Cruising 101: Your Guide to a Smooth Sailing Experience

With your first step onboard a cruise, your anticipation builds and so does the excitement for bon voyage. Everything is taken care of, and it’s not time to kick back and relax. Welcome to the glorious world of cruising, an excellent vacation option for those looking to unpack only once and see multiple destinations while traveling the globe.

Getting to that set-sail moment can require planning, logistics and figuring out which kind of cruise is best for you. Here’s your comprehensive guide with everything you need to know when planning your first cruise, including helpful and clear guidance to make your first cruise ship experience exceed your expectations.

Choosing the Right Cruise 

Choosing the best cruise depends on the vacation experience you’re looking for, whether it’s a Caribbean beach getaway, cultural immersion in Europe, glacier viewing in Alaska or watching penguins at play in Antarctica. With numerous cruise lines catering to different preferences, there’s a cruise for everyone to enjoy. When planning your cruise vacation, your budget, your group's interests and the duration of the sailing should be at the forefront of your decisions. Options range from short 2-night getaways to incredible 100-night world cruises that span the globe.

The most popular cruises are large ocean cruises, which are expansive vessels with modern amenities and activities. These ships can hold thousands of passengers and offer multitudes of options for entertainment, dining, bars and lounges. You’ll love exploring the fresh options at the dining options, Broadway-style shows and hopping discos that carry on late into the night. The atmosphere and vibe can vary by cruise line, though most large ships are family-friendly and great for multi-generational trips.

On a luxury cruise, each journey at sea resembles a lavish resort, designed to cater expertly to your every desire and deliver a top-tier experience featuring exceptional service, exquisite dining options, sophisticated living quarters and a host of exclusive perks. Every detail meticulously curated to cater to your whims in a grand and magnificent style that will leave you feeling pampered and spoiled. Not only will this vacation be memorable, but also sumptuously indulgent.

For a more intimate cruise experience, you may want to consider a river cruise. These ships are   considerably smaller vessels and typically carry 100 to 250 guests and are an excellent option for travelers interested in history and culture. River cruises are renowned for their ability to navigate rivers and byways with ease. It gives an unparalleled view of the world's most stunning landscapes and gets you closer to the heart of the cities and towns.

Expedition cruises are a unique travel experience that takes you to remote and often uncharted destinations, offering an adventurous alternative to traditional cruises. These voyages typically feature smaller ships that can access less-visited locations, providing opportunities for close encounters with nature and wildlife. Onboard experts and guides enhance the journey with educational programs and excursions, making each trip a blend of exploration and discovery.

Booking Your Cruise

It’s never been easier to book your cruise, but there are a few essential things to know before reserving your stateroom.

The first thing to consider is what cabins and class of a stateroom is best for you and your budget. Staterooms range from interior quarters without a porthole to grand, multi-level suites.

Staterooms with a porthole are often lower on the ship and offer a window to the world, though you won’t be able to open it.

Staterooms with a veranda or balcony offer the chance to take in some amazing views and fresh air in relative privacy while you soak up the serene surroundings on the water. Depending on the cruise line, stateroom suites are often larger and offer additional amenities, including access to private areas on the ship. The midship cabins are the prime location, as they are the most stable location on the ship. If you are prone to getting seasick, consider booking a midship cabin on a lower deck.

The best time to book a cruise for the best stateroom selection and special promotional rates is at least six months before you plan to sail. Work with a AAA Travel Agent for expert guidance on selecting a stateroom, combinable limited-time offers and exclusive member benefits only available when you book through AAA.

Preparing for Your Cruise

Now that you’ve booked your cruise, it’s time to start getting ready.

No passport? No worries. For domestic cruises within the United States, you can use a U.S. government-issued photo ID (e.g., your state driver’s license) and a certified birth certificate.

For all international cruises, including the Bahamas and Mexico, AAA Travel recommends you always travel with your passport. This form of identification is invaluable in an emergency, such as a medical incident requiring treatment off the ship. Need a passport or visa? AAA Members can take advantage of exclusive AAA rates on expedited passport and courier services.

