We've Been on 100 Cruises ā Hereās What We'd Do (and Wouldnāt Do) Again
December 14, 2025
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Planning your first cruise? ā Don't make these costly mistakes! After sailing on over 100 cruises, we're sharing the most common first time cruise mistakes that can ruin your vacationāand exactly how to avoid them.
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Choosing the right cruise line and ship is critical for first-time cruisers. Not all cruise lines are created equalāeach has its own vibe, style, and onboard offerings. We'll help you understand the difference between mainstream, premium, and luxury cruises so you pick the perfect match for your vacation style.
Essential First Time Cruise Tips:
š° Booking Smart - Why using a travel advisor saves you money (plus exclusive perks you can't get booking direct)
š§³ Packing Like a Pro - What to bring, what to leave home, and why overpacking is your enemy
š³ Cashless Systems - How onboard spending really works and setting up your account correctly
āļø Arrival Strategy - Why flying in the same day is risky and how to protect your vacation investment
šļø Cabin Selection - Choosing the right stateroom location to avoid noise and maximize comfort
š¹ Drink Packages - When they're worth it and when you're wasting money
š± Phone Settings - Avoiding $1000+ roaming charges with one simple setting
ā° Ship Time vs Local Time - Why this confuses cruisers and how to never miss your ship
We'll also cover crucial cruise tips for first timers including: when to check in online, why travel insurance is essential, muster drill requirements, exploring the ship efficiently, booking shore excursions strategically, proper tipping etiquette, and mastering disembarkation day.
Don't Learn These Lessons the Hard Way
These cruise mistakes for first time cruisers are completely avoidable when you know what to expect. Whether you're sailing on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian, Princess, Celebrity, or any other cruise line, these tips apply to all cruises.
Ready to plan the perfect first cruise? Watch now to learn from our mistakes so you can be one step ahead of everyone else onboard! Subscribe to Eat Sleep Cruise for more cruise tips, ship reviews, and destination guides to help you sea the world, one port at a time.
Weāve Been On 100 Cruises. Here's What We Wish We Knew Before Our First One
0:00 First Time Cruise Mistakes
0:25 Not All Cruise Lines Are Created Equal
1:32 It is a Cruise Ship, Not a Boat
1:58 Not All Cruises are āLuxuryā
3:15 You Don't Save Money Booking With the Cruise Line
4:20 Packing Too Much
5:30 Certain Items Are Prohibited Onboard
7:05 All Purchases on a Cruise Ship are Cashless
8:35 Fly in the Day Before You Board
9:22 The Right Cruise Cabin Can Make or Break Your Trip
10:45 Complete Your Online Check-In Early
12:10 Not Buying Travel Insurance
13:15 Bring a Day Bay Packed With Essentials on Cruise Boarding Day
14:20 It's Cheaper to Prebook Cruise Add-Ons
15:35 A Drink Package Could Save You Money
16:30 Skipping the Muster Drill is Dangerous
17:20 Explore the Entire Ship On Cruise Boarding Day
18:20 You Donāt Need to Book All Your Tours with the Cruise Line
19:50 You Should Budget Extra for Cruise Gratuities
20:25 Keep Your Cellphone in Airplane Mode Whenever at Sea
21:40 The Shipās Time is Not Always the Same as the Local Time
22:40 The Cruise Line Will Collect Your Luggage for Disembarkation
Questions? Drop them in the commentsāwe respond to every single one!
#firsttimecruiser #CruiseTips #CruiseMistakes #CruiseAdvice #FirstTimeCruiser #CruisePlanning #CruiseHacks #CruiseVacation #CruiseTravel #NewToCruising #CruiseBeginners #RoyalCaribbean #CarnivalCruise #NorwegianCruise #PrincessCruises #CruiseShip #TravelTips #VacationPlanning #cruiselife
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