First Cruise? A Few Things You Might Want to Know

So, you're going on your first cruise!

You've booked the cruise, picked your cabin, and you're probably already thinking about what to pack. But there are lots of little things about cruising that you don't really think about until you're actually onboard.

After quite a few cruises, I've picked up a few tips along the way. Some are practical, some will save you a little aggravation, and some are simply good to know before you sail.

Here are a few things you may not have thought about...

The pool may be saltwater. What’s the difference between a saltwater pool and a chlorine pool? A saltwater pool is still sanitized with chlorine, but the system uses salt to produce the chlorine needed to keep the water clean. The chlorine level is generally lower, so many people find saltwater pools gentler on their skin and swimsuits. Cruise ship pools are treated and maintained for cleanliness, so grab your swimsuit and enjoy!

Download your cruise line’s app before you sail! This is one thing I consider a MUST HAVE. Most cruise lines now have their own app, and it can be useful before you ever leave home. You can complete pre-cruise planning, check in, review your itinerary, make dining or excursion reservations, and keep up with important information about your sailing.

Once onboard, the app becomes your go-to source for just about everything: daily schedules and activities, dining information, deck plans, announcements, reservations, and your shipboard account. Some cruise line apps also offer onboard messaging that works without purchasing a full internet package.

Download the app BEFORE you leave home! Sign in, complete the setup, and spend a few minutes getting familiar with it before your trip. Don’t wait until you’re onboard to figure it out. I’ve seen too many guests spend the beginning of their vacation at the internet help desk trying to learn an app they could have explored at home.

Do it before you go. You’ll be glad you did!

Let’s talk breakfast... and coffee! 

Breakfast in the main dining room is one of my favorite ways to start the day. Yes, you can grab something quickly at the buffet, but if you have the time, go sit down, let somebody bring you coffee, and enjoy breakfast while you’re on vacation! And if your ship offers a Sea Day Brunch, give it a try. Those leisurely mornings at sea are part of the fun.

Also, don’t be afraid to look around the menu a little. There may be things tucked away on the kids’ menu or elsewhere that sound better than anything on the “grown-up” side. I have been known to order the mac & cheese because it is creamy and oh-so-yummy. And yes... there may even be a banana split involved. You are on vacation.

Speaking of coffee... complimentary coffee is available in the buffet and dining venues, although the strength can sometimes be a bit of an adventure all its own! Most ships now also have a specialty coffee shop or café where you can purchase lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, iced coffees and other fancy creations. Depending on your cruise line and beverage package, some specialty coffees may even be included.

My advice? Try them all. Dining room coffee, coffee shop coffee, morning coffee while looking out at the ocean... after all, exploring the ship includes finding your favorite cup of coffee!

Don’t worry about dressing up for dinner the first night. Embarkation day is generally pretty casual, and your luggage may not even have made it to your cabin yet. What you wore onboard that afternoon is usually perfectly fine for dinner.

Do watch for themed nights during your cruise. Depending on the cruise line and sailing, you may see things like White Night, Caribbean Night, or a 60s, 70s or 80s retro night. Participation is completely up to you, but they’re a lot more fun when you know about them before you pack! Check your cruise line’s app or itinerary ahead of time so you can throw that white outfit, tropical shirt or bell-bottoms into the suitcase if you want to join in.

And one more important thing: PIZZA! The buffet doesn’t stay open around the clock, but most ships have at least one place where you can grab something later in the evening. On many ships, that means pizza — sometimes very late or even 24 hours a day. Check your ship’s app for the actual hours. Because sooner or later, somebody is going to want pizza at midnight.

If you’re Southern, prepare yourself: the iced tea is NOT sweet tea. In my experience, cruise ships generally serve unsweetened iced tea, so if you’re expecting a big glass of good Southern sweet tea, you may be in for a surprise. You can add sweetener or mix in a little lemonade to make it more to your liking.

And don’t overlook Afternoon Tea! Some cruise lines offer an afternoon tea service on certain sea days, with hot tea (or cold tea) and little sandwiches, pastries and sweets. It’s a fun change of pace from the usual cruise activities and one of my favorite ways to spend a quiet afternoon at sea. Check your daily schedule or cruise line app to see if it’s offered on your sailing.

Worried about getting seasick? Most people do just fine, and today’s newer cruise ships have excellent stabilizing systems that help reduce the motion you feel onboard. That said, even experienced cruisers can occasionally feel a little queasy, so it doesn’t hurt to come prepared.

