After 10 Years On Cruise Ships, These Are 12 Mistakes I See Most

Sailing the high seas should be a dream vacation, not a nightmare of regrets. After spending a decade working on cruise ships, I’ve witnessed thousands of passengers make the same avoidable mistakes that dampened their experience.

The good news? Most cruise mishaps have simple solutions that can transform your journey from frustrating to fantastic.

1. Booking A Cabin Without Researching Location

Your stateroom choice can make or break your vacation. Those bargain cabins directly under the nightclub? Expect a week of thumping bass until 2 AM. Cabin location matters tremendously.

Midship rooms offer more stability during rough seas, while those near elevators mean constant foot traffic and conversations outside your door.

2. Skipping Travel Insurance And Regretting It Later

One medical emergency at sea can cost more than your entire vacation. Travel protection isn’t just an upsell—it’s your financial lifeline when things go sideways.

Insurance covers those unexpected moments: the flight delay causing you to miss embarkation, the illness requiring evacuation, or the luggage ending up in Portugal while you’re sailing to Alaska.

3. Ignoring The Daily Newsletter Or App Updates

Missing the chocolate extravaganza because you didn’t check today’s schedule? That daily newsletter isn’t just paper waste. These publications contain crucial information about port times, dress codes, and special events.

I’ve watched countless passengers miss their dream excursion or favorite performer simply because they didn’t read the day’s highlights.

4. Packing Bulky Or Unnecessary Items

Hauling seven pairs of formal shoes for a week-long voyage? Good luck finding space in those compact cabins! Storage is surprisingly limited on most ships.

Those oversized suitcases become unwelcome roommates, taking up precious floor space. Focus on versatile items that can serve multiple purposes rather than single-use gadgets and rarely-worn outfits.

5. Failing To Budget For Onboard Expenses And Extras

Surprise bills at checkout can sink your vacation high faster than an iceberg. Many first-timers don’t realize their cruise fare is just the beginning.

Specialty dining, shore excursions, and those tempting cocktails with souvenir glasses add up quickly. I’ve seen families shocked by $3,000+ final bills because they treated everything as “included” when it wasn’t.

6. Waiting Too Long To Reserve Excursions Or Dining

Popular experiences fill up faster than you’d imagine. Procrastination leads to disappointment when trying to book that coveted steakhouse dinner or glacier helicopter tour.

Excursions sell out weeks before sailing, especially for bucket-list destinations. The same applies to specialty restaurants, particularly on formal nights when everyone wants to celebrate.

7. Missing The Safety Drill — Or Treating It Like A Joke

Life-saving information deserves your full attention. Those few minutes could make all the difference during a real emergency. The muster drill isn’t optional entertainment—it’s mandatory for every passenger regardless of how many cruises you’ve taken.

Skip it, and you might find yourself summoned by security or even denied sailing altogether.

8. Being Late Getting Back To The Ship After Port Days

Running down the pier as the ship’s horn blasts its final warning is a heart-stopping experience. The vessel won’t wait for stragglers—it can’t afford the port fees.

When the departure time says 5:00 PM, the gangway pulls up at 5:00 PM. Those left behind face expensive flights to the next port, passport complications, and the embarrassment of watching their ship sail away.

9. Overindulging On Food And Drinks Without Pacing

Unlimited access to dining venues doesn’t mean you should try everything on day one. Vacation burnout happens quickly when you overdo it. The midnight buffet, afternoon tea, and poolside grill will still be there tomorrow.

Pacing yourself helps avoid the all-too-common cruise malady of feeling too stuffed to enjoy activities or too hungover from yesterday’s bar crawl.

10. Disrespecting Crew Members Or Treating Them Like Invisible Staff

Kindness goes remarkably far at sea. The crew remembers both the wonderfully gracious and the insufferably demanding passengers. These hardworking individuals are away from their families for months, working long hours to create your perfect vacation.

Treating them with respect not only reflects good character but often results in better service throughout your journey.

11. Not Following Basic Hygiene Etiquette (Especially Hand Washing)

Germs spread like wildfire in the confined environment of a cruise ship. One person skipping the hand sanitizer can affect hundreds.

Those hand washing stations and sanitizer dispensers aren’t just decorative—they’re your first defense against norovirus and other illnesses that can quickly turn your dream vacation into a quarantine nightmare.

12. Assuming Wi-Fi Will Be Fast And Always Available

Connectivity expectations need serious adjustment when you’re miles from shore. Maritime internet isn’t your high-speed home connection. The reality of satellite internet means slow speeds, intermittent service, and premium pricing.

Many passengers waste precious vacation time struggling with video calls or social media uploads when they should be enjoying the ocean views.

13. Choose Your Cabin Based On Ship Layout, Not Just Price

Strategic location selection pays dividends throughout your voyage. A little research prevents those “why is there conga line dancing above my bed at midnight?” moments. Study deck plans before booking.

Avoid cabins directly under pools, buffets, or entertainment venues. Midship locations minimize motion sickness, while aft cabins might offer better views but more engine vibration.

14. Pack smart: Focus On Versatile Outfits, Layers, And Cruise-Friendly Shoes

Versatility trumps quantity every time when navigating tiny cabin closets. Bringing items that serve multiple purposes maximizes your limited space.

Think convertible clothing, neutral colors that mix and match, and shoes that work for both daytime exploring and evening dining. Magnetic hooks and packing cubes turn awkward cabin storage into organized systems.

15. Set A Daily Budget For Onboard Spending — And Stick To It

Financial awareness prevents that sinking feeling when your final bill arrives. Many cruisers fall into the cashless spending trap where everything feels “free” until checkout.

Check your onboard account daily using the ship’s app or in-room TV. Consider pre-purchasing drink packages, internet plans, or excursion bundles if they align with your habits to avoid spending surprises.

16. Book Excursions And Dining Early Through Official Channels

Securing your must-do experiences before sailing guarantees you won’t miss out. Planning ahead pays off, especially for limited-capacity adventures. The official cruise line excursions provide peace of mind with guaranteed return-to-ship timing.

Many cruise lines now allow pre-booking dining and activities months before departure, ensuring you get those prime dinner times and coveted show seats.

17. Use A Lanyard, Pouch, Or App To Keep Important Documents And Your Cruise Card Accessible

Organization prevents those frantic searches for your room key or ID. Losing your cruise card means wasted vacation time standing in line for a replacement.

A simple lanyard or waterproof phone pouch keeps essentials accessible whether you’re poolside or in port. Digital options through cruise apps increasingly allow your phone to serve as your room key and payment method.

18. Learn And Follow Basic Cruise Etiquette To Improve Your Experience (And Everyone Else’s)

Considerate behavior makes the difference between being welcomed or whispered about by fellow travelers. Shared spaces require mutual respect. Simple courtesies matter: not saving pool chairs all day unused, respecting quiet hours in hallways, and following dress codes in dining venues.

Good cruise citizens make lifelong friends while inconsiderate guests find themselves increasingly isolated.