Cruises might be magical — waking up in a brand new vacation spot daily, limitless 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 now have been masking cruises for the previous 15 years. And after we have been simply beginning out, we additionally had fairly just a few 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 good and spend much less time stressing and extra time sipping cocktails by the pool.

1. Reserving the mistaken 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 if you e-book a cruise, select a cabin or stateroom that most closely fits your wants.

Basically, there are 4 major varieties of cruise ship lodging:

• Inside rooms are often the most cost effective, but additionally probably the most cramped, and don’t have any home windows.
• Sea/Ocean view rooms have a window that might let in some mild and have a view of the skin.
• Balcony rooms have some further area the place you’ll be able to step exterior and get a greater view of the ocean and the ports.
• Suites have extra facilities than ordinary. They arrive in all styles and sizes, and often include all kinds of perks.

So in the event you’re claustrophobic or vulnerable to movement illness, it’s not a good suggestion to select 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 probably the most on greater decks or ranges.

Should 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 daily.

Learn critiques and have 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 worth or charge, a few of the ordinary 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 to pay to make use of or entry the swimming pools?

Typically or nearly all circumstances, if 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 may be staying
• Entry to most facilities (like swimming pools)
  – not all or with exceptions
• Primary 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).

Should you dine on the inclusive or complimentary ones, you don’t must pay something further. These are included in your cruise fare. Normally, 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 apart from the buffet, there’s additionally a complimentary full-service (or high-quality eating) choice, which can be freed from cost. The names additionally differ relying on the ship.

Just lately, on our earlier cruise reel about Costa Serena, there was a remark that they bought bored with the buffet meals however didn’t attempt eating at Vesta as a result of they thought it was high-quality eating and needed to pay further. 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 high-quality 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”.

However, many first-timers assume cruises are 100% all-inclusive. Spoiler alert: they’re not.

If you’re reserving a cruise, the primary costs which are introduced to you might be often simply the so-called “cruise fare”. As talked about, it already covers your lodging, major meals, and entry to facilities and a few leisure. However if you attain the checkout web page, you’ll abruptly discover some additions to the associated fee. 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 Prices. Port expenses (generally referred to as port charges or port taxes) are the necessary charges that cruise strains pay to every port your ship visits, form of like “lease” for docking there. The cash goes to the port authorities for issues like upkeep, safety, and customs operations. You’ll often see port expenses already included in your whole cruise fare, however generally they’re listed individually to indicate transparency. They’re not non-obligatory, even in the event you resolve to remain on the ship and skip the tour. The cruise line nonetheless has to pay the port on your ship’s go to. Should you’re reserving with a journey company, the printed charges often don’t embrace port expenses but. So count on to pay extra upon reserving.
• Flights and Transfers. Attending to the port isn’t 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 mechanically added to your invoice to compensate the hardworking crew similar to your cabin attendants, eating workers, and behind-the-scenes crew, who preserve every thing spotless and operating easily. You may not 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 strains and sailings (like Singapore sailings of Royal Caribbean) embrace gratuities within the fare. However others cost them individually — often round USD 10–20 per individual per day. You possibly can 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 circumstances, it’s typically frowned upon until one thing went terribly mistaken. These crew members work lengthy hours for modest pay, in order that little further goes a good distance. Briefly, 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 be collected. For Sanya, China, in our expertise, we have been charged a HKD 15 dealing with charge.

These are an important. Nonetheless, there are additionally non-obligatory 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 provide web packages for a charge.
• 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 manner, these should not included. Your bills if you alight the ship should not 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. If you dine in certainly one of these specialty eating places, you’ll be charged further. However you’ll be able to completely get by with out these premium eating places.

Drinks are additionally restricted to water, primary espresso or tea, and generally, just a few flavored drinks. In order for you soda, different juices, smoothies, wine, beer, or cocktails, you’ll must pay for them.

Drink packages are additionally quite common on cruise ships, which provides you with limitless drinks, however they’re often very costly and unhealthy. I’ve by no means paid for a drink package deal, and I nonetheless take pleasure in my time on board with out issues.

4. Lacking out on promos.

Cruise strains are continually operating promos. We frequently encounter gross sales like “4th visitor sails free,” “children cruise free,” or “purchase one, get one 50% off.” These offers can slash a whole lot 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 worth they see. The secret’s to remain looking out. Cruise strains are likely to launch promos throughout off-peak reserving intervals or after they’re filling up particular sail dates. Should 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 you might want 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 in the event you e-book with Cruising.com.ph. The code is WORTHIT, which may even offer you 5% OFF. You possibly can attempt it on their web site, however generally the system doesn’t work. However in the event you e-book 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.

Additionally it is necessary to do not forget that extra companies and comforts are often less expensive if you e-book 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 e-book them prematurely than if you’re already on board.

Some workers, often managers or head waiters, are additionally licensed to grant reductions. We often expertise this on Royal Caribbean cruises. The top waiter assigned to us on the major eating room gave us 50% OFF on one other restaurant after we talked about we needed to attempt it.

5. Not figuring out 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. Unsuitable. Even in the event you’re technically solely stepping off for just a few hours throughout a port cease, you’re nonetheless coming into one other nation. And if that nation requires a visa on your nationality, you higher have one — otherwise you may not be allowed to board the ship in any respect.

