Cruises will be magical — waking up in a brand new vacation spot day by day, countless meals, and sunsets that look straight out of a portray. However like every journey, a little bit of preparation could make or break your journey.
We have now been overlaying cruises for the previous 15 years. And after we have been simply beginning out, we additionally had fairly a couple of misconceptions that turned out to be false and made some errors that have been really avoidable. And on this article, we’ll share with you 13 rookie errors to keep away from when reserving a cruise or boarding a ship.
Plan sensible and spend much less time stressing and extra time sipping cocktails by the pool.
1. Reserving the unsuitable cabin.
Not all cabins are created equal. Some rooms and decks can set off movement illness greater than different areas, whereas others are higher for senior vacationers as a result of they’re nearer to the elevator. So whenever you ebook a cruise, select a cabin or stateroom that most closely fits your wants.
Normally, there are 4 primary kinds of cruise ship lodging:
- Inside rooms are normally the most cost effective, but in addition essentially the most cramped, and haven’t any home windows.
- Sea/Ocean view rooms have a window that might let in some gentle and have a view of the skin.
- Balcony rooms have some further area the place you may step outdoors and get a greater view of the ocean and the ports.
- Suites have extra facilities than normal. They arrive in all sizes and shapes, and normally include all kinds of perks.
So in the event you’re claustrophobic or liable to movement illness, it’s not a good suggestion to choose an inside cabin that’s on both finish of the ship. As an alternative, select one within the center half. You’ll additionally really feel the movement essentially the most on increased decks or ranges.
For those who’re touring with seniors or these with mobility points, select a room near the elevator. Ships are loopy lengthy, and it may be fairly difficult for them to stroll half the size of the ship day by day.
Learn critiques and have a look at the ship’s deck plan earlier than reserving.
2. Not understanding the inclusions.
Each time we function a cruise and point out the worth or price, a number of the normal questions we see within the remark part are: Is that for the room solely? How concerning the meals? How a lot if meals are included? Do now we have to pay to make use of or entry the swimming pools?
Generally or nearly all instances, whenever you ebook a cruise on the cruise line’s web site and even with a journey company, the cruise fare already consists of the next for the whole thing of the crusing:
USUAL INCLUSIONS
Once more, these are lined by your cruise fare.
- Lodging
– the room the place you’ll be staying - Entry to most facilities (like swimming pools)
– not all or with exceptions - Fundamental leisure or reveals
- Full board meals
– breakfast, lunch, dinner
There are two kinds of eating places on board: inclusive (or complimentary) and specialty (or paid).
For those who dine on the inclusive or complimentary ones, you don’t must pay something further. These are included in your cruise fare. Often, there’s a buffet restaurant choice. On Royal Caribbean, they’ve the Windjammer. On Star Cruises, it’s Lido. And on Costa Serena, Prometeo. However other than the buffet, there’s additionally a complimentary full-service (or tremendous eating) choice, which can be freed from cost. The names additionally fluctuate relying on the ship.
Just lately, on our earlier cruise reel about Costa Serena, there was a remark that they received bored with the buffet meals however didn’t strive eating at Vesta as a result of they thought it was tremendous eating and needed to pay further. Once I informed them that Vesta was really free, they couldn’t consider it. I even needed to clarify it additional. They thought that as a result of it was tremendous eating, it will incur further charges and that solely the buffet was “free”. What a missed alternative! Think about, seven days of crusing they usually didn’t get to expertise the opposite complimentary eating places.
So earlier than the cruise, familiarize your self with the complimentary or inclusive options of the ship to maximise your money and time! Make each journey value it!
So, it is best to know the inclusions, in addition to the exclusions!
3. Not budgeting for “hidden expenses”.
Then again, many first-timers assume cruises are 100% all-inclusive. Spoiler alert: they’re not.
While you’re reserving a cruise, the primary costs which might be introduced to you’re normally simply the so-called “cruise fare”. As talked about, it already covers your lodging, primary meals, and entry to facilities and a few leisure. However whenever you attain the checkout web page, you’ll all of the sudden discover some additions to the price. That’s most likely the “port expenses”. Extra on this later. Under are the exclusions out of your cruise fare that you have to be conscious of.
EXCLUDED FROM CRUISE FARE
- Port Costs. Port expenses (generally referred to as port charges or port taxes) are the necessary charges that cruise traces pay to every port your ship visits, type of like “hire” for docking there. The cash goes to the port authorities for issues like upkeep, safety, and customs operations. You’ll normally see port expenses already included in your whole cruise fare, however generally they’re listed individually to point out transparency. They’re not non-compulsory, even in the event you resolve to remain on the ship and skip the tour. The cruise line nonetheless has to pay the port to your ship’s go to. For those who’re reserving with a journey company, the revealed charges normally don’t embrace port expenses but. So count on to pay extra upon reserving.
