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

Joey HaddenJun 7, 2022, 23:22 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/Insider

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

I went on my first cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas — the largest cruise ship in the world. I learned a few things along the way that I wish I'd known before I'd booked my trip, that I think any first-time cruiser should consider.

The author in front of the Wonder of the Seas cruise ship.Joey Hadden/Insider

I went on my first cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas — the largest cruise ship in the world. I learned a few things along the way that I wish I'd known before I'd booked my trip, that I think any first-time cruiser should consider.

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/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/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/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/Insider

Although 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/Insider

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

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

If I'd known these details before my cruise, I could have 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/Insider

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

I went on my first cruise onboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas — the largest cruise ship in the world. I learned a few things along the way that I wish I'd known before I'd booked my trip, that I think any first-time cruiser should consider.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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