Cruise vacations are like stepping into boundless relaxation and endless adventure. However, like any travel experience, it’s not immune to potential pitfalls. From first-time cruisers to seasoned sailors, everyone can benefit from a little insider knowledge. So let’s dive into the top cruise mistakes that can rock your cruise ship, and more importantly, how to avoid them.
Table of Contents
- Overpacking or Underpacking
- Not Carrying a Working Passport
- Flying in on the Same Day as Your Cruise
- Ignoring the Daily Program: Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Checking-in Online
- Picking a Random Cabin for Your Cruise
- Waiting to Plan Port Days Last Minute: Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Bringing Essentials in Your Carry-on
- Skipping the Main Dining Room
- Leaving Alcohol Back at Home
- Not Setting Your Phone to Airplane Mode
- Overspending for Onboard Expenses: Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
- Not Pre-booking Transportation To and From Your Cruise
1. Overpacking or Underpacking
It’s tempting to bring an outfit for every possible event, but overpacking can lead to a cluttered cabin on your cruise, not to mention extra baggage fees on your flight. Remember, cruise ship cabins aren’t typically spacious!
Pro Tip #1: We recommend you check your ship’s dress code in case you need to pack for formal or theme nights. Plus, don’t forget active gear if you’re opting for excursions.
Pro Tip #2: Pack smart with a list. Choose clothing items that can be mixed and matched for different occasions, and remember that laundry services are usually available onboard. Make sure to pack your daily toiletries, and enough medications to last you a couple of extra days in case of unforeseen delays.
2. Not Carrying a Working Passport
If you only bring a birth certificate, you might get stuck waiting in long lines to get on the ship.
Pro Tip: Make sure to check your passport’s expiration date. Some cruises that begin and end in different U.S. ports might not require a United States passport, but it’s good to have it in case of emergencies, such as a medical evacuation or when the ship switches to an alternate port.
3. Flying in on the Same Day as Your Cruise
Arriving on embarkation day is another common cruise mistake many have made. This poor planning can cause you to miss your cruise and cost you your whole vacation. Booking a same day flight to save on time off at work is not worth the risk of missing your ship due to delays or other travel problems.
Pro Tip #1: Flying in the day before setting sail can give you added peace of mind and a stress-free vacation experience – you can use the extra time to do some sightseeing, grab some last-minute essentials or just relax. Go Port has a variety of options to cover all your accommodations and transportation needs, and most importantly, make sure you get to the cruise terminal and back to the airport on time. Our most popular Fly Snooze Cruise package combines airport pickup, hotel stay and cruise transportation for convenient, stress-free travel.
Pro Tip #2: Choose an afternoon return flight. Even though your ship schedule says disembarking starts around 7:00 AM, the process typically lasts until 10:00 AM. Cruisers can often face long lines, and traffic, or get caught up in customs – it can be a nightmare if you’re trying to get to the airport on time. This means you’ll want to book your return flight in the afternoon to ensure you have enough time to disembark and make it to your flight.
4. Ignoring the Daily Program: Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
Your cruise ship is a floating entertainment hub, offering many activities and events. From live performances and cooking classes to trivia contests and dance parties, there’s always something happening. Ignoring the daily program could mean missing out on exciting opportunities. Not getting with the program is one of the cruise mistakes to avoid.
Pro Tip: Make it a part of your morning routine to read the day’s program. Plan your day around the events that interest you the most. It’s your vacation, make every moment count!
5. Not Checking-in Online
Most cruise lines allow you to check in in advance on their app or website. Doing this will save you some time when you get to the terminal.
Pro Tip: Make sure to fill out those forms ahead of time so you can start your vacation as soon as possible!
6. Picking a Random Cabin for Your Cruise
You don’t want to get stuck with a cabin right under the raring nightclub dancefloor. Researching the ship’s deck plan and picking your cabin to your liking is crucial to avoid this cruise mistake.
Is it Better to Stay in the Front or Back of a Cruise Ship?
It is best to pick a mid-ship cabin because that’s your safest bet. Avoid the front of the ship since it has the most movement, especially for those who get seasick.
Pro Tip: It is recommended that you talk to your travel agent to get the best value when picking a cabin, or research on YouTube as sometimes you’ll find room tour vlogs.
What’s the Best Deck to Stay on a Cruise Ship?
The best deck to stay on a cruise is midship because it is not too high of a floor, plus you won’t feel the ship sway so much.
7. Waiting to Plan Port Days Last Minute: Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
Part of the cruising fun is exploring new destinations but most travelers forget to book shore excursions ahead of time for their days in port. New cruisers may sleep in, have a leisurely breakfast, and then look for information about the docked ports — only to find out that all the shore excursions departed hours ago, and are stuck improvising.
