Don’t Set Sail Until You Read This: 9 Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

Cruises are one of the easiest and most relaxing ways to travel. You unpack once, wake up in new destinations, and have entertainment, dining, and activities all in one place. But for first timers it’s easy to make a few simple cruise mistakes that can cost you money, time, or even some fun during your trip.

We just got off our first cruise, and it was a blast, however we made some mistakes that we want to make sure no one else will make before their cruise, so I’m taking the liberty in curating this article for your first-time cruisers out there. Let’s get into it.

9 Cruise Mistakes to Avoid Before You Set Sail

1. Not Booking an Excursion

One of the biggest mistakes new cruisers make is waiting too long to book shore excursions. Popular activities like snorkeling tours, wildlife adventures, or cultural excursions often sell out before the ship even leaves port.

Many cruise lines release excursions months before sailing, and the most popular ones can fill quickly. If there’s something you really want to do in port, it’s best to reserve it early through the cruise line or a reputable third-party provider.

I find excursions to be the best parts of the cruises. We just did an incredible snorkeling excursion in Nassau and I just feel that booking an excursion anywhere you go is an amazing way to have once in a lifetime experiences. You’re always on the boat, but you may never have a chance to go snorkeling in the Bahamas again.

Going to Nassau? Swim with the pigs here!

Private Island, lunch, swim with pigs, snorkeling

Nassau Food & Walking Tour

Snorkeling Excursion on the cruise — Snorkeling in the Bahamas

2. Forgetting Essential Items

Even though cruise ships have shops onboard, they often charge premium prices for basic necessities. Items like sunscreen, toothpaste, medication, and phone chargers can cost much more once you’re at sea.

Create a simple cruise packing list before you leave. Some commonly forgotten essentials include:

Sunscreen
Toothpaste and toothbrush
Passport
Motion sickness medicine
Portable phone charger
Reusable water bottle
Over-the-counter medications

Packing these ahead of time saves you both money and hassle once you’re onboard. We forgot sunscreen, toothpaste and chap stick and it cost us $46 at the shops on board. That simple mistake cost us $46.

3. Automatically Buying a Drink Package

Drink packages are heavily advertised on cruises, but they’re not always worth the cost.

Packages from cruise lines like Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Cruise Line can cost $89–$120 per person per day. For many travelers, that only makes sense if you plan to drink A LOT every day of the cruise.

Before purchasing a drink package, consider:

How many drinks you realistically have per day
Port days when you’re off the ship
How you’re going to feel everyday having 7+ drinks every day

Sometimes paying per drink ends up being much cheaper. This was the route we went, and the drinks were expensive (around $12.50 / drink) We had a few drinks every day, however we stills saved hundreds of dollars not getting the drink package.

4. Not Reserving Dinners and Shows Early

Many newer cruise ships have reservation systems for specialty dining and popular shows, and these can fill up quickly.

On large ships from lines like Norwegian Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean, entertainment such as comedy shows, theater performances, and ice shows often require reservations.

If you wait too long, you might miss out on the shows or dining times you really want. As soon as reservations open in your cruise app or onboard portal, book your preferred times.

5. Expecting Cheap Wi-Fi

Many first-time cruisers assume cruise Wi-Fi will be cheap and fast. Unfortunately, it’s often the opposite.

Internet packages on cruise ships can be expensive, sometimes costing $20–$30 per day, depending on the plan and cruise line. While services like WhatsApp or iMessage may work with basic plans, streaming and video calls can be slower or more costly.

If you want to save money:

Purchase internet packages before the cruise for discounts
Use Wi-Fi when the ship is in port
Disconnect and enjoy the vacation

For many travelers, unplugging is part of the cruise experience. We did opt to purchase the wifi which I think was worth it for a long cruise, however we thought it was going to be a lot cheaper than it was. You’ve been warned.

6. Not Downloading the Cruise App Before Your Trip

Most modern cruise lines rely heavily on mobile apps for daily schedules, reservations, and ship navigation.

Apps from companies like Royal Caribbean, Virgin, MSC and Carnival Cruise Line allow you to:

Check daily activity schedules
Reserve shows and dining
View deck maps
Track onboard spending
See hours of restaurants and bars
Message family members onboard

Download the app before your cruise and take a few minutes to learn how it works. It will make navigating the ship and planning your day much easier.

7. Being Afraid to Talk to Other Passengers

Cruises are one of the easiest places to meet people from all over the world. Whether you’re sitting at a shared dinner table, joining an excursion, or relaxing by the pool, conversations happen naturally.

Even just waiting for the elevator and hearing people’s accents can spark a conversation. I overhead some women talking in a different accent and I asked where they were from, and we instantly got to chatting.

Don’t be shy about chatting with fellow travelers. Everyone on board is most likely going to be outgoing and open to chatting.

Ask where they’re from, what excursions they enjoyed, how many cruises they’ve done or what shows they recommend. These conversations often lead to great tips and memorable moments.

8. Spending Too Much on Specialty Restaurants

Cruise ships often feature several specialty restaurants that require an additional fee. While these can be excellent, many travelers overlook how good the included dining options already are.

The main dining room, buffet, and casual restaurants typically offer plenty of variety and quality meals included in your cruise fare.

Before paying extra for specialty restaurants, try the included dining venues first. You may find that the complimentary options are already fantastic. Paying for a specialty restaurant can easily run you $60 + per person.

9. Not Tracking Spending on Your Keycard or Wristband

On most cruises, your room key doubles as your payment method for everything onboard. Cruise lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean use keycards or wearable bands that charge purchases directly to your account.

It’s incredibly convenient—but it can also lead to surprise charges by the end of your trip.

Things that add up quickly include:

Drinks
Spa treatments
Shopping onboard
Casino spending
Specialty dining
Souvenirs

Check your spending regularly in the cruise app so you stay within your budget and avoid sticker shock at the end of your vacation.

Final Thoughts: Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

Cruising is one of the most enjoyable ways to travel, but a little preparation can make your trip even better. By avoiding these common cruise mistakes, you’ll save money, reduce stress, and make the most of your time at sea.

Remember to plan your excursions early, pack the essentials, learn how your cruise app works, and keep an eye on your onboard spending.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be ready to relax, explore new destinations, and fully enjoy everything your cruise has to offer.

Click here to book your cruise today.