The Top 7 Mistakes Cruisers Make (and How to Avoid Them)

Cruise Companions Club
Nov 25
3 min read

Because learning the hard way is overrated.

So you’re heading off on a cruise fabulous! But before you pack 14 pairs of shoes “just in case,” let’s talk about the common traps first-time (and yes, even seasoned!) cruisers fall into.

Trust me… after 15 years in the cruise industry, I’ve seen EVERYTHING. From people who thought “all aboard” was a suggestion to those who didn’t realise the ship has more than one deck.

Here are the top 7 mistakes cruisers make and how you can avoid them like a pro.

❌ 1. Arriving at the Port at the Wrong Time

Some cruisers show up at 6am like they’re lining up for Taylor Swift tickets. Others stroll in at 3pm, surprised the ship looks suspiciously gone.

✔ How to avoid it:

Arrive during your assigned boarding window. Not too early, not too late. You’re not Goldilocks — but you’ll feel like her when everything goes “just right.”

❌ 2. Packing Like You’re Moving to the Ship Permanently

You do not need:

A hairdryer the size of a jet engine
Three formal gowns
A snorkel kit “just in case”
Five different shades of beige pants

✔ How to avoid it:

Stick to outfits you actually wear, not fantasy-you outfits.(We all have them.)

Bonus: leave space for the souvenirs you will buy even though you promised yourself you wouldn’t.

❌ 3. Ignoring the Daily Schedule

Every day the ship gives you a schedule full of trivia, shows, karaoke, classes, and the occasional towel-folding workshop no one knew they needed.

But some cruisers?They toss it aside and then wander around shouting, "Where IS everyone?!”

✔ How to avoid it:

Read the schedule or the cruise lines App . Circle your favourites. Pretend you’re planning a military operation. It’s much more fun that way.

❌ 4. Thinking the Buffet Is a One-Way Street

Incorrect. The buffet is a strategic playground.

Mistakes include:

Grabbing food at the first station you see
Blocking entire aisles while deciding between two identical salads
Not doing a full recon mission before committing

✔ How to avoid it:

Do an entire lap first. Yes — walk the whole thing. There is ALWAYS something better at the back.

Always.

❌ 5. Forgetting Where Your Cabin Is

There are two types of cruisers:

Those who admit they got lost
Those who lie

Ships are big. Hallways look the same. And after a cocktail or two, even the carpet patterns begin to blur.

✔ How to avoid it:

Take a photo of your cabin number
Memorise port vs. starboard (or just pick a side and hope for the best)
Use landmarks: “Turn left at the sparkly elevator” works surprisingly well

❌ 6. Trying to Do EVERYTHING on Day One

By 8pm, these cruisers look like they’ve run a marathon: "YES, WE DID THE WELCOME SHOW, LINE DANCING, TRIVIA, A SHORE TALK, THE WATERSLIDE AND THREE BUFFET VISITS.”

Deep breaths.

Cruises are marathons, not sprints.

✔ How to avoid it:

Pace yourself. Start slow. Save your energy for the silent disco — you’ll need it.

❌ 7. Cutting It Too Close When Returning to the Ship

Let me be clear: The ship. Will. Not. Wait. For. You.

If you’re sprinting down the pier with a melting ice cream and a bag of fridge magnets, praying they don’t lift the gangway — that’s on you, my friend.

✔ How to avoid it:

Keep an eye on ship time (not your phone time!)
Leave buffer time
Don’t get distracted by “one more shop”
Save the souvenir browsing for later — your cabin does not need another wooden turtle

⚓ Bonus Tip: The Biggest Mistake of All… Cruising Alone When You Don’t Have To

Many cruisers think they need to explore solo…And then realise sounding the “who wants dinner?” alarm isn’t as easy as it looks.

That’s exactly why Cruise Companions Club exists. We help you find new friends, dinner buddies, excursion partners, and fun-loving cruisers who “get it.”

Travel solo — never feel alone.