Cruises might be magical — waking up in a brand new vacation spot each day, infinite meals, and sunsets that look straight out of a portray. However like all journey, a little bit of preparation could make or break your journey.
We now have been masking cruises for the previous 15 years. And after we had been simply beginning out, we additionally had fairly a couple of misconceptions that turned out to be false and made some errors that had 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 improper 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 e-book a cruise, select a cabin or stateroom that most closely fits your wants.
Basically, there are 4 essential varieties of cruise ship lodging:
- Inside rooms are often the most affordable, but additionally essentially the most cramped, and don’t have any home windows.
- Sea/Ocean view rooms have a window that would let in some mild and have a view of the surface.
- Balcony rooms have some additional house the place you’ll be able to step outdoors and get a greater view of the ocean and the ports.
- Suites have extra facilities than traditional. They arrive in all styles and sizes, and often include all kinds of perks.
So when 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 a substitute, select one within the center half. You’ll additionally really feel the movement essentially the most on increased decks or ranges.
When you’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 each day.
Learn critiques and take a look at the ship’s deck plan earlier than reserving.
2. Not understanding the inclusions.
Each time we characteristic a cruise and point out the value or charge, a few of the traditional questions we see within the remark part are: Is that for the room solely? How in regards to the meals? How a lot if meals are included? Do we’ve got to pay to make use of or entry the swimming pools?
Most often or virtually all circumstances, whenever you e-book a cruise on the cruise line’s web site and even with a journey company, the cruise fare already contains the next for the whole lot 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 exhibits
- Full board meals
– breakfast, lunch, dinner
There are two varieties of eating places on board: inclusive (or complimentary) and specialty (or paid).
When you dine on the inclusive or complimentary ones, you don’t must pay something additional. These are included in your cruise fare. Normally, there’s a buffet restaurant possibility. On Royal Caribbean, they’ve the Windjammer. On Star Cruises, it’s Lido. And on Costa Serena, Prometeo. However except for the buffet, there’s additionally a complimentary full-service (or wonderful eating) possibility, which can also be freed from cost. The names additionally range relying on the ship.
Lately, on our earlier cruise reel about Costa Serena, there was a remark that they acquired uninterested in the buffet meals however didn’t attempt eating at Vesta as a result of they thought it was wonderful eating and needed to pay additional. After 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 wonderful eating, it might incur additional 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, you need to know the inclusions, in addition to the exclusions!
3. Not budgeting for “hidden prices”.
Alternatively, many first-timers assume cruises are 100% all-inclusive. Spoiler alert: they’re not.
Once you’re reserving a cruise, the primary costs which can be introduced to you’re often simply the so-called “cruise fare”. As talked about, it already covers your lodging, essential meals, and entry to facilities and a few leisure. However whenever you attain the checkout web page, you’ll abruptly discover some additions to the price. That’s likely the “port prices”. Extra on this later. Under are the exclusions out of your cruise fare that you need to be conscious of.
EXCLUDED FROM CRUISE FARE
- Port Fees. Port prices (generally known as port charges or port taxes) are the obligatory 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 often see port prices already included in your complete cruise fare, however generally they’re listed individually to point out transparency. They’re not optionally available, even when you resolve to remain on the ship and skip the tour. The cruise line nonetheless has to pay the port in your ship’s go to. When you’re reserving with a journey company, the revealed charges often don’t embody port prices but. So count on to pay extra upon reserving.
- Flights and Transfers. Attending to the port will not be included both, except you’re reserving a fly-and-cruise bundle.
- Journey Tax. Philippine passport holders additionally must settle the Philippine journey tax.
- Gratuities. These are nightly service prices routinely added to your invoice to compensate the hardworking crew reminiscent of your cabin attendants, eating employees, and behind-the-scenes crew, who hold the whole lot spotless and working 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) embody gratuities within the fare. However others cost them individually — often round USD 10–20 per particular person per day. You may prepay them earlier than your journey or have them billed on the finish of your cruise. And whilst you’re technically allowed to regulate or take away them in some circumstances, it’s usually frowned upon except one thing went terribly improper. These crew members work lengthy hours for modest pay, in order that little additional goes a great 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 Charge can also be collected. For Sanya, China, in our expertise, we had been charged a HKD 15 dealing with payment.
These are a very powerful. Nevertheless, there are additionally optionally available gadgets that may make your cruise expertise extra handy or satisfying however are additionally not included in your cruise fare.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
- Wifi. Cruise ships often supply web packages for a payment.
- Shore Excursions. Sure, you may get off the ship and discover the locations. You are able to do it by yourself (DIY-style) or be a part of an organized tour. However both means, these will not be included. Your bills whenever you alight the ship will not be included. DIY often 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. Once you dine in one among these specialty eating places, you’ll be charged additional. However you’ll be able to 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. If you need soda, different juices, smoothies, wine, beer, or cocktails, you’ll must pay for them.
