Growing up a short drive from a popular port, my family’s favorite vacation has always been cruises. Since my first one as a baby, I’ve set sail more than 30 times.
With each cruise, I seem to learn something new. From time and money-saving tips to packing essentials, here are a few things I wish I’d known sooner.
Embarkation day is often the best time to go to the spa.
The spa tends to get busy throughout a cruise, and prices can be high.
In my experience, booking an appointment on the day you board the boat — usually called embarkation day — often comes with significant discounts.
Since the cruise festivities haven’t begun, and your luggage may not have arrived yet, a relaxing massage is an ideal way to kick off your vacation.
Even the Caribbean has bad weather some days.
You may expect your Caribbean cruise to be full of blue skies and white sand, but don’t overlook the possibility of cold, windy, and rainy conditions.
I used to skip checking the weather and just pack swimsuits and sundresses. However, it’s important to be prepared for all possible weather conditions — and factor in wind, especially given you’re traveling on a moving ship.
I’ve found that packing a jacket, pants, and maybe even a few indoor card games is the key to staying prepared for all weather.
There are a few items I’ve added to my packing list over the years.
There are several things I didn’t realize I was missing on cruises, but after packing them once, they’ve become staples that make a huge difference on my trips.
Having a reusable water bottle has allowed me to stay hydrated under the Caribbean sun without paying extra for bottles or seeking out cups.
Towel clips are invaluable, especially on windy decks. When the ship is in motion, it can get extremely breezy, and such clips prevent my towel from constantly falling while I’m sunbathing poolside.
Most cruise rooms come stocked with shampoo, conditioner, a blow dryer, and lotion, but they often lack an iron or steamer.
So, wrinkle-release spray is a packing essential for me. A quick spray easily removes wrinkles from outfits that have been sitting in my suitcase.
Don’t be afraid to ask for things that’ll improve your vacation.
Cabin stewards are there to enhance your cruise experience.
They often have items that can make your stay more comfortable — an additional pillow and blanket, extra hangers, a robe — if you ask.
I also think it’s important to show appreciation by tipping them at the end of the trip, especially if they go out of their way to make your stay better.
You can typically bring some of your own alcohol on board.
Passengers are usually allowed to bring a certain amount of alcohol on board, even if they’re not paying for a beverage package.
For example, Royal Caribbean allows each guest (of legal drinking age) to bring one sealed 750-milliliter bottle of wine on embarkation day. On Celebrity Cruises, the limit is measured by the bottle. Guests of age are allowed to bring up to two bottles of wine per stateroom.
However, on most cruises, attempting to bring liquor, beer, or hard seltzer may result in the items being temporarily confiscated and placed on the “table of shame” for pickup upon disembarkation.
Be sure to check the specific rules for your cruise line, as restrictions can vary.
Port days are actually some of the best times to stay on the ship.
My favorite parts of a cruise itinerary are port days, when we’re docked at one of our stops, even when I’m just staying on the boat.
Although some amenities may be closed or unavailable while a ship is docked, many are just easier to access.
The buffet is usually less crowded, the lines for slides and other onboard amenities are shorter, and there’s less competition for loungers on the pool deck.
For those who want to explore the port and savor the tranquility of an uncrowded ship, consider booking excursions as early in the morning as possible. This allows you to embark on your adventure while still having time to enjoy the ship’s peaceful atmosphere.
Read the fine print on the drink packages.
There’s a common misconception that purchasing unlimited alcohol and beverage packages means you can order anything.
However, most of these offerings have different levels and tiers with limitations. Some might include specialty coffees from only certain locations, while others may not cover certain frozen cocktails, like piña coladas.
Always read the fine print and pay attention to the type of package you purchase, especially if you want access to fancy cocktails at restaurants, bars, or lounges.
If you’re only looking to get the premium drinks once or twice, you can probably stick with the low-tier package and pay à la carte. If you don’t plan to drink much at all, you might want to skip these packages altogether.
However, if you do decide to level up, keep an eye out for flash sales on drink packages in the weeks or months leading up to your cruise to save some money.
I’ve always found the beach excursions to be a waste of money.
Most cruises give you the chance to pay extra for special excursions, from exclusive tours to animal encounters. Many can be worth it, but for me, the more basic beach-related ones are usually a skip.
Opting for all-inclusive beach excursions might seem enticing when visiting a new island because they often include transportation and rentals — sometimes food, too.
In my experience, they tend to cost about $40 to $150 per person, though this varies based on the cruise line and what’s included. If you’re just seeking some sand and a lounge chair, though, there’s often a more cost-effective way to do it.
Since many passengers are likely heading in the same direction, consider splitting a cab to the nearest beach. Often, if you ask, these drivers can even take you to the spots with the best rental discounts.
Lounge chairs and umbrellas are usually only a few dollars to borrow for a day, and you can often buy food or book water activities directly on the beach.
This approach allows you to pay only for the specific amenities that you’ll actually use. Plus, you can come and go as you please.
There are ways to disembark more quickly.
The worst part of a cruise is always the end, with slow-moving elevators, a crowded buffet, and the somber realization that vacation has ended.
Usually, passengers check their bags the night before and have them transported off the ship. Then, to disembark, passengers often receive luggage tags with an assigned number indicating their departure order.
However, if you have an early flight or simply prefer not to wait, consider carrying your own luggage off the ship. This allows you to bypass your assigned number and be among the first to disembark.
There are some big ways to save on your next cruise if you’re ready to book ahead.
If you had a great time on your cruise, consider booking your next one while you’re still on board. It’s often a solid way to save money.
Many ships have a “future cruise” office, and booking with their agents can help you get significant discounts and even future onboard credit for your next voyage.
This story was originally published on January 27, 2024, and most recently updated on October 9, 2026.
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