Are you cruising with your family for the first time and looking for beginner tips? My family and I love cruising, and we’ve enjoyed every moment; it offers so many opportunities for family bonding. If you’re unsure whether cruising is the right vacation for your family, there’s no need to worry. I’ll share cruise tips for beginners to help you feel confident and prepared for your next family adventure.
Planning for a Cruise
Before booking your trip, keep these cruise tips for beginners in mind to help you choose the right ship and itinerary for your family. I highly recommend booking directly with a reputable cruise line rather than using untrustworthy third-party sites.
1. Select a family-friendly cruise line.
There are many cruise lines that offer great experiences; however, not all are family-friendly.
Some cruise lines welcome guests of all ages but are geared more toward university students and partygoers. Others are better suited for adults or seniors who prefer a quieter, more relaxing atmosphere. Then there are family-friendly cruise lines that offer activities for every member of the family. The downside is that these cruises often have larger crowds.
The cruise lines I’ve personally traveled with and found to be very family-friendly are Disney and Royal Caribbean.
Disney Cruise Line provides a truly magical onboard experience and is perfect for families with young children or Disney fans. Royal Caribbean is ideal for school-aged children and teenagers, offering exciting activities and adventures you won’t find on Disney cruises.
I’ve also heard great things about MSC Cruises, especially regarding their kid-friendly activities. I’m looking forward to booking a cruise with them to experience it firsthand.
When choosing a cruise, consider your family members’ ages, the types of onboard activities offered, and your overall interests.
2. Look at the itineraries.
Maybe you already have a cruise line you prefer. The next step is choosing the cruise and itinerary.
Some travelers start by searching for the destinations they want to visit and then look for ships that sail to those locations during their available travel dates. Ultimately, your choice will depend on the destinations, your travel dates, and your personal interests.
It’s also important to review the ports on each itinerary. Can you easily walk off the ship and explore on your own, or will the port require booking an excursion?
Keep in mind that excursions come at an additional cost. Some cruise lines don’t list excursion prices until after you’ve booked, while others make some pricing information available on their websites.
Things to Consider
For port-heavy itineraries, don’t focus too much on the age of the ship since you’ll spend less time onboard. However, if you prefer large, newer ships, such as Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas or Star of the Seas, consider sea-heavy itineraries. On these cruises, the main purpose is to fully enjoy the ship and its amenities.
Realties of Cruising with Kids
My daughter at Aruba port
When traveling with kids, your options are limited since you must plan trips around school breaks. Unfortunately, cruising during holidays and school breaks is more expensive (sigh!).
I traveled during Christmas break in 2024 and recently returned from a New Year’s Eve cruise. Even though it was pricier, I was so glad I did it. Spending New Year’s on a cruise had been on my bucket list.
When is the Best Time to Cruise?
The best time to cruise often depends on your destination. While the Caribbean has great weather year-round, June through November is hurricane season, so it’s important to factor that in. I’ve cruised twice in December, and the weather was amazing both times.
For Alaska and Canada, summer is generally recommended due to more favorable weather. When researching Alaskan cruises, I’ve found that the most cost-effective options for families with school-aged children are typically late May and early August, which helps avoid missing school (at least in Florida).
Prices usually increase in June and July. In 2023, we took a Disney cruise in July, and as you can probably imagine, it wasn’t cheap.
3. Select the perfect cabin for your family.
Selecting the right cabin can make a big difference in your cruise experience. One of the key cruise tips for beginners is to consider your family’s needs, budget, and how much time you’ll actually spend in the room. There are different types of cabins to choose from. Some examples are:
- Inside cabins
- Ocean view
- Balcony cabins
- Suites
Inside cabins are more affordable and a great option if you mostly enjoy ship activities, while balcony cabins offer scenic views and extra space for relaxing. Many people prefer balcony cabins or suites, but they do come at a higher cost. In our experience, we’ve only traveled in inside cabins because we don’t spend much time in the room.
For my family, the cabin is mainly for sleeping, so we prefer to use that extra money on excursions instead. Inside cabins often offer bunk bed options, which is helpful if you have more than one child.
That said, some cruisers always book balcony cabins, and that works perfectly for them too.
When choosing your cabin, it really depends on the budget and the type of cruise.
For Caribbean cruises, I usually prefer inside cabins because they are more affordable, and the great weather allows me to enjoy the views from anywhere on the ship.
However, I’m rethinking inside cabins after our experience on a recent cruise. My daughter became sick and had to quarantine for two days, and being in an inside cabin was challenging. She felt trapped. Thankfully, we had an iPad and internet access to help us get through those two days.
For the Alaska cruise we are planning, we will definitely choose a balcony cabin. With the colder weather and scenic cruising days, we want to enjoy the incredible views of glaciers and wildlife right from our balcony.
4. Purchase travel and health insurance.
This step is extremely important. One of the most important cruise tips for beginners is to purchase travel insurance in case of unexpected issues or cancellations, as well as health insurance that covers onboard doctor visits, medications, and other medical emergencies, not just trip cancellations.
Be sure to carefully review what your insurance covers. I purchased travel insurance through Royal Caribbean, and it included reimbursement for cancellations and medical emergencies only.
My Experience
When my daughter got sick onboard, we were told that our insurance did not cover doctor visits. Unfortunately, our policy only covered cancellations in case we needed to leave the cruise early due to a medical emergency.
