Never Been on a Cruise Before? Here’s Everything You Need to Know (2026)

THE GEN X WANDERER / St. Thomas ~ U.S. Virgin Islands

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Never been on a cruise before? Here’s a no nonsense guide on why you should book your first cruise!

Let’s get this out of the way, there are 2 types of people, those that hate cruising, and those that love cruising. Usually the ones that hate cruising have never been on a cruise. There are some that have gone on cruises and realize it’s not for them, mainly because they feel that they don’t get alot of time to explore the ports / full cities during the 8 hours at port. And that’s fair.

For this blog post, I’m not trying to convince the naysayers (or maybe I am 😉) that cruising is the best thing on earth, but for me, having been to all inclusives for the better part of 15 years with cruising mixed in, I can say that cruising hands down wins in the service department.

We went on our first cruise in 2010 with the Disney Cruise Line Magic. Now that set the standard way too high and we can’t look back. Cruising is one of the easiest and most enjoyable ways to travel, especially if you want a seamless, all-in-one vacation. For beginners, it can feel overwhelming: ships, cabins, dining options, excursions, but once you understand the basics, it becomes one of the most stress-free ways to explore the world.

Cruise ships are essentially a floating resort (and sometimes I like to tell friends and family that it’s a small city). It takes you to multiple destinations without needing to pack and unpack repeatedly. Your accommodations, meals, entertainment, and transportation are bundled into one experience. Think of it as a hotel that moves, with ocean views and first class service.

Here’s What You Need to Know if You’ve Never Been On a Cruise

Cruising removes many of the common travel headaches

• No constant flight hopping and paying for those
• No hotel switching and paying for those
• No daily planning stress
• Built-in entertainment and free dining

It’s especially ideal if you want a balance of relaxation and exploration.

Choosing Your First Cruise

Pick the right itinerary and start simple. Popular beginner routes include:

• Caribbean (Warm, Easy, Relaxing)
• Mediterranean (Culture + Scenery)
• Alaska (Nature and Wildlife)
• Asia (Culture)

For your first cruise, aim for 5-7 days which dips your feet (no pun intended). It’s long enough to experience everything without feeling too overwhelmed.

Understand the Cabin Types

Your cabin choice affects both price and experience

• Interior Cabin ~ No windows, budget-friendly
• Oceanview ~ Window or porthole
• Balcony ~ Private outdoor space / 👈🏼 Do this!
• Suite ~ Luxury with added perks

For first-timers, I always recommend getting a balcony cabin because it is often worth it for the experience. Once you start here, you will never go back!

What’s Usually Included

• Accommodation
• Main dining and buffet meals
• Entertainment (shows, pools, activities)

What’s Usually NOT Included

Understanding this upfront avoids surprise costs. I will discuss this in later posts.

• Wi-Fi
• Alcohol and specialty drinks
• Gratuities
• Shore excursions
• Specialty restaurants

THE GEN X WANDERER / MSC Cruises ~ Somewhere in the Middle of the Carribean Sea

Cruise Life: What to Expect Onboard

Cruise ships are designed to keep you entertained without effort.

• Live shows, music, and performances
• Pools, spas, and fitness centers
• Daily activities (games, classes, events)
• Casual and fine dining options
• You can be as active or as relaxed as you want.

Shore Excursions: Exploring Each Destination

At each port, you can:

• Book excursions through the cruise line (easy but pricier and more safe)
• Explore on your own (more flexible and often cheaper)
• For those that have never cruised before, try booking one excursion.

Tips for First-Time Cruisers

• Non-negotiable: Arrive at your departure city at least one day before to avoid missing the ship (cancelled flights etc)
• Motion sickness remedies
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Formal or semi-formal outfit (usually for nightly dinners in restaurants except the buffet)
• Onboard purchases add up quickly, so set your budget early.
• Most cruise lines have apps for schedules, bookings, and communication.
• If you’re using travel points, cruises can sometimes be booked or offset through loyalty programs and credit card rewards. There are also casino rewards that can allow you to get free cruises. More on that later.
• Irons/Steam irons are not allowed on board due to safety hazards. For those that love their clothes ironed, keep this in mind. Consider getting the Downy Wrinkle Release Spray.

Common Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

• Overpacking
• Booking too many excursions
• Ignoring gratuities in the budget
• Not checking passport/visa requirements
• Skipping travel insurance

Is Cruising Worth It?

For beginners who have never been on a cruise before, cruising offers one of the best value-for-money travel experiences. You get multiple destinations, built-in entertainment, and minimal planning, all in one trip. If you enjoy comfort, convenience, and a bit of luxury, cruising can quickly become your favorite way to travel. Once you experience waking up in a new destination without lifting a finger, it changes how you see travel. And for many people, that first cruise is just the beginning.

I will do a deep dive into all these points in future posts!