By Captain Sail, Book with the Captain
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Your first cruise is exciting, and a little overwhelming. There are cabin categories, deposit dates, documents, luggage tags, dining times and a dozen apps. The good news: once you know the order things happen in, it's simple.
I'm Captain Sail, the guide for Book with the Captain, an independent travel advisor affiliated with Fora Travel. First-timers are some of my favorite people to plan for, because the right choices up front make the whole trip easier. Here's the first cruise checklist I walk you and your crew through, from "we should go on a cruise" to the moment you step on board.
Step 1: Decide what kind of cruise you want
Before you look at ships, answer a few questions:
- Who's coming? Couples, young kids, teens, grandparents and friend groups all want different things.
- How long can you be away? Short 3-4 night cruises are a great test run. A week gives you more ports and more time to relax.
- Do you want to fly or drive to the port? Driving can save a travel day and a lot of stress.
- What's your vibe? Big resort ship with waterslides and shows, or a smaller, quieter ship?
- Where do you want to go? The Caribbean and Bahamas are classic first cruises; Alaska and Europe are great too.
Big ship or small ship?
Big ships are floating resorts with something for everyone. Smaller ships feel calmer and more personal. If you're deciding between two big ships, my Wonder of the Seas vs Oasis of the Seas comparison shows how I compare sister ships. If a smaller, all-inclusive feel sounds better, take a look at a small luxury ship or my AmaWaterways river cruise guide.
Step 2: Set a realistic budget
The cruise fare is only part of the cost. When you plan, think about:
- Flights or driving and parking
- A hotel the night before (strongly recommended if you're flying)
- Gratuities, which many lines add daily unless they're included
- Drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and spa, depending on what your fare includes
- Shore excursions
- Optional travel insurance
I'll help you understand what's included on the line you're considering so there are no surprises.
Step 3: Choose your cabin
Your cabin choice affects your budget and your comfort. The four main types are interior, ocean view, balcony and suite. Location matters as much as category, especially if you're worried about motion or noise. I wrote a whole guide on this: how to pick a cruise cabin.
Step 4: Book and note your key dates
Once you book, write down:
- Deposit and final payment dates
- Cancellation terms for your fare type
- When online check-in opens
- When you can book dining, shows and excursions on the cruise line's app or website
I keep track of these for my clients, but it's good for you to know them too.
Step 5: Check your travel documents
This is the step that can't wait until the last minute.
- Passports: Even when a closed-loop cruise (round trip from the same U.S. port) may allow other documents for U.S. citizens, I always recommend a valid passport. If you have to fly home from a foreign port unexpectedly, you'll need it.
- Passport validity: Check expiration dates now. Some destinations require validity well beyond your travel dates.
- Kids' documents: Requirements for minors vary, especially if only one parent is traveling.
- Visas: Some itineraries require them. I'll check for your sailing.
Always confirm the current requirements for your itinerary and citizenship with the cruise line and official government sources.
Step 6: Consider optional travel insurance
Travel insurance is optional. A cruise involves flights, prepaid fares and time at sea, and travel insurance can help with cancellations, delays and medical emergencies. Read the policy, and consider buying early, since some benefits depend on when you purchase. I can talk you through options.
Step 7: Plan your pre-cruise arrival
Arrive the day before if you're flying. Flight delays happen, and the ship won't wait. A hotel night near the port turns travel day into part of the vacation.
If you're driving, plan your route, parking and timing, and leave a buffer.
Step 8: Complete online check-in
Most lines ask you to:
- Enter passport or ID details
- Upload a photo
- Add a payment method for your onboard account
- Pick an arrival time
- Download your boarding documents or use the app
Do this as soon as it opens. Early check-in can mean earlier arrival times.
Step 9: Pack smart
Carry-on bag (keep this with you)
- Passports and documents
- Medications in their original containers
- Phone, chargers and any adapters you need
- Swimsuit, sunscreen and a change of clothes
- Anything valuable or fragile
Your checked luggage may not reach your cabin until later on embarkation day, so pack your carry-on like a day bag.
Checked luggage
- Casual daywear and a few dressier outfits for evenings
- Light layers for air-conditioned spaces and breezy decks
- Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
- Toiletries and any motion sickness remedies you prefer
- A reusable water bottle
Leave at home
Each cruise line has a list of prohibited items, which commonly includes things like irons and certain power strips. Check your line's list before you pack.
Step 10: Embarkation day
- Arrive at your assigned time with your documents in hand.
- Tag your luggage with the cruise line's tags and hand it to the porters.
- Go through security and check-in, then walk on board.
- Attend the safety briefing, called the muster drill. It's required.
- Explore, grab lunch and confirm any dining or show reservations.
First-day tips
- Visit guest services early if anything looks wrong with your booking.
- Check the daily schedule in the app.
- Find your cabin, your muster station and the kids' club if you have little ones.
Step 11: While you're on board
- Keep an eye on your onboard account.
- Book popular activities and specialty dining early.
- Leave time to do nothing. That's part of the point.
- Know the "all aboard" time in every port. It's usually earlier than departure time.
Step 12: Disembarkation
On the last night, you'll usually set out your luggage (if you're not carrying it off yourself), settle your account and pick a departure time. Plan flights with plenty of buffer after the ship arrives back in port.
Bonus: Thinking beyond your first cruise
Once you've done one cruise, you'll know what you love. Some of my clients go bigger with a suite, try a balcony upgrade like the ones in my NCL balcony guide, or pair a cruise with a resort stay.
How I help first-timers
- You tell me who's coming, when and what you're dreaming about.
- I match you with ships, itineraries and cabin locations.
- I track your key dates and help with hotels, optional insurance questions and documents.
- I'm your one real person before, during and after the trip.
There are no Book with the Captain fees and no markup on cruise and hotel bookings.
FAQ
What should I do first when planning my first cruise?
Start by deciding who's coming, how long you can travel and whether you'll fly or drive to the port. Those three answers narrow down ships and itineraries quickly. Once you know them, it's much easier to compare options and set a realistic budget for your first cruise.
Do I need a passport for my first cruise?
Requirements depend on your itinerary and citizenship. I always recommend traveling with a valid passport, even when other documents may be accepted. A passport gives you more flexibility if your plans change or you need to fly home from a foreign port, so it's worth having before your first cruise.
When should I arrive for a cruise?
If you're flying, arrive the day before your cruise. If you're driving, leave plenty of buffer time for traffic and parking. Ships leave on schedule, so building in extra time protects you from delays and makes embarkation day calmer, especially on your very first sailing.
What should I pack in my carry-on for embarkation day?
Pack your documents, medications, chargers, a swimsuit, sunscreen and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Checked bags can arrive at your cabin later in the day, so keeping these essentials with you means you can start enjoying the ship right away instead of waiting for your luggage.
Is a short cruise a good first cruise?
Yes. A 3-4 night sailing is a great way to see whether you like cruising before you book a longer trip. You'll get a feel for the ship, the dining and life on board without a big time commitment, and you can plan a longer cruise next time with confidence.
Does it cost more to book through a travel advisor?
No. There are no Book with the Captain fees and no markup on cruise and hotel bookings. When you book with me, I compare your options, recommend specific cabins or rooms, handle the booking, and stay with you before, during and after the trip, so you have one person to help.
Get your free first cruise quote
Tell me who's coming, when you'd like to go and what kind of trip you're picturing, and I'll match you with the right ship and cabin. Request your free quote from the Captain.
Keep planning
- How to Pick a Cruise Cabin: Types, Location and Tips
- Why Arrive a Day Early for Your Cruise (and How to Plan It)
- Current cruise deals with book-by dates
- Cruise port guides