4 Things Seasoned Cruise Travelers Do Differently Than First-Timers

Going on a cruise is very much in fashion, but there were people who were doing it long before it became trendy. They’re the seasoned cruise travelers, and their experience-based insights can help first-timers get the most from their first trip on the seven seas.

And there’s a lot of those first-timers out there. Record-breaking numbers of travelers are taking cruises for the first time, with the cruise industry as a whole expected to experience significant growth throughout the end of the decade.

If you’re one of them, then this page is for you. Take on board the seasoned wisdom of the cruise veterans, and you’ll go a long way towards avoiding some of those all-too-common novice errors. 

They Arrive Early

Going on a cruise should be a fun and relaxing getaway, and stepping into that mindset is a lot easier if you’re not racing against the clock. People who have been on cruises before know that there’s a lot of power in arriving well before their departure, often even the day before. With most cruises departing from Florida, it can make sense to spend a day or two enjoying the state’s laid-back atmosphere. Book a hotel next to the port, and you’ll enjoy the luxury of having a slow and relaxing morning on the day of departure.

They Plan Ahead to Avoid Travel Fatigue

First-time cruise travelers think almost exclusively about the beginning and middle parts of their trip. They don’t think about the end. However, spending a little time organizing the final stages of your getaway — chiefly, how you’ll get home — can help avoid many of the headache-inducing elements that can tarnish a trip. 

The main things to think about are how you’ll get from the port to the airport, and then from the airport home. For Florida cruises, seasoned travelers book their transportation from Port Canaveral to MCO, Port of Miami to MIA, or Port Everglades to FLL before they begin their trip. It’ll give peace of mind that you’ll have a smooth journey from the cruise ship to your flight. 

They Choose Cabins Wisely 

You can have a great cruise experience regardless of the type of room you book, but it’s best to know what you’re getting yourself into before you travel. Seasoned cruise travelers are aware of the different types of cabins available and book one that makes sense for their needs.

The biggest mistake first-timers make is misunderstanding what’s meant by ‘ocean view cabin.’ You’ll have a view of the ocean, yes, but you won’t have a balcony. If you have plans on sitting outside in privacy, then you’ll need a balcony cabin. 

They Pre-Book Excursions

It’s tempting to wait until you’re on the cruise before choosing what excursions you want to do, but there’s value in getting things locked down before you go. For one thing, you’ll usually find that you can save money. Second, you’ll know that you actually get to do them — some activities sell out, so you wouldn’t want to miss out!