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A Beginner’s Guide to Cruising: What to Know When Choosing Your First Cruise

Updated: Jan 23

If you’ve never cruised before, it can feel overwhelming—deposits, ports, gratuities, boarding times… it’s a lot. The good news? Cruising is actually one of the easiest ways to travel once you understand the basics. This guide is designed specifically for first-time cruisers who want to know what to expect before booking and before boarding.


How Cruise Pricing Works

One of the biggest benefits of cruising is how much is included in your fare. Cruises make budgeting easier because most of your expenses are known upfront.


Typically included:

  • Your stateroom (room type matters—interior, oceanview, balcony)

  • Transportation between destinations

  • Main dining room & buffet meals

  • Basic drinks (drip coffee, juice, milk, water, tea)

  • Entertainment and shows

  • Kids clubs (on most cruise lines)

  • Pools, splash pads, and onboard activities


Not included:

  • Gratuities

  • Alcoholic beverages (unless you purchase a drink package)

  • Specialty dining

  • Shore excursions

  • WiFi (on most lines)


Deposits & Payments

Most cruise lines require a deposit at the time of booking, which is usually $100–$250 per person depending on the cruise line, sailing date, and promotions.

  • Final payment is typically due 90 days prior to sailing

  • Depending on the cruise line, you can choose a refundable deposit fare(which is usually more) and a non-refundable deposit fare.

  • Once your deposit is paid, your fare is secured. Occasionally, new promotions are released that may work in your favor and allow for price adjustments or added value. This is where working with a travel advisor is especially helpful—your advisor monitors for price drops or improved offers, ensures you don’t miss important deadlines, and helps you get the best value without overpaying.

  • Booking early often gives you the best pricing and stateroom availability


Gratuities (Yes, They’re Automatic)

Cruise lines charge automatic gratuities, which typically run around $18-$20 per person, per day (varies slightly by cruise line and stateroom category).


These gratuities go to:

  • Dining room staff

  • Housekeeping

  • Behind-the-scenes crew members


They are usually added to your onboard account daily while cruising, or you can prepay them before sailing which would then be paid with your cruise fare.


Ports & Shore Days

Cruises visit multiple destinations, called ports of call. When you dock at a port, you can:

  • Book a cruise line excursion

  • Explore independently

  • Head to the beach

  • Or stay onboard and enjoy a quieter ship


You’re not required to get off the ship at every port—it’s your vacation.


Important tip:If exploring on your own, always plan to return to the ship well before all-aboard time. The ship will not wait.


Flying In: Always Arrive the Day Before

This is one of the most important cruise tips. I always recommend booking a hotel near the port or airport for convenience.

Always arrive at your departure city the day before your cruise.


Flights get delayed, luggage gets lost, and cruises do not wait. Arriving the night before:

  • Reduces stress

  • Protects your vacation

  • Gives you a smoother embarkation day


Embarkation Day: What to Expect

Embarkation is the day you board the ship.

  • You’ll select an arrival time in advance

  • Drop off checked luggage (delivered to your room later)

  • Keep a carry-on with you that will have the things you need for a few hours

  • Go through security and check-in

  • Board the ship and start your vacation


Carry-on essentials should include:

  • Passports or birth certificates

  • Medications

  • Phone chargers

  • Swimsuits (if rooms aren’t ready yet)


Life Onboard: How Charging Works

Cruise ships are cashless. Everything onboard is charged to your SeaPass card (or equivalent), which acts as:

  • Your room key

  • Payment method

  • Identification

You’ll connect a credit card (or debit card) to your onboard account before sailing.


Do I Need a Passport?

This depends on your itinerary. I always advise cruising with a passport if you have one.

  • Many Caribbean cruises allow U.S. citizens to sail with a birth certificate + government-issued ID

  • A passport is highly recommended, even if not required, especially in case of emergencies


Is Cruising Right for You?

Cruising is a great fit if you:

  • Want to visit multiple destinations without repacking

  • Like having food, entertainment, and lodging in one place

  • Want a vacation that’s easy to plan and budget


Cruising might not be ideal if you:

  • Prefer long stays in one destination

  • Dislike crowds (though ship size matters!)

  • Don’t enjoy structured travel


Cruise Ships Aren’t All the Same: How to Choose the Right One

One thing that often surprises first-time cruisers is that cruise lines have multiple classes of ships, and each class can offer a very different experience. Ship classes typically vary in:

  • Size

  • Onboard amenities

  • Entertainment options

  • Dining venues

  • Family-friendly features

  • Typical sailing length (shorter vs. longer itineraries)

Larger, newer ships often sail shorter or more popular itineraries and offer more “wow-factor” amenities like water slides, shows, and specialty dining. Smaller or older ships may sail longer or more unique itineraries and focus more on destination experiences. Neither is better—it just depends on your travel style.


How to Choose the Right Ship for Your Cruise

When choosing a cruise, I recommend starting with one of two approaches:


Option 1: Choose Your Destination First

Think about where you want to go.

  • Caribbean

  • Alaska

  • Europe

  • Mexico

  • Mediterranean

Once you know your ideal destination or specific ports you want to visit, you can look at which ships and cruise lines sail to those locations.


Option 2: Choose Your Departure Port

If flying isn’t ideal or you want to drive to port, start with where you’ll be sailing from.

  • Florida (Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Port Canaveral)

  • Texas

  • California

  • New York

  • International ports

From there, you can see which ships sail from that port and what itineraries they offer.


Either way, narrowing down ports or departure city first helps avoid overwhelm and makes choosing a ship much easier.


Understanding Cruise Cabin Types

Cruise ships offer several cabin categories, each with different price points and experiences:

  • Interior cabins – No windows; great if you plan to spend little time in your room

  • Oceanview cabins – Window or porthole with natural light

  • Balcony cabins – Private outdoor space; popular for scenic cruising

  • Suites – Larger spaces with added perks and priority services


A common misconception is that interior cabins are always the cheapest—but that’s not always true.


Cruise Pricing Is Dynamic (And Why That Matters)

Cruise pricing is dynamic, meaning prices fluctuate based on:

  • Demand

  • Time of year

  • Ship popularity

  • Cabin availability

Because of this, interior rooms aren’t always the lowest-priced option. Occasionally, oceanview or balcony cabins can be priced similarly—or even lower—depending on demand for that sailing.

This is why flexibility and timing matter, and why having someone monitor pricing can work in your favor.


Why This Matters for First-Time Cruisers

Choosing the right ship and cabin can make or break your first cruise experience. A ship that’s perfect for one traveler may feel overwhelming or underwhelming to another.

This is where working with a travel advisor is especially helpful—someone who understands:

  • Which ships are best for first-time cruisers

  • How ship classes differ

  • When certain cabins offer better value

  • How to match the ship, itinerary, and budget to your travel style


Final Thoughts

Cruising may feel unfamiliar at first, but it’s one of the most beginner-friendly ways to travel—especially when you have the right ship, itinerary, and guidance. Whether you’re cruising solo, as a couple, or with your family, the right ship and itinerary make all the difference.



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