With endless amounts of food, world-class entertainment, and dreamy ocean views, cruises sound like a dream getaway for many.
They can be pretty great. However, booking a cruise isn’t always so simple. Take it from me — I’ve worked aboard a range of ships for several years.
Here are a few things I think you should know before planning your next at-sea vacation.
Not everything is included in your original fare
It’s a common misconception that cruises are all-inclusive.
Although most cruise lines include your room accommodations and unlimited food from the buffet and dining room, some things will cost extra.
For example, alcoholic beverages are usually not included, so you’ll have to purchase a drink package or buy cocktails à la carte, which can add a hefty bill to your getaway.
Other things, such as WiFi, shore excursions, spa services, specialty dining, and professional photos, also typically cost extra — so make sure to budget for what you’ll want to add to your experience.
There are certain times of the year when the waters are rockier
With massive ships out there longer than the Eiffel Tower is tall, you’ll almost never notice that you’re floating in the middle of the sea.
However, rough waters can remind you in the worst way that you’re on a boat. When planning your cruise, try not to book your trip during typically stormy seasons, especially if you’re prone to seasickness.
For example, consider avoiding cruises that sail in the Caribbean during its hurricane season or on the Atlantic Ocean in the winter, when seas can be rough.
Some port stops are shorter than guests expect
Port stops are an awesome way to explore multiple countries in one trip.
It’s pretty common for guests to get about eight hours in a port, but sometimes ships will only stay in one place for half a day. This is usually due to port rules or the set itinerary, since the boat needs to make it to the next stop in time.
Make sure to check the itinerary times before booking your cruise if you’re hoping to spend more time in a specific port.
You may have to sit with other guests at dinner
Although this tradition is becoming outdated, there are still instances where you may have to share a large table at dinner with other guests.
Sometimes, this assignment is given to you before the cruise.
Although many enjoy the experience of getting to know other passengers, don’t worry if you want to keep your group separate — just talk to maître d’ once you board to request a new table assignment.
The port arrival time listed on the itinerary is not when you’ll be able to exit the ship
I’ve seen many disappointed passengers book excursions with outside operators and assume the arrival time listed is when they’ll be allowed to go ashore.
The arrival time is just when the ship officially docks at the port. The vessel must then undergo an inspection from local authorities and receive clearance before letting passengers off, which can take anywhere between 20 minutes to over an hour.
If you want a more accurate idea of when you’ll be able to leave, look for the “gangway clearance estimation” time, which will typically be listed in the ship’s activities guide.
You can’t keep the alcohol that you buy in ports with you on the ship
Your plan to buy 14 bottles of Mexico’s finest tequila and do shots in your stateroom later likely won’t be possible.
Typically, alcohol purchased onshore will have to go through a scanner upon reentry to the ship and will be checked in with security until the end of the cruise.
In many cases, it will be delivered to your stateroom on the last evening of the cruise.
There may be formal and themed nights, so you should pack accordingly
Although adhering to these dress codes is often optional, I can’t tell you how many guests have told me they wish they knew there was a formal or themed evening, like 1970s night.
All of the entertainment information is usually listed on the cruise line’s app or website prior to the sailing, so make sure to check it before you pack.
Your cabin may not look how you expect
Cabins on cruises range from small, inside rooms with no windows to suites as big as a condo apartment.
Either way, read reviews online and make sure you see physical pictures of the type (or class) of cabin you book — especially if you do it through a travel agency — so you know what you’re getting.
It’s a much different experience to book a room with two sets of bunk beds and no window versus one with a picturesque balcony and individual beds.
Gratuity is automatically added for each passenger, but you can change it
Guests usually check their bill on the last day of the cruise and panic when they see gratuity charges under each person’s name.
On most cruises, gratuity is automatically calculated at a per-person, per-day rate for your servers and housekeeping crew, but you can change the amount by talking to the guest-services desk.
Just be sure to consider the crew before lowering it — they are very hardworking.
This story was originally published on November 7, 2021, and most recently updated on July 18, 2025.
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