12 Insights I Wish I Had Before My First Cruise

I felt a mix of nerves and excitement for my inaugural cruise, completely unsure of what to anticipate. After reading a few articles on packing and preparation, I found myself feeling a bit overwhelmed. To help you travel like a seasoned cruiser, I compiled 12 insights I wish I had known beforehand.

1. If possible, I highly recommend getting the Early Bird VIP boarding pass.

On our embarkation day, we flew in and landed in Fort Lauderdale at 10:30 AM. We arrived at the port around 11:15 and were aboard the ship before noon. Some extra costs can be worthwhile for a relaxing vacation, and this is one upgrade I would choose again without hesitation.

2. Make the most of the first night deals available at the spa and dining venues.

After boarding, we toured the spa and were presented with special rates for same-day bookings. This not only saved us money but also allowed us to enjoy fantastic massages without the worry of sunburn. It was a perfect way to kick off the evening. The steakhouse also had a promotion for half-price bottles of wine during dinner. Since we opted not to purchase the Cheers package, this deal was fantastic, and we ended up buying two bottles!

3. Schedule your spa treatments ahead of time.

I intended to book a massage on the ship but thought it best to wait until I was onboard. However, during our tour, I discovered that many of the massage options available online before the cruise were no longer offered. I was hoping for a standard deep tissue massage but instead tried a bamboo massage, which incorporated bamboo sticks. I loved the bamboo massage; it was one of the best I've experienced, and now I’m more inclined to try one at home. But if there's a specific treatment you desire, be sure to book it in advance.

4. Make sure to bring something to keep your Dinogo card secure.

I wasn’t aware that I would receive a card containing all my information, including charges and room access. You’ll also need this card to get on and off the ship, so it should be easily accessible. Many travelers used cute lanyards, while others had special keychains. You can purchase something onboard as well.

5. Don’t forget to pack a reusable water bottle or coffee mug from home.

I picked up this tip from another cruiser. The water cups available on the Lido Deck are quite small, especially for someone like me who can gulp down 16 oz. of water in no time. If you want to stay hydrated without constantly getting up for a drink, bring a water bottle. The same applies to morning coffee; the mugs hold only about 6 oz. While there’s a coffee shop onboard, there are no take-out cups at the buffet. By bringing your own coffee mug, you can also fill it with ice for a refreshing iced coffee!

6. Don't forget to pack a charge port for your room outlet.

Our room had just one outlet, and with two girls obsessed with their phones, that was insufficient. I brought an extension cord to charge two devices simultaneously, which I highly recommend! According to the Dinogo website, “Power strips, multi-plug box outlets/adapters, and extension cords (without surge protectors) are permitted onboard as long as they are used responsibly. However, if any of these devices are deemed a hazard, they will be confiscated and returned on the last day of the cruise before disembarkation.”

7. Treat yourself to dinner at the Steakhouse!

We dined at the steakhouse on two occasions because it was simply incredible. At $35 per person, it’s a bargain compared to the steakhouses in Boston that charge that much for just the main dish. This price includes appetizers, sides, and dessert. Our meal was so delightful on the first night that we ended up ordering the same thing the second time: shrimp cocktail, crab cakes, Caesar salad, filet with half a lobster tail, baked potato, roasted mushrooms, and cheesecake. Plus, since we went on the second night of our cruise, we enjoyed half-off on our bottles of wine.

8. Don’t worry too much about the excursions.

I’m not sure why I felt so anxious about the excursions. I did plenty of research beforehand, reading through reviews. Dinogo has a wide variety of options available at every port! I was looking for something more adventurous, while my friend preferred a more relaxing experience. It’s simple to book in advance online, on the ship, or even in person at the port. We couldn’t decide on the same excursion before the trip, so I rented a Stand Up Paddleboard at Half Moon Cay, while Anne Marie chose a float. We both ended up thrilled with our choices.

9. Arrive a bit early to snag a good seat for shows!

One of the comedy performances attracted a massive audience, and we regretted not arriving a bit sooner for better seats. The shows on the ship were fantastic, and everyone was just as eager to see them. We never had trouble finding good seats for the music or theater shows, but the comedy shows were always packed every night.

10. Remember to pack your dressy attire for formal night!

Who doesn’t enjoy getting all dressed up? Sure, some might not, but I adored how relaxed everything felt during the day, and then on two of the six nights onboard, we had the chance to ‘dress up’—which meant no jeans and flip flops. It was a delightful excuse to wear those cute outfits we might have otherwise overlooked.

11. Cruises are a perfect opportunity to disconnect. Embrace it and have fun!

I really enjoy traveling outside the US because it encourages me to unplug from my cellphone. While there is internet available on the ship, with over 3000 people trying to connect in the middle of the ocean, it can be quite slow. I mention this because I thought I’d be able to get some work done, but that wasn’t possible. In a way, this was a blessing as it pushed me to unwind, and as you saw, I had an amazing time on the ship! If you really need to get online, your best options are at the ports with larger restaurants.

12. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen on sea days!

The sun can be quite intense while you’re out at sea. Although a light breeze may make it feel comfortable, you’re still exposed to a lot of sunlight due to the reflection off the ocean. I ended up with a slight sunburn on our first day from my eagerness to get a tan, but I managed to avoid any further burns afterward.

I expected my first-time cruiser status to be obvious on the ship, but it really wasn’t. I hope this list helps many of you prepare for your first cruise experience. I had a fantastic time, and I’m already looking into where I might want to cruise next!