15 First Time Cruise Tips

Dress: Amazon EcoWish Striped Dress (S)
Shoes: Steve Madden ‘Survive’ Espadrilles (5.5 / TTS) – (similar)
Earrings: Lisi Lerch ‘Ginger’ in latte
Bag: Amazon Clear Tote
Hat: Hat Attack ‘Lampshade’ (also love this one!)

 

Going on a cruise is a bit of a different experience than your typical vacation and there are a few tips that can really make or break your trip.  Having gone on four different cruise ship vacations, I definitely have a few first time cruise tips that can help set you up for a successful trip.  Our recent jaunt with Royal Caribbean to the island Perfect Day at CocoCay was absolutely incredible.  And while it was a short 3-day, 2-night trip on board the newly amplified Navigator of the Seas ship by Royal Caribbean, it was actually the perfect way for Adrian and the kids get introduced to their first cruise-ship vacation experience!

Sharing my top 15 tips on how to make the most of your next cruise vacation below:

First Time Cruise Tips

Embarkation Day

Quay ‘Needing Fame’ Aviators
iFly Hardside Fibertech Luggage (comes in 10 colors!)

Board Early – Avoid The Lines

We flew in early the morning of the flight (which I personally don’t recommend as it’s tiring!) but we were actually able to board the ship around 11 am even though the ship didn’t depart until 5:30 pm.  It was great to avoid the crowds during embarkation and we were able to enjoy some of the most popular boat activities without having to wait in any lines!  Plus it was just nice to have some extra time to wander around and explore the boat beforehand.

Pack Swim Essentials In Your Carry-On

While you can board the ship early, you most likely won’t be able to get into your room yet.  I highly recommend packing a carry-on with all your swim/pool essentials so you can start enjoying yourself on deck!

Top: Family Matching ‘Bon Voyage’ Tees (similar, similar)
Bottom: similar distressed shorts
Shoes: Steve Madden ‘Survive’ Espadrilles (similar)

 

Set Your Phone On Airplane Mode

Seriously, do this asap the instant you get on board the ship.  Don’t take a chance with pricey roaming charges and switch your phone to Airplane Mode.  Even with Airplane Mode on, you can still enable your wifi and stay connected.  I highly recommend getting the wifi plan that’s available on the ship as then you can message while on the trip  (iMessage will work if you have iPhones but otherwise I recommend downloading What’s App), keep up with daily updates via the Royal Caribbean app, and of course, share all the envy-worthy trip photos with your friends, lol! 😉

The VOOM high-speed internet service onboard Royal Caribbean was impressively fast and we were even able to stream the season finale of Game of Thrones without any problems!  And even if you’re on private islands such as Perfect Day at CocoCay, you’ll get complete VOOM internet coverage as well!  Prices are incredibly affordable and around $15/day!

 

On The Boat

Dress: Amazon Ruffle Off-Shoulder Midi (comes in 3 colors!) – (similar)
Earrings: Baublebar ‘Kiera’ Raffia (similar, similar)
Shoes: Steve Madden ‘Greece’ – on sale!  (Amazon dupe, similar)
Bag: Amazon Straw Tote w/ rainbow tassels

We sailed on the newly rejuvenated Navigator of the Seas ship from Royal Caribbean and omg, it was so much fun!!  Definitely, take advantage of all that the boat has to offer and dedicate a day to enjoying all the different activities.  The ship had so many incredible activity options including:

• on-deck water slides:  The Blaster (2-person uphill water coaster), Riptide (super-fun head-first mat racer — my favorite!)
• FlowRider surf simulator
• basketball court
• rock-climbing wall
• The Observatorium Escape Room
• laser tag
• ice skating rink
• kids’ splash pad
• adults-only pool
• amplified resort-style pool
• and more!

Have A Boat Day

If your boat has popular rides or attractions like the Navigator of the Seas, I personally recommend checking them out on the first day.  Lines were the shortest, we had the most energy, and it was a great way to kick off our vacation!

Hit Up The Free Shows

The entertainment on board cruise ships is almost always pretty incredible and already included in the price of your cruise fare.  We saw the Royal Caribbean’s “Dancing With The Stars” ice skating performance, and OMG, it was AMAZING!!  The show was a stunning full production with talented performers that were doing triple lutzes and backflips on ice like I’ve never seen.

