If you’re planning your first cruise, save yourself the rookie mistakes by reading this first.
Booking your first cruise? I know the excitement, and maybe a little bit of the panic. When I set sail for the very first time on Royal Caribbean’s Vision of the Seas, I was clueless about how the cruising world actually worked. While it turned out to be an amazing trip (hello Bermuda and birthday celebrations!), I definitely learned a few things the hard way.
This guide is to help you learn from my mistakes so your vacation can be that much more enjoyable!
Here are the top 10 things I wish I knew before my first cruise:
1. How Big Our Room Actually Was
Let me save you the shock: cruise cabins are small. Like, really small. I knew they’d be compact, but I still overestimated how much space we’d have. My checked bag alone took up half the walking area. Only pack the essentials—and not much else. Keep things tidy by doing a nightly tidy-up.
Pro Tip: Unpack when you arrive and tuck your suitcase under the bed to keep things tidy and make the space feel bigger.
2. How To Pack
You will bring too much. Cruise wear is casual by day, resort chic by night. This was a 7 day trip for me and I checked a bag. I am here to tell you that I, Taylor Onze, could have fit everything needed into a single carryon. I didn’t even touch half of my suitcase. I’ve gotten my toiletry bag and shows down on lock but the clothing is where I went wrong here. I had three cute dinner outfits that I never even wore. Why? Becasues I packed a dress for eachnight and wore those. During the day all I wore were bathing suits and beach coverups and other than that I just wore PJ’s, and something light and flowy in the morning for breakfast/ lounging. You do not need 4 different options, try your clothes on beforehand and plan it out.
Pro Tip: Bring wrinkle release spray. You can’t bring a steamer so we used a curling iron to de-wrinkle our formal dresses… desperate times…
3. To Book Everything Beforehand
If you’re thinking of getting a massage, booking an excursion, or purchasing WiFi, do it before you board the ship. I made the bold choice of telling myself I wouldn’t need Wifi so I decided not to get it… I made it 24 hours and gave in (for a way higher price). Cruises charge so much more if you are booking things last minute (and they might even be fully booked). And don’t forget, it’s not all included. Your cruise fare covers lodging, entertainment, and basic dining—but the specialty dining, spa treatments, Wi-Fi, and tips? Not free. Purchase these beforehand and it will save you money.
Pro Tip: Budget accordingly and be honest with yourself or prepare for sticker shock on your final invoice (like myself).
4. Your SeaPass Is Your Lifeline
Your SeaPass card (or whatever your cruise line calls it) is basically your everything on board—your room key, your credit card, and your ID. You need it for everything from buying a latte to getting back on the ship after excursions. I didn’t realize just how much I’d rely on that little card until I almost left it in the cabin one day.
Pro Tip: Bring a lanyard or a secure card holder so you don’t lose it—it’ll save you so much stress.
5. Not To Ignore The Daily Newsletter (aka Cruise Compass)
The app tells you everything—activity times, dress codes, show schedules, and even your excursion times. All the information you need is on their app, I highly recommend using it and checking it. They have an option to plan your itinerary throughout your stay
Pro Tip: Make checking it a daily ritual—it’s your onboard bible.
6. Pack a Carry-On With Pool Things For The First Day
One thing I didn’t realize: your checked luggage doesn’t magically appear in your cabin when you board. It usually gets delivered by late afternoon (ours showed up around 2pm). If you’re planning to hit the pool or explore the ship right away, you’ll want your swimsuit, sunscreen, and anything else you need in a carry-on bag.
Pro Tip: Keep a small tote with your essentials—bathing suit, sunglasses, meds, and a change of clothes—so you’re not stuck waiting for your suitcase.
7. The Decks Get Crowded Fast
If you want a good pool chair or a shady spot, you’ve got to be strategic. By mid-morning, every lounger is claimed with a towel (even if no one’s actually using it). It becomes a bit of a chair war.
Pro Tip: Go early if you’re planning a pool day. Some people head up right after breakfast to snag a spot.
8. Overlooking the Need for Motion Sickness Prep
I didn’t think I’d get seasick—and I didn’t—but a few family members did on rougher nights. It’s better to be prepared just in case. Patches, ginger chews, or Dramamine can make all the difference.
Pro Tip: Pack a small “just in case” kit with meds, bandaids, and electrolytes.
9. The Power Outlet Situation
There are usually only 1–2 outlets in the whole cabin. With everyone needing to charge phones, tablets, and cameras, this becomes a daily struggle.
Pro Tip: Bring a non-surge protected power strip or USB hub.
10. It’s Hard To Do It ALL
There’s SO much to do on a cruise—shows, games, dance classes, parties, excursions. But trying to do it all will burn you out. Some of our favorite moments came from just laying on the deck or ordering room service and watching the sunset.
Pro Tip: Pick your top “must-dos” each day and let the rest go.
Bonus:
11. Going in a Big Group Makes It THAT Much More Fun
I truly believe cruises are even better with a crowd. Whether it’s family, friends, or a mix of both, having a group means you always have someone to grab a late-night snack with, split excursions, or just hang out by the pool. Some of my favorite memories were all of us getting dressed up for formal night or dancing at the themed parties together.
Pro Tip: If you can, plan with a group—just be sure to book dinner reservations and excursions early so you can all stick together.
12. Your Cruise Friends Are Now Your Best Friends You’ll Probably Never See Again
Something no one told me: you’ll meet the sweetest people on your cruise—at dinner, on excursions, or in line for coffee—and by day two, it feels like you’ve known them forever. You’ll laugh, trade stories, maybe even dance together at the white party…and then everyone goes home to different corners of the world. It’s the most bittersweet part of cruising.
Pro Tip: If you really click with someone, swap contact info early so you don’t lose touch when you disembark.
Whether you’re counting down to your first cruise or just dreaming about setting sail someday, I hope these tips help you cruise smarter, stress less, and soak up every moment at sea. Cruising really can be the trip of a lifetime, and a little planning goes a long way toward making it unforgettable (for all the right reasons).
If you found this guide helpful, stick around—there’s so much more to come. On my Patreon, I share even more travel secrets, content guides, my journey as a business owner, and behind-the-scenes information you won’t find anywhere else. I’d love to have you there as part of this little-loving community.
Here’s to smooth seas, endless sunsets, and your next adventure, wherever it may take you.
TAYLOR ONZE 