11 Cruise Mistakes To Avoid: Don’t Do This! (2023)

Taking a cruise vacation can be an incredible experience, but it can quickly turn sour if you don’t know what mistakes to avoid.

From packing issues to onboard etiquette, there are certain things that should be avoided at all costs in order to have the best possible time on your voyage.

Read our helpful guide below for a list of key mistakes that you should steer clear of while cruising!

Mistakes to Avoid While on a Cruise

Going on a cruise holiday sounds like a great carefree plan at first. You can just hop on a boat and discover a handful of beautiful destinations, with the chance to do plenty of activities along the way.

However, if you’re heading on a cruise soon, you’ll want to be aware of a few things in advance to make sure you get the best experience. 

To begin with, you need to look for a leading cruise line company that can provide you with the best packages and plans that meet your needs and preferences. 

Then, once you have found the best cruise plan available, you’ll want to avoid some of these cruise mistakes that first-timers make.

Here’s our list of 11 Cruise Mistakes to Avoid

1. Don’t Forget a Small Carry-on Cruise Bag

When it finally comes to that beautiful cruise embarkation day, you’ll want to make sure you’ve packed in the right way.

Packing everything into one suitcase can be tempting, but it’s smart to have a separate carry-on bag that you can keep with you until your luggage arrives in your cabin.

This small carry-on bag should include any medication you need, a small towel, some snacks and water, and anything you might need while you wait to board the ship.

Try putting together a cruise packing list that you can take along with you.

2. Don’t Skip the Embarkation Day Activities

The activities and information available on embarkation day can make a huge difference to your overall holiday experience.

During these activities, you can get answers to all kinds of questions about the ship, like the entertainment options for kids, access to the pool and other amenities, and dinner and entertainment schedules.

It’s a great opportunity to get the lay of the land before you set sail.

3. Avoid The Buffet on Embarkation Day

Ah, your first day aboard a cruise ship – time to head to the buffet for lunch, right? Wrong!

You’ll find yourself waiting in long lines, searching for food trays, and scurrying around for an empty seat. Not a great way to start your vacation.

So why not do a bit of research beforehand and find another lunch spot? You could enjoy a light meal in a cafe and get your cruise holiday off to a peaceful start – without being completely stuffed by the buffet!

4. Don’t Try to Do Everything

Cruises are designed to offer something for everyone. So, when you get the list of activities available on board, you don’t have to try to do them all!

It’s easy to get overwhelmed and exhausted if you try to fit in too much, so pick and choose what you feel like doing and what will make you feel refreshed and excited.

Don’t forget to discuss your cruise port excursions and ship activities with your family as well.

After all, it’s just as important to spend quality time with your family as it is to explore new places.

5. Not Reserving Seats at Speciality Restaurants

If you’re planning a special night out for you and your loved one on the cruise, make sure to reserve a table at the popular specialty restaurant.

It’s a good idea to do this ahead of time since the restaurant can fill up quickly and you might struggle to get a table as a walk-in. In fact, some cruises only allow you to dine in specialty restaurants with a reservation.

A good idea is to make all your dinner reservations on the first day of your cruise. That way, you can spend quality time with your special someone without any hassle.

6. Don’t Buy Wine By The Glass – Get a Bottle!

If you’re a wine lover planning a cruise, here’s a tip for you – don’t buy wine by the glass.

This is an expensively common mistake, as you’ll pay more for each glass.

Instead, if you’re sharing a table for two, consider buying a bottle. Even if you don’t finish it, you can ask the waiter to recork it and save it for the next evening.

Or, you can also ask them to send it to your room later.

7. Don’t Forget About Airplane Mode

In this day and age, it’s hard to imagine life without the internet. But when you’re out on a cruise, the internet isn’t as reliable or affordable as your home broadband connection.

Don’t expect lightning-fast speeds, and try not to stay connected all the time, as the charges can quickly add up.

You should keep your mobile phones in airplane mode to avoid hefty roaming charges each time your pull into the port.

And besides, why not take this chance to unplug from technology and really relax?

8. Understand Your Cruise Plan

People often choose to go on a cruise for the convenience of a cashless experience. While this is largely true, there are some extra charges you should be aware of.

If you’re not aware of the cruise plan you’re on, you might end up spending more than you wanted and racking up extra charges, especially if it’s not a short cruise. This can really put a damper on your holiday experience.

Make sure you know what’s included with your cruise fare and what you’ll have to pay extra for.

9. Don’t Forget To Plan With Your Family

Each day on your cruise there will be tons of activities and events happening. However, you will need to decide how you want to plan your day and want to optimize your cruise holidays. 

Different people would opt for different game shows, entertainment shows, pool deck fun activities, theme parties, and a lot more. 

So, when you have a list of activities and events you need to sit with your loved ones and family and decide what you want to participate in and what you can skip and accordingly spend quality time on the cruise. 

You can download the cruise line’s app that would help you stay aware and prepare your schedule for the day to help you get the best experience.

10. Don’t Ignore Your Illness

Ignoring signs of illness is a major mistake that can put your entire cruise experience at risk. It’s important to be aware of any changes in health, such as fever, nausea, or fatigue.

Additionally, watch out for signs like persistent coughing or difficulty breathing. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms while on board the ship, report them immediately to the medical staff and get checked by a doctor.

Finally, bear in mind that different climates and environments can make cruisers more susceptible to certain conditions they wouldn’t normally encounter at home (e.g., heatstroke).

So try to familiarize yourself with the climate before departing, so you know how best to protect yourself from the weather during your trip.

11. Don’t Overindulge With Alcohol

When it comes to cruise ship mistakes, overindulging in alcohol is probably the most common.

Cruise ships are renowned for their all-inclusive beverage packages and parties, which can lead to excessive drinking if you’re not careful.

Not only can too much alcohol affect your judgment and well-being, but the hangover from hell could put a damper on the entire trip.

Drinking too much can also cause dehydration, especially during long days spent out on the open water under direct sunlight exposure – dehydration leads to headaches, fatigue, and other unpleasant symptoms that could ruin your vacation fun!

Make sure to stay hydrated with plenty of water throughout the day, as well as try to limit how many drinks per hour or day you’re having.

How to Have The Best Cruise Experience

Cruising is a fun and exciting vacation, but it also comes with its own set of potential pitfalls.

To ensure you have the best experience possible, here are some common mistakes to avoid while on a cruise:

As long as you try to avoid these common cruise mistakes, you’ll be shore to have a holiday experience you’ll never forget.

…and I shore am sorry about the pun.