Your First Cruise? Here’s What No One Tells You

So you’ve booked your first cruise—congratulations!

Whether you’re dreaming of turquoise Caribbean waters, glacier-spotting in Alaska, or sipping wine in the Mediterranean, your first sailing is going to be unforgettable. But here’s the truth: there are a few things no glossy brochure (or that endless black hole of Google results) will tell you. Luckily, we’ve been on more than 60 cruises, so you don’t have to learn the hard way.

1. Embarkation Day = Controlled Chaos

Picture this: thousands of excited passengers, rolling suitcases, and everyone trying to figure out where the buffet is. It can feel like herding cats—but with luggage. The key? Don’t panic. Pack a small carry-on with your essentials (ID, medications, swimsuit, phone charger) because your checked bags might not show up until dinnertime. Trust us, you’ll thank yourself when you’re already poolside with a drink while others are pacing the hallways in flip-flops and regret.

2. Your Stateroom Will Surprise You

Cruise cabins are cozy (translation: smaller than your first apartment). But here’s the insider scoop: storage is smarter than you think. Look for drawers under the bed, shelves behind mirrors, and hooks that seem magically placed for wet swimsuits. Bring magnetic hooks if you want to level up your organization game—walls are metal, and you’ll instantly feel like a genius.

3. The Buffet Isn’t Your Only Option

Yes, there’s a mountain of soft-serve ice cream calling your name, but don’t sleep on the specialty dining or even the main dining room. You’ll find everything from lobster to midnight pizza parties, and often with no extra cost. Cruise food has come a long way since the ‘90s—sorry, Mom’s shrimp cocktail doesn’t stand a chance.

4. Excursions: Book Smart

Those “once in a lifetime” port excursions? They sell out fast. Whether it’s snorkeling in St. Thomas, zip-lining in Costa Rica, or climbing the ruins in Tulum, plan ahead. And here’s a pro tip: not every excursion has to be booked through the cruise line. Sometimes local tours offer a more authentic experience (and a better price). Just make sure you’re back on board before sail-away—because yes, the ship will leave without you.

5. The Sun is Different at Sea

This one’s for my fellow Gen Xers who thought SPF 8 was enough in 1992 (if you were using it at all and, instead using baby oil as a tanning oil...been there, done that, got sun-poisoning a few times to prove it).

At sea, the sun reflects off the water and doubles down on your skin like it has a personal grudge. Pack (and actually use) reef-safe sunscreen. Your future self (and your cruise photos) will thank you.

Yep, that's actually me in Barbados with my trusty SPF 70 sunscreen.

Final Word: Smooth Sailing is About Preparation

Your first cruise isn’t about perfection—it’s about discovery. Sure, you’ll learn a few lessons along the way (like why you should never forget your key and lanyard), but that’s part of the adventure. The good news? With the right tips and a trusted travel advisor in your corner, you can skip the rookie mistakes and head straight for the fun.

At KPM Signature Travel, we specialize in helping first-time cruisers feel like pros from day one. Your next chapter starts at sea—let’s plot your great escape together.