20+ Most Important FIRST-TIME Cruise Tips & Things to Know (Rapid Fire)

About to embark on your first cruise? Well, it promises to be a little different than any other vacation you've ever taken. From how you pay for things on the ship to rules around what you can bring, there's a lot to know. That why I've rounded up nearly three dozen tips and things to know before you ever step foot on the ship.
For more on taking your first cruise, check out Cruzely.com!
#cruise #travel

[@SportsBoss999]

I'm new to cruises and your channel. But one thing I want to compliment you for one thing right away : You speak clearly and slowly!! I love that. Most KZbinrs give information in a rapid-fire manner, and I have to re-play it more than once to not only figure out what they said but also what it means for me! You take your time to let the viewer absorb and comprehend what you're telling them. So, not only are the tips useful, they are understandable! Thank you for that. I have "liked" and "subscribed!"

[@Cruzelycom]

Love it. Let me know if you have any questions about your trip.

[@med6399]

As an Australian - we choose to tip & it is not obligatory……..The idea of it being compulsory / expected is not a comfortable idea for us. Pay your staff properly - & then ‘tips’ are a true bonus to staff who do a great job!🤔🤔🤔

[@TheArccore]

How much should you tip?

[@catkittycatkity6482]

Many places are like that. Most of the US is also. Some places thought or some companies do this. It's very annoying

[@brynngartner]

In the USA, Waiters get paid $2 an hour. If they are not tipped they can’t make a living. It’s not a problem the customer can fix it’s just the system we were thrown into

[@dianekiefer8882]

😂

[@ArmelleAxel]

I do understand the culture shock of it all, as when in countries whereby tipping is not the norm, I have a hard time NOT leaving something. With that in mind, remember that when travelling outside of your own country you’re supposed to "assimilate" to what the customs are in the country your visiting, and the country is not supposed to "accommodate" you and your customs from back home. So, for example, if someone were to go from let’s say a remote African village where the the norm might be for women to bare their breasts out in public, it doesn’t mean that a person from there should feel free to show up in downtown Sydney, Australia and sit bare-breasted in a restaurant. By the same token, just because Australians don’t tip doesn’t mean that if vacationing in a tipping culture you shouldn’t tip. In countries that tip there is a lower minimum wage for those who receive tips and the prices for what you consume are reflective of that. By not tipping you’re coming off as cheap and uncaring (not to mention making the server think that you didn’t like their service, making their workday less than pleasant). I had this conversation in Cuba with a couple from the UK, who eventually came around and started tipping with gusto. If you don’t care to tip, then I respectfully suggest you take trips just to places where there is no tipping. It would be a win-win situation for you and your servers. And yes, servers should indeed be paid a living wage and shouldn’t rely on tips, but as that isn’t the case everywhere, and you not tipping isn’t going to change that, so why penalize hard working people who are already not necessarily making great money as is. Lastly, keep in mind that while you have the luxury of going on a fancy vacation, the people serving you are living in cramped quarters and saving every cent they make to send home to their families in poor countries (such as the Philippines). Hopefully, you will long forget the money you gave in tips while the impact to the people receiving tips on a ship will continue.

[@annelouise99]

Ships tilt outward when turning, boats tip inward. Info from my Navy son!

[@foobarmaximus3506]

I was on an aircraft carrier and we called it "the boat" all the time. Just not to the Captain or senior officers.

[@chungfuduck]

Haven't checked on other cruise lines, but at least on Royal Caribbean the alcohol drink packages include specialty coffee drinks as well (excluding Starbucks), which significantly alters the 7 - 10 drink calculus as those aren't far behind in per-drink cost. 😄

[@GorgieClarissa]

that's good to know!!!! :D

[@coatiknight1986]

Thanks for all the tips. Our 1st cruise is in 159 days. Carnival spirit 9 day to Bahamas. Can’t wait😜

[@Gottaknow]

We are headed to the Bahamas on that ship on October 28! Happy cruising!

[@MrJypsye]

@@Gottaknowhow was it?

[@g.c.petersonpublishing3252]

Going on my first cruise in August. This is great. I'm so excited.

[@maddiedolls]

how was it g.c.??

[@jennisteve]

Thanks for the content ! 93 days til our first RCL family cruise !😊

[@bearwonder1]

the Smart Watches are now the NEW surprise.... PUT the Watches on AIRPLANE mode

[@SportsBoss999]

Wow. Good point!