- Flights and Transfers. Attending to the port shouldn’t be included both, until you’re reserving a fly-and-cruise package deal.
- Journey Tax. Philippine passport holders additionally must settle the Philippine journey tax.
- Gratuities. These are nightly service expenses routinely added to your invoice to compensate the hardworking crew akin to your cabin attendants, eating workers, and behind-the-scenes crew, who hold all the things spotless and operating easily. You won’t see most of them, however they’re those ensuring your towels are magically folded into swans and your buffet plates by no means run dry. Some cruise traces and sailings (like Singapore sailings of Royal Caribbean) embrace gratuities within the fare. However others cost them individually — normally round USD 10–20 per particular person per day. You’ll be able to prepay them earlier than your journey or have them billed on the finish of your cruise. And when you’re technically allowed to regulate or take away them in some instances, it’s usually frowned upon until one thing went terribly unsuitable. These crew members work lengthy hours for modest pay, in order that little further goes a good distance. In brief, it’s not a rip-off, it’s simply cruise tradition.
- Different Necessary Charges. For sailings to Japan, a JPY 1000 Vacationer Arrival Price can be collected. For Sanya, China, in our expertise, we have been charged a HKD 15 dealing with charge.
These are crucial. Nevertheless, there are additionally non-compulsory gadgets that may make your cruise expertise extra handy or pleasant however are additionally not included in your cruise fare.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
- Wifi. Cruise ships normally provide web packages for a charge.
- Shore Excursions. Sure, you will get off the ship and discover the locations. You are able to do it by yourself (DIY-style) or be part of an organized tour. However both approach, these should not included. Your bills whenever you alight the ship should not included. DIY normally finally ends up extra budget-friendly.
- Meals at “paid eating” spots. Earlier, I discussed inclusive or complimentary eating places. You’ll additionally discover specialty or paid eating choices on board. While you dine in one in every of these specialty eating places, you’ll be charged further. However you may completely get by with out these premium eating places.
Drinks are additionally restricted to water, fundamental espresso or tea, and generally, a couple of flavored drinks. In order for you soda, different juices, smoothies, wine, beer, or cocktails, you’ll need to pay for them.
Drink packages are additionally quite common on cruise ships, which gives you limitless drinks, however they’re normally very costly and unhealthy. I’ve by no means paid for a drink package deal, and I nonetheless get pleasure from my time on board with out issues.
4. Lacking out on promos.
Cruise traces are consistently operating promos. We regularly encounter gross sales like “4th visitor sails free,” “youngsters cruise free,” or “purchase one, get one 50% off.” These offers can slash tons of of {dollars} off your whole fare, however provided that you realize when and the place to look.
The issue is that many first-timers panic-book on the first respectable value they see. The secret is to remain looking out. Cruise traces are inclined to launch promos throughout off-peak reserving durations or after they’re filling up particular sail dates. For those who’re versatile together with your journey dates and cabin kind, you may snag insane offers.
Additionally, TPTers or our readers may get pleasure from a further 5% OFF on some cruises. All it is advisable do is bear in mind and enter our promo codes. For Star Cruises (Star Navigator and Star Voyager) and Dream Cruises (Genting Dream), ebook at www.stardreamcruises.com and use our code thepoortraveler, small letters or lowercase! That’s 5% OFF!
We even have a code for Royal Caribbean in the event you ebook with Cruising.com.ph. The code is WORTHIT, which will even provide you with 5% OFF. You’ll be able to strive it on their web site, however generally the system doesn’t work. However in the event you ebook with Cruising on the telephone, simply point out that you simply have been referred to by THE POOR TRAVELER and point out the code WORTHIT.
It’s also vital to keep in mind that further companies and comforts are normally less expensive whenever you ebook them BEFORE your crusing date — wifi, shore excursions or excursions, drink packages, and even paid eating places. You’ll save extra in the event you ebook them prematurely than whenever you’re already on board.
Some workers, normally managers or head waiters, are additionally approved to grant reductions. We normally expertise this on Royal Caribbean cruises. The pinnacle waiter assigned to us on the primary eating room gave us 50% OFF on one other restaurant after we talked about we needed to strive it.
5. Not understanding the visa necessities.
Many first-time cruisers assume that as a result of they’re “simply on a ship,” they will skip the entire visa enterprise. Flawed. Even in the event you’re technically solely stepping off for a couple of hours throughout a port cease, you’re nonetheless coming into one other nation. And if that nation requires a visa to your nationality, you higher have one — otherwise you won’t be allowed to board the ship in any respect.
Fortunately, many of the cruise ships accessible to us Filipinos don’t require visas. For those who’re crusing to or from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, or Taiwan, no visa is required for Philippine passport holders.
