5 Mistakes first time cruisers make!

Planning your first cruise? These first-time cruise tips might just save your vacation. I made every rookie mistake on my first sailing — from flying in the same day the ship left to skipping travel insurance entirely — and I'm sharing them all so you can skip the stress I didn't. Here are the 5 mistakes first-time cruisers make, plus exactly what to do instead.

5 Mistakes First-Time Cruisers Make (I Made Some So You Don't Have To)

Confession time: before I became a travel advisor, I took my first cruise and managed to get some of these wrong. I was young and balling on a budget. So consider this your friendly warning from someone who learned the hard way — learn from me, and your first sailing will be smooth sailing. (Sorry, had to.)

1. Flying in the same day the ship sails 

Here's the thing nobody tells first-timers: the ship will not wait for you. Not for traffic, not for a delayed flight, not for anything. One cancelled connection or delayed flight and you're standing at the airport watching your vacation literally sail away without you. We usually drive so I haven't made this mistake. But sometimes we drive halfway and then only have 4 hours left in the morning. I am still always nervous if we got stuff on the highway or a car accident........ You never know, just get there the night before and save your nerves.

Do this instead: Fly in the day before and stay near the port. Bonus: your vacation starts a day early, and you board the ship rested instead of frazzled.

2. Booking the wrong cabin 

Not all cabins are created equal, and the cheapest one isn't always the smartest one. Inside vs. ocean view vs. balcony matters. Deck location matters. Being directly under the pool deck — where they drag lounge chairs around at 6 AM — matters a lot. And if you're prone to motion sickness, cabin placement can make or break your whole trip. We have determined we are not inside cabin people, a balcony is where it is at for us.

Do this instead: Tell your advisor you're prone to motion sickness before you book. Midship, lower decks = steadiest ride. Your stomach will thank you. Are you a light sleeper? Do you want to be close to a particular venue? The right cabin can change everything!!

3. Skipping travel insurance 

I used to think trip insurance was an upsell. Then I learned what a medical emergency at sea actually costs (thousands — with a "thousands") and how fast a cancelled trip eats your money. It's the least fun purchase you'll make and the one you'll be most grateful for if you ever need it. I feel like trip insurance is beyond the money spent for the trip, it's the unexpected that could happen on the trip. Most importantly making sure you have the right insurance.

Do this instead: Get an insurance quote at booking. It's cheaper than you think, and it covers way more than emergencies — cancellations, delays, lost luggage, all of it. It also gives you peace of mind.

4. Forgetting the real cost 

The cruise fare is not the whole trip. Gratuities, drinks, WiFi, shore excursions, specialty dining — it all adds up, and sticker shock on day 5 is a terrible souvenir. You could spend as much as the cruise costs in the extras!

Do this instead: Ask for a full-trip estimate up front. A good advisor will walk you through the real numbers before you book, so there are zero surprises. We can also share our experience with the wifi and drink packages and see if it actually makes sense for your family.

5. Planning it all alone 

Dining times, port excursions, onboard activities — the good stuff sells out fast, and first-timers don't know what they don't know. I tried to DIY my first cruise and spent half of it Googling things I should've already booked. Its also the logistics of where to stay before, how are you getting to the port? When should I fly out?

Do this instead: Use a travel advisor. (Like… I don't know… us? ) Here's the best part: it doesn't cost you extra. We're paid by the cruise line, not by you — so you get an expert in your corner for free.

The bottom line: Your first cruise should be magical, not a cautionary tale. I already played that role so you don't have to. Ready to do it right? Tap the link for a free quote and let's plan your adventure in the great wide somewhere.