10 Common Mistakes to Avoid on Your Next Cruise Adventure

Have you ever found yourself making rookie mistakes during a cruise because you were just so excited to go on it? Or perhaps you’re new to cruising and eager to avoid common pitfalls? You are in the right place then for both accounts! As a cruise specialist and travel agent with nine years of experience, I’ve just about seen it all and experienced some of it first-hand too. Today, I’m here to share some insider knowledge and help you sidestep the most common mistakes people make on their cruise vacations. So, let’s set sail as we explore the top 10 blunders to steer clear of.

Last-Minute Booking Woes:
One of the biggest mistakes people make now is waiting until the last minute to book their cruise. It’s true, in the past there were often some really good last-minute offers if you are not picky about your cabin type and location. The past couple of years has changed that though.  To avoid limited availability or higher prices, it’s best to book well in advance….like a minimum of 12-24 months in advance for a lot of sailings. Secure the cabin type you want in the location you prefer and take advantage of possible early-bird or group discounts the cruise line or your travel agent may offer. 🤑

Overpacking Woes:
It’s tempting to bring your entire wardrobe. I know, because I’ve tried to in the past. 😂🤦‍♀️ You honestly don’t have to though because most cruises offer laundry services. Pack strategically, focusing on versatile clothing items and essentials. Plus, remember to leave some space for souvenirs!   Pro-tip, at least once during the cruise some cruise lines offer a special discounted rate for the bag of laundry. Use your Tetris skills and pack those bags so you get the most bang for your buck!  

Not Budgeting Properly:
Cruise vacations can be incredibly cost-effective, but overspending is a common pitfall. 💸 Plan your budget ahead of time, considering not just the cruise fare but also additional expenses like gratuities, specialty dining, shore excursions, and onboard activities. I call this the ‘True Cost of the Cruise’ and I help make sure my clients are aware of the added costs when they are narrowing down their options for a cruise.  This helps avoid any unexpected surprises once onboard. Budgeting doesn’t stop there though. When you are on the ship since you don’t have to pay cash at the time of purchase, it’s easy to lose track of your spending or just spend way too much. I suggest checking your onboard account at least twice a day to make sure you are staying on track with your budget.

Neglecting Travel Insurance:
Accidents happen, and unforeseen circumstances may arise, and it’s not all about delayed or missing luggage. Picture this, you are on an excursion you purchased through the ship and you step wrong and break your ankle.🤕👨‍🦽  Not something you thought would happen on your vacation, but yet here you are. Now, you have to be taken to the local hospital or clinic to have xrays, treatment, and hopefully not surgery. More and more tourist areas require full payment for medical services before you will be treated. What if you don’t have the money in your bank account or an adequate limit on your credit card?😱  This is where some travel protection policies may be able to help you. There are just as many travel protection policies as cruise ships, so it’s important to do your research and pick a policy that covers what you are most concerned about.  Ensure you’re protected against trip interruptions, medical emergencies, lost baggage, and other unforeseen mishaps. It provides peace of mind and can save you from unexpected expenses later. I offer my clients recommendations for travel protection both through the cruise lines and trusted third-party options as well.

Skipping the Ship Orientation:
Arriving onboard without attending the ship orientation is like setting sail without a compass. 🧭 Take advantage of the onboard orientation session to familiarize yourself with the ship’s layout, find essential facilities, learn about safety procedures, and discover hidden treasures that await you while on your cruise. This is a valuable opportunity to make the most of your cruise experience right from the start.

Forgetting to Book Activities or Dining in Advance:
To avoid disappointment, don’t forget to book popular activities, shows, and specialty dining in advance. Some cruise lines allow pre-booking online or through their mobile apps up to 12 months in advance depending on the sailing. By planning ahead, you can ensure you don’t miss out on the top attractions and culinary experiences you’re most excited about. Once you are booked, it’s best to check your cruise line account and find out when options will open up to prebook.

Overextending Yourself :
While exploring the ports of call is a highlight of any cruise, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overbook yourself with back-to-back shore excursions. Remember, quality over quantity! Allow time to relax onboard and savor the ship’s amenities. Choose a few meaningful excursions that truly pique your interest, and balance them with leisurely days at sea. Ships and ports have so much to offer, it’s impossible to take it all in on one sailing. This is a perfect example of why you can absolutely sail the same itinerary more than once and not get bored. You can do something new and different each sailing, or do something again that you really loved. It’s your vacation and your decision. (For me, I will visit the Sloth Sanctuary each and every time I’m in Roatan! 😍🦥) The same holds true while on the ship. As ships get bigger and bigger, there’s often not enough time to do and see everything unless you are on a longer itinerary. Before you ever board the ship, make notes of the top things you want to do and see onboard. Then, leave yourself plenty of time to relax or for unexpected discoveries. Just like visiting a port more than once, you can absolutely sail on the same ship more than once too.

Ignoring Sea Sickness Prevention:
Sea sickness can put a damper on even the most seasoned cruiser’s experience. 🤢 Don’t make the mistake of ignoring prevention methods! Pack seasickness remedies like over-the-counter medications, ginger candies, or wristbands that apply pressure to acupressure points. Also, choose a cabin location with minimal motion, such as midship and on a lower deck. Once onboard, you can also visit the medical bay for a seasickness patch that works wonders. I don’t usually suffer from seasickness, but I did have a pretty severe bout while sailing to Columbia. The patch was a lifesaver (at least it felt like it was saving my life).

Skipping the Must-See Shows:
Cruise ships often put on sensational shows and performances that absolutely should not be missed. From Broadway productions to first-rate comedy acts and Olympic-worthy acrobatic displays, there’s something for everyone. Be sure and take time to catch at least one of the shows while onboard. Check the show schedule online in your cruise account and see if you need to make reservations for any of the shows before you set sail. Once onboard, the daily cruise newsletter that’s delivered to your ship will have information and times for the shows and acts.

I hope these tips and suggestions helped you learn some new tips and tricks for your next cruise. Do you have a tip you’d like to share or want to share your biggest mistake while on a cruise? Feel free to leave a comment and let us know!  If you still feel overwhelmed with options, please reach out to me and I’d love to help you plan your next cruise. I have nine years as a travel agent and am certified with most cruise lines plus I am an Accredited Cruise Counselor with CLIA, the world’s largest cruise industry trade association. Feel free to call me at 806.486.1958 or email hello@outtaheretravels.com and I can help you wade through the sea of information. 😎🌊

Michelle Osborn is the Owner & Travel Consultant at Outta Here Travels located in Pampa, Texas. She has over ten years of experience within the travel industry and serves clients from all over the United States.