Time For Your Vacation

Thinking about taking your first cruise? Great — welcome to the only vacation where you can eat seven meals a day, wake up in a new country, and still somehow lose your sunscreen. Cruising is awesome, but there are a few things you should know before you step onto that floating city.

1. Choose the Right Cruise Line (They’re Not All the Same)

Every cruise line has a personality.
Some are floating nightclubs. Some are retirement communities with better food. Some are family zoos with waterslides that could launch you into orbit.

If you pick the wrong ship, you’ll spend your week saying, “Why are there so many kids?” or “Why am I the only person under 80?” Do a little research — or ask a travel pro — and match the vibe to your vibe.

2. Cabin Location Matters More Than You Think

You know what’s fun? Sleeping.
You know what’s not fun? Sleeping under the gym while people drop dumbbells at 6 a.m.

Avoid:

• The bow (front) if you get seasick
• Decks under the pool
• Anything next to elevators unless you enjoy constant “ding!” noises

Balcony rooms are always worth it, unless you hate fresh air and happiness.

3. Internet at Sea Is… Let’s Call It “Optimistic”

If you think you’re going to upload TikToks from the middle of the Caribbean, prepare for disappointment. Cruise Wi-Fi has improved, but it still cries under pressure. Download movies before you go, and warn your boss you’ll be “mysteriously unavailable.”

4. You’re Not Actually All-Inclusive

This is the number-one shock for first-timers.
Your fare covers:

• Room
• Food (most of it)
• Entertainment

It does not cover:

• Drinks
• Specialty dining
• Gratuities
• Internet
• Excursions
• Whatever you buy in the gift shop at 1 a.m. when you decide you absolutely need a Captain’s Hat

Budget accordingly so you don’t get final-bill whiplash.

5. You Need a Passport Even If They Say You Don’t

Technically, U.S. citizens can board some cruises with only a birth certificate and ID.
But if something happens in port and you need to fly home… good luck explaining that to immigration.

Bring your passport. It turns a potential disaster into “mildly inconvenient.”

6. Seasickness Happens to the Best of Us

Even if you never get motion sickness, the ocean loves humbling people. Pack:

• Dramamine
• Ginger chews
• A good attitude

Modern ships are stable, but you’ll still feel like the hallway is shifting after a few days. That’s normal. You’re not drunk — the ship is.

7. Plan Your Excursions Before You Board

The popular excursions sell out fast — think dolphin swims, ATV tours, and every activity where someone might yell “Wooo!” at some point.

Research ports ahead of time. No one wants to wander around the dock area debating what to do while aggressive taxi drivers pitch “very nice tour, my friend.”

8. Embarkation Day Is Controlled Chaos

Everyone shows up at once. Everyone is excited. Everyone is confused.

Expect:

• Long lines
• Crowded elevators
• People rolling luggage like they’re herding cattle

The good news? Once you’re onboard and have a plate of food in front of you, life gets instantly better.

9. Don’t Overpack

You do not need:

• 10 pairs of shoes
• Seven formal outfits
• A Costco-sized bottle of shampoo

You do need:

• A light sweater (ships get cold inside)
• Swimsuits
• Sunscreen
• A small bag for port days

Closets are small. Pack like someone who respects gravity.

10. Enjoy the Ship — It’s Part of the Vacation

A lot of people treat cruises like a hotel that just happens to float.
Wrong.
The ship is the destination. Enjoy:

• The shows
• The hot tubs
• The weird game shows
• The late-night pizza
• The sunrise on the balcony

Cruising is about relaxing and letting the ship do all the work for you.



Dave Galvan is a travel planner, a travel writer, a travel blogger, ad travel vlogger, a travel author and a traveler. His Luxury Travel Company TimeForYourVacation.com has been named best luxury travel planners for two consecutive years. His recently launched Black Key Elite has been proven popular with those who want a special level of travel luxury, and he still gives personal tours of Las Vegas and other places at DaveTheTourGuide.com.