6 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a cruise ship that all first-time cruisers should keep in mind

Joey HaddenJun 11, 2024, 00:11 IST

The author went on her first cruise with Royal Caribbean and noticed a few key things about the experience that she wished she knew before embarking.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I went on a cruise for the first time on Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas in April 2022.
After taking the trip, I think there are some things everyone should know before going on a cruise.

Before I took my first cruise in April 2022, I had never even seen a cruise ship.

It was a seven-night voyage on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas. We sailed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Roatán, Honduras; Cozumel and Costa Maya in Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

While I had a good time, I ultimately decided the cruising lifestyle wasn't for me. But there were some things that would've made my trip a little easier and more comfortable. Here's what I think all first-time cruisers should know before setting sail.

Some cruise ship cabins can be rockier than others, like those situated at the front of the ship.

The author's room was at the front of the ship.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

The restaurants included in the cruise rate had all different types of food and were high quality, so splurging on specialty restaurants wasn't necessary.

The author's dinner in the main dining room.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Formal nights weren't enforced, so don't waste luggage space on nice outfits if you don't want to participate.

The author on the first formal night.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Laundry on board was expensive, so bring a bar of laundry soap to save money.

Inside the author's closet in her cabin.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Though it was a Caribbean cruise, I got chilly, so bring some warm clothing.

The author on the windy top deck just after sunrise.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I would've brought my own case of water if I knew it was allowed.

A case of water bottles in the author's room.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

If I'd known these details before my cruise, I could've prepared to have a better time while saving some money. I hope they help other first-time cruisers.

The author at a port in front of the world's largest cruise ship.Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I'm an American who's lived in Spain for 4 years. I wish I knew these 10 things before I moved.

Cookies on the Business Insider India website