8 Things I Always Do — And 4 I Never Do — After Nearly A Decade Living On Cruise Ships
Spending nearly a decade working on cruise ships gave me a front-row seat to every type of traveler mistake—and every smart move that makes life at sea smoother. It’s not about how fancy your cabin is or which itinerary you choose.
What really sets great cruises apart are the little choices that most people don’t think twice about. From embarkation hacks to onboard habits, these are the things I swear by—and the ones I’ve learned to skip—after years of living the cruise life firsthand.
1. Book Excursions Independently (But Carefully)
Smart travelers know the value of researching options beyond what’s offered on board. Independent excursions typically cost 30-50% less than cruise-sponsored ones and often provide more authentic experiences with smaller groups.
Just be sure to choose reputable operators with solid reviews and always allow plenty of buffer time to return to the ship.
2. Pack A Carry-On With Essentials For Embarkation Day
First-day access to your main luggage isn’t guaranteed for hours after boarding. My day bag always contains swimwear, medications, valuable electronics, and a change of clothes.
This simple preparation lets you start enjoying the pool deck or spa while others wait anxiously for their suitcases to arrive at their cabins.
3. Use The Ship’s App To Stay Organized
Digital planning revolutionizes the cruising experience for savvy passengers. Most major cruise lines offer comprehensive apps that track your onboard account, display daily activities, and let you make reservations.
Downloading the app before departure gives you time to familiarize yourself with its features and often allows pre-cruise planning that’ll save precious vacation time.
4. Grab Lunch From The Buffet Early On Embarkation Day
Beating the crowds makes all the difference during those first few hours onboard. While most passengers are exploring or waiting for their cabins to open, I head straight to the buffet around 11:30 AM.
The food selection is freshest then, seating is plentiful, and you’ll avoid the chaotic rush that typically happens between 1-3 PM when everyone gets hungry simultaneously.
5. Explore The Ship As Soon As I Board
Taking an initial walkthrough pays dividends throughout your vacation. I make mental notes of shortcuts between venues, discover hidden lounges, and locate important areas like medical facilities before they’re needed.
This early reconnaissance mission helps you navigate confidently when the ship is full. You’ll waste less time getting lost and more time enjoying what matters.
6. Bring A Reusable Water Bottle And Travel Mug
Practical accessories make a surprising difference in cruise comfort. My insulated water bottle stays filled with ice water all day, saving countless trips to beverage stations.
The travel mug keeps morning coffee hot during sunrise deck strolls and prevents spills during unexpected ship movements. Both items reduce waste from disposable cups while maximizing convenience.
7. Wake Up Early For Port Days
Morning magic awaits those willing to set alarms on vacation. Rising before the crowds means experiencing destinations at their most serene and photogenic moments.
Early birds enjoy cooler temperatures, empty landmarks, and the best photo opportunities. Plus, returning mid-afternoon lets you enjoy the ship’s amenities while most passengers are still ashore.
8. Attend The Crew-Led Cultural Or Q&A Sessions
Hidden gems on the activities schedule often get overlooked by passengers rushing to trivia or pool games. These informative sessions feature crew members sharing insights about their homelands or behind-the-scenes ship operations.
You’ll learn fascinating details about maritime traditions, gain cultural understanding, and discover the incredible logistics required to keep floating cities running smoothly.
9. Using Onboard Wi-Fi Unless Absolutely Necessary
Connection rates at sea remain surprisingly expensive despite technological advances. Even packages marketed as “unlimited” often crawl at frustratingly slow speeds that make simple tasks like checking email painfully time-consuming.
Instead, I embrace the digital detox during sea days and use free Wi-Fi in ports or purchase local SIM cards for essential communications.
10. Booking Spa Treatments On The First Day
Patience rewards the spa-loving cruiser with significant savings. First-day treatments command premium prices when eager passengers book immediately upon boarding.
Waiting until day two or three often reveals special offers at 20-30% discounts. The best deals typically appear on port days when most guests are ashore, making treatments both cheaper and more peaceful.
11. Joining The Buffet Rush During Peak Hours
Strategic meal timing elevates the entire dining experience onboard. Arriving at the buffet just 30 minutes before or after the main rush ensures shorter lines, fresher food, and actually finding a table without awkwardly hovering near other diners.
Peak congestion typically occurs between 8-9 AM for breakfast, 12-1:30 PM for lunch, and 6-7:30 PM for dinner.
12. Overpacking For Formal Nights
Elegant evenings require far less formality than many first-time cruisers anticipate. Men can typically get by with a single sport coat and tie rather than tuxedos.
Women need only one versatile cocktail dress that can be accessorized differently for multiple evenings. Most cruise lines have relaxed their dress codes substantially, making formal nights more about fun than fashion stress.