family fun, luxury, adventure, or quiet relaxation, there's likely a cruise that's a much better fit than you realize.
Is Cruising Right for You?
One of the biggest misconceptions about cruising is that every cruise is basically the same.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
Today's cruise industry offers something for nearly everyone. Some ships feel like floating resorts with water parks, zip lines, Broadway-style entertainment, and endless dining options. Others focus on luxury, exceptional service, and intimate experiences. Some are designed exclusively for adults, while others are perfect for multi-generational family vacations.
🌊 Wavebound Tip
If someone tells you they didn't enjoy cruising, always ask which cruise they took. Saying you don't like cruising because of one experience is a bit like saying you don't like restaurants after eating at just one. The right cruise line and ship can make all the difference.
Five Questions That Will Help You Find the Right Cruise
Rather than trying to compare every cruise line individually, start by answering these five questions. Your answers will narrow hundreds of possibilities down to the handful of cruises that truly fit your vacation style.
1. Who Are You Traveling With?
Families
If you're traveling with children or teenagers, you'll likely appreciate youth clubs, family-friendly dining, water parks, pools, character experiences, and entertainment designed for all ages.
Couples
Some couples want quiet mornings by the pool, specialty dining, and relaxing spa days. Others prefer live music, nightlife, and exciting evening entertainment.
Adults-Only
If you're looking for a vacation without children, there are cruise lines specifically designed for adults.
Solo Travelers
Many cruise lines now offer dedicated solo cabins, hosted meetups, and activities that make it easy to meet fellow travelers.
2. What's Your Budget?
Cruising offers options at nearly every price point.
Contemporary Cruise Lines
These ships provide excellent value and often have the widest variety of itineraries. You'll generally pay separately for extras like specialty restaurants, alcoholic beverages, Wi-Fi, and spa services.
Premium Cruise Lines
Expect upgraded dining, smaller ships, better service, and a more relaxed atmosphere with additional inclusions.
Luxury Cruises
Luxury cruises often include beverages, gratuities, specialty dining, shore excursions, and exceptional personalized service—all wrapped into one upfront fare.
The "best" cruise isn't always the most expensive—it's the one that delivers the experience you're looking for. Sometimes spending a little more upfront can actually provide better overall value once you consider everything that's included.
🌊 Wavebound Tip
If you're interested in a more upscale experience but still want access to the excitement of a larger ship, ask about "ship within a ship" concepts like MSC Yacht Club, Norwegian's Haven, or Celebrity's Retreat. They offer many luxury amenities while still giving you access to the restaurants, entertainment, and activities found throughout the main ship. For many travelers, they provide an excellent balance of luxury and value.
3. What Kind of Vacation Do You Want?
Ask yourself one simple question:
Is the ship the destination, or is the destination the destination?
Some travelers spend very little time in port, or don’t even bother leaving the ship, because they're busy enjoying everything the ship offers.
Others can't wait to explore every destination they visit.
Neither approach is wrong—it simply helps determine which cruise line is the best fit.
🌊 Wavebound Tip
The newest ship isn't automatically the best choice. If you plan to spend most of your time exploring destinations, an older ship with a great itinerary may provide much better value.
4. How Large of a Ship Feels Comfortable?
Cruise ships vary dramatically in size.
Mega Ships
Think floating resorts carrying more than 5,000 guests, with the newest now boasting more than 7,000.
You'll find dozens of restaurants, Broadway-style productions, water slides, surf simulators, escape rooms, and activities from morning until late at night. While their size may seem intimidating, modern mega ships are designed so well that many guests are surprised by how easy they are to navigate after the first day or two.
Mid-Sized Ships
These ships offer an excellent balance between amenities and atmosphere. They often feel less crowded while still providing plenty to do.
Small Ships
Smaller ships provide a more intimate experience with personalized service and access to ports that larger ships simply can't visit.
There isn't a "best" size—only the one that fits your travel style.
5. Where Do You Want to Go?
Many first-time cruisers are surprised to discover that cruising is about much more than the Caribbean. From glacier-filled fjords in Alaska to ancient cities in the Mediterranean and even expeditions to Antarctica, there are cruises for almost every type of traveler.
Beyond the Caribbean, some of the most popular cruise destinations include:
Alaska
Europe
The Mediterranean
Northern Europe
Canada & New England
Hawaii
Asia
Australia & New Zealand
South America
Antarctica
River cruises throughout Europe and the United States
Expedition cruises to remote destinations
Your dream destination can help narrow your cruise line options just as much as your budget or travel style. Since every cruise line specializes in different regions of the world, choosing the right one is just as important as choosing where you want to go.
What Is Actually Included?
One of the biggest questions first-time cruisers ask is:
"What's included in the price?"
While every cruise line is different, most fares include:
Your accommodations (stateroom)
Main dining room
Buffet restaurant and quick dine options
Most onboard entertainment
Pools and hot tubs
Fitness center
Youth programs
Items that are often additional include:
Beverages Packages (covering drinks beyond basic included options such as tap water, lemonade, coffee and tea)
Specialty dining
Wi-Fi
Shore excursions
Spa treatments
Some on-board activities (i.e. go-karts, arcade, simulators, etc.)
Casino gaming
Professional photography
Gratuities (except on most premium lines)
Understanding what's included helps you budget more accurately before you sail. Many cruise lines also offer bundles that combine popular add-ons, such as drink packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining. Understanding these options before you book can sometimes save you money compared to purchasing each item separately.
🌊 Wavebound Tip
Cruise fares can seem confusing because every cruise line includes something different. When comparing prices, make sure you're comparing what's actually included—not just the starting fare.
Common First-Time Cruiser Mistakes
The good news?
Most first-time mistakes are easy to avoid.
Here are a few I see most often.