There are over-the-counter motion-sickness medications, patches and wristbands available, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist before your trip about what might be right for you. And don’t forget a couple of old cruiser favorites: green apples and ginger! Many cruisers swear by green apples, ginger candy, ginger chews or ginger ale when their stomach feels a little unsettled.

And if you do become ill or simply aren’t sure what to do, cruise ships have an onboard medical center staffed by qualified medical professionals. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you need it. Chances are you’ll find your sea legs quickly and wonder what you were worried about in the first place.

Keep track of SHIP TIME! Your cabin may not have a clock, and clocks can be surprisingly hard to find around the ship. But cruising runs on a schedule: dinner, shows, activities, excursions, and most importantly, the time you need to be back onboard!

Wear a watch or keep your phone handy, and always make sure you know what time the ship says it is (usually found on the app). Your phone may automatically change to local time when you arrive in port, and that may not be the same as ship time.

Always stay on SHIP TIME. The ship will not wait because your phone changed time zones — and watching your ship sail away without you is NOT the excursion you booked!

Put your phone in Airplane Mode and leave it there! Once you're onboard, you do NOT want your phone quietly connecting to cellular service at sea and surprising you later with roaming charges. I know this to be a fact! 

If you want to stay connected, cruise lines offer Wi-Fi packages for everything from messaging and social media to more extensive internet use. They can be expensive onboard, so check the packages and prices before you sail and decide how connected you really need to be. Different packages allow different types of access, depending on the cruise line.

Remember, your cruise line’s app can generally be used onboard without purchasing an internet package, and some cruise apps include a messaging or chat feature as well.

Airplane Mode ON. Wi-Fi ON when you need it. Cellular service OFF. Then enjoy your cruise without bringing home a souvenir from your cell phone company! ​

Save some suitcase space and pre-order! Many cruise lines allow you to purchase bottled water, sodas, snacks and other beverages before your cruise and have them waiting for you onboard.

Check your cruise line’s website or app before sailing to see what’s available.

You may also be allowed to bring certain beverages onboard with you, but the rules vary by cruise line and can change, so always check the current policy before you pack.

And here’s the important part: if your cruise line allows you to bring beverages onboard, they generally need to be in your CARRY-ON — not your checked luggage. Putting them in your checked bag can result in the items being removed and your luggage being delayed while security inspects it.

Ask me how I know.  Let’s just say one of my guests helped me learn that lesson so you don’t have to!

Dress up... if you want to! Most cruises have at least one evening when guests are invited to dress a little nicer for dinner. Depending on the cruise line, you may hear it called Elegant Night, Formal Night, Dress Your Best, Chic Night or something similar.

You’ll see everything from nice slacks and a pretty top to cocktail dresses, suits, jackets and occasionally someone who decided this was their moment to go ALL OUT. Have fun with it!

You do not need to buy a ball gown or rent a tuxedo unless that sounds like fun to you.

On other evenings, cruise casual is usually just fine. Each cruise line has its own guidelines for what is appropriate in the main dining room and specialty restaurants, so check your cruise line’s app for the specifics.

My advice? Pack something that makes you feel good, take a few pictures, and enjoy the evening. You’re on a cruise!

Your cabin has more storage than you think! The hanging shoe organizer trick has been around for years, but it still works. Hang one over the bathroom or closet door and those little pockets are great for toiletries, sunscreen, brushes and all the small things that otherwise end up scattered across the counter. Just be sure whatever you use won’t scratch or damage the door.

Here’s another trick first-time cruisers may not know: many of the walls in your cabin are metal and magnets will stick to them! I bring magnetic hooks and use them for lanyards, hats, lightweight bags and other things I want handy. Magnetic clips are also great for keeping schedules, excursion tickets or reminders where you can see them.

Cruise cabins aren’t huge, but a little organization makes them feel a whole lot bigger.

Let’s talk about plugging everything in! 

Newer cruise ships usually have more electrical outlets and USB charging ports than older ships, but depending on your cabin and the number of devices you bring, you may still find yourself wishing for another place to plug something in.

If you want to bring a multi-port charger or other charging device, check your cruise line’s current prohibited-items policy before you pack it. Surge protectors, extension cords and certain power strips may not be permitted onboard and can be confiscated at security.

One of my favorite solutions is a simple multi-port USB charger that lets me charge several devices from one outlet without bringing a traditional power strip. And remember, phones aren’t the only things competing for an outlet anymore — watches, tablets, cameras and all those other little travel gadgets need charging too.

Check the rules before you pack, and bring only cruise-line-approved charging equipment. Nobody wants their vacation electronics looking like that GIF!