Tips and Tricks For Planning Your First Cruise

We are fresh off our first cruise. We did a 4 night cruise to the Bahamas from Miami on the Norwegian Sky. It was our first non Disney vacation a while, so planning was a little bit different. I really had no idea what to expect, pack or plan! I want to share with you all the things you should know if you’re planning your first cruise, or if you want to in the future!

Embarking Takes Longer Than You Would Think

A week or so before our cruise, we were able to pick a check-in time online. Check in time is not embarkation time as I thought it was! You’ll arrive at the port, the cruise line will take any luggage that you are checking, and then immediately go through security, similar to the airport. Then you’ll be given a health questionnaire, asking questions like if you’ve had any gastrointestinal symptoms in the last few days, or if you’re pregnant they want to know how far along you are (you can’t cruise past 24 weeks). After you fill out the questionnaire you’ll check in with an agent. They took our photo, gave us a map of the ship with our room assignment and gave us our key cards that we would need while we cruise. Then we got in line to embark, which brings me to my next point…

Your Room Probably Won’t Be Ready Right Away

Remember that luggage you checked at the port? Well it won’t arrive in your room for a few hours, and likely your room won’t be ready when you embark. We each had our carry-ons with our bathing suits and other essentials. We embarked around noon, our room was ready around 3 and our luggage was brought to our room before we went to bed that night. So make sure you have everything you need for the afternoon and supper that night just in case!

Bring A Sweater/ Warm Clothes

Even in the Caribbean it gets chilly, especially with the wind and at night. I also found it a bit cold in some dining rooms because of air conditioning. Make sure to pack a sweater, even a light one that you can carry in your bag.

Pack A Water Bottle

Buying water can be very expensive on the ship and at the ports. We brought a reusable water bottle with us to use at the airport (after security of course) and on the ship. There are ice/water machines at the buffet where you can fill up your bottle to take into the ports with you. Saved us some money and we stayed hydrated.

The Menu Changes Every Night (And YES You Can Order TWO Desserts!)

On the first day we checked out the buffet for lunch, and then went to the main dining room for dinner. We had an amazing dinner and enjoyed everything. We went back to the same restaurant the next night and surprise! Most of the menu had changed. A few staples were still there but most of it was all new. While we were excited to try new things, we were a bit disappointed not to get some of our favs from the night before. So if there are two desserts you want to try, go ahead and order both! I promise you wont be dissapointed (just really full).

You Don’t Need To Tip Every One

Most cruise lines actually automatically charge you a “service charge” that you can pay before your trip, or at the end of your cruise. This money is shared between your servers, room steward, and behind the scenes staff. You are encouraged to tip for exceptional service. Things like the spa and specialty restaurants will charge a tip automatically.

Participate In The Shows

There is so much going on at night on the cruise ships, but to me the most fun shows are where the audience participates. Our ship had things like The Newlywed & Not So Newlywed game, Battle Of The Sexes, and This Or That. My husband and I jumped up to participate in the Battle Of The Sexes and it was so much fun! I think that was the best night on the cruise. Also: the ladies won & we got prizes!

Book Excursions Through The Cruise Line To Avoid Missing The Boat (Or The Port!)

We booked all of our excursions through Norwegian Cruise Line. Being a first time cruiser I felt more comfortable booking the recommended excursions. I knew the boat wouldn’t leave without us, and that the tours were through reputable companies. We learned a big lesson on our last day when we weren’t able to tender to shore and we missed our last port completely. Not only did Norwegian Cruise Line refund us for the excursion that we missed, they also refunded us $49 a person just for missing out on the port. If we had an excursion booked and paid for through an outside company, we might not have gotten that money back (except maybe through travel insurance… which is our next tip).

Buy Travel Insurance

We always buy travel insurance but a story I read recently really drove the point across. A couple went on a cruise and unfortunately she got sick in the Bahamas and ended up in the hospital. They missed the ship, but also they did not have insurance (or their passports but that’s a whole other problem). Friends and family were forced to send them money to pay for the hospital visit and fly them home. Buy.Travel.Insurance. Every.Single.Time.

You Don’t Need Cash Onboard

Most cruise ships won’t allow you to pay for things aboard the ship in cash, you’ll charge it to your room which you can pay off with cash at guest services at the end of the cruise, or have them charge it to your credit card. The exception being tips and at the casino.

And the last tip?

Be Prepared To Book Another One

I honestly wasn’t sure how I would like cruising. If you’ve been reading this blog a while, you’ll know that we are Disney people! I can say that we had an amazing time and I would 100% do it again. Overall the experience was fun and relaxing, the food was amazing and I enjoyed getting to stop at different ports. I can see why people say it’s addicting!