Choosing the Cheapest Cruise Instead of the Right Cruise
The lowest price isn't always the best value if the cruise doesn't match what you're hoping to experience.
Flying in the Same Day
Simply put….don’t do this ever.
🌊 Wavebound Tip
I always recommend arriving at least one day before your cruise whenever possible. You'll begin your vacation relaxed instead of worrying about flight delays, traffic, or weather affecting your embarkation day.
Waiting Too Long to Book
Many people assume cruise prices always go down.
In reality, popular cabins and itineraries often become more expensive as sailing dates approach. Unless you are looking for a spur of the moment vacation, waiting to book will often result in a higher price and/or losing the cabin type/location you were looking for.
Skipping Travel Insurance
This is another recommendation I feel strongly about—don't skip travel insurance. Vacations represent a significant investment. Cruise prices, especially when traveling as a family, can rival the cost of a new car. Just as you wouldn’t skip insuring a new vehicle, travel insurance can protect you from unexpected events before and during your trip.
🌊 Wavebound Tip
Travel insurance is one of the easiest decisions you'll make during vacation planning. You hope you'll never need it—but if something unexpected happens, you'll be glad it's there.
Overpacking
Most cruisers pack far more than they actually use.
Comfortable clothing, a few nicer outfits, swimsuits, and comfortable walking shoes are usually all you need.
Forgetting to Explore the Ship
Spend a little time exploring the ship on embarkation day. It's much easier to find your favorite restaurant, pool, or lounge before everything gets busy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Your First Cruise
Even after you've chosen the right cruise, a few questions almost always come up. Here are some of the ones I hear most often from first-time cruisers.
Will I Get Seasick?
This is probably the number one concern I hear from first-time cruisers.
The good news is that modern cruise ships are equipped with advanced stabilizers that significantly reduce the feeling of movement. In calm seas, many guests are surprised they barely notice they're on a ship at all.
If you're concerned, choosing a larger ship, booking a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck, picking an itinieary that's known for calmer waters, and bringing over-the-counter motion sickness medication or patches can provide extra peace of mind. Most people discover that seasickness isn't nearly the issue they expected.
Do I Need a Passport?
It depends on your itinerary, but my recommendation is simple—if you have a passport, or have time to get one, use it.
While some closed-loop cruises departing and returning to the same U.S. port allow other forms of identification, a passport can make international travel much easier if unexpected situations arise, such as needing to fly home from a foreign country due to an emergency.
If you don't currently have a passport and are considering cruising, applying for one is an investment that will make future travel much easier.
How Far in Advance Should I Book?
Earlier is almost always better.
Booking several months—or even a year or more—in advance typically provides the best selection of cabins, sailing dates, and promotional offers. Popular itineraries, holiday sailings, and specialty accommodations often sell out well before departure.
Waiting until the last minute can sometimes produce a bargain, but it usually means fewer choices and may not be the best option if you have specific dates or cabin preferences.
Should I Book an Interior, Ocean View, or Balcony Cabin?
There isn't a single right answer—it depends on your vacation style and budget.
If you plan to spend most of your time enjoying the ship or exploring ports, an interior cabin can be an excellent value. If natural light is important to you, an ocean view cabin offers a window without the higher cost of a balcony.
For many travelers, however, having a private balcony becomes one of their favorite parts of the cruise. There's nothing quite like enjoying a quiet morning coffee while watching the ocean roll by or taking in the scenery as you sail into a new destination.
Should I Purchase a Drink Package?
It depends on how you vacation.
Some travelers enjoy specialty coffees in the morning, cocktails by the pool, wine with dinner, and bottled water throughout the day. Others are perfectly happy with the complimentary beverages included in their cruise fare.
The value of a drink package varies by cruise line, pricing, and your personal preferences. It's one of those decisions that's worth reviewing before you book rather than making a last-minute choice onboard.
Can I Use My Cell Phone and Internet on the Ship?
Yes—but it's important to understand how it works.
Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi packages, and many ports allow you to use your regular cellular service depending on your phone plan. While you're at sea, however, your phone may connect to the ship's cellular network, which can result in expensive roaming charges if you're not careful.
A simple way to avoid surprises is to place your phone in Airplane Mode once you board and then connect to the ship's Wi-Fi. If you've purchased an internet package, you'll have access to the speed/service you purchased. If you did not purchase internet, you'll still be able to connect to the ship's app, which will usually give you access to see your onboard bill; view daily activities, menus, and book reservations and shows.
Is Cruising Expensive?
Cruising can actually offer tremendous value when you consider what's included.
Your accommodations, meals, entertainment, transportation between destinations, and countless onboard activities are all bundled into one vacation. When compared to booking hotels, restaurants, entertainment, and transportation separately, many travelers are surprised by how competitive cruise pricing can be.
The key isn't finding the cheapest cruise—it's finding the cruise that offers the best overall value for the type of vacation you're looking for.
What If I Still Don't Know Which Cruise to Choose?
That's completely normal—and it's exactly why I do what I do.
With so many cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and cabin choices available, it can feel overwhelming to compare everything on your own. My role is to simplify that process by learning what you're looking for, explaining your options clearly, and helping you choose the cruise that's the best fit for your vacation.
You don't have to become a cruise expert before you book. That's what I'm here for.
🌊 Why I Love Helping First-Time Cruisers
There's something special about helping someone take their first cruise. I know how overwhelming all the options can feel because I've been there myself. My goal is to simplify the process, answer your questions honestly, and help you book a cruise you'll still be talking about long after you get home.
Ready to Start Planning?
If you're considering your first cruise but aren't sure where to begin, I'd be happy to help.
Together we'll narrow down the options, compare cruise lines and ships, answer your questions, and find the cruise that's the best fit for your travel style, budget, and vacation goals.
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