1. Summary of Cruise Planning Mistakes
2. Booking Flights Too Close to Embarkation
3. Having an Invalid Passport
4. Ignoring COVID-19 Restrictions
5. Not Monitoring Prices
6. Skipping Travel Insurance
7. Random Cabin Selection
8. Only Taking Ship-affiliated Shore Excursions
9. Arriving Late to the Pier
10. Delaying Bookings Until the Last Minute
11. Overpacking or Underpacking
12. Keeping Essentials in Checked Luggage
13. Forgetting to Use Airplane Mode
14. Misunderstanding Inclusions
15. Leaving Alcohol Behind
16. Booking Your Next Cruise After Returning Home
While cruises might appear to be a pretty straightforward type of vacation, there’s more to them than you might think. It can be fairly easy to make a misstep here and there — and some could easily ruin your entire trip. So, whether you’re planning a cruise for the first time or have your reservations, check out this list of mistakes to avoid on your next sailing.
Booking Flights Too Close to Embarkation
Always book a flight that gets you to your port city the day before your cruise — or even earlier. This gives you a buffer period to make it to the port on time if there are flight delays or cancellations. Missing embarkation may require extra payment to catch up with your ship or could even lead to missing your sailing entirely. Additionally, keep in mind that your luggage may not arrive, and having an extra day in port increases the chance of getting your bags back.
For your return trip, you can schedule a flight on the same day as disembarkation, but be sure it’s not too early. Disembarkation can take time, and the airport might not be nearby. “It’s a mistake to book a flight before 11 a.m. for an airport near the cruise port and before noon if there’s considerable travel,” said Tanner Callais, founder of Cruzely.com. “You might make an earlier flight, but it adds a lot of stress making it to the airport on time, especially if there are any delays.”
Having an Invalid Passport
Always check your passport’s expiration date. You’ll likely need three to six months of validity on your passport, meaning the expiration date must be three to six months after your trip ends. “I’ve seen many mishaps due to improper documentation, especially with expiration dates,” said Jeff Rolander, vice president of claims at travel insurance company Faye.
Ignoring COVID-19 Restrictions
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“Some travelers may be under the false impression that the world is as open and vaccinated as their home country; however, this may still not be the case. Checking vaccination requirements, mask specifications, and rules in the various destinations you are visiting is essential, especially if your itinerary includes multiple countries,” said Jeremy Clubb, founder of Rainforest Cruises.
Not Monitoring Prices After You Book
Cruise pricing tends to be dynamic, meaning it varies based on demand. Sometimes, prices may actually drop post-booking, and you might be eligible for a price adjustment. “We have a tracking tool that helps us watch sale prices, so if a price drops before the final payment, we usually know about it ahead of time and can proactively adjust the price,” said Stephanie Goldberg-Glazer, owner of travel agency Live Well, Travel Often.
Skipping Travel Insurance
This oversight can cost a traveler far more than just the cruise fare. Most domestic health insurance policies do not cover members, especially standard Medicare, once a cruise ship reaches international waters,” said Michelle Couch-Friedman, founder and CEO of Consumer Rescue. “Medical treatment on board a ship can be extraordinarily high. Without travel insurance that covers medical treatment, a cruiser who falls ill or is injured could face significant expenses, including tens of thousands for medical evacuation without coverage.”
Random Cabin Selection
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If you are prone to seasickness, cabin location is crucial. “Stick to a mid-ship cabin — not too high of a floor and as mid-ship as possible,” advised travel advisor Ashley Les of Postcards From. “Above all else, avoid the front of the ship, as it has the most motion.”
Only Taking Ship-affiliated Shore Excursions
You are not obligated to opt for the shore excursions offered by the cruise line, and it may be more economical to book with a third party. For example, if your cruise stops at Bora Bora, consider booking a day pass at luxury hotels like The St. Regis Bora Bora to enjoy their amenities. Alternatively, feel free to explore at your own pace at the port.
Arriving Late to the Pier
If you choose to explore the port independently, make sure to return to the ship well before the scheduled embarkation time. “Late passengers running down the pier is a scene we often witness,” said travel advisor Christina Schlegel. “Check the boarding time for each port and allow ample buffer time, especially if tender service is involved.”
Delaying Bookings Until the Last Minute
On larger ships, specialty dining, spa treatments, and shore excursions can fill up quickly. Pay attention to when your cruise line opens bookings for these extras and reserve them as soon as possible. Many mistakenly assume entertainment options will be available once the ship docks, but that isn’t always the case. “In Central America, attractions are sometimes inaccessible immediately off the ship, necessitating prior arrangement,” stated Alissa Musto, a traveling musician with cruise experience. “Waiting until the cruise to figure out your port days can mean relying on slow, costly ship Wi-Fi or limited excursions that sell out fast.”
Overpacking or Underpacking
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“Overpacking can lead to a wardrobe avalanche in your cabin, while forgetting important items might result in hunting for sunscreen in an isolated port,” said Winkaffe. “Creating a packing list is essential. It should include versatile clothing to layer, your most common toiletries, sufficient medication for a few extra days in case of delays, and any specialties needed for excursions.” Furthermore, check your ship’s dress code, as formal or themed nights may require specific outfits.
Keeping Essentials in Checked Luggage
Your checked bags will be delivered to your cabin by porters; however, this process can take hours. Always place essentials and valuables—such as medication, chargers, and electronics—in your carry-on luggage. Additionally, pack items needed for your first day onboard. “Ensure your swim gear is in your carry-on. With your large luggage ported to your room, you may miss out on the chance to swim on the first day,” suggested Stephanie Shuster, founder and CEO of Walt Disney World Magazine and Disney Cruise Magazine.
Forgetting to Use Airplane Mode
If you lack an international plan covering your destinations, remember to set your phone to airplane mode and utilize Wi-Fi to avoid incurring data charges. Even if your plan covers international data, it may not include data usage at sea, so the advice remains relevant.
Misunderstanding Inclusions
Most cruise lines are not truly all-inclusive; alcohol, specialty dining, and excursions usually come with additional costs. It’s crucial to review the fine print and establish a reasonable budget for your onboard expenses. “When you pay your cruise fare, you might think you’re done spending, but that’s a misconception,” noted Callais. “You should consider the trip as having two costs—the cruise fare itself and the onboard expenses as well. While we all want to save, spending may enhance your trip significantly. Dining at a specialty restaurant or participating in a shore excursion often becomes the highlight of the cruise.”
Leaving Alcohol Behind
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“Most cruise lines allow passengers to bring their own wine or Champagne on board. Procedures vary by line, including limits and corkage fees,” noted Pierre-Olivier Lepage, cofounder and CEO of Cruisebound. “Make sure to research your cruise line’s policy before deciding on a drinks package. You can enjoy your personal stock in your cabin to avoid corkage fees in the restaurant.”
Booking Your Next Cruise After Returning Home
If you thoroughly enjoyed your cruise and are already contemplating your next one, consider booking it while you are still onboard. “Typically, there are significant savings for early bookings,” emphasized Shuster.
