First Time Cruise Tips: What You Need to Know Before Your First Cruise

If you’re looking for first time cruise tips, the most important thing to know is that cruising feels different from a normal hotel holiday.

You’re not just booking a room somewhere. You’re choosing a ship, cabin, dining style, itinerary, drinks options, excursions, arrival time, and sometimes even your entertainment before the cruise has started.

Then once you board, everything happens quickly.

You need to complete your muster drill, find your cabin, understand how dining works, check what’s included, get your bearings around the ship, and still somehow relax into the holiday. That’s why it helps to understand the basics before your first sailing.

Most first cruise mistakes aren’t huge disasters. They’re usually small things that catch people out because cruising works differently from other types of holidays.

This guide walks through the main first time cruise tips to know before you sail, including embarkation day, packing, dining, drinks, cabins, port days, tender ports, sea days, Wi-Fi, money, and the common mistakes first-time cruisers make.

Watch: Cruise Mistakes to Avoid Before Your First Sailing

Planning your first cruise is much easier when you know the common mistakes to avoid.

This video focuses on P and O Cruises, but many of the points also apply to first-time cruisers on other cruise lines too, especially around embarkation day, packing, dining, cabin choice, budgeting, sea days and disembarkation.

Watch the full video below before we go through the main first-time cruise tips in more detail.

Don’t Treat Embarkation Day Like a Normal Hotel Check-In

Liberty of the Seas and P&O Ventura docked in Lisbon cruise port for a first time cruise tips guide
Seeing ships like Liberty of the Seas and P&O Ventura in port is one of the exciting parts of a first cruise, but it helps to know how embarkation, port days and cruise planning work before you sail

Embarkation day is where your cruise really begins, and it works differently from arriving at a hotel. You’ll usually be given an arrival time before you travel. This is designed to spread passengers through the terminal, so not everyone turns up at once.

In most cases, it’s best to stick to the time you’re given. If you arrive too early, you may be asked to wait until your group is called. At the same time, boarding doesn’t always run exactly to schedule, so it helps to be prepared for both a quick boarding process and a slower one.

Before you board, you’ll usually drop off your main luggage, go through security, check in, and then make your way onto the ship.

Once onboard, there are a few things to do fairly quickly. You’ll need to complete your muster drill, check where your cabin is, pick up your cruise card if it isn’t handed to you at check-in, and start getting familiar with the ship.

The mistake many first-time cruisers make is thinking they need to understand everything immediately. You don’t.

Embarkation day can feel busy because everyone is boarding, exploring and trying to work things out at the same time. The best approach is to do the essentials first, then slow down.

Complete your muster drill, find your cabin area, get something to eat, check the daily schedule, and then start exploring the ship properly. You have the whole cruise ahead of you.

Pack for the First Few Hours Onboard

Packed suitcase for a first time cruise tips guide with advice on what to bring before your first cruise
Packing properly before your first cruise helps make embarkation day easier, especially if your main luggage takes a few hours to reach your cabin

One of the easiest ways to make embarkation day better is to pack your hand luggage properly. Your main suitcase may not arrive outside your cabin straight away. On busy turnaround days, it can take several hours for luggage to be delivered.

That means anything you need for the first part of the day should stay with you. Keep your passport, boarding documents, medication, valuables, phone, charger, swimwear, sun cream, glasses, contact lenses and any essentials in your hand luggage.

If you want to use the pool, spa, gym or hot tubs as soon as you board, pack accordingly.

This is one of those first-time cruise tips that sounds small, but makes a big difference. While some passengers are already exploring the ship or sitting by the pool, others are stuck waiting for a suitcase because everything they need is inside it.

It’s also worth keeping a change of clothes with you, especially if you’ve travelled a long way to reach the ship. Embarkation day is much easier when you’re not relying on your main case appearing immediately.

Understand What’s Included Before You Sail

Main theatre show on Independence of the Seas included in your cruise fare for a first time cruise tips guide
Theatre shows are one of the things usually included in your cruise fare, which is worth knowing when planning your first cruise

One of the biggest questions first-time cruisers ask is what’s actually included in a cruise fare. The answer depends on the cruise line, but most cruises include your accommodation, main dining rooms, buffet, some casual food venues, many entertainment options, pools, lounges, and general use of the ship.

