Your First Cruise Expectations vs Reality: What TikTok Never Shows You

Your first cruise will not look like that perfect 30-second TikTok. 😅 In this video, Adam & Mary from Holletts At Sea get brutally honest about first cruise expectations vs reality and what social media never shows you. If you’re picturing peaceful embarkation, empty pools, glamorous dinners every night, and zero stress… we need to talk. We cover: • ✅ Embarkation Day: expectation of smooth sailing vs real lines, waiting & “where is my cabin?” • ✅ Pool Days: quiet loungers vs chair hogs, cannonballs, and surprise sunburns • ✅ Dining: elegant dinners every night vs buffet in your “I give up” shirt • ✅ Schedules: “I’ll wake up early and do everything!” vs naps, FOMO & missed shows • ✅ Stress: dreaming of zero worries vs still thinking about money, time, kids & motion This isn’t a “cruises are terrible” rant. We love cruising. We just want first-time cruisers to know what actually happens onboard so you can enjoy the messy, real version instead of chasing an impossible highlight reel. 👇 COMMENT: What’s one expectation you had before your first cruise that turned out completely wrong? #CruiseTips #FirstCruise #CruiseExpectationsVsReality #HollettsAtSea #CruiseLife #CruiseVlog #FirstTimeCruiser #cruise 🛍️ Amazon Store: https://www.amazon.com/shop/hollettsatsea 📩 FREE Cruise Packing List: https://hollettsatsea.com/get-your-free-cruise-packing-list/ 📖 Get our ULTIMATE Cruise Guide: https://hollettsatsea.com/product/the-ultimate-cruise-guide-journal-by-holletts-at-sea-expert-tips-packing-lists-hidden-hacks-printable-journal/ 🎽 Shop Funny Cruise Shirts: https://hollettsatsea.com/fun-cruise-shirts/ ⛴️ Shop Our Cruise Essentials: https://hollettsatsea.com/cruise-essentials/ 📺 More Cruise Tips & Reviews: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGMbJr8rPOcJDo_5rUz5O-U7Dyil3jAVB 👉 Need to regulate your body temperature? Get Personal Temperature Control: https://embr-labs.myshopify.com/?rfsn=8847400.f5f94b&utm_source=refersion&utm_medium=affiliate&utm_campaign=8847400.f5f94b 📲 Have an unlocked phone? Want a cheaper alternative to stay connected at sea? GigSky: https://plans.gigsky.com/3DCFHG/2CTPL/ 🛳️ Best Prices On Shore Excursions: http://www.shoreexcursionsgroup.com/?id=1777105&data=hollettsatsea@gmail.com ⸻ 🚢 *If you’re over 40 and want to build a YouTube channel or jumpstart retirement travel, here are the exact courses I took* (affiliate links): ► YouTube Course: https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/courses/youtube-after-40?ref=368eb7 ► Retirement Travel Jumpstart Course: https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/courses/retirement-travel-jumpstart?ref=368eb7 ► Bundle (Best Value): https://groundedlife.thinkific.com/bundles/retirement-travel-jumpstart-youtube-after-40?ref=368eb7 ⸻ 🥂 Support the Cruise Dream Love our content? You can help us cruise full-time! ☕ Buy us a coffee: coff.ee/HollettsAtSea *Business inquiries & media: please contact Adam or Mary at hollettsatsea@gmail.com Please note we do not sell cruises on Hollett’s At Sea. This and all other videos are for entertainment purposes only. We share our own opinions, personal experiences and information with other cruise travelers, which we hope can be helpful. Please contact your travel agent or the cruise line directly for advice and any information specific to your booking. If you leave a comment we will try our best to answer. (As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you!)