Always double-check the passport expiration date and validity requirements with the cruise line for each particular sailing. Occasionally, passengers sailing to certain destinations might be unable to disembark in the port without a passport. Get the latest information about travel and visa requirements here.

Consider opting for cruise travel insurance, as it can help protect your vacation investment from many potential mishaps while traveling. Look for cruise travel insurance that helps cover the cost of cancellations, delays and lost luggage. Other coverage benefits can include missed cruise port (if your cruise misses a scheduled port-of-call) and severe weather coverage (provides protection against sudden and unforeseen storms). Even if you've already booked your cruise, you can easily get an online travel insurance quote today and conveniently purchase a plan that's right for you.

Pack for multiple occasions, including days by the pool (don’t forget to pack flip-flops), elegant dinners (many cruise lines still feature a formal night at least once per sailing) and comfortable, casual wear for exploring the ports.

Pro Tip: Even when sailing to warm, tropical destinations, bring a lightweight jacket for onboard entertainment venues that may have cooler temperatures.

Embarkation Day

When the day finally arrives for you to board your cruise, you may be surprised by the seamless and easy process cruise lines have created for passengers. Plan ahead by downloading the cruise line’s app and filling out the check-in forms, which are usually required to be completed a few days before boarding.

Next, you’ll be assigned a window of time when you should arrive at the port. Take note of which terminal your ship will dock at, as cruise ports can be vast and busy, with confusion a possibility.

After you clear security and check in with a gate agent portside, it’s time to board the ship! Your staterooms might not be ready until mid-afternoon, so these first few hours on board are best for exploring. Ask a crew member which dining options are available and head to your first meal onboard.

Ports of Call and Shore Excursions

Ports worldwide range from the idyllic paradise beaches of the Caribbean to the storied streets of ancient European cities. At each port, your ship will dock (or tender near the destination, ferrying passengers to and from the destination) for a portion of the day. At each port, you’ll typically be free to disembark and explore the destination.

You can book shore excursions after you make your initial cruise reservation. Consider reserving your spot early, as many shore excursions sell out. AAA Travel Agents can help you choose the excursions that are right for you.

Onboard Experience

Depending on the cruise line and the type of vessel, cruise experiences can offer varied and unique adventures for every traveler. The roster of activities on your particular cruise could vary from educational lectures to dance parties, sports fun and exclusive nightly entertainment. Modern cruise ships are renowned for their balance of relaxation, fitness and entertainment activities. Check the daily planner delivered to your stateroom for an overview of all the fun onboard.

Dining is perhaps one of the best parts of a cruise, and you’ll be amazed at the variety of options included with your fare. Cruise ships have something for every palate, from casual buffets to elegant fine dining restaurants. Many ships feature specialty restaurants with gourmet cuisine, including steakhouses, seafood restaurants and international flavors like Italian, French, and Asian. For a more relaxed experience, guests can enjoy poolside grills, pizzerias and cafes serving light bites and snacks throughout the day. Additionally, room service is often available, allowing passengers to enjoy meals in the comfort of their staterooms.

Drink packages are typically offered for an extra charge, covering options from soft drinks to unlimited select wines and spirits. If you don’t choose a drink package before boarding, you can still buy it once onboard. For those who don’t select a package, drinks can also be purchased individually.

Cruise ships for families offer worlds of fun to explore and play throughout the ship. Family-oriented ships offer extensive kids’ and teens’ programs featuring designated areas packed with days’ worth of activities. Parents can drop off their kids at no extra charge, though there can be an additional fee for babies and toddlers. 

Airport Transfers and Transportation

Consider arranging transportation to and from the port ahead of time, whether that’s a cruise line transfer, app-based ride pick-up or public transportation. Near the ship terminal, there are typically paid parking options, and shuttles from the local airports are available for an additional fee. Ultra-luxury cruise lines often include private, door-to-door transfers with chauffeurs for the ultimate convenience.