That’s why cruising can feel good value once you understand what’s included. But not everything onboard is free. Drinks, speciality restaurants, Wi-Fi, shore excursions, spa treatments, photos, some activities, room service, gratuities and private areas may cost extra depending on the cruise line.

This is where first-time cruisers can get caught out. It’s easy to assume that once the cruise is paid for, everything else is included. In reality, cruise ships are full of optional extras.

You don’t need to buy all of them, and you definitely don’t need to spend heavily to enjoy your cruise. But you do need to know what’s included before you board, so you can budget properly and avoid surprises.

A good first step is to check your cruise line’s website or app before you travel. Look at dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and excursions so you know what’s included and what costs extra.

Learn How Dining Works on Your Ship

Main dining room meal on P&O Iona for a first time cruise tips guide explaining how cruise dining works
Main dining room meals are usually included in your cruise fare, and understanding how dining works is one of the most useful first time cruise tips

Cruise dining is one of the areas that confuses first-time cruisers most. That’s because every cruise line does it slightly differently.

Most ships have main dining rooms, a buffet, casual food venues, and speciality restaurants. The main dining rooms and buffet are usually included, while speciality restaurants normally cost extra.

Some cruise lines use fixed dining, where you eat at the same time each evening, often at the same table. Others use flexible dining, where you choose when to eat each night. Some ships offer a mixture of both.

Before your cruise, check how dining works on your ship. Can you book dining before you sail? Do you need to reserve shows separately? Are speciality restaurants available to book in advance? Do you need to join a virtual queue once onboard?

These details matter because popular dining times and restaurants can fill up quickly, especially on sea days and formal nights.

If you’re a first-time cruiser, it’s worth making a few bookings early, but also keeping an open mind once you’re onboard.

People change plans during the cruise. Reservations open up. Venues that look fully booked before you sail may suddenly have space during the week. The main thing is not to leave everything until the last minute.

Try the included dining options first as well. Many first-time cruisers assume the best food must be in the paid restaurants, but that isn’t always the case. On many ships, the main dining room, buffet and casual venues are more than enough for most of the cruise.

Don’t Assume You Need a Drinks Package

Cocktail from the drinks package on MSC Poesia pool deck for a first time cruise tips guide
Drinks packages can be useful on a cruise, but they’re not automatically worth it for everyone, so it helps to check prices and what’s included before you sail

Drinks packages are one of the most searched cruise topics, and it’s easy to see why. First-time cruisers often want to know whether drinks are included, whether a package is worth it, and how much they’re likely to spend onboard. But the answer depends on the cruise line and how you personally cruise.

Some fares include drinks as part of a package. Others include basic drinks like water, tea, coffee and some juices, but charge extra for alcohol, soft drinks, speciality coffees, bottled water and cocktails.

A drinks package can be useful if you like the simplicity of knowing most of your drinks are already covered. But it isn’t automatically worth it for everyone.

You need to think about how many drinks you’ll realistically have each day, how many sea days are on your itinerary, how much time you’ll spend ashore, and whether the package includes the drinks you actually want.

It’s also important to check the rules. Some cruise lines require all adults in the same cabin to buy a package. Some have daily limits. Some exclude certain drinks, bottles of wine, premium brands or room service.

The mistake is buying a drinks package just because other people say it’s worth it. It might be perfect for one person and a waste of money for someone else.

If you’re unsure, look at your cruise line’s drinks menu before you sail and do a rough calculation. That will tell you far more than guessing.

Don’t Worry Too Much About What to Wear

Formal night on P&O Iona for a first time cruise tips guide explaining what to wear on a cruise
Formal nights can feel confusing before your first cruise, but most ships are more relaxed than people expect once you understand the dress code

What to wear on a cruise is another question that worries first-time cruisers more than it needs to. During the day, most cruises are casual. Around the ship, people usually wear normal holiday clothes, swimwear around the pool, and comfortable shoes for walking around.

For port days, you’ll want clothes that suit the weather and the destination. Comfortable shoes matter more than anything if you’re walking around cities, old towns, beaches or cobbled streets.

