10 Things You Should *Never* Do on a Cruise, According to Someone Who's Been on 8 Ships

On my second cruise, I made the mistake of not booking any shore excursions. I thought, ‘I can do it on the ship, it’ll be fine.’ But once I stepped on the ship and tried to book my desired activity, I was disappointed to find horseback riding was completely booked for the entire trip. So if you’re looking to do something specific (some whale watching perhaps?), don’t wait until you get on board. As soon as you book your cruise, their website often lets people purchase excursions at least 60 to 90 days in advance. Most cruise lines would also let you know closer to your trip, which ones aren’t available anymore. As for trying out third party vendors, I strongly suggest sticking with the cruise lines since they guarantee you will get back on the ship regardless of any delays. 

2. Don’t Pick a Cruise Based On One Port

Sometimes itineraries can change, so don’t be married to just one port on your trip. On the first cruise I booked, I was thrilled that Puerto Rico was on the itinerary. However, a month before boarding the island’s recent hurricanes forced the cruise line to change plans. So my advice is to be prepared for changes since you can’t control the weather.

Some travelers might disagree with this tip, especially when many cruise lines offer a flight and cruise bundle, along with a shuttle to the port. However, I find that arriving a day before my cruise gives me peace of mind and plenty of time to get on the ship the next day without fear of missing the boat…literally. Try to factor flight delays, traffic or sleeping past alarms. The last thing you want to do is miss your cruise.

The same applies for the returning leg of your trip. On the last day of your cruise, I recommend booking a flight for the afternoon or nighttime. While most cruises arrive to the port in the morning, you should still account for going through custom and/or disembarkation processes. Although you may be given a time slot to leave the ship, anything can change, so give yourself ample time to head to the airport. 

4. Don't Pack Only for Poolside Activities

Speaking of weather…it doesn’t hurt to pack a light jacket. Or, if you’re looking to do some ice skating on a Royal Caribbean ship, it’s required to wear long pants, so pack some of those, too. Most ships even have specialty restaurants and specific formal nights, so your flip flops and cover up is not going to make the cut. Luckily, I made a helpful guide on what to wear on a cruise to make packing a little easier. 

Fun fact: A ship can’t leave until all passengers have done the muster drill, so don’t be that person. Before you hit the buffet, or even before getting on the ship, make sure you complete the muster drill—and it’s not optional, folks. The muster drill is for passengers to learn about the emergency procedures, like how to put on a life jacket and where your meet-up location is. It may seem tedious, but it’s crucial to know the protocols in case something happens. Whether it’s from a live instructor or a video, it only takes a few minutes. You'll receive instructions via email or the cruise line's app before your trip and you can complete it anytime before the ship is ready to sail. So get this done and then the fun can begin. I almost missed a muster drill and got a letter in my room that it needed to be completed.

6. Don’t Wait to Enjoy Amenities

Once you book your cruise, you'll receive an email to choose a time slot to check in and go on board. I suggest getting the earliest boarding time, so you can drop off your luggage with the staff and start enjoying your vacation. What is the first thing to do on a cruise? Chances are your rooms aren’t ready yet, so why not spend some time relaxing instead? I like grabbing a drink and snacking by the pool. The buffet is typically a hot spot, so anywhere that I can grab a quick slice of pizza or a burger works to avoid the rush.

I also find it’s helpful to pack a change of clothes and a swimsuit in my carry-on, so I’m ready to dip in the pool for a bit. If it starts feeling a bit too crowded in the lido deck, consider a self-guided tour starting on the top floor of the ship. There’s no way you’re going to remember everything (even after a week it’s nearly impossible), but it’ll be nice to familiarize yourself with the restaurants, activities and venues around the ship. 

Look, the internet packages are expensive, and even if you have one, high-speed coverage can be undependable. Unless WiFi is included in your package, I would skip and just enjoy the vacation phone-free. Honestly it’s been nice to unplug and use my phone only to take photos. Though if you need your Insta fix, I personally found some phone companies, like T-Mobile, that work in most ports. But again, it’s not always going to be reliable during vacation. 

8. Don’t Disregard the Daily Programs

My favorite thing is heading back to my room after a long day and seeing a new daily program waiting for me. This large pamphlet has everything that will be happening around the ship. You’ll find all the activities (like trivia and game nights), evening shows, drinks of the day and even times of all the restaurants/attractions. I always have this handy to plan my day and make sure I’m hitting all the spots. If you’re not keen on holding a paper around all day, most cruise lines also have it on their app or on screens near the elevator. Let the daily programs be your guide to a fun-filled week. 

I can’t be the only one that watches videos of people running down the gangway just as their ship sails away without them. Don’t run the risk of missing your cruise and getting stuck at a port. Consider walking back to the ship at least an hour (heck, an hour and a half) before it leaves. Simply put: Give yourself enough time to return to the ship, because yes, they will leave you. 

10. Don't Assume All Cruise Lines Are the Same

Although most cruise lines follow the same protocols, they all have unique activities, amenities and ports. I’ve been on four different cruise lines and I’ve learned some ships are best for families, while others are great for adults. The layouts, food and events are also strikingly different. So while you might pack the same, grab an early flight or enjoy time near a pool, don’t assume they will provide the same experience. 

People tend to overlook the drinking package. Don't be like that! Even if you're not into booze, there are beverage packages that include things beyond alcohol. If you need your daily dose of Coca Cola or chai latte, look for an unlimited packages that includes those things. And you should note: On most cruises, everyone in your cabin is subject to the same drinking package. 

Finally, not all amenities are included in every package. Whether you want to relax at the spa, take a fitness class or indulge in premium ice cream, these special amenities are usually not included in your package and will be an extra charge. Overall, do your research and follow these tips and you’ll be a seasoned cruiser in no time.