Pro Cruise Tips For Beginners: 22 Tips for The Best First Day

1 | Take a deep breath and relax

You’re on vacation now. On cruise time. It’s best to lower your expectations because not everything will be perfect, but most things will be just fine. The cruise lines work very hard to be sure you’re happy.

Your cabin probably won’t be ready yet because last week’s passengers have just disembarked and the crew is hard at work, cleaning the cabins and preparing them for this week’s passengers. You’ll need to listen for announcements so you’ll know when your cabin is ready, but in the meantime, there are plenty of things you can do.

2 | Download the cruise line’s app

You’ll probably be a bit lost for the first day or two, but you’ll be ahead of the game if you download the cruise line’s app. These apps provide more than just maps—some of them offer onboard texting between passengers, the ability to make some reservations, to review your current bill, and to see the schedule of the day’s activities. If you’re not comfortable with computer apps, ask for a paper map of the ship to fold up and carry with you.

3 | Set up your phone for cruising

As soon as you get onboard, send your last texts, then turn off roaming on your phone and set up the ship’s Wi-Fi, if you have a package. If you have problems, there should be a help desk for internet issues. They will get you set up right away.

PRO TIP
Be absolutely certain you log off the ship’s internet service when you finish a session. Otherwise, your session will continue and your minutes will be drained, unless you have an unlimited package. I’ve learned this lesson the hard way.

4 | Grab a quick bite to eat

If you’ve traveled to your port today, you’ve probably missed breakfast and are starving. Take a little time to have a nice lunch to set the pace for the rest of the cruise. There are usually options for sit-down dining for lunch on Day One, so don’t be shy. Ask a crew member and they’ll point you in the right direction.

PRO TIP
Avoid the buffet on the first day. It will be a madhouse with new cruisers who haven’t gotten the hang of things yet. Don’t worry; things will settle down a bit by Day Two.

5 | Buy packages

If you haven’t already, now is the time to seek out the concierge desk and purchase packages such as for Wi-Fi, premium dining, adult beverages, etc. Cruise lines generally offer lower prices for these packages on the first day, similar to what’s offered before the cruise, but the price will probably go up on Day Two.

6 | Make onboard reservations

Again, if you haven’t already done so ahead of time, now is the time to reserve your spot for premium dining, spa treatments, comedy shows, excursions, and other activities that require reservations. The first day is a great time to have dinner at a premium restaurant since the buffet and main dining rooms will be quite busy.

There are usually a few ways to make these reservations—at the concierge or guest services desk, via touch-screen monitors located throughout the ship, through a menu on your cabin’s TV screen, or via the ship’s app. Isn’t technology great?

7 | Make any special food or dining requests

Need a special diet? Didn’t get the dining time you wanted? Stop by the restaurant and make your requests now.

8 | Explore the ship

Find quiet places you can come back to for a little solitude. Check out the pool and pick out your favorite spot for later—whether sunny, shady, or near the bar. Locate the popular gathering spots, bars to try, and restaurants you plan to eat at later.

PRO TIP
Take the elevator to the highest desk and start there, then take the stairs down. Get in the habit of burning up those extra calories so your clothes will still fit at the end of the cruise.

9 | Take lots and lots of pics

Make vacation memories last forever by documenting them in photos. Ask another cruiser to take a pic of you and your significant other by the railing, take a few candid shots with friendly crew members, get an action shot of your loved one making a putt on the mini-golf course or taking a spin on the go-karts. Take Instagram-worthy pics of your meals to help you remember your favorites for next time. Believe me, you’ll be glad you did.

PRO TIP
Be sure you’re in most of the pics you take. Don’t be shy about being in photos or worry about how you look…the pics we’re in are the most interesting ones.

10 | Check out the spa

Ship spas usually offer drawings on the first day for free spa treatments. These are your best odds for winning a nice gift on the cruise. Show up just before the drawing begins and toss your name in the bucket. You might get lucky and win a nice spa gift certificate.

11 | Complete the muster drill

The muster drill is mandatory, and they know when you don’t participate. Everyone must scan their cruise card before the drill starts, so there’s no playing hooky. If you try to skip it, you’ll be shamed publicly on the PA system, and the ship may not be able to leave port until you do.