Fortunately, many of the cruise ships accessible to us Filipinos don’t require visas. Should 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 should pay the Vacationer Arrival Charge (JPY 1000). Cruise strains often cost USD 10 for this.

For China, as of writing, in the event you’re staying in China for lower than 24 hours, you’ll be able to transit with no visa. Should you’re staying longer, you’ll want to use for one. To be protected, you’ll be able to 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 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 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 ensure you get the up to date information. Cruise strains will often inform you after reserving, nevertheless it’s nonetheless your duty to verify the necessities.

6. Not giving sufficient time allowance.

You want to give your self sufficient time earlier than and after your crusing. Cruise embarkation and disembarkation might be chaotic. Flight delays, cancellations, and even site visitors can simply break your plans. Arrive on the port metropolis at the least a day earlier than departure. It provides you a cushion in case one thing goes mistaken.

The identical goes for after the cruise. Disembarkation can take hours, so don’t schedule an early flight house. As a substitute, spend yet one more night time within the metropolis. It’s far more enjoyable and stress-free. It additionally provides you a while to discover the house port.

WAIT, WAIT, WAIT! If you might want 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 based mostly on present conversion. That’s large! 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. Immediately, your telephone says one factor, the ship’s clock says one other.

A whole lot of first-timers don’t understand that the ship’s “official time” doesn’t all the time 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 telephone auto-adjusted? The ship gained’t wait.

Cruise strains often announce time adjustments over the intercom or within the each day bulletin, however individuals are likely 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 unsure, set your telephone to airplane mode and manually modify the clock to “ship time.” This fashion, your gadget doesn’t betray you mid-shopping spree abroad. It appears like a small mistake, nevertheless it occurs rather a lot.

By the best way, each night time, your cabin steward will go away a each day program in your room. It lists every thing occurring onboard the following day: exhibits, trivia video games, dance lessons, film screenings, meals tastings, and even karaoke. It additionally tells you if there might 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 straightforward to discover even with out becoming a member of a tour. In Penang, the highly regarded Artwork Road 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 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 comply with strict schedules, and they won’t watch for late passengers.

Should you be a part of a ship-organized tour, you’re protected — they’ll ensure you’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 keep watch over the clock, and provides your self at the least an hour’s buffer earlier than departure.

And oh, it’s all the time 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 likely to occur on the worst attainable time. You in all probability gained’t want it (fingers crossed), however in the event you ever do, you’ll be so glad you bought it. Consider it as probably the most boring buy that might find yourself saving your total trip.

The factor is, not all journey insurance coverage firms present protection for cruises. However one which I do know positively does is PGA Sompo’s TravelJoy. To e-book, simply go to www.thepoortraveler.web/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 scale back the associated fee, use our code WORTHIT, which provides you with 5% OFF.

9. Forgetting the costume code.

Most cruise ships working in Asia are fairly informal. Nevertheless 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 develop into extra lenient, full-service eating places often don’t permit 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 at the least have a collar.

Some ships even have formal or gala nights, which require correct apparel — like a costume 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 often non-negotiable.

10. Overpacking

Cruise cabins are cozy — and by cozy, we imply small. Generally, actually small. Bringing two suitcases stuffed with “simply in case” outfits will go away you tripping over your baggage. The trick? Pack good.

Keep on with mix-and-match items, carry one pair of costume 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 strains have strict guidelines about what you’ll be able to and may’t carry on board, they usually take them critically. These guidelines differ relying on the ship or cruise line, however usually, weapons, unlawful substances, and gadgets which are sharp, flammable and harmful are prohibited. These are fairly apparent.

However there are different issues that individuals 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 often exempted).
• Extension cords or energy strips, as these are hearth hazards. As a substitute, carry these small journey adapters.
• Alcoholic drinks, usually prohibited on most ships, with just a few exceptions, like one bottle of wine per cabin (Royal Caribbean).

Once more, these guidelines differ from firm to firm, so simply test the high-quality print earlier than packing.

12. Not getting ready for seasickness.

Some vacationers deal with sea days (days with no port cease) as “wasted” days. Large mistake. Sea days are literally the perfect a part of cruising, the calm between adventures.

Use them to loosen up. 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 if 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 may humble you. It occurs to the perfect of us — even seasoned vacationers.

Pack motion-sickness patches, tablets, or wristbands simply in case. And in the event you begin feeling queasy, go exterior and have a look at the horizon. It helps your mind recalibrate.

I don’t actually get dizzy rather a lot. However I’m all the time ready for it. Fortunately, I by no means had to make use of it. Not but, at the least.

13. Not bringing backup money.

On most cruise ships, every thing 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 favor good old school money. And in case your bank card abruptly decides to have belief points mid-trip, you’re in bother.

Right here’s the factor: generally, your financial institution sees international 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, achieved 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 straightforward to contact customer support overseas whereas everybody else is fortunately exploring. That’s why it’s all the time good to carry 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 just a few crisp USD payments as common backup. It doesn’t must be rather a lot — simply sufficient for emergencies, ideas, or that impossible to resist avenue meals.

Convey some small payments, too, for tipping crew members who go the additional mile. Somewhat generosity goes a good distance, and these hardworking people usually keep in mind your kindness (and your favourite drink order).

It’s your flip! Do you’ve ideas so as to add to this checklist? Or have you ever been responsible of any of those? Tell us within the feedback part under.

Updates Log

2025 11 5 – First uploaded