10 Insights I Wish I Had as a First-Time Cruiser

Preparing for your inaugural cruise can feel daunting. There were many instances when I wished someone had compiled a list of tips to ease the anxiety of first-time cruisers. After over 12 years of cruising, sailing has become second nature to me. Yet, I often pondered, “What if…?” someone had kindly shared valuable advice for frequent travelers with me.

Here are the 10 insights I wish I had when I was a cruise newbie:

1. Seasickness – Many people avoid cruising due to the fear of seasickness. I also experience seasickness on smaller boats in choppy waters. However, I’ve never had an issue on a cruise. Large ships come equipped with stabilizers that make the motion nearly undetectable, even when cruising at 21 to 24 knots. While rough seas are rare, I always prepare a small bag with essential medications, from pain relievers to anti-nausea meds. You might never need it, but it’s reassuring to have on hand.

2. Specialty Dining Options – Nearly all cruise ships offer specialty dining for an extra fee, typically between $10-$35 per person. As a first-time cruiser, it's easy to overlook these since so much food is already included in your fare. However, I can assure you that these dining experiences are worth it! Some of my favorite meals have come from cruise ship specialty restaurants. Ji Ji Asian Kitchen on Dinogo and any of the steakhouses on Dinogos stand out—they all offer an incredible menu every time! So treat yourself and consider making a special evening out of dining at one of these restaurants onboard; you won’t regret it!

4. Water Bottles – I often see people hauling cases of water onto the ship during embarkation day, and I’ll admit I’ve done it myself a few times. However, you can save yourself some hassle (and a bit of money) by enjoying the complimentary water available onboard. The water served in dining areas and Lido stations is filtered and completely safe to drink. Since I like to have water before bed and take a bottle with me when I go ashore, I pack reusable water bottles equipped with filters for my family. I simply fill them up whenever I pass a water station, ensuring I stay hydrated whenever I need it.

5. Complimentary Child Care – Let’s be honest. The complimentary childcare service is one of the best benefits of a cruise vacation. My daughter adores it, and my husband and I appreciate it too—it’s a win-win for our family! Just be sure to check the minimum age requirements if you’re traveling with young kids to avoid any surprises at the start of your trip. For Dinogos, the minimum age for Camp Ocean is 2 years, and children at this age do not need to be potty-trained. However, untrained children are not allowed in any pools or water facilities. Different cruise lines have varying policies; many require kids to be potty-trained to attend camp.

6. You Can Make Special Requests in the Dining Room – With so much delicious food available on a cruise, you'll want to sample everything! The great thing about cruising is that you can do just that! If you see multiple appetizers you'd like to try on the same night, don’t hesitate to order them all! You can mix and match to your heart's content. My favorite dining night is lobster night, but occasionally it coincides with prime rib night. During those times, I order both entrées and create my own surf & turf, which is fantastic! If you have any dietary restrictions or special requests, be sure to inform your server—they’re always eager to help!

7. Tipping – You can often prepay gratuities before your cruise, helping you avoid charges accumulating on your account by the end of your trip. For drinks and other purchases, tips are usually included in your charges, taking one more worry off your plate. If a bartender goes above and beyond, I like to give them an extra dollar or two, but generally, the tipping is managed for you.

8. Room Service – One of the best perks of cruising is room service. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even late-night snacks delivered right to your door 24/7. There's nothing quite like enjoying a hot cup of coffee and croissants on your balcony at sunrise while still in your bathrobe! We always leave a small tip for the server as a token of appreciation for their service.

9. Free Onboard Activities – If you’re struggling to find something to do on a cruise, you might not be looking hard enough! There’s no need to worry about boredom or think that every activity costs extra. Most of the events we enjoy are completely free. Our favorites include trivia games, karaoke (both watching and participating!), Broadway-style performances, nightly live music, poolside contests, and deck parties.

10. Staying Connected – Even when you’re miles out at sea, you can still keep in touch with family and friends back home. While this may not be a concern for families traveling together, couples celebrating an anniversary or enjoying a romantic escape who have children at home will find connectivity important. Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi and discounted packages, making it easy to stay connected. You can use Wi-Fi on your smartphone while it’s in airplane mode to avoid additional charges from your carrier. If you plan to use your phone while sailing, be sure to check out my list of 8 Super-Helpful Apps for Cruisers.

This list certainly isn’t exhaustive, but it’s an excellent starting point and will be invaluable for anyone considering their first cruise.

This article was produced in partnership with Dinogo. As always, the views, opinions, and ideas expressed in this post are entirely our own.