Drink packages are additionally quite common on cruise ships, which gives you limitless drinks, however they’re often very costly and unhealthy. I’ve by no means paid for a drink bundle, and I nonetheless take pleasure in my time on board with out issues.
4. Lacking out on promos.
Cruise traces are continuously working 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 a whole bunch of {dollars} off your complete fare, however provided that you already know when and the place to look.
The issue is that many first-timers panic-book on the first respectable value they see. The bottom line is to remain looking out. Cruise traces are inclined to launch promos throughout off-peak reserving durations or once they’re filling up particular sail dates. When you’re versatile along with your journey dates and cabin kind, you’ll be able to snag insane offers.
Additionally, TPTers or our readers can even take pleasure in a further 5% OFF on some cruises. All it is advisable to do is keep in mind and enter our promo codes. For Star Cruises (Star Navigator and Star Voyager) and Dream Cruises (Genting Dream), e-book 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 when you e-book with Cruising.com.ph. The code is WORTHIT, which may also provide you with 5% OFF. You may attempt it on their web site, however generally the system doesn’t work. However when you e-book with Cruising on the cellphone, simply point out that you just had been referred to by THE POOR TRAVELER and point out the code WORTHIT.
It’s also essential to do not forget that extra companies and comforts are often less expensive whenever you e-book them BEFORE your crusing date — wifi, shore excursions or excursions, drink packages, and even paid eating places. You’ll save extra when you e-book them upfront than whenever you’re already on board.
Some employees, often managers or head waiters, are additionally approved to grant reductions. We often expertise this on Royal Caribbean cruises. The pinnacle waiter assigned to us on the essential eating room gave us 50% OFF on one other restaurant after we talked about we needed to attempt it.
5. Not realizing the visa necessities.
Many first-time cruisers assume that as a result of they’re “simply on a ship,” they’ll skip the entire visa enterprise. Fallacious. Even when 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 in your nationality, you higher have one — otherwise you won’t be allowed to board the ship in any respect.
Fortunately, a lot of the cruise ships accessible to us Filipinos don’t require visas. When you’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 could pay the Vacationer Arrival Charge (JPY 1000). Cruise traces often cost USD 10 for this.
For China, as of writing, when you’re staying in China for lower than 24 hours, you’ll be able to transit with no visa. When you’re staying longer, you’ll want to use for one. To be secure, you’ll be able to apply for a double-entry visa.
For South Korea, no want for a visa when you’re visiting Jeju Island solely. However when you’re crusing to another 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 payment applies.
- China: NO – if staying for lower than 24 hours. However when 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
Notice: That is as of this writing, 2025. These insurance policies change over time, so be sure you get the up to date information. Cruise traces will often inform you after reserving, but it surely’s nonetheless your accountability to substantiate the necessities.
6. Not giving sufficient time allowance.
It’s good to give your self sufficient time earlier than and after your crusing. Cruise embarkation and disembarkation might be chaotic. Flight delays, cancellations, and even visitors can simply break your plans. Arrive on the port metropolis a minimum of a day earlier than departure. It offers you a cushion in case one thing goes improper.
The identical goes for after the cruise. Disembarkation can take hours, so don’t schedule an early flight dwelling. As a substitute, spend another 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 to e-book a resort within the homeport metropolis, you’ll be able to e-book 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 e-book a resort, enter it once more upon checkout. That’s really 10% OFF however capped at USD 10, in order that’s 5800 pesos primarily based on present conversion. That’s enormous! We additionally get credited for each reserving, which helps us keep this web site.
7. Scuffling with time zone confusion.
Some sailings cross time zones, which makes time-telling fairly sophisticated. Abruptly, your cellphone says one factor, the ship’s clock says one other.
Numerous first-timers don’t understand that the ship’s “official time” doesn’t at all times match the native time at port, which might trigger chaos when planning shore excursions or assembly factors. Miss the all-aboard time as a result of your cellphone auto-adjusted? The ship gained’t wait.
Cruise traces often announce time modifications over the intercom or within the day by 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 often posted in every single place or displayed on the in-room TV.
TIP! When doubtful, set your cellphone to airplane mode and manually regulate the clock to “ship time.” This manner, your gadget doesn’t betray you mid-shopping spree overseas. It seems like a small mistake, but it surely occurs so much.
By the best way, each night time, your cabin steward will go away a day by day program in your room. It lists the whole lot occurring onboard the subsequent day: exhibits, trivia video games, dance courses, film screenings, meals tastings, and even karaoke. It additionally tells you if there can 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 Seaside in Thailand, and Naha in Okinawa are straightforward to discover even with out becoming a member of a tour. In Penang, the highly regarded Artwork Avenue is simply inside strolling distance. In Naha, it’s also possible to 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 when 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 upfront.
