The Ultimate First-Time Cruiser Guide (Written by a 15-Year Cruise Industry Veteran

…because someone had to tell you the real stuff!

So, you’re thinking about taking your first cruise? Congratulations! You’re about to discover the magical world where your hotel floats, your meals mysteriously reappear every two hours, and the biggest decision you’ll face each day is “pool deck or buffet first?”

As someone with 15 years in the cruise industry (yes, I’ve seen everything, from towel animals gone rogue to passengers getting lost on their own deck, consider this your cheat sheet for cruising like a pro… without looking like a newbie.

1. Pack Like a Real Cruiser (Not Like You're Moving In)

First-time cruisers often fall into two categories:

A) The Minimalist: Brings one small bag, 2 outfits, and a wild amount of confidence.

B) The Overpacker: Prepared for 3 formal nights, 2 theme nights, 12 weather patterns, and perhaps a zombie apocalypse.

The truth? You don’t need as much as you think. But you do need:

• A light cardigan or jacket (ships get breezy!)

• Comfy walking shoes for ports

• Swimwear you won’t be adjusting every three seconds

• A power board (outlets are rarer than buffet line discipline) No surge protector

• Your patience, especially near elevators at peak times

  
  
  
  

2. Buffets: The Hunger Games of the High Seas

Here’s the thing: cruise buffets are amazing…But they are also a sport.

My advice?

• Avoid peak times unless you enjoy dodging rogue breakfast plates.

• Walk the whole buffet first. Know your options before committing.You don’t want to regret choosing scrambled eggs when there was a waffle station hiding behind a structural pole.

  
  

Pro move: Order room service breakfast one morning. Eating eggs while watching the sea roll by makes you feel like royalty. Or a relaxed sea Captain. Same energy.

3. Your Cabin: A Tiny, Cosy, Floating Home

Cruise cabins are designed to be clever. Small? Yes. Smart? Absolutely.

A few secrets you’ll want to know:

• The walls are metal meaning magnets are your friends.

• There’s storage under the bed for suitcases.

• The bathroom will make you question your life choices if you drop the soap. Be nimble.

  
  

If you’re cruising with others, embrace the shower schedule. Nothing tests friendships faster than multiple people trying to use one tiny bathroom before an excursion.

4. Sea Days: Learn the Art of Doing Nothing… or Everything

Sea days give you two options:

Option 1: Do absolutely nothing. Stare at the ocean. Nap. Repeat.

Option 2: Join everything on the daily schedule and become a quiz-winning, salsa-dancing, bingo-shouting legend.

You cannot do both. Trust me, I’ve watched many try.

Either way, sea days are the heart of cruising. Lean in.

5. Shore Excursions: Choose Wisely, My Friend

Some people love organised shore tours. Others prefer exploring alone. Both are valid.

But as a seasoned cruise pro, allow me to offer these reminders:

• Always allow time to get back onboard. The ship won’t wait if you’re off buying fridge magnets.

• If you book your own tour, double-check the pickup point. Not all ports are as intuitive as you think.

• Stick to tours that match your energy. If you hate early mornings, the 7am city hike is simply not for you.

  
  

Bonus tip: Don’t buy every souvenir, your cabin doesn’t have space for a medium-sized bamboo drum from Samoa. Yes, it’s happened.

6. Nightlife: From Theatre Shows to Dad Dancing

Evening entertainment is a highlight. Go to the theatre shows at least once they’re surprisingly good. And if there’s a silent disco? You GO.

You haven’t lived until you’ve seen a group of adults belting out 80s hits both silently and passionately.

7. Drinks Packages: The Maths Nobody Warned You About

Ah yes… the ultimate question: Should you get the drinks package?

Here’s how to decide:

• Do you enjoy cocktails, mocktails, coffee, and the occasional wine?

• Do you plan on living your best life?

  
  

If yes, the drinks package is probably your VIP ticket to happiness. If not, pay as you go. Simple. But beware: your future self may regret trying to “get your money’s worth” by lunchtime (I know, I've tried!)

8. Seasickness: Prepare, Don’t Panic

Modern cruise ships are incredibly stable. Most people feel fine. But if you’re prone to motion, pack something preventative.

And if you do feel a bit wobbly, head to the middle of the ship, stare at the horizon, and avoid reading your phone. Also avoid the guy who always says, “Is it just me or is it getting rough?” It’s him. He’s the problem.

9. The Golden Rule of Cruising: Don’t Do It Alone

Cruising is always better when you’re surrounded by friendly, like-minded people… which is exactly why we created Cruise Companions Club.

We connect cruisers who love exploring, socialising, and occasionally laughing at themselves. You never have to cruise solo even when you’re travelling solo.

If you're looking to:

• Meet new friends

• Share shore tours

• Find dinner buddies

• Join group sailings (coming soon)

• Or just have a good laugh together

  
  

Then you’re in the right place.

Ready to Cruise Like a Pro?

Whether you're booking your first cruise or already researching your second (trust me, it happens fast!), this guide puts you miles ahead of the average first-timer.

And if you want a friendly, fun community to share your cruise adventures with…Come join Cruise Companions Club. Your people are already here.

**Disclaimer: These are my photos from actual cruises, I'm not a photographer....be kind.