Pro Tip: To avoid this cruise mistake, you’ll want to plan ahead so you can make the most of your limited time at each destination. Always research any ports of call in advance so you can decide whether it’s worth it to book through the cruise line or schedule your own day. Doing this lets you choose between booking a cruise-sponsored excursion, exploring on your own, or even getting a deal on a hybrid tour through local providers. Some luxury island resorts let you purchase a day pass. Each option has its benefits.
8. Not Bringing Essentials in Your Carry-on
Checked bags can take hours to be delivered to your cabin by porters due to the high number of guests. Remember to pack essentials in your carry-on so they’re readily available when you get on the ship to avoid scrambling around the first day onboard.
Pro Tip: Always carry your essentials and valuables in your carry-on, like chargers, medications, and electronic devices. Also, it is a good idea to pack your swimsuit in your carry-on so you don’t miss out on any pool time.
9. Skipping the Main Dining Room
What is the Main Dining Room on a Cruise Ship?
Most cruise ships have one or more main dining rooms. Most cruise ships offer main dining rooms with free food options. They serve breakfast, dinner, and lunch on certain sea days. You can order from the waiters with a changing daily menu and have as many dishes as you want. Try any plate you desire, request larger portions, or mix appetizers and entrees. Main dining rooms offer high-quality food without the buffet crowds, and you may find dishes like lobster tail, crab meat, and filet mignon. Most cruise ships also have other dining venues, like specialty restaurants, to choose from so make sure you see all your ship has to offer.
Pro Tip: Avoid the buffet and only eat there when you’re looking for a snack to avoid this cruise mistake. Otherwise, treat yourself to the main dining room.
10. Leaving Alcohol Back at Home
Most cruise lines let guests bring their own wine and/or champagne onto the ship. Rules, limits, and corking fees are varied based on the cruise line. One of the cruise mistakes to avoid is leaving your wine at home because you wish you would have know to bring it with you.
Pro Tip: Before you buy that Drink Package, make sure to look up your cruise line’s policy to save you some money on a bottle of wine. You can also avoid the corkage fee if you drink the wine you brought onboard in your room.
11. Not Setting Your Phone to Airplane Mode
One of the cruise mistakes to avoid is not putting your phone to airplane mode and racking up extra costs on your phone bill.
Pro Tip: Remember to set your cell phone to airplane mode to avoid roaming charges for incoming texts and outgoing calls. If your international plan doesn’t cover your destinations, use airplane mode and Wi-Fi to avoid data charges. Be aware that even with international data, it might not cover data usage at sea
12. Overspending for Onboard Expenses: Cruise Mistakes to Avoid
Not everything is included on most cruises, such as alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, and excursions. You should split your budget between 2 costs: the cruise fare and onboard expenses. Most extra onboard spending can sometimes enhance your cruising experience – but it is better to stay informed so you can avoid unwanted surprises.
Pro Tip: Set an onboard spending budget for yourself and stick to it – plan ahead of time in consideration to daily spend, excursions, spa fees, the casino, specialty dining, and anything else you think you might want.
13. Not Pre-booking Transportation To and From Your Cruise
On busy cruise days it can be impossible to find a ride last minute. You don’t want to waste time waiting around in long lines at the rental car counters or get hit with surcharges trying to get rideshare during peak hours or heavily trafficked areas. This can ruin the start to your vacation or delay you from making your cruise or flight in time. Pre-arranging transportation is key for a stress-free experience. There are many reasons why most cruisers opt to book cruise transfers in advance.
Pro Tip: Book a cruise shuttle with convenience, comfort, and reliability for your journey from Port Canaveral to Orlando Airport and back. With Go Port, reserving your shuttle is simple, and you get the same type of transportation provided by your cruise line, but at a more affordable price. The best part is, the cost is fixed, so no hidden fees. You’ll have ample space for all your luggage, bags, strollers, and mobility devices. Our friendly staff will be there to take care of you in the process. By securing your transportation well ahead of time, you can enjoy your cruise without worrying about anything ashore.
These travel tips on the biggest cruise mistakes to avoid are brought to you by Go Port — a one-stop shop for Port Canaveral cruisers, making travel arrangements ashore simpler than ever before. By partnering exclusively with brand-name hotels and reliable transportation providers, Go Port takes the guesswork out of booking hotels, transportation, and parking packages. For any questions or booking inquiries please contact info@goport.com with your travel request. Make sure to check out more articles for more cruise tips and tricks!
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