 

At Port

Romper: LOFT Floral Skort Romper (00P) – (similar, in black floral)
Shoes: Steve Madden ‘Greece’ – on sale!  (Amazon dupe, similar)
Bag: Amazon Clear Tote (similar)
Earrings: Lisi Lerch ‘Ginger’ in latte (restocked!)

Plan Excursions Beforehand

Your time at each port is limited so be sure to make the most of it!  Thankfully for our first day out at Perfect Day CocoCay, I did do a bit of research and had a pretty good idea of what we wanted to do.  However, for our second port day at Nassau, Bahamas, I do regret not booking an excursion of some sort.  Exploring the town on foot was still fun, but I left feeling like there was so much of the island I didn’t get to experience (will have to go back and check out the Blue Lagoon as well as Paradise Island excursions!).  Definitely plan ahead and book excursions before the cruise departs to get the best deals!

 

Cruise-Ship Dining

The food is for sure one of the best parts while on a cruise and we were living our best lives while on board the Royal Caribbean!

Order Multiple Entrees

The main dining room meals are included in your all-inclusive cruise package, which means you can order to your hearts’ content!  If multiple entrees are calling your name, order them both!  And don’t forget that dessert is also included.  We enjoyed some of the most amazing red velvet cake as well as cheesecake on your recent with Royal Caribbean!

Room Service Is Free!

Talking about food, room service is also included with your cruise package!  Order breakfast the night before and enjoy breakfast in bed or if you’re tired after a long day in the sun, order some dinner and enjoy a quiet night in with a good movie!

 

Top: JCPenney a.n.a Short Sleeve Blouse (2) – (similar, similar)
Bottom: JCPenney a.n.a Wrap Midi Skirt (2)
Bag: Amazon Straw Tote w/ rainbow tassels
Shoes: Steve Madden ‘Survive’ Espadrilles (5.5 / TTS) – (similar)

 

 

Don’t Forget “Formal Night”

Almost all cruise trips will have one night which is their “formal night.”  It’s a great time to get a little dressed up, enjoy a fancy meal, and feel like a million bucks!

Jumpsuit: Express Strappy Lace Front Jumpsuit (XS) – (similar) both 15% off w/ 8482
Earrings: Baublebar ‘Sorbet’ Drops
Shoes: similar white mules (similar nude mules)
Bag: Amazon Clear Tote (similar)

 

In The Cabin – Cruise Staterooms

The rooms on a cruise ship are called cabins (or staterooms) and very similar to a hotel room — but smaller. There are usually four different types of cabin options on any cruise: interior – the smallest room with no window to the outside, outside/oceanview – a room with a window to the outside, balcony – a room featuring a veranda that lets you step outside to a private “patio”, and suite – a larger cabin often with separate living and sleeping areas.

Splurge For A Balcony Room

There’s nothing better than being able to wake up and open the patio door to enjoy the refreshing ocean breeze.  This was my first time that I enjoyed that balcony room and let me just say, 100% worth it!  The outdoor veranda is also a bonus if you have kids as it lets the adults have a bit of privacy as well after the kids go to bed.  #wineoclock 🍷😊

 

Packing Essentials

similar electronics carrying case
USB wall charger
Anker Power Bank Portable Charger
Sudio ‘Tolv’ wireless headphones

Bring A Power Strip

Cruise ships are notorious for having only 1-2 outlets per room, so be sure to pick up a power strip to charge all your electronics. This one is specific for cruises and ship approved!  I brought only a USB wall charger but definitely could’ve used some more normal outlets for my hair dryer and laptop!

Stay Juiced With A Phone Charger

On the note of charging up, I also highly recommend picking up a portable power supply with you!  You’ll be using your phone more than you realize while you’re either out exploring once you’re docked or you’ll be on deck enjoying all the cruise-ship activities!  I personally own this portable charger and I love that it’s small (fits into your palm and you can tuck it into even the smallest handbags!).  It has been a lifesaver for me and charges up electronics super fast!

Get A Waterproof Phone Pouch

There will be no shortage of water while on the cruise so come prepared with a waterproof phone case just in case anything happens!  I prefer these that wear like a necklace so you can be hands-free when enjoying the various water activities yet still snap that photo for those moments!

 

Hope you found these first time cruise tips helpful.  Be sure to bookmark for your next cruise trip!

 

This post is sponsored by Royal Caribbean.  All opinions are 100% my own.