I Worked on Cruises for 8 Years — Now I Never Board Without Doing These 10 Things

After spending eight years working on cruise ships, I’ve seen it all—from rookie mistakes to seasoned travelers who knew every trick in the book. Those years taught me exactly what makes the difference between a good vacation and an unforgettable one.

Before you set sail on your next ocean adventure, let me share the must-do strategies I never skip when boarding a cruise ship.

1. Pack a Day Bag for Embarkation

Most passengers don’t realize cabins aren’t ready until mid-afternoon on boarding day. I always pack a separate small bag with swimwear, sunscreen, medications, and a change of clothes.

This simple hack lets me start enjoying the ship immediately while everyone else sits around in travel clothes waiting for their luggage. My day bag also includes any important documents and valuables I don’t want to risk losing if my main luggage gets delayed.

The freedom to hit the pool deck or grab lunch without worrying about access to my packed items completely transforms that first day onboard.

2. Research Port Excursions Independently

Onboard excursions cost nearly double what you’d pay booking directly with local tour operators. During my years working cruises, I watched thousands of passengers overpay simply for convenience.

Before sailing, I research each port and contact tour companies directly. Many offer the identical excursions at significant discounts, often with smaller groups and more personalized service.

Just ensure any independent tour guarantees return to the ship before departure time. I’ve witnessed the panic when passengers miss reboarding—the ship genuinely won’t wait, regardless of your excuse!

3. Bring Magnetic Hooks for Extra Storage

Cabin space is notoriously limited on cruise ships. What many first-timers don’t know is that most cabin walls are metal, creating perfect surfaces for magnetic hooks.

I always pack 5-6 strong magnetic hooks that instantly create hanging space for hats, lanyards, wet swimsuits, or jackets. This tiny addition frees up valuable drawer and closet space while keeping essentials visible and accessible.

During rough seas, these hooks also provide secure spots to hang items that might otherwise slide around. For under $10, they’re possibly the most useful packing addition you can make.

4. Scout the Ship on Day One

While other passengers head straight for the buffet, I spend the first two hours exploring every deck. This early reconnaissance mission pays dividends throughout the cruise.

I locate hidden lounges, quiet reading nooks, and less-trafficked staircases that become my shortcuts around the ship. Finding these secret spots means I’m never stuck waiting for elevators or fighting crowds.

Taking photos of deck maps with my phone creates a personal navigation system. After years working onboard, I learned the most relaxing cruise experience comes from knowing exactly where you’re going while everyone else wanders aimlessly.

5. Book Specialty Dining on Port Days

Many cruisers make the mistake of booking specialty restaurants on sea days when everyone’s aboard. After noticing this pattern for years, I now exclusively reserve specialty dining for port days.

The restaurants are significantly less crowded, service is more attentive, and they often offer unadvertised discounts to fill tables. You’ll enjoy a premium dining experience without the packed atmosphere that can diminish the experience.

If you’re worried about missing port time, book an early dinner after returning from your excursion. The sunset views from an uncrowded specialty restaurant as the ship leaves port create magical dining memories.

6. Download the Ship’s App Before Sailing

Most major cruise lines now offer dedicated apps that function even in airplane mode. I always download and set up the app before leaving home to avoid connectivity issues at the terminal.

These apps let you view daily schedules, make reservations, and sometimes even track your spending without visiting guest services. The messaging feature is particularly valuable for keeping in touch with travel companions without paying for expensive internet packages.

Having watched the technology evolve during my career at sea, I can confirm these apps eliminate so many common cruise frustrations—especially the hour-long line at guest services for simple questions.

7. Bring Cash for Port Tipping and Bargaining

Credit cards are convenient onboard, but ports of call operate differently. I always bring a supply of small bills ($1s, $5s, and $10s) for tipping tour guides, taxi drivers, and market vendors.

Many Caribbean and Mediterranean ports expect cash tips, and having exact amounts ready shows respect for local customs. When shopping at markets, cash also gives you bargaining power that credit cards don’t provide.

During my years working excursions, I noticed passengers who came prepared with cash consistently received better service and deals than those fumbling with currency exchanges or asking if credit cards were accepted.

8. Request Cabin Location Strategically

Your cabin location can make or break your cruise experience. After years living on ships, I’ve learned to request mid-ship cabins on higher decks for minimal movement in rough seas.

I avoid cabins directly under the pool deck, nightclubs, or theaters where noise continues late into the night. Similarly, cabins near crew areas often experience early morning activity sounds.

If you’re prone to seasickness, mid-ship is essential—the bow and stern experience the most movement. For convenience to amenities, I prefer decks just below main public areas, providing easy access without the constant foot traffic outside my door.

9. Sanitize High-Touch Surfaces in Your Cabin

Working onboard taught me that even with regular cleaning, some surfaces don’t get the attention they deserve. I pack disinfectant wipes and immediately clean the TV remote, light switches, door handles, and phone upon arrival.

These high-touch items are handled by countless passengers throughout the sailing season. A quick five-minute wipe-down significantly reduces your chances of picking up a cruise cold or worse.

This habit became second nature years before COVID, after witnessing how quickly minor illnesses spread in the contained ship environment. Prevention is absolutely worth the minimal effort when you’re investing in a vacation experience.

10. Schedule a Bridge Tour Early

Few passengers realize that most ships offer behind-the-scenes tours of the bridge and operational areas. These fascinating experiences typically have limited availability and fill up immediately.

I head straight to guest services after boarding to request a spot on these tours. The opportunity to see how a massive cruise ship operates and meet senior officers provides insights most travelers never experience.

During my years working onboard, I noticed these tours were rarely advertised prominently in daily programs. The passengers who knew to ask were rewarded with one of the most memorable experiences available—seeing firsthand how a floating city functions from the command center.