***A couple enjoying breakfast on a cruise ship***

Cruising for the first time is exciting—you get to unpack once, visit multiple destinations, and enjoy endless food, entertainment, and ocean views. But if you’ve never cruised before, it can also feel a little overwhelming. From packing to dining to knowing what’s included, a little preparation goes a long way.

Here are our best first-time cruising tips to help you relax, enjoy the journey, and make the most of your very first cruise.

🧳 Pack Smart (and Light!)

Most cruise lines allow one large suitcase and one carry-on per person, but always double-check your cruise line’s guidelines. Your carry-on is key—checked bags may arrive later, so keep essentials like travel documents, medications, chargers, swimsuits, and motion sickness remedies with you on embarkation day.

Be sure to plan for themed or dress-up nights (like elegant night or deck parties), but resist the urge to overpack. Cabins are compact, laundry services are available, and you’ll likely rewear casual outfits more than you expect.

✨ Pro Tip: When in doubt, pack less—you’ll be glad you did.

📄 Documents Matter More Than You Think

Make sure you have the correct travel documents well before sailing.

Most cruises require:

A valid passport (recommended even if not required)
Cruise boarding documents
Any necessary visas or vaccination paperwork

📌 Pro Tip: Always travel with a passport if you can—it makes emergencies and international travel much easier.

***A photo of a passport and a travel ticket***

🛳️ Embarkation Day: What to Expect

Boarding day is busy but exciting. You’ll check in, go through security, and then explore the ship.

Helpful tips:

Choose an early arrival time if you want to start enjoying the ship sooner
Expect crowds—this is normal
Watch the safety drill carefully (it’s required)
Explore the ship while others head to lunch

🍽️ Dining Is (Mostly) Included

One of the best parts of cruising? The food!

Most cruise fares include:

Main dining room meals
Buffet dining
Select casual venues

Specialty restaurants usually cost extra, but they’re often worth it.

✨ Pro Tip: Book specialty dining early—popular times fill fast, especially on shorter cruises.

💸 Know What’s Included (and What’s Not)

Not everything on a cruise is included in the base fare.

Common extras:

Alcoholic beverages and specialty coffees
Shore excursions
Gratuities (sometimes pre-paid)
Wi-Fi packages
Spa services

At Let’s Talk Travel, we help you understand what’s included so there are no surprises.

🌊 Seasickness Happens—Be Prepared

Even seasoned travelers can experience motion sickness.

Tips to minimize it:

Choose a mid-ship, lower-deck cabin
Bring motion sickness bands or medication
Spend time on deck looking at the horizon
Stay hydrated and eat lightly

***A small array of motion sickness medications***

📱 Download the Cruise Line App

Most cruise lines use apps to manage:

Daily schedules
Dining reservations
Excursions
Messaging between travelers

📲 Download the app before sailing and turn on notifications—it’s a game changer.

🏝️ Shore Excursions: Plan Ahead

You can book excursions through the cruise line or independently.

Cruise line excursions offer:

Peace of mind
Guaranteed return to ship
Easy planning

Independent excursions can be:

More flexible
Sometimes less expensive

✨ Pro Tip: For first-time cruisers, booking at least one cruise-sponsored excursion is often worth it.

🎭 You Don’t Have to Do Everything

It’s tempting to pack your schedule—but cruising is about balance.

Pick a few “must-do” activities each day
Leave time to relax
Enjoy the sea days—they’re part of the magic

***A person reading a book on a cruise ship with the ocean in the background***

✨ How Let’s Talk Travel Helps First-Time Cruisers

Your first cruise should be exciting—not stressful.

At Let’s Talk Travel, we help first-time cruisers:

Choose the right cruise line and ship
Understand what’s included
Pick the best cabin location
Plan excursions and dining
Prepare confidently before sailing

👉 Ready to book your first cruise? Contact one of our agents today!

First-Time Cruising Tips: What You Need to Know Before You Set Sail