Cruise Secrets
#20 AU/NZ
14 Cruise First Day Do’s & Don’ts (Avoid These Mistakes)
Your first day on a cruise can either set up the perfect holiday, or create stress before the ship even leaves port. In this video, we cover 14 Cruise First Day Do’s & Don’ts so you can avoid common embarkation day mistakes, board smarter, save money, avoid long lines, protect your luggage, stop surprise phone charges, and start your cruise. After more than 30 cruises, I’ve learned that the first 24 hours onboard matter more than most passengers realise. From cruise terminal arrival times and carry-on packing to buffet crowds, cruise apps, muster drills, dining reservations, guest services lines, cabin checks, cabin stewards, and ship time, these cruise first day tips will help you cruise like a more experienced passenger. Whether you are going on your first cruise, planning a cruise in 2026, or sailing with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises, Norwegian, Celebrity, MSC, or another cruise line, these embarkation day cruise tips can help you avoid rookie cruise mistakes. You’ll learn what to do when you first board a cruise ship, what not to put in checked luggage, when to arrive at the cruise terminal, how to avoid embarkation day buffet crowds, why airplane mode matters, how to use the cruise app, when to book dining and shows, and why checking ship time before bed can stop day-two chaos. Timeline: 00:00 Intro. Cruise first day do’s and don’ts, embarkation day mistakes, first 24 hours cruise tips, and what to do when you board a cruise ship. 01:21 Number 1. Don’t treat early arrival like the old cheat code. Cruise terminal arrival windows, boarding appointments, check-in times, and embarkation crowds have changed. Arriving hours early does not always get you onboard faster. 07:24 Number 2. Don’t check your survival gear with the porters. Your cruise carry-on bag should include medication, valuables, documents, phone chargers, electronics, swimwear, and anything you need before your luggage reaches the cabin. 10:19 Number 3. Do keep your boarding documents in your hand. Cruise check-in tips for passports, ID, boarding passes, visas, travel documents, health forms, and app check-in details so you do not hold up the terminal line. 12:51 Number 4. Don’t head straight to the buffet. Avoid embarkation day buffet crowds and look for quieter included cruise lunch options, cafés, main dining room lunch, pizza, grills, and hidden food spots. 15:42 Number 5. Do switch your phone to airplane mode before the ship sails. Avoid cruise roaming charges, mobile data mistakes, Cellular at Sea bills, surprise phone charges, and expensive at-sea signal problems. 19:24 Number 6. Do connect to the cruise app and ship Wi-Fi straight away. Cruise app tips for schedules, menus, dining bookings, show reservations, onboard spending, muster drill steps, and ship information. 22:55 Number 7. Do bring allowed wine or soft drinks the correct way. Cruise drink policy tips for wine, champagne, soda, soft drinks, carry-on rules, embarkation day drinks, and avoiding confiscated items. 10:45 Number 8. Do complete the muster drill as soon as possible. The cruise safety drill is mandatory. Finish your muster drill early so you are not chased by announcements and can enjoy sailaway. 12:05 Number 9. Do make dining and show reservations immediately. Book cruise dining, specialty restaurants, theatre shows, comedy shows, activities, and entertainment before the best times fill up. 25:54 Number 10. Don’t waste your first afternoon in the guest services line. Guest services can have long embarkation day queues. Use the cruise app, cabin phone, dining desk, Wi-Fi help desk, or wait until day two. 28:53 Number 11. Do check your dining table or dining setup. Cruise dining setup tips for fixed dining, anytime dining, private tables, linked bookings, group travel, and special dining requests. 32:17 Number 12. Do check your cabin before unpacking. Check your cruise cabin bed setup, air conditioning, toilet, shower, safe, fridge, balcony door, towels, damage, and anything that needs fixing. 36:15 Number 13. Do meet your cabin steward early. Cabin steward tips for extra towels, pillows, ice, wine glasses, bed changes, cabin issues, comfort requests, and better first-day communication. 39:55 Number 14. Do check ship time, tomorrow’s schedule, and port details before bed. Avoid missed excursions, wrong alarms, tender mistakes, port time confusion, shore excursion stress, and day-two chaos by checking ship time. Cruise first day mistakes can cost you time, money, and peace of mind. Watch this full list so you know what to do on embarkation day, what to avoid during your first 24 hours onboard, and how to start your cruise like an experienced cruiser. What is the first thing you always do when you board a cruise ship? Let me know in the comments. Watch next for more cruise tips, cruise mistakes to avoid, cruise secrets, cruise packing tips, cruise food tips, cruise ship advice, embarkation day tips, and first time cruise tips.