Planning a cruise vacation is a long and thorough process, and it's easy to make mistakes that make you look like a rookie.
I've been cruising since I was five years old. Two decades later, they remain my preferred way to travel. However, I've made a few silly mistakes that have impacted my cruise experience.
Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of tips you need to know about to plan the best cruise. If you are trying to avoid looking like a first-time cruiser, don't make these 5 mistakes.
Not being familiar with traditional and flexible dining
Most cruise ships have formal dining rooms where many cruisers will eat dinner nightly. The cruise fare includes multi-course meals, which is a draw for many travelers. Plus, the menus rotate nightly to offer various options that keep things fresh and interesting.
However, when you book your cruise, you must choose between traditional and flexible dining. Traditional dining means you will eat at the same time each evening and have the same waitstaff. You'll have a choice between an early or late seating and cannot switch between the two.
It's a good option for cruisers who enjoy consistency. Because you will have the same waitstaff, your servers will quickly learn your preferences, which creates a more personalized dining experience, too.
On the other hand, flexible dining allows you to eat on your own schedule. You aren't tied to a specific table, either. Flexible dining works differently depending on the cruise line.
For example, it is smart to make My Time reservations through the Cruise Planner for a Royal Caribbean cruise to avoid a lengthy wait. Carnival doesn't let guests make reservations for Your Time Dining. All flexible dining passengers must check in through the mobile app and wait for a table assignment each evening.
Traditional and flexible dining have pros and cons, and what works best for one travel party might not be ideal for another. I prefer flexible dining because I like eating dinner between the early and late seating. However, you may decide that you enjoy the consistency of eating at 5:30pm each evening.
If you think you've made the wrong choice, contact your travel agent or the cruise line as soon as possible. The closer to your sailing you get, the less likely the ship's dining team will be able to accommodate changes—there are only so many spots for the early seating.
Read more: How to change your dining time on a Carnival cruise
Flying on the day of your ship’s departure
When I was pursuing my Master's degree, I flew into Fort Lauderdale the morning of my 8-night Southern Caribbean cruise aboard Allure of the Seas. Thankfully, everything went as planned. However, it takes just one delay to unravel your long-awaited travel plans.
Since then, I've always scheduled my flights the day before the ship's departure. For European cruises, I give myself an extra day or two to allow my body to adjust to the time change and have opportunities to go sightseeing.
Arriving the night before means you will be well-rested on embarkation day. If anything goes astray, you have a buffer to figure out other arrangements to the port, whether a later flight or a last-minute overnight drive.
Read more: The costly cruising mistake newbies make planning their first cruise
Forgetting to book add-ons
Cruise lines give passengers plenty of opportunities to customize their time onboard. From drink packages to shore excursions and specialty restaurants, there are so many add-ons available to purchase that make the experience feel more inclusive and memorable.
However, some of the most desirable add-ons can sell out in advance. Many lines also offer pre-cruise discounts, so reserving your add-ons in advance can save you money.
For example, I booked a drink package in November for my weeklong spring break cruise on Icon of the Seas for around $990 for two people or $70 per person per day. That sale ended, and the new pricing is around $88 daily. Royal Caribbean states the onboard pricing for the Deluxe Beverage Package is $110 per day.
Shore excursions and specialty restaurants can sell out, too. This is particularly true in destinations like Europe and Alaska, as many cruisers can easily plan their own beach days in the Bahamas and Caribbean. If you are eyeing a certain experience, such as a helicopter tour or glacier cruise, don't wait too long to reserve your spot.
Read more: 17 hidden cruise ship extra charges you should know about
Not understanding gratuities
Tips onboard a cruise ship are also referred to as cruise ship gratuities. They're rarely included in your base fare unless you're sailing with a line like Virgin or purchase an inclusive package from Princess.
Gratuities are divided between the hardworking crew members who work to make your vacation memorable, including cabin stewards, dining and culinary services staff, the guest services team, and others who work behind the scenes.
The daily price varies based on the cruise line and cabin category. For example, the daily rate for Royal Caribbean passengers in standard staterooms is $18.50, whereas those sailing on Carnival ships in an interior, oceanview, or balcony cabin will pay $16.00.
If you don't prepay your gratuities, they will automatically be charged to your onboard account to be settled at the end of the cruise. It's important to know what your rate is. Otherwise, you could be hit with an unexpected bill on the final morning. Large families can easily pay over $400 in gratuities on a weeklong cruise.
Read more: Crew member reveals shocking truths about cruise ship tipping
Booking a GTY cabin
First-time cruisers might be interested in saving as much money on their cruise as possible—enter the guarantee (GTY) cabin. A GTY stateroom allows you to book a room at a lower price since you can't choose your cabin's location.
Essentially, the cruise line guarantees that you'll be assigned a stateroom in at least the category you booked, whether interior, ocean view, balcony, or suite. However, it doesn't guarantee you a specific cabin or location. Typically, you will be assigned a stateroom closer to your departure date, meaning you could end up with a cabin in a less-than-desirable location, depending on availability.
For example, if you are worried about seasickness, you might not be happy with a stateroom at the front of the ship where motion is more noticeable. Similarly, larger families may want adjoining cabins. With GTY staterooms, there's no guarantee that two separate rooms would even be on the same deck!
Elizabeth Wright
Elizabeth graduated from New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute with her M.A. in Journalism in May 2023. Growing up, she had the privilege of traveling frequently with her family and fell in love with cruising after sailing on the Oasis of the Seas her freshman year of high school. She wanted to pursue a career that highlighted her passion for travel and strengths as a writer.