[@lavapop1900]

new surprise?

[@bearwonder1]

@@lavapop1900 some smartwatches ⌚️ have a data plan with the cell phone company. Thus it will be "roaming" on the ship 🚢

[@marybarnum437]

If you go on a carnival ship, you do not get your room key until 1:30, it will be at your cabin mail box outside your door. You no longer get your room at check in time. This changed over 5 years ago. Fyi

[@foobarmaximus3506]

Well that was a horrible idea. It has to lead to SUPER crowded hallways at 1:30pm. How dumb can they be?

[@pakishia]

Great content! I have watched so many videos and you have all info into one. First time cruiser here. Going on the Navigator of the Seas in July for 4 days and one day after we get back we are getting on Princess to SF for 7 days. Then taking the MSC in South America in December and Alaska July 2024. Super excited 😃

[@scrap.catastrophe]

7:41 as a born and raised Iowan ty for showing BB-61 enjoyed the video. Second time cruiser, all that you said is spot on. Looking forward to our next cruise.

[@maurinet2291]

These are great tips. I watch a lot of CruiseTube, and some of these I've never heard before!

[@kenn1936]

Liked and subscribed ! thank you for all the tips. I am going on a cruise for the first time in August and watching everything I can, as I have no idea what to expect, plus I am going alone, so double whammy! ❤

[@Cruzelycom]

You'll have a blast. People are pretty friendly on a cruise, so grab a drink, strike up a conversation and you'll be golden.

[@kenn1936]

@@Cruzelycom thank you very much - I am very nervous, I have to say.

[@SportsBoss999]

Thank you for that comment! I am also going on a cruise for the first time and also going alone. Tips are usually just for couples and they leave us out. Like you, I am nervous about it. Excited of course. But everytime someone speaks about being on time for debarkation (or whatever it's called), I am afraid the ship is gonna leave without me!

[@sharkgirl9426]

Great video!!

[@cmorris9494]

I like the multi plug idea. I am putting together a list of things to bring with me on the cruise.

[@susieminnick6801]

Some cruise lines do not allow multi plug. Check with your cruise line.

[@IT-fr4wb]

So very informative thank you so much

[@christinenguyen2530]

Very helpful tips. Thank you!

[@tiffaneypurvis2844]

These tips were awesome!

[@marivega3294]

Went on my first cruise last year and going on my second in Feb 😊. We got the interior state room but spent most of our time in it but our shop was small so not much to do. We booked the interior again but on a bigger ship this time. Made sure to carry a bit of cash for port days or on-ship tipping.

[@iandean1112]

I always go with an ocean view because I like the light, but it's not as costly. I don't do specialty dining or extra ship things (clubs, spa, go carts, etc.).

[@foobarmaximus3506]

I think they should make the poors and the cheapos stay in little closets far below decks. Or maybe not at all. Poors ruin everything for normal people.

[@marivega3294]

@foobarmaximus3506 you have it backwards. It's the rich that ruin is for everyone. Look at the housing market lol

[@yesca707]

Awesome informative video! Thank you!

[@PickledHam]

there is an error on the Red Frog Pub receipt at 11:38 The drink is $34.95, its says happy hour 50% off, then it shows $10 being subtracted. Is this the new ship math?

[@TheArccore]

They have a max cap. In this case the max discount is 10 bucks

[@sct4040]

@@TheArccorethat is ship math 😅

[@maxaus2294]

​@@sct4040 you made me laugh haha that was good

[@user-ui1kv8lo5l]

Got a 5" gun on the bow, missiles on the fantail? No.. that's a boat. (USN - :-p )

[@joemichaels4231]

Another GREAT video!!!

[@TheRecon1a]

Good stuff as always!

[@florence2095]

Thank you 🙏🏻🐨🐨🦘

[@savannah4439]

When you said “riots in the port” at first I thought you said “pirates in the port” and was like 😮

[@amyj4714]

Going on my first cruise next year in june i will be on ncl dawn baltic embarking from stockholm Sweden disembarking at oslo 11 days cruise

[@sandeeapilan]

I’m interested to know what happens to the wasted food that passengers order from MDR menu just to “sample” all the appetizers or main dishes. Fine to do, as long as you or someone in your party finishes it. Otherwise, it’s pretty damn wasteful given so many people are starving.

