First cruise: what to find out before booking a cabin

Sea travel has long stopped being a vacation only for retirees. Young couples, groups of friends, and families with children now board cruise ships.

The choice of ships and itineraries is huge, and that is exactly why a first-timer gets overwhelmed. It is unclear which cabin to pick, what is already included in the price, and how much money you will spend on board. We have gathered answers to the main questions people ask before their first cruise.

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Which destination should you choose?

💡 In short:

• Cabin: an inside cabin is cheaper, but has no window.
• Meals, shows, and pools are included in the price, while drinks, excursions, and Wi-Fi cost extra.
• Embarkation takes the whole day, luggage is delivered to your cabin, keep medications with you.
• Onboard prices and fees: 09/2026, verified on the official Royal Caribbean website.

The first decision is about the region, and the range in season and price here is wide.

The Caribbean has held the top spot for many years. In 2024, 43% of the world's cruise passengers sailed here (as of 2025, CLIA cruise market report). Itineraries include Barbados, Saint Lucia, Jamaica, and the Mexican coast, as well as the small islands of the Grenadines.

The Mediterranean is the second most popular. The main season runs from spring to autumn. The most visited ports include Naples, Athens, and Dubrovnik.

Northern Europe has been gaining momentum over the past decade. It includes the Scandinavian capitals, Norwegian fjords, the Baltic countries, and cruises around Great Britain.

In North America, Alaska cruises are the most common choice.

South America has sailings through Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro. Asian itineraries go through Singapore, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Ho Chi Minh City.

In winter, the Middle East comes to the forefront: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Egypt's Sharm El Sheikh. The Canary Islands are also popular in winter.

Book early. Early booking for winter sailings gives you a choice of cabins and the best price.

Which cabin should you choose?

There are dozens of cabin types on a cruise ship, but only three main categories.

An inside cabin is the cheapest. It has no window or porthole, but it has everything you need. It works well if you do not plan to spend much time in the cabin.

An oceanview cabin features a large window, sometimes with a balcony or terrace.

© W. Bulach · CC BY-SAPhoto: W. Bulach, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Suites cost the most. They have a lounge area, sometimes several bedrooms, butler service, and a small private pool on the terrace.

Location also matters. Do not take a cabin under the pool deck or next to the nightclub if you want quiet.

What is included in the price and what costs extra?

A cruise often works out cheaper than a hotel because a lot is already included. Meals, shows, cabaret, live concerts, pools, hot tubs, the gym, sports courts, and kids' clubs are usually included.

The more expensive and premium the line, the more is included. Drinks, specialty dining, and sometimes shore excursions are also covered.

On major lines, you pay extra separately. Drinks, specialty restaurants, excursions, Wi-Fi, and the spa cost extra. The same applies to exclusive VIP decks and certain attractions.

Before booking, check what exactly is included in your itinerary's fare. The difference between lines here is significant.

How does embarkation work?

Embarkation day is always hectic: some passengers leave the ship while others board.

Porters take your luggage at the terminal. A few hours later, your suitcases are delivered to your cabin door. Keep your carry-on bag with you: put your medications and swimsuit in it.

Many people arrive in the port city a day before departure to avoid being late. Book hotels near the port in advance, they are more expensive on the day of arrival.

On board, you will explore the ship and book excursions, spa treatments, or a restaurant table.

© Rodhullandemu · CC BY-SAPhoto: Rodhullandemu, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

What is the difference between sea days and port days?

A sea day passes without a port call. Decks are crowded on such days, and the schedule is packed: live music, contests, lectures.

A port day starts with arrival in a city. You can go ashore, take an excursion, or explore on your own. If that does not interest you, stay on board: the pool area will be less crowded, and the spa will offer discounts.

The main rule of a port day: do not be late for departure. The ship will not wait.

What is there to do on board and ashore?

The bigger the ship, the wider the choice of entertainment. Large cruise ships have water parks, rock climbing walls, mini-golf courses, and large gyms. You will be told about all activities on the very first day.

In the evening, life is in full swing: stage shows, live music, comedy programs, and discos.

Shore excursions are sold by the cruise line itself, but the price tag is high. A full-day or half-day tour can be booked in advance or on board. Port excursions on GetYourGuide are often cheaper, and the groups are smaller.

