Planning your first cruise? Good news: cruising is one of the simplest ways to travel. Your hotel moves with you, most meals are included, and every evening brings something new. Here is what first-time cruisers ask us most, and how to get it right.
1. Choose the right length and itinerary
If you are not sure cruising is for you, a three- to five-night cruise to the Bahamas, Mexico or the Caribbean is an easy way to try it. If you already know you love the idea, a seven-night cruise gives you time to settle in and enjoy several ports. Popular first cruises sail from Miami, Port Canaveral, Galveston and Long Beach.
2. Know what is included, and what is not
| Usually included | Usually extra |
|---|---|
| Your cabin | Specialty restaurants |
| Main dining room and buffet | Alcohol, soda and specialty coffee |
| Pools, gym and most activities | Shore excursions |
| Evening shows and entertainment | Wi-Fi and spa treatments |
| Kids’ clubs on most mainstream lines | Daily gratuities or service charges |
Luxury lines often include much more, such as drinks, gratuities and Wi-Fi. Policies vary by line and fare, so we always confirm exactly what your fare includes.
3. Pick the right cabin
Inside cabins are the best value, oceanview cabins add a window, and balcony cabins give you private outdoor space. If you are worried about seasickness, choose a cabin on a lower deck near the middle of the ship, where you feel the least motion. Our guide to choosing a cruise cabin explains the options.
4. Get your documents in order
A valid passport is the simplest choice for any cruise. On closed-loop cruises, which start and end at the same U.S. port, U.S. citizens can often travel with an official birth certificate and a government-issued photo ID instead. A passport is still recommended, because you will need one to fly home from a foreign port if something goes wrong. Check our passport information page and the cruise line’s rules for your sailing.
5. Plan embarkation day
- Arrive the day before if you are flying. The ship will not wait for a delayed flight.
- Complete online check-in in the cruise line’s app or website before you go.
- Pack a small day bag with medicines, documents, swimwear and a change of clothes. Your checked luggage may not reach your cabin until the evening.
- Attend the safety briefing. Many lines now let you watch it on your phone or TV and check in at your muster station.
6. Think about extras before you sail
Popular shore excursions and specialty restaurants can sell out, so book the ones you care about in advance. Consider travel protection, too. It can cover medical emergencies, missed connections and cancellations, which a cruise fare alone does not.
7. Budget for the onboard account
Ships are cashless. You link a card at check-in, and drinks, gratuities and extras go on your onboard account. Set a rough budget and check your account in the app during the cruise so there are no surprises.
Ready to plan? Request a quote and tell us what you have in mind, or ask us to call you.
