So you think you want to cruise?

You start researching and suddenly you're drowning in cruise jargon.

Interior vs. Ocean View. Drink Package vs. No Drink Package. Family Cruise vs. Adults-Only Cruise. Set Dining. My Time Dining. Kids Clubs. Specialty Dining. Private Islands.

ENOUUUUGHHHH!

Before you allow yourself to get overwhelmed, let me break down the cruise basics and help you understand what really matters before booking your first sailing.

The good news? Cruising can be one of the easiest, most affordable, and most enjoyable ways to travel. Once you understand a few key concepts, you'll be ready to set sail with confidence.

Why Cruise?

There are countless ways to travel, so why do millions of people choose to cruise every year?

For many travelers, it's the value. Think about it: in a single vacation, you can visit multiple destinations, enjoy accommodations, meals, entertainment, and transportation between ports—all wrapped into one package. Compared to booking flights, hotels, restaurants, and activities separately, cruising can offer incredible bang for your vacation buck.

For others, it's the convenience. Once you've booked and boarded, the planning is largely done. No unpacking and repacking every few days. No figuring out transportation between cities. No stressing over where to eat dinner each night. Your hotel, restaurants, entertainment, and transportation travel with you.

Cruising is also one of the few vacations that can truly satisfy everyone in your group. While one person is relaxing by the pool with a tropical drink, another may be ziplining across the ship, enjoying a Broadway-style production, indulging in a spa treatment, trying their luck in the casino, or exploring a new destination ashore. Whether you're traveling as a couple, a family, a group of friends, or even solo, there's usually something for everyone.

And perhaps the best part? Cruising allows you to vacation your way.

Want a quiet morning on your private balcony followed by a relaxing spa day and an elegant steakhouse dinner? You can do that.

Want waterslides, poolside cocktails, dance parties, and nonstop adventure from sunrise to well past midnight? You can do that too.

That's the beauty of cruising. There is no right way to experience it. Whether you're looking for luxury, relaxation, adventure, family fun, or a little bit of everything, a cruise can be tailored to fit your travel style.

At SharminSeas Travel, we call that Your Journey, Your Way. (see what I did there 😉)

Common First-Time Cruiser Mistakes

Before we dive into cruise lines and cabins, let's talk about some of the biggest mistakes first-time cruisers make:

Flying in the Day of the Cruise

Weather delays and flight cancellations happen. Whenever possible, arrive at your departure city at least one day before your cruise.

Skipping Travel Insurance

Many travelers think, "Nothing will happen to me." Until it does. Travel insurance can protect you from medical emergencies, trip delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more.

Waiting Too Long to Book Excursions

Popular excursions often sell out before sailing. If there is something you absolutely want to do, reserve it early.

Overpacking

Most cruisers wear only a fraction of what they bring. Focus on versatile outfits and comfortable shoes.

Forgetting a Carry-On Bag

Always pack medications, travel documents, swimsuits, and a change of clothes in your carry-on. Your luggage may not arrive at your cabin for several hours after boarding.

What do  I need to decide now?

What vibe are you looking for?

If you're looking for a modern, adults-only experience with a laid-back, grown-and-sexy vibe, there's only one answer: Virgin Voyages.

If you want good food, incredible thrills at sea, and deluxe Broadway style shows but at a moderately above budget price, Royal Caribbean is that girl!

You just want to slip away, try it out, with minimal investment but maximum fun, Carnival no question.

There are dozens of cruise lines, but your first task is simple: What vibe am I looking for, and how much do I want to spend? Carnival and MSC are going to give you the most budget-friendly options. Followed by Royal Caribbean as a mid-level alternative. But if you’re ready for the upgrades with incredible sometimes Michelin level food, craft cocktails, gorgeous atmosphere, Adult focused elegance and luxury, consider Celebrity Cruises or Virgin Voyages.

What type of room, I mean Cabin, do I want?

All cruise lines basically have the same type of rooms:

Interior: Best value and perfect for travelers who plan to spend most of their time enjoying the ship rather than sitting in their room.

Ocean View: Good Value, view of the beautiful sea. May also be lower levels but good option if you just want to see outside but don’t need a balcony.

Balcony: Usually first sold out, smaller room ordinarily to allow for Balcony Space. Inescapable indulgence of laying out and breathing the fresh ocean air while sipping a cocktail as the ship cruises away.

Suite and Above: Suites=Sweet Life. Expect extra perks including spa access, special restaurants, extras like suite only cocktail hours, butler/concierge service. If there are perks to be gotten, you will get them with a Suite booking.

What’s Included, What Isn’t?

Think of Cruises as your sea-based all-inclusive vacation. What’s included normally amongst all cruise lines:

Meals: Main dining room, buffet, quick service options like Guy’s Burgers, El Loco Fresh, The Dock House, Sorrento’s Pizza, and room service sometimes with an upcharge.