Evenings are where people tend to worry. Most cruise lines have some kind of evening dress code, but it’s usually more relaxed than first-time cruisers expect. Smart casual is enough for many nights on many ships.

Formal nights, gala nights or celebration nights are different. Some passengers dress up properly, while others keep it simple with a dress, shirt, smart trousers or something they feel comfortable wearing. You don’t have to overthink it, but you should check your cruise line’s dress code before you pack.

It’s also worth checking whether your sailing has theme nights, white nights or formal nights showing in the app before you travel. That way, you can plan ahead without packing far too much.

A light layer is useful too. Even on warm itineraries, theatres, lounges and restaurants can feel cooler than expected because of the air conditioning.

Choose Your Cabin Carefully

Balcony cabin on Liberty of the Seas Deck 8 for a first time cruise tips guide explaining cabin choice
Choosing the right cabin is one of the most useful first time cruise tips, because location, noise, movement and balcony privacy can all affect your cruise

Your cabin can make a big difference to your cruise, especially if it’s your first time. The main cabin types are inside cabins, ocean view cabins, balcony cabins and suites. Some ships also have solo cabins, family cabins, accessible cabins and connecting cabins.

Inside cabins are usually the cheapest. They don’t have a window, but they can work well if you don’t spend much time in your room. Ocean view cabins give you natural light and a view, but no outside space.

Balcony cabins are popular because you get your own private outdoor area. They’re lovely on scenic itineraries, warm weather cruises and longer sailings, but they aren’t always essential.

Suites give you more space and often extra perks, but they cost more.

The mistake is focusing only on the cabin type and not the location. Cabins near lifts can be convenient, but sometimes busier. Cabins above or below theatres, nightclubs, pool decks, bars, restaurants or buffet areas may be noisier.

If you’re worried about movement, a lower deck and midship location usually feels more stable than a high forward cabin.

If you book a guarantee cabin, the cruise line chooses the exact cabin for you. This can be good value, but you have less control over location.

For a first cruise, think carefully about what matters most to you. Do you want quiet? Easy access to lifts? A lower price? A balcony? Less movement? A cabin close to certain venues?

There isn’t one perfect cabin for everyone. The best cabin is the one that suits how you cruise.

Learn How to Find Your Way Around

Cruise ships can feel confusing at first, especially larger ships with multiple decks, restaurants, lounges, theatres, bars and pool areas. On embarkation day, it’s completely normal to feel like you don’t know where anything is. The mistake is not taking time to understand the layout.

Most ships have patterns that make navigation easier. Lift areas, deck plans, signs, artwork, carpet colours and app maps can all help you work out where you are.

A good first-day habit is to walk the ship from front to back on a few key decks. Find your cabin, the main dining room, buffet, theatre, reception, pool deck, medical centre and the venues you’re most likely to use.

You don’t need to know every corner of the ship on day one, but getting your bearings early makes the rest of the cruise much easier. If your cruise line has an app, use the deck plans. Many show venue locations, opening times and sometimes directions.

And don’t be embarrassed about getting lost. Everyone does it at some point.

Use the Cruise Line App Early

Royal Caribbean app on a mobile phone for a first time cruise tips guide explaining cruise planning before you sail
Cruise line apps are useful before and during your cruise, helping with check-in, daily schedules, dining, entertainment and onboard spending

Most cruise lines now rely heavily on their app or onboard web system. You may use it for check-in, boarding passes, safety videos, dining reservations, entertainment bookings, daily schedules, account balances, deck plans, excursion tickets, messages and menus.

Some ships still provide printed daily planners, but apps are becoming much more central to how cruise holidays work.The mistake is ignoring the app until you need it.

It’s worth downloading it before you travel, logging in if required, and checking what you can do before boarding. Once onboard, connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi system and open the app early. Even if you haven’t bought an internet package, cruise line apps often work on the ship’s internal Wi-Fi.

This can help you book dining, check show times, see what’s happening each day and keep track of spending. If you’re not confident using the app, ask the crew early in the cruise. It’s much better to sort it out on day one than feel frustrated later.