Your cruise line will provide bag tags before you sail, which you attach to your luggage when you arrive at the terminal. From there, cruise line porters make sure your luggage is properly tagged, then whisk them away to be loaded onto the ship and delivered to your room within a few hours. Tipping the porters a few dollars cash per bag is customary and would increase on premium and luxury cruise lines.

Pro Tip: Try to avoid flying into the departure port’s city on the morning of your sailing. Arriving the night prior helps prevent any headaches related to delays or travel mishaps that could result in you missing your ship. 

Money Matters

When you check in to your cruise, you’ll be required to have a credit card on your account that links to all your onboard spending. Depending on the line, you might be able to attach a different credit card to each guest in your stateroom. Your key card will replace your wallet onboard, as most cruise ships are cashless and don’t accept credit cards. Your sea pass is also your key to your stateroom and is used to disembark and embark at each port.

Depending on the cruise line and your fare, gratuities are automatically added to your stateroom account daily and range from $12 to $20-plus per person per day, which gets divided up among the service crew members. You can review these charges in your onboard account folio, usually available through the cruise ship’s app or from guest services. These charges are preprogrammed but not mandatory. Boutique and luxury lines often include gratuities with your fare. If you receive exceptional service and would like to add additional gratuities, the cruise line will offer the opportunity to do so at the end of your sailing.

Debarkation Day

The day before your disembarkation, the cruise line will ask you to complete a form detailing your plans to leave the ship. You’ll be able to opt into airport transfers (usually for an additional fee), tag your luggage so it can be loaded off the ship and prepare any required customs forms.

The ship will require all luggage you do not want to carry off the ship to be stowed in the hallway on the last evening of your cruise. Porters will then gather and deliver your luggage to the port terminal for you to pick up as you disembark the following morning. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I stay connected while at sea?

All major cruise lines have Wi-Fi packages that range from free access to their shipboard app to high-speed broadband service. Costs depend on the length of your sailing and the desired speed, with daily rates that start from about $12 per day. Some cruise lines include complimentary Wi-Fi with your fare or with limited-time offers.

What if I get seasick?

If you’re nervous about getting seasick, consider booking a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck. There are many motion-sickness preventative products readily available. Speak with your medical provider about pressure-point bands, patches, anti-nausea gum, prescription medication, alternative remedies or over-the-counter seasickness tablets like Dramamine or Bonine to help ease symptoms. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is also recommended.

Are cruises all-inclusive?

Most cruise fares include your stateroom, various dining options and most activities onboard. What’s typically not included are specialty dining options, alcohol and soda, spa services, shore excursions and premium activities onboard, like arcade games and escape rooms. Luxury cruise lines often offer all-inclusive rates, including all food and beverages, Wi-Fi and select excursions.

Cruising offers an incredible vacation with unbeatable value. Now that you’re in the know, it’s time to experience all the joys of cruising firsthand. Start planning your cruise with your AAA Travel Agent today so you don’t miss the boat on your next great getaway.

Are vaccinations required?

No, vaccinations are no longer required by cruise lines to sail.

What about tipping?

Different cruise lines have different guidelines on gratuities, but they typically get added to your shipboard account. This covers tips for your room steward and dining room staff. If you receive outstanding service from a crew member, you can certainly express your gratitude with an additional cash tip. Most cruise lines automatically apply a 15%-18% gratuity to services such as beverage purchases, spa packages and other service-related items; you can adjust this based on the quality of service you've received. Luxury and river cruise lines often include gratuities in the price of the cruise, and they will provide information about this in their guidelines.

Can I use hairdryers or other electronics on board?

Most ships are equipped with 110-volt outlets in their cabins and now it's common to find hairdryers provided as well. For those voyaging outside the US, you'll typically require a converter and an adapter to use most of your electronic devices. Notably, some ships that sail internationally, offer both 110 and 220-volt outlets.