Cruise Advice for First-Time Cruisers: 10 Tips

Curious about what it’s like to take a cruise? Now’s the perfect time to set sail on board a Royal Caribbean ship. They are innovators in terms of what you can do on a cruise: rock climbing, ice skating, zip lining, full-scale Broadway-style productions and more. All this while you travel to your top picks from over 250 destinations. 

You can tick off several bucket-list places in one vacation, and then leave the logistics to your cruise ship, its crew and onboard entertainment teams. If you’re not exactly sure where to begin, here are my top 10 pieces of useful cruise advice for first-time cruisers. Choose your itinerary, find the right accommodations, pack what you need and get ready for a vacation like no other.

Key Takeaways

● When going on a cruise for the first time, start by choosing an itinerary that matches your travel personality and desired destinations.

● Top first-time cruise tips include booking activities early, planning excursions and watching out for exclusive offers and perks.

● Packing smart, knowing what’s included and preparing essential documents ensures a stress-free travel day.

● Arriving early for embarkation day sets the tone for a smooth, exciting start to your vacation.

● Budgeting, using onboard credits wisely and reserving specialty dining in advance help maximize value and convenience.

● Staying fueled, hydrated and paced throughout the journey ensures you enjoy every activity, show and unforgettable moment on board.

● Explore Royal Caribbean cruises here and find your dream first-time destination in your favorite part of the world.

Pre-Trip Preparation

1. Discover Your Adventure Style

With more than 250 destinations on the Royal Caribbean roster, finding the right itinerary for your vacation may seem tricky. To pinpoint your ideal cruise, start broadly and simply answer the question, “What type of adventurer am I?” 

Royal Caribbean created a quiz for you to discover your adventure personality, including getting a better sense of desirable shore excursions for all types of travel.

2. Keep Your Eyes Peeled for First-Time Cruise Deals and Perks

Special offers can include discounts, instant savings and often “cruise credit” (also known as onboard credits) to spend at sea. These onboard credits are easy to use.

Since they’re a bonus, they’re perfect for pampering yourself at the spa, taking advantage of specialty dining at one of the multiple restaurants on board (like Jamie’s Italian) or splurging at the onboard shops.

3. Book Activities Before You Board

There are so many exciting things to choose from once you board a Royal Caribbean ship, from dinner reservations and shore excursions to incredible entertainment on every ship. Luckily, you can plan your activities as soon as you’ve booked your cruise thanks to the Royal Caribbean App. 

Book just about anything, from spa treatments to a hibachi dinner at Izumi, to guarantee your spot before getting on board.

4. Score a Family-Friendly Stateroom

A major convenience of taking a cruise is the sheer variety of amenities and experiences you have to choose from that can fit any family, couple or group of friends. From neighboring rooms conjoined by a central door to extra sleeping options like sofas, Pullman beds or cribs, Royal Caribbean will make sure your squad has room to roam. 

If you’re looking to up the ante, consider the one-of-a-kind Ultimate Family Suite (that accommodates up to eight people) on board ships like Symphony of the Seas®.

5. Create a Packing Checklist and Plan Your Wardrobe Around Your Itinerary

When it comes to your first-time cruisers’ packing list, you’ll want to have a checklist to follow so nothing is left behind. The perfect place to start is with these must-pack items. 

One surprise item you’ll likely need: wrinkle release spray. You won’t see irons on board (they’re a fire hazard). You’ll have access to washing, pressing and dry cleaning services.

Once you’ve got a good idea of when and where you’re adventuring and relaxing, you can plan your wardrobe (yes, really). Or at least have your formal night attire ready! Don’t forget athletic wear for all of the action sports and activities available on board.

Tips for Embarkation Day

6. Arrive and Board Early

Arriving early is one of the top cruiser tips that can make embarking feel smoother and more relaxed. Boarding ahead of the crowds means more time to explore, book last-minute reservations, enjoy lunch and start vacation mode before your stateroom is ready. 

It also gives you a buffer in case of unexpected airport or transportation delays.

7. Secure Your Documents, Find Key Locations and Attend the Mandatory Safety Drill

Once on board, keep your travel documents secure and take a quick walk-through to locate key areas like dining rooms, entertainment venues and your stateroom. 

You’ll also complete the safety drill when you cruise with Royal Caribbean, an improved and simplified process where you review instructions at your own pace. That means before checking in with a crew member, instead of gathering in a large group.

8. Upgrade Your Vacation With Royal Suite Class

If you’re looking to add even more luxury to your vacation, think about booking within the Royal Suite Class. The Sea, Sky and Star Class accommodations offer a five-star experience that includes exclusive complimentary dining (and drinks), a dedicated lounge and restaurant. 

Enjoy access to your own Royal Genie, an on-call experience crafter, party planner and ultimate insider all in one. They remain at the ready to make your trip unforgettable in all the ways that matter most to you.

9. Keep a Small Day Bag Nearby

Tote along a small backpack or carry-on for your first few hours on board the ship. Pack it with essentials like medications, important documents, a swimsuit and some light clothing that you might want while your checked bags are on their way to your stateroom. 

This bag will also be useful when you’re exploring the ports of call: those exciting stops where the ship docks during your journey.

Finally, Soak It All Up During the Cruise

10. Relish Your Vacation Days (You’re on Holiday!)

Consider ships like Mariner of the Seas® or destinations like Miami. Royal Caribbean ships offer a whole new host of features like glow-in-the-dark laser tag, Playmakers℠ Sports Bar & Arcade and The Bamboo Room (a tiki-chic, Polynesian watering hole). 

Or you can take a short three-night weekend or four-night weekday getaway to The Bahamas, where Perfect Day at CocoCay awaits. Even more splendid is access to Royal Beach Club℠ Paradise Island, Nassau’s newest all-inclusive beach day experience.

There’s also the fabulous option of a Caribbean getaway with Royal Caribbean for a first-time getaway. There are relaxed atmospheres and plenty to enjoy on board, that’s before you get to warm, blissful beaches at stunning locations worldwide.

No matter where you choose to sail, your first-time trip is bound to be a dream vacation.

Get Weather Tips

Royal Caribbean introduced the industry’s first cruise line chief meteorologist, James Van Fleet, in 2017. James works with the captains and their teams on board to provide the latest and ongoing weather information for the fleet of 25 ships. 

With Royal Caribbean, you can rest assured: The weather is monitored closely by experienced professionals around the clock so that every trip is completely stress-free for cruise travelers.

Cruise for the First Time and Enjoy the Vacay of a Lifetime

For first-time cruisers, there’s nothing quite like the thrill of stepping on board a ship and realizing you’re about to enjoy days filled with adventure, relaxation and unforgettable experiences. Take your time discovering onboard entertainment, dining options, activities and hidden gems. You’ll find there’s always something new to enjoy every sail day.

These cruise tips for first-timers make planning, packing and navigating your vacation simpler, so you can enjoy your journey and focus on what really matters: making memories that last a lifetime.