For Japan, a visa is NOT required for cruise passengers arriving and departing on the identical ship. However you will need to pay the Vacationer Arrival Price (JPY 1000). Cruise traces normally cost USD 10 for this.
For China, as of writing, in the event you’re staying in China for lower than 24 hours, you may transit and not using a visa. For those who’re staying longer, you’ll want to use for one. To be secure, you may apply for a double-entry visa.
For South Korea, no want for a visa in the event you’re visiting Jeju Island solely. However in the event you’re crusing to every other a part of South Korea, you’ll want one.
IS VISA REQUIRED FOR FILIPINOS?
- Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong: NO
- Japan: NO – Not required for cruise ship passengers, however JPY 1000 arrival charge applies.
- China: NO – if staying for lower than 24 hours. However in the event you really feel such as you’re going over, higher apply for a visa.
- South Korea: Jeju Island – NO; Busan and the remainder of South Korea – YES
Word: That is as of this writing, 2025. These insurance policies change over time, so be sure to get the up to date information. Cruise traces will normally inform you after reserving, however it’s nonetheless your accountability to verify the necessities.
6. Not giving sufficient time allowance.
It is advisable give your self sufficient time earlier than and after your crusing. Cruise embarkation and disembarkation will be chaotic. Flight delays, cancellations, and even visitors can simply smash your plans. Arrive on the port metropolis no less than a day earlier than departure. It offers you a cushion in case one thing goes unsuitable.
The identical goes for after the cruise. Disembarkation can take hours, so don’t schedule an early flight house. As an alternative, spend yet one more night time within the metropolis. It’s far more stress-free and stress-free. It additionally offers you a while to discover the house port.
WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If it is advisable ebook a lodge within the homeport metropolis, you may ebook with Agoda. However please use our promo code AGODATPT for as much as P5800 OFF. Utilizing the Agoda app, enter AGODATPT on the DEALS tab. Then when it’s time to ebook a lodge, enter it once more upon checkout. That’s really 10% OFF however capped at USD 10, in order that’s 5800 pesos based mostly on present conversion. That’s enormous! We additionally get credited for each reserving, which helps us preserve this web site.
7. Battling time zone confusion.
Some sailings cross time zones, which makes time-telling fairly difficult. Immediately, your telephone says one factor, the ship’s clock says one other.
Numerous first-timers don’t notice that the ship’s “official time” doesn’t at all times match the native time at port, which may trigger chaos when planning shore excursions or assembly factors. Miss the all-aboard time as a result of your telephone auto-adjusted? The ship received’t wait.
Cruise traces normally announce time modifications over the intercom or within the every day bulletin, however individuals are inclined to miss it between buffets and bingo. All the time double-check the ship’s time earlier than getting off. It’s normally posted in every single place or displayed on the in-room TV.
TIP! When unsure, set your telephone to airplane mode and manually regulate the clock to “ship time.” This fashion, your system doesn’t betray you mid-shopping spree out of the country. It appears like a small mistake, however it occurs so much.
By the way in which, each night time, your cabin steward will go away a every day program in your room. It lists all the things occurring onboard the following day: reveals, trivia video games, dance courses, film screenings, meals tastings, and even karaoke. It additionally tells you if there will probably be time zone crossing quickly.
8. Overlooking shore tour logistics.
Some stops or ports of name are simpler to discover than others. For instance, Penang and Malacca in Malaysia, Phuket’s Patong Seashore in Thailand, and Naha in Okinawa are simple to discover even with out becoming a member of a tour. In Penang, the very talked-about Artwork Avenue is simply inside strolling distance. In Naha, you can too stroll to a bus cease or get a cab simply.
However Port Klang is kind of indifferent from Kuala Lumpur. And in Taiwan, in case your goal is Taipei, it takes time to achieve it from Keelung, particularly in the event you’re taking public transportation. In Japan, Ishigaki’s port is kind of remoted, with a really restricted variety of taxis, so it’s finest to constitution one prematurely.
Keep in mind! Cruise ships observe strict schedules, and they won’t watch for late passengers.
For those who be part of a ship-organized tour, you’re secure — they’ll be sure to’re again in time. However in the event you discover independently, be aware of the all-aboard time. It’s not like lacking a bus; in the event you’re late, the ship will actually sail with out you. All the time control the clock, and provides your self no less than an hour’s buffer earlier than departure.
And oh, it’s at all times finest observe to buy journey insurance coverage earlier than your journey. It’s not only for accidents; it additionally covers journey cancellations, delays, misplaced baggage, and people little “plot twists” that are inclined to occur on the worst potential time. You most likely received’t want it (fingers crossed), however in the event you ever do, you’ll be so glad you bought it. Consider it as essentially the most boring buy that might find yourself saving your complete trip.
