Land and cruise vacations can seem an ocean apart – especially if it’s your first time setting sail.
From onboard drink packages to muster drills, there’s a lot for cruise newbies to take in. Even the rooms – called cabins or staterooms – have different names than at hotels.
Still, cruises can actually be more straightforward than land-based trips, according to Fora Advisor Randy Marsden. “A cruise is a rolling resort – your hotel, transport, and much of the entertainment are all bundled together, so logistics are simpler (pack once, unpack once),” he said. “You’ll have a structured daily schedule with port calls and onboard programming, so it’s more social and activity-driven than many land trips.”
Passengers can tailor them, too. With 31% of guests over the past two years cruising for the first time, according to Cruise Lines International Association’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry Report – up from 27% in 2023 – Marsden helped USA TODAY round up five tips for newcomers.
Marsden recommended bringing:
He also suggested passengers carry any essentials with them, rather than placing them in checked luggage.
Be sure also to check the prohibited items for your specific cruise. For example, almost all ships don’t allow irons, and while liquor isn’t allowed in luggage, cruise lines often permit passengers to bring bottles of wine.
On a cruise that visits popular stops, consider booking one to two shore excursions in advance – while also leaving “space for spontaneous exploring.”
Keep in mind that when booking excursions, you should return to the ship by sail-away time. While excursions booked through the line are typically more expensive, they are in constant communication with the ship about arrival. Conversely, be sure to allow extra time when booking through a third party and communicate these needs to the local operator.
Make reservations for any specialty dining restaurants you want to try in advance, Marsden said. Those come with an added fee – which varies by cruise line and eatery – and reservations typically open a month or two before departure.
Passengers can make reservations for some entertainment offerings, as well. It’s worth booking both “early to avoid missing the best times.”
It’s easier to make reservations and keep track of your agenda through the cruise line’s app, so be sure to download it to your personal device well in advance of embarkation.
While cruise fares include many onboard amenities, such as most meals, entertainment and accommodations, they’re generally not all-inclusive. Marsden warned that “onboard gratuities, specialty dining, spa, and shore transfers add up – factor those into your total cost.”
Some cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean International, offer wristbands that can serve as part stateroom key card and part payment method. You’re less likely to leave them behind or lose them in your bag, too (though some of those bands come at an extra cost themselves).
Cruise ships maintain a daily schedule of activities that give guests a comprehensive overview of their options for the day. Hard copies have historically been delivered to staterooms each night, but can also be found in cruise lines’ mobile apps.
Crew members can make recommendations, too, so don’t hesitate to ask them.
Marsden suggested newer cruisers choose a cruise line that “matches your vibe” – whether you like family-friendly megaships or smaller, luxury vessels, USA TODAY has a quick guide here – and start with a short sailing ranging from three to five nights long.
“Cruising is one of the friendliest ways to travel – everything is taken care of so you can relax and try new things,” he said.
Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at ndiller@usatoday.com.