Dear Michelle Valentine, I’m Going on My First Cruise! What Do I Need to Know?
—Renee D.
Dear Renee D.,
Ahoy, future cruiser!
How exciting—your first cruise is truly a one-of-a-kind travel experience. There’s something magical about watching the sun rise over the ocean from your cabin window and knowing your next destination is just a leisurely meal and a deckside nap away.
- Dear Michelle Valentine, I’m Going on My First Cruise! What Do I Need to Know?
- Pack a Carry-On Like a Pro
- Choose the Right Cabin (Next Time)
- Embrace the Food—but Pace Yourself
- Plan Shore Excursions—but Don’t Overbook
- Know the Cruise Etiquette & Essentials
- Final Thought from Michelle Valentine
- Ready to Set Sail?
As someone who has taken many cruises (and even lectured aboard them!), I have a few tips that can make your first sailing smooth, fun, and memorable. Here’s what you need to know before you set sail:
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Pack a Carry-On Like a Pro
When you arrive at the port, you’ll give your luggage to cruise staff to be delivered to your room—but that can take several hours. So keep a small carry-on bag with your essentials, like:
Swimsuit
Medications
Sunglasses
A good book
Phone charger
A change of clothes
Travel documents & ID
That way, you can enjoy the ship from the moment you step aboard—maybe even take a dip in the pool—without waiting for your suitcase!
Need help packing? Download my Cruise Packing Checklist →
Choose the Right Cabin (Next Time)
If you haven’t booked your cruise yet, know this: cabin location matters! If you’re prone to motion sickness, opt for a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck—this is the most stable area of the ship.
Love a view? Balcony cabins offer sunrise coffee with ocean breezes. Prefer savings? Inside cabins are budget-friendly but come without windows, which may feel tight for some.
Embrace the Food—but Pace Yourself
Cruises are known for their endless food options—and it’s easy to go overboard (pun intended!). My advice:
Try something new at each meal (hello, escargot!)
Explore the ship’s specialty restaurants (they’re often worth the small extra fee)
Don’t skip breakfast—it’s a peaceful way to start your port days
Plan Shore Excursions—but Don’t Overbook
Each port offers exciting excursions—from zip-lining to cultural tours. I recommend:
Booking must-do excursions early, especially if they’re through the cruise line
Leaving at least one port day open for spontaneous exploring or relaxing onboard
Watching return times: Don’t miss the ship! It won’t wait.
Need help deciding which excursions are best for you? Explore top-rated tours here.
Know the Cruise Etiquette & Essentials
A few more tips from my own travel notebook:
Tipping: Most cruise lines include gratuities in your final bill, but extra tips for great service are always appreciated.
Stay healthy: Wash your hands often—ships are clean, but lots of people = lots of germs.
Attend the muster drill: It’s mandatory for safety and takes just a few minutes.
Wi-Fi: It’s often slow and pricey. Plan to unplug and enjoy the journey!
Final Thought from Michelle Valentine
Your first cruise is a chance to unwind, explore, and fall in love with life at sea. My advice? Don’t try to do it all. Slow down, enjoy the views, and savor the moments in between destinations. You’ll be a cruise veteran before you know it!
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Bon voyage,
Michelle Valentine
TV Host, Love Eat Travel with Michelle Valentine
Ready to Set Sail?
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