Bear in mind! Cruise ships comply with strict schedules, and they won’t look ahead to late passengers.
When you be a part of a ship-organized tour, you’re secure — they’ll be sure you’re again in time. However when you discover independently, be conscious of the all-aboard time. It’s not like lacking a bus; when you’re late, the ship will actually sail with out you. All the time regulate the clock, and provides your self a minimum of an hour’s buffer earlier than departure.
And oh, it’s at all times finest follow 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 doable time. You most likely gained’t want it (fingers crossed), however when you ever do, you’ll be so glad you bought it. Consider it as essentially the most boring buy that would find yourself saving your complete trip.
The factor is, not all journey insurance coverage firms present protection for cruises. However one which I do know undoubtedly does is PGA Sompo’s TravelJoy. To e-book, simply go to www.thepoortraveler.internet/shield. This can lead you to PGA Sompo’s official journey insurance coverage citation web page.
Cruise insurance coverage insurance policies are barely pricier — often a 30% premium is added — however that’s higher than nothing. To assist cut 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 may assume, “It’s trip! I’ll put on slippers in every single place.” However not all eating rooms or lounges agree. Whereas ships have turn into extra lenient, full-service eating places often don’t enable swimwear, flip-flops, and pajamas.
I often 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 a minimum of 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 convey a tux. Simply one thing a bit nicer than your “mall” outfit.
And when you intend to swim, correct swimwear is often non-negotiable.
10. Overpacking
Cruise cabins are cozy — and by cozy, we imply small. Typically, actually small. Bringing two suitcases stuffed with “simply in case” outfits will go away you tripping over your baggage. The trick? Pack sensible.
Stick with mix-and-match items, convey one pair of gown sneakers, 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 cellphone, and that “memento” you didn’t plan to purchase.
11. Bringing prohibited gadgets.
Cruise traces have strict guidelines about what you’ll be able to and may’t convey on board, they usually take them critically. These guidelines range relying on the ship or cruise line, however generally, weapons, unlawful substances, and gadgets which can be sharp, flammable and harmful are prohibited. These are fairly apparent.
However there are different issues that folks mistakenly attempt to convey on board, however find yourself getting confiscated. These embody:
- Warmth-generating gadgets like flat iron (though hair straighteners and curling irons are often exempted).
- Extension cords or energy strips, as these are hearth hazards. As a substitute, convey these small journey adapters.
- Alcoholic drinks, usually 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 examine the wonderful print earlier than packing.
12. Not making ready for seasickness.
Some vacationers deal with sea days (days with no port cease) as “wasted” days. Massive mistake. Sea days are literally the perfect a part of cruising, the calm between adventures.
Use them to calm down. Lounge by the pool, hit the spa, be a part of a wine-tasting, or simply nap prefer it’s your job. It’s also possible to use the time to discover the ship. By the top, you’ll understand sea days are whenever you really really feel the cruise life.
However it’s as of late at excessive seas that are usually the shakiest. Even when you assume you’re not the kind to get movement illness, the ocean may humble you. It occurs to the perfect of us — even seasoned vacationers.
Pack motion-sickness patches, tablets, or wristbands simply in case. And when you begin feeling queasy, go outdoors and take 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, a minimum of.
13. Not bringing backup money.
On most cruise ships, the whole lot you purchase onboard will get charged to your room key or card. However when you step ashore, it’s a distinct story. Some ports, markets, and even taxis nonetheless choose good old school money. And in case your bank card abruptly decides to have belief points mid-trip, you’re in hassle.
Right here’s the factor: generally, your financial institution sees international transactions and freaks out, assuming your card’s been stolen despite the fact that you’re simply making an attempt to purchase souvenirs. When that occurs, the cardboard will get blocked. Been there, completed that. It occurred to us after we had been crusing within the Caribbean from Miami. It additionally occurred to a good friend after we had been crusing from Singapore to Malaysia.
It’s not straightforward to contact customer support overseas whereas everybody else is fortunately exploring. That’s why it’s at all times sensible to convey backup money and one other card, ideally from a distinct financial institution or community (like one Visa and one Mastercard). Hold some native forex for every port, plus a couple of crisp USD payments as common backup. It doesn’t must be so much — simply sufficient for emergencies, suggestions, or that impossible to resist road meals.
Deliver some small payments, too, for tipping crew members who go the additional mile. Just a little generosity goes a great distance, and these hardworking of us usually keep in mind your kindness (and your favourite drink order).
It’s your flip! Do you will have suggestions so as to add to this record? Or have you ever been responsible of any of those? Tell us within the feedback part beneath.
Updates Log
2025 11 5 – First uploaded