Plan Your Port Days Before You Arrive

Civitavecchia cruise port from Sky Princess for a first time cruise tips guide about planning port days before you sail
Some cruise ports, like Civitavecchia for Rome, need more planning because the main destination is some distance from where the ship docks

Port days are one of the best parts of cruising, but they need a bit of planning. Some cruise ports are easy. You can walk off the ship and be in the town or city within minutes.

Others are more complicated. The cruise port may be far from the main destination, or you may need a shuttle bus, taxi, train or organised excursion. This is where first-time cruisers can make mistakes.

For example, Barcelona is the kind of port where many passengers can explore independently, depending on where the ship docks and what they want to do.

But ports for Rome or Florence are different. Civitavecchia is the port for Rome, and Livorno is often used for Florence and Pisa. In both cases, the main city is some distance from the ship, so you need to think carefully about transport, timing and how much you want to fit into the day.

There are three main ways to explore a cruise port. You can book a cruise line excursion, book an independent excursion, or explore alone.

Cruise line excursions are often more expensive, but they can feel simpler, especially if the destination is far from the port or you’re nervous about timings.

Independent excursions can offer good value and smaller groups, but you need to check meeting points, timings and cancellation terms carefully.

Exploring alone can be brilliant in walkable ports, but you need to understand where the ship docks, how far things are, and what time you need to be back.

The key is not to leave port planning until you arrive. Even a small amount of research before you sail can make your day ashore much easier.

Take Tender Ports Seriously

Tender boat at Falmouth cruise port taking passengers ashore
Falmouth is a tender port for most larger cruise ships, with passengers brought ashore by tender boat

Not every cruise ship docks directly at the pier. In some ports, the ship anchors offshore and passengers are taken ashore by smaller boats. These are called tender ports.

Tender ports can be beautiful, but they work differently from normal docked ports. You may need a tender ticket or allocated tender time. The journey ashore can take a while. Queues can build up at busy times. Weather and sea conditions can also affect the process.

This matters if you’re planning an independent excursion. You need to allow time to get off the ship, reach your meeting point, enjoy your day, get back to the tender pier, and return to the ship before the final tender. First-time cruisers sometimes underestimate how long this can take.

Tendering itself is usually straightforward, but it can make the day feel more time-sensitive. If you’re visiting a tender port, check the ship’s instructions carefully the day before. Look at the first tender time, last tender time, whether tickets are needed, and how long the tender ride is likely to take. Tender ports aren’t something to worry about, but they are something to plan properly.

Pay Attention to All-Aboard Time

One of the most important cruise rules is all-aboard time. This is the time you need to be back on the ship before it leaves port. It’ss not the same as the ship’s departure time. All-aboard is usually earlier, and that is the time passengers need to follow.

If you’re on a cruise line excursion and it runs late, the ship will usually know where you are and make arrangements. That’s one reason many first-time cruisers choose ship excursions in more complicated ports.

If you’re exploring independently, you’re responsible for getting back on time. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t explore independently. Many ports are very easy to do yourself. But you do need to be realistic.

Leave plenty of time. Don’t plan to return at the last possible minute. Think about traffic, queues, taxis, trains, tenders and the distance back to the ship. Being back early is far better than watching the ship sail away without you.

Budget for the Extras

Meal in The Epicurean on P&O Britannia which costs extra for a first time cruise tips guide
The Epicurean is Britannia’s fine dining restaurant and one of the extra-cost P&O Britannia speciality dining options

Cruising can be good value, but it’s easy to spend more than expected if you don’t plan ahead. Even when a lot is included, small extras can build up.

Drinks, coffees, bottled water, Wi-Fi, speciality dining, shore excursions, spa treatments, taxis, photos, shops, casino spending, room service and activities can all add to your onboard account.

You don’t need to avoid all extras. In fact, budgeting for a few things you really want can make the cruise more enjoyable.The problem is not knowing what they’ll cost.

Before you sail, look at the extras that matter to you. Check drinks prices, Wi-Fi packages, excursion costs, speciality dining prices and whether gratuities are included or added separately.

Once onboard, keep an eye on your account through the app or reception. That way, you can enjoy the cruise without waiting until the last night to discover what you’ve spent.

