Your first cruise has a lot of new words: SeaPass, muster, specialty dining, guarantee cabins. Here's the plain-English version, using Royal Caribbean as the example because it sails from Galveston, Port Canaveral and Miami. Other lines work in a similar way, but details differ, so I check them for your ship.
Plan my first cruise Get the free First Cruise Checklist
What's included vs. what costs extra
Usually included in the fare
- Your stateroom, with daily housekeeping
- Meals in the main dining room, the buffet and many casual spots
- Water, tea, select juices and classic coffee
- Pools and hot tubs, including the adults-only Solarium where a ship has one
- Shows and entertainment, and the fitness center
- Supervised kids' clubs for ages 3 to 12, and teen spaces for 13 to 17 (teen spaces vary by ship)
Usually extra
- Drinks packages and most drinks beyond the basics
- Specialty restaurants
- Shore excursions
- Wi-Fi
- Spa treatments, arcade, bingo and casino
- Photos, laundry and shop purchases
- The nursery for babies and toddlers, on ships that have one
Gratuities: unless you prepay them, the cruise line adds them to your onboard account each day, and you can ask Guest Services to adjust them. Some purchases, like drinks, specialty dining and spa services, have a gratuity added automatically. I'll show you how this works on your sailing so there are no surprises.
No prices here on purpose. Fares and package prices change daily, so I quote them for your exact sailing.
Choosing a ship and a cabin
Ship. Start with who's coming and what they want: water slides and kids' clubs, quiet adults-only spaces, Broadway-style shows, or lots of port time. I'll shortlist ships from your port that fit.
Cabin type. Interior rooms are the simplest. Ocean view adds a window. A balcony gives you private outdoor space. Suites add room and extras that vary by line. For more detail, see how to pick a cruise cabin.
If you're worried about seasickness: pick a cabin low and near the middle of the ship. Royal Caribbean's guidance says the lower you are to the water line, and the closer to the center of the ship, the less movement you'll feel. It also suggests keeping your eyes on the horizon, and says acupressure bands or over-the-counter remedies work best when used before you feel ill. Check with your doctor first.
Cabin location. Deck plans show where your room sits next to elevators, pools and dining rooms. Close to an elevator is handy with kids or limited mobility. Further away is often quieter. I'll check the deck plan for any cabin before you pick it.
Boarding day basics
- Check in early online. Royal Caribbean asks guests to check in in the Royal App at least 3 days before sailing and to arrive in the time slot they pick. If check-in isn't done ahead, it has to be finished at the pier at least 2 hours before sailing time.
- Don't cut it close. Everyone must be checked in and on board at least 90 minutes before port operations close, or they can't sail.
- Documents. Bring originals, not photocopies, and make sure the names match your booking. A passport is strongly recommended. If you use a passport, it must be valid for 6 months after the cruise ends. On most U.S. sailings, a state-certified birth certificate plus a government photo ID is accepted, and kids 15 and under need just the birth certificate.
- Arrive the day before. A hotel night near the port is a buffer against flight delays. Tick "Add a hotel night before my cruise" on the form and I'll add one. See why arrive a day early.
Galveston
The Port of Galveston runs official lots on port property, some within walking distance of the terminals and some with a free shuttle. You can reserve and prepay a spot online. Porters help with bags at the terminal. Galveston shuttle & parking
Port Canaveral
Garages and lots sit next to each cruise terminal, so you park and walk. There are no parking reservations, payment is by card only, and parking opens at 10 AM on embarkation day. Drop off passengers and bags at the terminal first. Canaveral shuttle & parking
Miami
PortMiami has parking at each cruise terminal on the north and south sides of the port, and lists Garage A for Royal Caribbean. If you fly into Miami International, PortMiami says most cruise lines offer a shuttle to the port. Miami shuttle & parking
Free First Cruise Checklist
One printable page covering documents, money, packing, the week before and boarding day. Download the First Cruise Checklist
Traveling with kids or grandparents? See family cruises. Celebrating? See honeymoon and anniversary cruises.
FAQ
Do I need a passport for my first cruise?
A passport is the most flexible ID, and some cruise lines strongly recommend it. On many sailings that start and end in the U.S., U.S. citizens can board with an original state-certified birth certificate plus government-issued photo ID instead. Rules vary by sailing and cruise line, so I check yours before you book.
Where should I book my cabin if I'm worried about seasickness?
Lower and closer to the middle of the ship. A cruise line's own guidance says the lower you are to the water line and the closer you are to the center of the ship, the less movement you'll feel. Ask your doctor about remedies before you sail.
What time should I get to the port?
Your cruise line gives you an arrival time when you check in online. Arrive in that window, and finish online check-in a few days ahead so boarding day is simpler. I'll walk you through it for your sailing.
Does it cost more to book through an advisor?
Not for cruises and hotels. No Book with the Captain fees and no markup on cruise and hotel bookings: you pay the cruise line's or hotel's rate. I'm paid commission by the cruise line or hotel.
Sources
- Royal Caribbean, "What is included in my cruise vacation price?" (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/cruise-vacation-price
- Royal Caribbean, "What Is Included On A Cruise" guide (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/what-is-included-on-a-cruise
- Royal Caribbean, onboard service gratuities FAQ (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/onboard-service-gratuity-expense
- Royal Caribbean, motion sickness FAQ (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/motion-sickness-prevention-treatment-onboard
- Royal Caribbean, cruise deck plans guide (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/guides/cruise-deck-plans
- Royal Caribbean, "What time should I arrive at the cruise port?" (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/cruise-ship-port-arrival-time
- Royal Caribbean, "Can I cruise with a birth certificate?" (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/can-i-cruise-with-a-birth-certificate-as-my-identification
- Royal Caribbean, "Do I need a passport to cruise?" (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/do-i-need-a-passport-to-cruise
- Royal Caribbean, travel documents (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.royalcaribbean.com/plan-a-cruise/travel-documents
- Port of Galveston, cruise parking reservations (read Oct 24, 2026): https://portofgalveston.com/cruise-parking/cruise-parking-reservations/
- Port of Galveston, arrival & departure guide (read Oct 24, 2026): https://portofgalveston.com/cruise-parking/arrival-departure-guide/
- Port Canaveral, cruise directions & parking (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.portcanaveral.com/cruise/directions-parking
- Port Canaveral, cruise terminal guide (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.portcanaveral.com/cruise/directions-parking/cruise-terminal-guide
- PortMiami, parking information (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/parking-information.page
- PortMiami, directions and parking (read Oct 24, 2026): https://www.miamidade.gov/portmiami/directions-and-parking.page
Cruise line policies change. I confirm the current rules for your sailing before you book. Book with the Captain is an independent travel advisor with Fora Travel and isn't an official partner of, or endorsed by, any cruise line.