Thankfully, the doctor did not charge us for the visit, which would have been $300, but we still had to pay for the medication, which cost $200. On top of that, we had to cancel our excursions (sad day!).
The good news is that we received onboard credit, which we used to cover the cost of the medication. Additionally, the day before the cruise ended, we received a letter letting us know we were also given credit toward a future cruise.
For my next cruise, I will carefully review the insurance details and purchase coverage that specifically includes doctor visits. When traveling with minors, this is a must.
5. Notify cruise line about dietary restrictions.
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, be sure to notify your travel agent. They can make a note in your reservation to help accommodate your needs.
I am gluten-free, dairy-free, and tomato-intolerant, so traveling and finding food I can eat freely can be challenging. For me, preparation is key.
6. Reserve shore excursions pre boarding.
Another key tip for cruise beginners is to pre-book excursions and review package options. This can help you save money and avoid missing out, since onboard tours are sold at full price.
Do not wait too long to book an excursion you are interested in because once it is full, the only way to get a spot is through a last-minute cancellation. Keep in mind that most excursions have age restrictions, and babies or toddlers are often not allowed. However, there are plenty of excursions that welcome school-aged children.
Some travelers choose to book private excursions. I generally don’t recommend this approach, as there’s no guarantee the ship will wait if you are late. Booking directly through the cruise line provides peace of mind that you’ll return safely and on time.
7. Explore drink packages.
There are packages for water, wine, and other beverages that can be purchased at a discount. I have personally never bought any of these packages, so I don’t feel comfortable recommending them.
I encourage you to do your own research to see if they are worth the price. Ask yourself:
- How many drinks are included per day?
- How much will each person in my family actually drink daily?
- How do the package prices compare to ordering drinks individually?
Check if drink prices are available online or find approximate costs and do the calculations yourself to see if the package is worth the price.
8. Explore internet and arcade discounts.
We purchased both the internet package and the arcade package.
I would definitely recommend the internet package if you want to browse the web, check emails, watch something at night, or simply have it in case of an emergency. While ideally it’s nice to disconnect during a cruise, having internet access can be very helpful.
As I mentioned earlier, when my daughter got sick, the internet saved the day. I also loved being able to send messages to my family or quickly research anything we needed.
The arcade package was also worth it for us. We visited the arcade many times and had a lot of fun, making it a good value.
9. Check if you can find the ship and travel date on a Facebook group.
Many people create Facebook groups specific to a ship and travel dates. These groups are great places to ask questions and learn about things you might never have imagined. Some common topics include:
- Favorite excursions
- Internet and drink packages
- Dress-up days
I even learned about people hiding rubber ducks on the ship and an app called Sea Ducks, where you can see the number of duck hiders and hunters, as well as clues about where the ducks are hidden.
My daughter and I used both the Facebook group and the app during the cruise, and we had so much fun hunting for ducks around the ship!
10. Download the cruise line app.
Every cruise line has an app where you can view your reservation, shore excursions, and daily activities. It’s also a good idea to download the app because you can communicate with your family members through it (messaging only onboard).
Preparing for Your First Cruise
Congratulations on your upcoming adventure! As your cruise date approaches, there are a few things to consider to help you be better prepared.
1. Prepare a medicine bag.
If you or a family member take daily medication, be sure not to forget it when packing. Cruise ships are full of germs, and if you’re cruising during flu season, the chances of getting sick are higher. It’s a good idea to pack medicine for common ailments such as headaches, fever, coughs, and allergies.
2. Prepare a list of your personal items.
Create a list of essential personal items for your trip. Some categories to consider include:
- Clothing
- Face care
- Makeup
- Hair care
- Hygiene items
- Outdoor fun items
Don’t forget additional essentials like phone chargers and other electronics. I also like to pack a few magnets to personalize and decorate our cabin. For a more detailed breakdown, including items for kids and families, check out my family vacation packing list for everything you’ll need to stay organized and stress-free.
3. Review banned items.
Check which items are banned on your cruise ship. Don’t rely on information from trips you took years ago, always consult the cruise line’s website for updates to avoid having items confiscated at boarding.
4. Gather proper documentation.
Depending on your cruise type and the age of travelers, you will need certain documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver’s license.
- For open-route cruises, make sure your passport is valid at least six months beyond your return date.
- For closed-route cruises, a driver’s license or birth certificate is usually sufficient.
Always confirm with the cruise line to avoid surprises on embarkation day.
5. Start completing your safety briefing.
Most cruise lines have safety videos and instructions available on their app. Review them in advance. When you arrive on the ship, be sure to go to your assigned Muster station.
6. Prepare a carry-on bag or backpack.
Include important travel documents and any items you’ll want to use immediately upon boarding. For example, if you plan to head straight to the pool, pack a bathing suit, sunscreen, and a towel in your carry-on.
Final Thoughts
By following these cruise tips for beginners, busy moms can feel confident and prepared, allowing them to focus on creating unforgettable memories with their family. Pack thoughtfully, prepare for the unexpected, and take advantage of the tips shared here to make your first cruise smoother and more enjoyable.
Most importantly, give yourself permission to relax and enjoy the experience. Cruises are designed for fun, adventure, and family time, so let go of the stress and soak in every moment. You’ve earned it!
Best wishes,
Mel