Don’t Try to Do Everything

First-time cruisers often feel pressure to do everything. Every show, every restaurant, every bar, every activity, every port, every sailaway, every quiz, every deck and every photo spot. It’s understandable. A cruise ship has so much going on that you don’t want to miss anything.

But trying to do everything can make the cruise feel more stressful than relaxing. The daily programme is there to give you choice, not to be a checklist.

Pick the things you really care about. Leave space for slow mornings, quiet drinks, sitting on deck, watching the sea, or doing absolutely nothing for an hour. That’s part of cruising too.

Some of the best moments onboard are the unplanned ones. A quiet sailaway, a good seat in a lounge, a walk around the promenade deck, or finding a quieter area of the ship when everyone else is somewhere else. You don’t have to experience the entire ship in one day.

Use Sea Days Properly

Main pool on Sky Princess on a sea day for a first time cruise tips guide explaining what to expect on sea days
Sea days can be one of the best parts of a first cruise, but popular pool areas often feel busiest when everyone is onboard

Sea days are days when the ship doesn’t stop in port. For some first-time cruisers, sea days are the best part of the cruise. For others, they can feel busier than expected.

That’s because everyone is onboard at the same time. Pool decks, buffets, lifts, bars and popular activities can get busy, especially late morning and early afternoon.

The mistake is expecting the ship to feel quiet just because you’re at sea.

If you want a sunbed in a popular area, it’s worth going earlier. If you prefer a quieter day, look beyond the main pool deck. Promenade decks, aft areas, adult-only spaces, lounges and upper decks can sometimes be much calmer.

Timing helps too. Pools and hot tubs are often quieter early in the morning, during dinner times, and later in the afternoon when people start getting ready for the evening.

Sea days are much easier when you understand the rhythm of the ship.

Know How You Pay Onboard

Princess Medallion used to pay for things onboard Princess cruise ships for a first time cruise tips guide
On many cruise ships, onboard spending is charged to your cruise account using a card, app or wearable device like the Princess Medallion

On most cruises, you don’t pay with cash around the ship. Instead, spending is charged to your onboard account. This is usually linked to your cruise card, app, wearable device or cabin account. You’ll normally register a payment card before or during check-in, and your spending is settled at the end of the cruise.

That means when you buy a drink, book an excursion, visit a shop, or pay for speciality dining, it usually goes onto your onboard account.

You may still want some cash for ports. Cash can be useful for taxis, tips, local buses, markets, cafés, toilets, small shops and places that don’t accept cards. The amount you need depends on your itinerary.

Onboard, check your account regularly so there are no surprises. If something looks wrong, query it before the final night, when reception is often busiest.

Don’t Assume Wi-Fi Is Free

Wi-Fi logo with the sea in the background from a cruise ship for a first time cruise tips guide
Cruise Wi-Fi is often not included as standard, so it’s worth checking package prices and mobile roaming settings before your first cruise

Wi-Fi is another area that catches first-time cruisers out. Cruise ship Wi-Fi is often not included unless you have booked a fare or package that includes it.

Even when Wi-Fi is available, it can vary depending on the ship, cruise line, package, location and satellite coverage.Some packages are designed for messaging. Others allow browsing, social media, video calls or streaming. Before you buy, think about what you actually need.

Do you just want to message family? Do you need to work? Do you want to upload photos? Do you need video calls? Or are you happy to use mobile data when you’re in port?

It’s also important to check roaming charges before you sail. Using mobile data at sea can be very expensive if your phone connects to the ship’s maritime network. To avoid unexpected charges, many passengers use airplane mode while at sea and then connect to the ship’s Wi-Fi or wait until they’re in port.

If you don’t need to be online all the time, a cruise can be a good chance to switch off.

Ask the Crew for Help

If you’re unsure about something onboard, ask. Cruise ships are designed for large numbers of passengers, and the crew are used to helping people who are new to cruising.

Cabin stewards can help with extra hangers, ice, towels or small cabin requests. Restaurant teams can explain menus, dining times, table arrangements and dietary requirements. Guest services can help with onboard accounts, app issues, lost items, accessibility questions and general information. You don’t need to work everything out alone.