Beverages: notice I said beverages. Most cruise lines only provide non-fresh pressed juice, milk, tea (hot or iced), and regular or decaf coffee free. If you want drinks like Coke, Pepsi, or other sodas, good aka specialty coffee, sports drinks, energy drinks, shakes, or smoothies these come at an additional cost usually in the form of pay per drink or beverage packages.

Alcoholic Beverages: Alcoholic drinks are usually never included. Different cruise lines deal with this differently of course. You will either pay per drink or purchase a Drink Package which allows you to pay a set fee for a certain number or unlimited alcoholic drinks.

A few with cruise lines such as Carnival and Royal Caribbean require you to be to be 21+ to purchase the Drink Package. MAJOR NOTE: if one person who is in the cabin buys a drink package every adult 21+ IN THE SAME CABIN must also buy the drink package. This causes frustration with many passengers.

Virgin Voyages on the other hand allows you to purchase a “Bar Tab” where if you buy pre-cruise they give you a free percentage of bar tab based on the tab you purchase. For example, if you purchase a $200.00 bar tab, Virgin gives you an extra $25.00 bucks in bar tab.

Pros are drinks are reduced prices on Virgin, each person can choose to buy a bar tab or not, and you can share amongst friends.

Cons: Bar Tabs can only be used on drinks and nothing else. If you want more flexibility you can purchase “Sailor Loot” which can be used throughout the ship, but you won’t get the extra bucks.

Entertainment: usually all shows and entertainment including bands, musicians, vocalists, magicians, etc., are included. Additional costs may be added for things like Bingo, the Casino (duh), Rollercoasters, Bumper Cars, Arcade games, bowling, I-Fly, Flow Rider, etc.

Transportation Between Destinations: if you dock a port somewhere that requires a tug to the actual port or sometimes a shuttle to a private island this is usually included.

DO NOT FORGET to Budget for extras:

Things not usually included:

Gratuities

Cruise ship workers work very hard for you, tidying up after you twice a day, answering your beck and call. Always pay cruise ship gratuities (pre-pay for extra savings) and consider sharing more. Take care of the people who take care of you!

Specialty Dining

As long as you’re on a cruise ship you will never go hungry. But if you want to splurge for the best like a perfectly grilled filet mignon, a fresh seafood tower, Teppanyaki, or extra spicy buffalo wings, that may cost you extra. Specialty dining can be by dinner ranging from 10.00 to 85.00 or on some lines you can buy a dining package.

Excursions

You’ve seen a 100 Instagram posts of people doing cool things like ziplining, atv’s. jet skis, touring a Bird Sanctuary in the DR, etc., and you want to do it too. Excursions are rarely ever included, and you need to budget for this.

 If you’re first timer I always advise only to take excursions offered through the cruise line because if something happens the cruise ship won’t leave you. Once you’re more experienced you can explore other excursion offers from different vendors sometimes with better pricing.

Travel Insurance

No matter what you think won’t happen, if it can happen, it can happen on a cruise. Your climbing Dunn’s River Falls in Jamaica and you slip on the watery rocks and sprain your ankle What do you do?

 Well, if you have travel insurance when you go to a local hospital and pay out of pocket for a wrap and pain meds, travel insurance reimburses your costs. Medical coverage from your regular health insurance may not extend outside the United States or aboard a cruise ship. Travel insurance can help protect you from unexpected medical expenses while traveling but you may need to pay upfront and be reimbursed upon your return.

What if you’re traveling to the airport headed to Miami and boom you’re in an accident? Luckily you’re fine but now your flight is delayed by day. You will still make the ship but what about the hotel you booked for the night before? Who covers the cancellation fees and trip interruption costs?

Travel Insurance!

There are various travel insurance options available, some better than others, but travel insurance is absolutely a must! So, include it in your overall cruise costs.

Travel Requirements

While some closed-loop cruises allow U.S. citizens to sail with an original birth certificate and government-issued photo ID, a passport is strongly recommended. If an emergency requires you to fly home from another country, a passport can save you significant stress, time, and expense.

Your first cruise doesn't have to be confusing or overwhelming.

Once you understand the basics—choosing the right cruise line, selecting the right cabin, budgeting for extras, and understanding what's included—you'll be well on your way to planning an incredible vacation.

That's where I come in.

As a travel advisor, I take the guesswork out of the planning process. I'll help match you with the cruise line, ship, itinerary, and budget that best fits your travel style, whether you're looking for family fun, luxury relaxation, adventure, or an adults-only escape.

At SharminSeas Travel, it's always Your Journey, Your Way.

Ready to plan your first cruise? Visit SharminSeas.com and complete our travel inquiry form. I'd love to help make your first cruise the first of many unforgettable adventures.

About the Author

Sharmin Hibbert is the founder of SharminSeas Travel and specializes in cruises, all-inclusive resorts, and customized travel experiences. Her mission is simple: to help travelers experience the world through personalized service and expert guidance.