12 | Take pics of your cabin

When your cabin is ready, head over and take a few pictures of it before you bring anything inside. This is the neatest and cleanest it will be all week.

13 | Inspect your cabin

Check to be sure your safe locks properly, the toilet flushes, the air-conditioning works, that sort of thing. It’s also a good idea to check for bed bugs; better safe than sorry. If you find any issues, now is the time to report them to the concierge desk—before you’ve unpacked and settled in. This is your best chance to be moved to another cabin if there’s a major issue, assuming the ship isn’t at full capacity.

14 | Drop off your cruise carry-on, and put any valuables in your safe

Leave your cruise carry-on in your cabin’s closet so you can explore the ship unencumbered. Before you leave your cabin again, be sure to stash any small valuables in your safe such as your wallet, cash, credit cards, keys, jewelry, and prescription meds. Set the code and lock the door. Now, all you will need is your room keycard.

15 | Change into comfortable clothing

You may have traveled from a colder climate to your port, so if you haven’t already changed into the extra outfit you brought in your cruise carry-on, now’s the time to change into something else for the afternoon. Whether you’re changing into your swimsuit and trying out the pool or hot tub while they aren’t crowded, or simply want to change out of your travel clothes—either way, it’s time to get comfortable.

16 | Meet your cabin steward

Now is the time to ask for anything special you need or report to the steward anything that might be missing. We ask for robes if there are none, extra clothes hangers, and for the mini-fridge to be emptied of items for sale.

PRO TIP
If you know you’ll have several requests, now is a great time to give your cabin steward a little extra gratuity ahead of time to grease the wheels. These amazing crew members can treat you quite well if you’re friendly and appreciative.

17 | Check out the newsletter

Highlight the activities you’re interested in on the ship’s newsletter, and check for special offers for embarkation day. Below is the schedule for the first day of one of our cruises on Norwegian. Lots to do and enjoy!

Once Your Luggage Arrives

18 | Sanitize your cabin

Now that we’ve all been made painfully aware by the coronavirus pandemic of how easily we can get sick on vacation, we’re all going to be a little more proactive going forward, I believe. Yes, the crew members clean and disinfect the cabins, but no one will do it as well as you.

Pull out the antiseptic wipes you’ve tucked into your cruise carry-on and spend a few minutes to ensure you don’t pick up a virus in your cabin. Concentrate on things that are touched the most such as light switches, drawer pulls, countertops, tabletops, arms of balcony chairs, and the balcony railing. Wash any glassware provided before using (the body wash provided in the shower works for this, and use lots of hot water).

PRO TIP
Bring along a Ziploc bag and place the TV’s remote control inside it. It will work just fine, and you won’t have to worry about someone else’s germs.

19 | Get settled in

Unpack your luggage and hang up your clothes. Change into what you plan wear for the evening. Did you pack using the capsule wardrobe concept?

PRO TIP
Once you’ve emptied your suitcase, lay it flat and then slide it beneath your bed. This way you’ll have more room in your closet, and a place to store dirty clothes.

20 | Have a cocktail

Find the bar of your choice and order a drink. You’re on vacation…it’s time to relax!

PRO TIPS
Find a good bartender and keep going to them…they’re going to be your new best friend. Be friendly, tip them up front, remember their name, and you’ll get super service. This is critical when the ship is packed. Lines for drinks will be long, and you’ll want the bartender to help you quickly.

Try something new, especially if you bought the beverage package. If it turns out you don’t like it, pass the drink to your significant other with a smile and order something else.

21 | Enjoy the sailaway

Not all ships make a big party of the sailaway, but some offer boisterous music and free drinks. Take advantage of it! Especially if this is your first cruise, you should join the other passengers at the deck railing to wave good-bye to your departure port and officially start your cruise.

22 | Take in the sunset

It’s the first of many you’ll see on your trip, and they’re all spectacular. Again, take lots of pictures!

Final Thoughts On Cruise Tips For Beginners On Day One

A cruise is one of the best vacations you’ll ever have, especially if you’re prepared. I hope these tips for beginners help you “cruise” right through Day One of your next sailing.

For more tips about cruising, check out this post.

Happy cruising!