First-time cruisers sometimes avoid asking questions because they feel they should already know how things work. But every experienced cruiser was new once. A quick question early in the cruise can save a lot of confusion later.

Understand Disembarkation Before the Last Morning

Cases in Southampton cruise terminal on disembarkation day for a first time cruise tips guide
Disembarkation day is much easier when you understand the luggage process, keep morning essentials with you, and allow enough time for onward travel

Disembarkation day is the part of the cruise many people forget to plan. By the final night, you’ll usually receive instructions about luggage, timings and where to wait before leaving the ship.

If you’re using the luggage collection service, you may need to put your suitcase outside your cabin the night before. That means you need to keep anything you’ll need in the morning with you.

Don’t pack your travel clothes, medication, passport, phone charger, toiletries or shoes in the case you put outside the cabin.It sounds obvious, but it happens.

Some passengers choose self-disembarkation, where they carry their own luggage off the ship. This can be quicker, but you need to be able to manage your bags yourself and be prepared for queues.

When arranging trains, flights or onward travel, allow more time than you think you need. Disembarkation can be affected by port clearance, immigration, luggage delays and the number of passengers leaving at the same time. The cruise doesn’t quite end when the ship arrives. It ends when you’re off the ship, through the terminal and on your way.

Avoiding the Biggest Beginner Mistakes

Most first-time cruise mistakes come from not knowing how cruising works before you board.

That’s why the main things to understand are simple: what’s included, what costs extra, how embarkation day works, how dining is organised, how port days run, and how much you need to plan before you sail.

Once you understand those basics, your first cruise feels much less overwhelming.

Useful Guides for Your First Cruise

If you’re planning your first cruise, these guides will help you understand the main parts of the experience before you board, so you’re not trying to work everything out once you’re already onboard.

My Cruise Shore Excursions guide explains the difference between ship excursions, independent tours and exploring alone. This is useful if you’re unsure whether to book through the cruise line or plan your own day ashore.

My Tender Ports on a Cruise guide explains how tender ports work, including tender boats, queues, timing and what to think about if you’re booking an independent excursion.

If you’re sailing with P&O Cruises, my P&O Drinks Package guide explains what’s included, how the package works and whether it’s worth it depending on how you cruise.

You can also use my P&O Drinks Menu with Prices guide to check current onboard drinks prices before you sail, which makes it easier to decide whether a drinks package is worth buying.

If you’re thinking about cabin choice, my Liberty of the Seas Cabins Guide explains the different cabin types and locations to consider before booking.

And if you’re cruising alone, my Solo Cruise Tips guide covers dining, excursions, cabins and feeling more comfortable onboard as a solo passenger.

First-Time Cruise FAQs

What do I need to know before my first cruise?

Before your first cruise, it helps to understand how embarkation day works, what’s included in your fare, how dining operates, what costs extra, how port days work, and what you need to pack in your hand luggage.

A cruise is different from a normal hotel holiday because the ship is your accommodation, transport, restaurant, entertainment venue and resort all in one.

You don’t need to know everything before you go, but understanding the basics makes the first couple of days much easier.

What should I pack for my first cruise?

For your first cruise, pack normal holiday clothes, swimwear, comfortable shoes, evening outfits, toiletries, medication, travel documents, chargers, sun protection and any cruise-specific items you’ll find useful.

It’s also important to pack your embarkation day hand luggage properly.

Keep your passport, boarding documents, medication, valuables, phone charger, swimwear and anything you’ll need in the first few hours with you, because your main suitcase may not arrive at your cabin straight away.

What happens on cruise embarkation day?

On embarkation day, you’ll usually arrive at the cruise terminal, drop off your main luggage, go through security, check in, and board the ship.

Once onboard, you’ll need to complete your muster drill, find your cabin area, get your cruise card if needed, connect to the ship’s app or Wi-Fi system, and start getting familiar with the ship.

It can feel busy at first, but you don’t need to do everything immediately.

What is included in a cruise fare?

Most cruise fares include your cabin, main dining rooms, buffet, some casual food, entertainment, pools, lounges and general use of the ship.

Extras often include drinks, speciality dining, Wi-Fi, spa treatments, shore excursions, photos, some activities and gratuities, depending on the cruise line and fare you book.

