Do’s And Don’ts For First-Time Cruisers

by Rich Thomaselli
Last updated: 1:00 PM ET, Sat March 8, 2025

So, you’re going on a cruise for the first time. That’s wonderful! There’s nothing like being out on the high seas and enjoying yourself.

But there are some things you should know before you go.

Call this a modified do’s and don’ts list from an experienced traveler. These are just suggestions and in no particular order:

DON’T skip the muster drill. It’s for your safety.
DO pack a change of clothing in your carry-on. It could be hours before your cabin is ready and your luggage is brought up. Have appropriate swim gear to take a dip in and something to wear just in case you want to get a bite to eat.
DON’T be a pool chair hog. Please don’t be one of those people who get up at 4:30 in the morning, throw a towel on a pool chair, and claim it for the rest of the day.
DO take a lot of pictures and videos. For many, this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip. Don’t just share it in your memory bank; let others see.
DON’T clog the elevators. The limited number of elevators are crowded as it is. Don’t be the person who tries to push his way on, or worse, bring his entire family. Take the stairs; your heart will thank you.
DO explore. Get familiar with the layout of the ship. Some of these ships are humongous and carry 4,000 passengers or more. It’s easy to become disoriented when offered so much at once. Remember that this is your temporary home.
DON’T buy the drink package. While it might seem advantageous not to go into your pocket each time, remember that some ships require a minimum of 15 drinks daily. That’s a lot.
DO order a tropical drink that you like. You can walk into your kitchen, any local pub, or a Chili’s and have a beer or wine. Indulge in something exotic. Just don’t overindulge, as the medical bill can be astronomical.
DON’T use the internet while at sea. The prices can be ridiculous.
DO make all appointments and reservations if you haven’t already done so. This includes salons, spas, shows, and dinner establishments. Several cruise lines let you make reservations and appointments before you step on the ship. That might be difficult to do when you haven’t seen the entire vessel. But remember, this is a small city, and things tend to book quickly.
DON’T go to the buffet on embarkation day. It is the most crowded.
DO participate in sail-away activities. Sailing away from home port is a big deal, so make it the festive occasion it deserves. It’s another major memory to create.
DO watch the sunset. It’s one of the many experiences you’ll never forget.