[@foobarmaximus3506]

Yes, that is a dirtball move - no doubt. Furthermore, it raises the cost of cruising for everyone. That is totally shitty advice. Be responsible!

[@Deveolgaming1912]

does this apply to cunard line as well?

[@sillyboyronaldflores]

The math on the Ting-a-Ling cocktail discount seems a bit off....

[@Cruzelycom]

Please don't comment on my ting-a-ling. Thanks.

[@yolandabranner6200]

Is it better to bring our own card like the AAA money card for the kids to use on the ship? Or do you have to use your room key. Going on the western Caribbean cruise in 2024.

[@shanacobbs6500]

You have to use your room key

[@foobarmaximus3506]

Watch the video. Again.

[@Blacksilver323]

I have so much anxiety thinking about taking my first cruise

[@Cruzelycom]

Oh, it's nothing to be anxious about. It's a vacation!

[@foobarmaximus3506]

Once you're onboard, you'll forget your at sea until you go outside. Nothing to worry about at all. Enjoy!

[@lovedfriend2020]

What cruise line gives you your key card before check-in?

[@tduck828]

Royal Caribbean, Princess, Holland and Carnival do not!

[@brantthompson199]

Norwegian and MSC do

[@schindamany]

I'm sailing on Celebrity Solstice in August. If we choose to eat in the main dining for breakfast or lunch, do we need to make reservations like we do for dinner ? Thank you !

[@brooksmorelock5545]

Actually a boat is a vessel that can be loaded onto a ship

[@bigt4583]

Just got home from first cruise ever and your tips helped a lot. Her's another. Be ready to have your room smell like smoke from rude passengers who choose to violate ship rules. Glad I booked a balcony room to help air out the disgusting smell of their illegal paraphernalia

[@brantthompson199]

That sucks. We’ve been on 6 and been lucky with that. Did have people smoking cigs on a balcony near us once.

[@foobarmaximus3506]

You can smoke all you want on your balcony.

[@danidearest9999]

​@foobarmaximus3506 Smoking on private balconies is strictly prohibited on most ships.

[@3dogmom]

​@foobarmaximus3506 ummm NO you can't 😒

[@maxaus2294]

​@@danidearest9999 Very true, huge fire hazard

[@SportsBoss999]

Just a different perspective from a older 1st time cruiser: I am 68 years old and my prior vacation experiences were always to Vegas. My approach normally would be to book the cheaper cabin to save money, like his tip said. However, I am probably going to book a balcony cabin instead so I can get the full cruise experience because at my age I don't know if this chance to go on a cruise will ever present itself again. The one thing that makes it tough, however, is I believe I'm going to have to take on an even more expensive cost since I'm traveling alone. Is it true that I'd have to pay more because it's normally double-occupancy? I've never been married and don't have a girlfriend, so I don't have a significant other to travel with. Sad, I know.

[@annaburton768]

Yes you will pay more. I do believe Norwegian has cruises with solo cabin studios though. If you are in want of a balcony. I highly recommend a spa balcony. The spa access is great for cruises over 5 days

[@sct4040]

I am 65, booked a mini suite as a treat to myself. For 2, the room was $3200, for 1 it is $2600. But remember you deserves a balcony. A great place for some peace and quiet and enjoy the sunset. I can afford it, so I am spending it. ❤

[@lasvegassmoke4866]

how do they know if i bought tequila outside the port? do they check my bags?

[@Cruzelycom]

Yes, as you return your stuff is x-rayed and you walk through a metal detector.

[@lasartdesignz7087]

Random question but, can you hear a cruise ship's horn from the interior of the ship?

[@robertware5076]

Yes

[@paceyfilmer7427]

Can I buy bottled soft drink at port and bring on board for consumption that night?

[@jlawrence0181]

Not on most lines.

[@tduck828]

No bottles.

[@taralumpkin3635]

12 pack cans on Royal Caribbean

[@robbiebledsoe5042]

78 days until my first cruise.

[@sct4040]

Have a great time!

[@Intrepidity]

The "you might not need a passport" bit is completely incorrect for most of the world. This might be correct for cruises starting in the US for Americans, but certainly not in most of the world.

[@Utubesuperstar]

He said that…

[@shawnbell4153]

9:08 The difference between a boat and a ship….. You can put a boat on a ship-You can’t put a ship on a boat.