Always check your own cruise line before sailing, as what’s included varies.

Are drinks included on a cruise?

Some basic drinks may be included, such as water, tea, coffee and selected juices, but alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, bottled water, speciality coffees and cocktails usually cost extra unless you have a drinks package or an inclusive fare.

The exact rules depend on the cruise line, so it’s worth checking drinks menus and package details before your cruise.

Do I need a drinks package on my first cruise?

You don’t automatically need a drinks package on your first cruise.

A package can be useful if you drink enough each day to make it worthwhile, or if you like the convenience of having most drinks covered.

But if you only drink occasionally, spend lots of time ashore, or mainly drink included drinks, paying as you go may work out cheaper.

The best approach is to check drinks prices before you sail and estimate what you’re likely to have each day.

How does dining work on a cruise ship?

Cruise ships usually have main dining rooms, a buffet, casual dining venues and speciality restaurants.

The main dining rooms and buffet are usually included in your fare, while speciality restaurants often cost extra.

Some ships use fixed dining times, while others offer flexible dining where you choose when to eat. You may also need to book certain restaurants or join virtual queues depending on the cruise line.

Do you have to dress up on a cruise?

You don’t have to dress up all the time on a cruise.

Daytime is usually casual, especially around the pool and on port days. Evenings are often smart casual, with some cruises having formal nights, gala nights or themed evenings.

How dressy it feels depends on the cruise line, itinerary and ship. It’s worth checking the dress code before you pack, but most first-time cruisers find it more relaxed than they expected.

Should I book cruise excursions or explore independently?

It depends on the port.

Cruise line excursions can be a good option if the destination is far from the port, timings are tight, or you want the reassurance of travelling with the ship’s organised tour.

Independent excursions can offer good value and smaller groups, but you need to check timings carefully.

Exploring alone can work very well in walkable ports, but you need to research where the ship docks and how far the main sights are.

Will the cruise ship wait if I’m late back from port?

If you’re late back from an independent day ashore, you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time.

Cruise line excursions usually offer more reassurance because the ship knows where you are if there’s a delay.

The most important time to check is all-aboard time, which is usually earlier than the ship’s actual departure time.

Always leave plenty of time to get back.

Do I need cash on a cruise?

You usually don’t need cash for spending onboard, because most purchases are charged to your onboard account.

However, cash can be useful ashore for taxis, tips, markets, local buses, small cafés, toilets or places that don’t accept cards.

It’s worth taking a small amount of local currency depending on your itinerary.

Is Wi-Fi free on a cruise?

Cruise Wi-Fi is often not free unless it’s included in your fare, loyalty benefits or package.

Most cruise lines sell different Wi-Fi packages depending on what you want to do online.

It’s also important to avoid using mobile data at sea unless you understand the charges, as maritime roaming can be expensive.

What happens on disembarkation day?

On disembarkation day, you’ll leave the ship in groups or at an allocated time.

If you’re using luggage collection, you may need to place your suitcase outside your cabin the night before. Keep clothes, medication, passport, toiletries, phone charger and anything needed for the morning with you.

You’ll usually have breakfast, leave your cabin, wait in an assigned area, and then disembark when your group is called.

What are the biggest mistakes first-time cruisers make?

The biggest first-time cruise mistakes include not packing embarkation day hand luggage properly, not checking what’s included, ignoring the cruise line app, choosing the wrong cabin, not budgeting for extras, leaving bookings too late, underestimating sea day crowds, and not planning port days carefully.

Most of these are easy to avoid once you know what to expect.

Useful Cruise Items to Consider

These are a few simple items that can make your cruise on P&O Arvia more comfortable and help you stay organised onboard.

I personally use variations of these when cruising, and they’re all practical rather than essential.

Magnetic hooks Perfect for extra storage in your cabin

Packing cubes Keep your suitcase organised

Cruise luggage tags Protect your tags at the port

Travel Extension Lead UK For charging multiple phones, cameras, and laptops

Toiletry organiser Great for small bathrooms

You can also browse my full Cruise Essentials list for more useful items I use or recommend for cruise holidays.

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