An alternative can be a local operator or a taxi at the terminal that will show you the city. It all depends on how willing you are to risk it with the schedule.

Dress code, dinner, and the crowd on board

The days of tuxedos and evening gowns are gone. Life on board has become more relaxed, wear comfortable clothes. But before departure, check the dress code with your line: some formal evenings still ask for evening wear.

Dinner is also flexible. You choose a shared table yourself if you want one, and more and more you decide with whom and when to dine. Some ships still have fixed seating times and tables.

The crowd depends on the itinerary and the line. Some companies cater to a mature audience, others to young families, groups of friends, and couples. The senior cruise has long given way to a mixed crowd.

© RL0919 · CC BY-SAPhoto: RL0919, CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0), Wikimedia Commons

Should you worry about seasickness?

Modern ships reduce rolling with stabilizers. These are fins that extend from the sides and reduce rocking. But if you get seasick, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck.

There are pills and patches for motion sickness. Before taking anything, it is better to talk to a doctor rather than self-medicate.

If rough seas catch you off guard, see the ship's doctor. He will advise what to take.

For those who feel sick even at the thought of rocking, a river cruise is a good fit. There are no open-sea waves there.

Safety and medical care on a cruise

Every ship has a medical center and doctors. They provide medication and handle serious issues. Sometimes guests have to be disembarked or evacuated by helicopter, and no one is immune to that. So compare travel insurance options in advance: you can arrange it through the line or on your own.

Safety drills take place on embarkation day. You are introduced to emergency procedures. Some lines hold mandatory in-person drills, others ask you to watch a video on the cabin screen before the muster.

Internet on board and paying for purchases

Internet is available on all ships, but the speed varies. Major lines are switching to Starlink satellite: MSC had equipped most of its fleet by May 2024 (as of 2024, MSC). Royal Caribbean sells its own Wi-Fi packages, check the terms on the official website.

Onboard Wi-Fi is often expensive. Sometimes it is included in a package or in the cruise fare. If you need affordable internet in ports, a travel eSIM will be cheaper than a satellite package.

Purchases on board are made with your cabin card. Each line has its own billing system, and payment is settled at the end of the cruise. The currency depends on the line. Most often, the account is kept in dollars, pounds, or euros.

How much should you leave for tips?

The amount of tips depends on the line. American companies charge more. Tips are usually added to the bill as a daily charge per person.

At Royal Caribbean, it is $18.50 per day for a standard cabin and $21 for a suite (as of 2026, Royal Caribbean gratuities page). Some lines charge less, and more and more companies include tips directly in the cruise fare or in packages.

For the bar and spa, a service charge is often added. At Royal Caribbean, it is 18% of the bill (as of 2026, Royal Caribbean fee schedule).

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

How much money do you spend on board beyond the cruise price?

On top of the base price, add drinks, excursions, tips, and Wi-Fi. See the tip and service charge amounts in the tipping section above. The exact total for your trip will be shown at booking.

When is the best time to book a cruise?

In advance, several months ahead, especially for winter itineraries and holidays. Early booking gives you a choice of cabins and the best price. Closer to departure, there are fewer cabins available, and discounts only appear on undersold sailings.

Can you go on a cruise with children?

Yes. Most ships have kids' clubs, pools, and entertainment for different ages. Tips and fees are charged for every guest, including children. On some lines, children pay less or sail free in a cabin with their parents.

What should you do if you get seasick?

Take pills or patches, but talk to a doctor first. If you feel unwell on board, go to the medical center: there is a doctor on every ship.

Do you need insurance for a cruise?

Yes, travel insurance is essential. You can arrange it through the cruise line or on your own. It covers treatment on board and expenses if you have to interrupt your trip. Compare the terms in advance, before you set sail.

In short: what is worth booking

A first cruise involves several purchases, and some of them are cheaper to make in advance.

If relaxation is all that matters, take an inside cabin and a drinks package. If you want views, choose an oceanview cabin with a balcony or a suite. If you are traveling with a group, a suite with several bedrooms works well.

Book excursions and shore transfers before departure, and arrange insurance together with the cruise. Before booking, check the dates and find flights to the departure port on Kiwi.com.