[@foobarmaximus3506]

Sure you can. But the boat will sink. LOL

[@Riotskunk89]

You should mention the amount of human waste dumped into the ocean on these "ships" as well.

[@howardosden3112]

I know they say you're supposed to call it a ship and not a boat, but the TV show was called 'The Love Boat', not 'The Love Ship'...😊

[@Bess9779]

It may take a Boomer, like me, to know that. Lol.

[@brantthompson199]

Good point! 🛳️

[@xlrationmarine]

Depending on the source, a water going vessel could be considered a ship when it is over 100 feet in length,

[@neilscutt]

A boat becomes a ship when it is big enough to carry another boat on it.

[@druegillis1744]

@@neilscuttcorrect!

[@Lillysammy126]

June 2023 Celebrity cruise employee stole $6k from the room the night before departure. He was always there when we leave in the morning and when we return. Entered the room 4 times a day at various timing and dude was always there. Thought he was just a pervert but appartently a thief too. We didn't notice the money gone until we returned home.

[@med6399]

That is awful! Sorry to hear your story! Hope the Cruise Line helped you to have the culprit Charged by Police!😣😣😣

[@Lillysammy126]

@@med6399 nope nothing. Just an online lost item form and a status update of "did not find".

[@apollokid_]

Did you say… GAMBLING??

[@ahhshytson]

Yea I got stuck buying the drink package cuz everyone Im going with are alcoholics lol

[@harveypolanski755]

If it’s not optional it’s not a tip.

[@MarksmanSpecialist]

lmao my mom got the 1k phone bill over just 2 day of 2 hour chat,

[@franklevantini3239]

Another thing is the tipping. Not everyone beleives in tips. Its mostly an America thing. Parts of the world not beleive in it. Plus i think they over do it. Tipping every little thing. Even for things we dont usually tip for

[@paulhaley5344]

Question: When on an excursion, should I carry my passport ?

[@brantthompson199]

No

[@MissSweetiePie22]

I think it depends on the excursion like a water one. Make sure to download your cruises' app that will have your passport info in it in case of an emergency. Happy cruising!

[@stephaniemorrissey5114]

NO!!! If you lose it, you're screwed. It should stay in your stateroom safe.

[@kaylaEA_]

What if you miss departure? Part of the reason to bring it is in the case you have to purchase a flight to return home from a foreign country.

[@3dogmom]

​@@kaylaEA_take a photocopy. Will be better than losing the official document and will still have the necessary information on it.

[@user-pp2bg1eb9f]

Tipping is not a way of life.

[@marybarnum437]

You can not bring on any drink in a plastic bottle on carnival, no plastic bottle of anything. Stopped that years ago. Fyi

[@scottwilbur25]

Boats ride on ships.

[@franklevantini3239]

First thing to know garrentee to get fatter. And gain a lot of weight. Don't forget the huge weight gains 7 pounds in 7 pounds

[@bearwonder1]

the life BOAT is on a cruise SHIP - not - a life SHIP is on a cruise BOAT

[@marielco]

It is a shame you speak as if all cruisers are American, only cruising on cruises out of America. Is your channel not intended for those of us outside the USA or cruisers who cruise to Europe or elsewhere? You comments re all cruise ports taking dollars is very misleading as this only applies to a very small number of ports world wide. Similarly info re birth certificates etc… This is a serious question I am subscribed but I live in Europe. If your channel is intended for American cruises only you should make this clear and others would not bother subscribing.

[@paulhaley5344]

It is a shame you speak as a lunatic.😂😂😂

[@Intrepidity]

What a surprise, the American doesn't realise there's other places in the world.

[@xlrationmarine]

It’s a ship. There is a guideline of what a boat is and what a ship is. Google it. Or I will. Depending on the source, a water going vessel could be considered a ship when it is over 100 feet in length,

[@comicalperfectionist.edu23]

I'm not going this year, I'm PLANNING to go *next year*, so what are some HUGE regrets during the first cruise that you've experienced?

[@Cruzelycom]

Honestly, I think not spending money on the ship is a big regret. Cruise lines have made it to where you have to spend if you want the full experience. But after already paying for the cruise, having to shell out more feels like being nickeled and dimed. I'd suggest doing 1-2 meals in specialty restaurants and 1-2 excursions. They really do enhance the overall trip. Wish they were just included, but that's just the way it is.