I'm a travel planner who's been on over 25 cruises. Here are the 9 biggest mistakes I see cruisers make.

If your cruise departs at 4 p.m., don't schedule your flight to arrive that morning. That's the No. 1 mistake I see my clients make.

There's so much uncertainty with air travel, and one minor issue could cause you to miss the boat. You also need to give yourself time to pick up your luggage from baggage claim and travel to the cruise terminal from the airport 

Instead, fly into your port city the night before you set sail. This allows you to have a more leisurely morning getting to the cruise port.

Timing is everything when it comes to cruising — when you go is just as important as where you go.

Rather than choosing dates at random, schedule your cruise intentionally so you can make the most of your time at each destination.

If your bucket list has whale-watching in Alaska on it, take an August cruise. To increase your chances of avoiding hurricanes and large crowds, visit the Caribbean during winter months.

Working with a travel professional can help you find the best time of year to go if you don't want to do the research yourself. 

Although there's usually a lot included in cruise fares, like meals and activities, it's not always an all-inclusive vacation.

On some ships, certain restaurants, activities, and excursions cost extra. You'll probably want to budget for those ahead of time, so make sure to check what's included in your package before you leave.

Travel insurance can protect your hard-earned vacation dollars, should you need to cancel or adjust your trip.

It's also wise to ensure that you're covered for any medical situations that can occur while traveling abroad or at sea. Do some research to see which plan works best for you.

While thinking about what to pack for a cruise, don't skimp on the necessities, like medicine and other essentials that can't be bought on board. 

Just remember that your cabin will probably be pretty snug — only pack what you need.

I also suggest checking the cruise itinerary for theme parties or formal nights before you pack so you can prepare accordingly.

If you don't have a beverage package, ordering wine by the glass every night can get expensive.

Bottles can be a better value, and if you don't finish it in one sitting, ask your server to recork it and save it for the next day. I've had luck doing this and it's saved me money.

Pro tip: Some cruise lines also allow you to bring two bottles of wine per stateroom onto the ship.

If you want to secure a certain excursion, find out how far in advance your cruise allows you to book them and try to make the reservation that day. 

You don't have to plan your cruise down to the minute, but some things are worth locking down in advance, like sought-after dinner reservations, massages, and cabana rentals.

If you don't book until you board, you might be left on a waitlist.

Plus, sometimes cruise lines offer discounted rates on drink packages, WiFi plans, and shore excursions if you book them before you leave.

There are ample opportunities to tip on a cruise, so small bills come in handy. Cash is also good to have at ports with local markets and small vendors.

You'll also want some if you plan to gamble. Every cruise ship I've been on, with the exception of ones from Disney Cruise Line, has had a casino.

Not all ships are the same, and choosing the wrong cruise could ruin your vacation.

The ship is going to be your home for about a week or longer — so take time to determine what amenities and vibes are most important to you.

With so much variety, there's a cruise line to suit everyone's needs, and the industry is continually expanding to include niche markets.

This story was originally published on March 20, 2023, and most recently updated on May 29, 2025.