The factor is, not all journey insurance coverage corporations present protection for cruises. However one which I do know undoubtedly does is PGA Sompo’s TravelJoy. To ebook, simply go to www.thepoortraveler.web/shield. It will lead you to PGA Sompo’s official journey insurance coverage citation web page.
Cruise insurance coverage insurance policies are barely pricier — normally a 30% premium is added — however that’s higher than nothing. To assist scale back the price, use our code WORTHIT, which gives you 5% OFF.
9. Forgetting the gown code.
Most cruise ships working in Asia are fairly informal. However it’s nonetheless fairly enjoyable to decorate up. You would possibly assume, “It’s trip! I’ll put on slippers in every single place.” However not all eating rooms or lounges agree. Whereas ships have develop into extra lenient, full-service eating places normally don’t permit swimwear, flip-flops, and pajamas.
I normally pack two units of outfits per day. One informal for daytime exploring and one thing extra smart-casual for nighttime actions. On the very least, my private rule is, at fine-dining locations, my high ought to no less than have a collar.
Some ships even have formal or gala nights, which require correct apparel — like a gown or a collared shirt. Don’t fear, you don’t really want to carry a tux. Simply one thing a bit nicer than your “mall” outfit.
And in the event you intend to swim, correct swimwear is normally non-negotiable.
10. Overpacking
Cruise cabins are cozy — and by cozy, we imply small. Typically, actually small. Bringing two suitcases filled with “simply in case” outfits will go away you tripping over your baggage. The trick? Pack sensible.
Persist with mix-and-match items, carry one pair of gown footwear, and don’t overlook swimwear and one thing heat for the chilly decks at night time.
Additionally, don’t overlook a small day bag for shore excursions. You’ll want someplace to stash sunscreen, your telephone, and that “memento” you didn’t plan to purchase.
11. Bringing prohibited gadgets.
Cruise traces have strict guidelines about what you may and may’t carry on board, they usually take them significantly. These guidelines fluctuate relying on the ship or cruise line, however usually, weapons, unlawful substances, and gadgets which might be sharp, flammable and harmful are prohibited. These are fairly apparent.
However there are different issues that folks mistakenly attempt to carry on board, however find yourself getting confiscated. These embrace:
- Warmth-generating gadgets like flat iron (though hair straighteners and curling irons are normally exempted).
- Extension cords or energy strips, as these are hearth hazards. As an alternative, carry these small journey adapters.
- Alcoholic drinks, typically prohibited on most ships, with a couple of exceptions, like one bottle of wine per cabin (Royal Caribbean).
Once more, these guidelines differ from firm to firm, so simply verify the tremendous print earlier than packing.
12. Not getting ready for seasickness.
Some vacationers deal with sea days (days and not using a port cease) as “wasted” days. Huge mistake. Sea days are literally the most effective a part of cruising, the calm between adventures.
Use them to calm down. Lounge by the pool, hit the spa, be part of a wine-tasting, or simply nap prefer it’s your job. You can too use the time to discover the ship. By the top, you’ll notice sea days are whenever you really really feel the cruise life.
However it’s today at excessive seas that are usually the shakiest. Even in the event you assume you’re not the sort to get movement illness, the ocean would possibly humble you. It occurs to the most effective of us — even seasoned vacationers.
Pack motion-sickness patches, tablets, or wristbands simply in case. And in the event you begin feeling queasy, go outdoors and have a look at the horizon. It helps your mind recalibrate.
I don’t actually get dizzy so much. However I’m at all times ready for it. Fortunately, I by no means had to make use of it. Not but, no less than.
13. Not bringing backup money.
On most cruise ships, all the things you purchase onboard will get charged to your room key or card. However when you step ashore, it’s a special story. Some ports, markets, and even taxis nonetheless desire good old style money. And in case your bank card all of the sudden decides to have belief points mid-trip, you’re in hassle.
Right here’s the factor: generally, your financial institution sees overseas transactions and freaks out, assuming your card’s been stolen although you’re simply attempting to purchase souvenirs. When that occurs, the cardboard will get blocked. Been there, accomplished that. It occurred to us after we have been crusing within the Caribbean from Miami. It additionally occurred to a buddy after we have been crusing from Singapore to Malaysia.
It’s not simple to contact customer support overseas whereas everybody else is fortunately exploring. That’s why it’s at all times sensible to carry backup money and one other card, ideally from a special financial institution or community (like one Visa and one Mastercard). Maintain some native forex for every port, plus a couple of crisp USD payments as common backup. It doesn’t need to be so much — simply sufficient for emergencies, ideas, or that impossible to resist road meals.
Convey some small payments, too, for tipping crew members who go the additional mile. A little bit generosity goes a good distance, and these hardworking of us typically bear in mind your kindness (and your favourite drink order).
It’s your flip! Do you’ve ideas so as to add to this listing? Or have you ever been responsible of any of those? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
Updates Log
2025 11 5 – First uploaded
