Cruises may be magical — waking up in a brand new vacation spot day-after-day, limitless meals, and sunsets that look straight out of a portray. However like several journey, a little bit of preparation could make or break your journey.
We’ve been masking cruises for the previous 15 years. And after we have been simply beginning out, we additionally had fairly a couple of 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 whenever you e-book a cruise, select a cabin or stateroom that most closely fits your wants.
Usually, there are 4 foremost sorts of cruise ship lodging:
- Inside rooms are normally the most cost effective, but in addition essentially the most cramped, and haven’t any home windows.
- Sea/Ocean view rooms have a window that would let in some gentle and have a view of the skin.
- Balcony rooms have some further house 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 standard. They arrive in all sizes and styles, and normally include all kinds of perks.
So if you happen to’re claustrophobic or susceptible to movement illness, it’s not a good suggestion to choose an inside cabin that’s on both finish of the ship. As an alternative, select one within the center half. You’ll additionally really feel the movement essentially the most on larger decks or ranges.
For those who’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 day-after-day.
Learn critiques and take a look at the ship’s deck plan earlier than reserving.
2. Not understanding the inclusions.
Each time we function a cruise and point out the worth or price, a number of the standard 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 have now to pay to make use of or entry the swimming pools?
Usually 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 everything of the crusing:
USUAL INCLUSIONS
Once more, these are coated 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 - Fundamental leisure or reveals
- Full board meals
– breakfast, lunch, dinner
There are two sorts of eating places on board: inclusive (or complimentary) and specialty (or paid).
For those who dine on the inclusive or complimentary ones, you don’t must pay something further. These are included in your cruise fare. Often, 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 superb eating) possibility, which can be freed from cost. The names additionally fluctuate relying on the ship.
Not too long ago, on our earlier cruise reel about Costa Serena, there was a remark that they bought bored with the buffet meals however didn’t strive eating at Vesta as a result of they thought it was superb eating and needed to pay further. Once 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 superb eating, it might 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 price it!
So, you must 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.
Whenever you’re reserving a cruise, the primary costs which can be introduced to you’re normally simply the so-called “cruise fare”. As talked about, it already covers your lodging, foremost meals, and entry to facilities and a few leisure. However whenever you attain the checkout web page, you’ll all of the sudden discover some additions to the price. That’s likely the “port expenses”. Extra on this later. Under are the exclusions out of your cruise fare that you ought to be conscious of.
EXCLUDED FROM CRUISE FARE
- Port Prices. Port expenses (generally known as port charges or port taxes) are the obligatory charges that cruise strains pay to every port your ship visits, sort of like “hire” for docking there. The cash goes to the port authorities for issues like upkeep, safety, and customs operations. You’ll normally see port expenses already included in your complete cruise fare, however generally they’re listed individually to indicate transparency. They’re not non-obligatory, even if you happen to determine to remain on the ship and skip the tour. The cruise line nonetheless has to pay the port to your ship’s go to. For those who’re reserving with a journey company, the revealed charges normally don’t embody port expenses but. So anticipate to pay extra upon reserving.
- Flights and Transfers. Attending to the port just isn’t included both, except 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 robotically added to your invoice to compensate the hardworking crew corresponding to your cabin attendants, eating workers, and behind-the-scenes crew, who hold every part 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 strains and sailings (like Singapore sailings of Royal Caribbean) embody gratuities within the fare. However others cost them individually — normally 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 when you’re technically allowed to regulate or take away them in some circumstances, it’s usually frowned upon except one thing went terribly mistaken. These crew members work lengthy hours for modest pay, in order that little further goes a good distance. In brief, it’s not a rip-off, it’s simply cruise tradition.
- Different Obligatory Charges. For sailings to Japan, a JPY 1000 Vacationer Arrival Payment can be collected. For Sanya, China, in our expertise, we have been charged a HKD 15 dealing with payment.
These are a very powerful. Nonetheless, there are additionally non-obligatory gadgets that may make your cruise expertise extra handy or fulfilling however are additionally not included in your cruise fare.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
- Wifi. Cruise ships normally provide web packages for a payment.
- Shore Excursions. Sure, you will get off the ship and discover the locations. You are able to do it by yourself (DIY-style) or be part of an organized tour. However both method, these will not be included. Your bills whenever you alight the ship will not be included. DIY normally 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. Whenever you dine in one among 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, fundamental espresso or tea, and generally, a couple of flavored drinks. If you’d like soda, different juices, smoothies, wine, beer, or cocktails, you’ll should pay for them.
Drink packages are additionally quite common on cruise ships, which provides you with limitless drinks, however they’re normally 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 consistently working 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 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 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. For those who’re versatile along with your journey dates and cabin sort, you’ll be able to snag insane offers.
Additionally, TPTers or our readers also can take pleasure in an extra 5% OFF on some cruises. All it is advisable to do is bear 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 if you happen to e-book with Cruising.com.ph. The code is WORTHIT, which can even offer you 5% OFF. You may strive it on their web site, however generally the system doesn’t work. However if you happen to e-book with Cruising on the cellphone, simply point out that you simply have been referred to by THE POOR TRAVELER and point out the code WORTHIT.
It’s also vital to keep in mind that extra companies and comforts are normally 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 if you happen to e-book them upfront than whenever you’re already on board.
Some workers, normally managers or head waiters, are additionally licensed to grant reductions. We normally expertise this on Royal Caribbean cruises. The pinnacle waiter assigned to us on the foremost eating room gave us 50% OFF on one other restaurant after we talked about we needed to strive 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. Flawed. Even if you happen to’re technically solely stepping off for a couple of hours throughout a port cease, you’re nonetheless getting into one other nation. And if that nation requires a visa to 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. For those who’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 Payment (JPY 1000). Cruise strains normally cost USD 10 for this.
For China, as of writing, if you happen to’re staying in China for lower than 24 hours, you’ll be able to transit with no visa. For those who’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 if you happen to’re visiting Jeju Island solely. However if you happen to’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 if you happen to 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 to get the up to date information. Cruise strains will normally inform you after reserving, however it’s nonetheless your accountability to substantiate the necessities.
6. Not giving sufficient time allowance.
That you must give your self sufficient time earlier than and after your crusing. Cruise embarkation and disembarkation may be chaotic. Flight delays, cancellations, and even visitors can simply damage your plans. Arrive on the port metropolis no less than a day earlier than departure. It offers 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 dwelling. As an alternative, spend another evening 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 large! We additionally get credited for each reserving, which helps us keep this web site.
7. Battling time zone confusion.
Some sailings cross time zones, which makes time-telling fairly sophisticated. All of a sudden, your cellphone says one factor, the ship’s clock says one other.
A number of first-timers don’t understand that the ship’s “official time” doesn’t at all times match the native time at port, which may trigger chaos when planning shore excursions or assembly factors. Miss the all-aboard time as a result of your cellphone auto-adjusted? The ship received’t wait.
Cruise strains normally announce time adjustments over the intercom or within the each day bulletin, however folks are likely to miss it between buffets and bingo. All the time double-check the ship’s time earlier than getting off. It’s normally posted in all places or displayed on the in-room TV.
TIP! When unsure, set your cellphone to airplane mode and manually alter the clock to “ship time.” This fashion, your system doesn’t betray you mid-shopping spree abroad. It appears like a small mistake, however it occurs rather a lot.
By the way in which, each evening, your cabin steward will go away a each day program in your room. It lists every part taking place onboard the following day: reveals, trivia video games, dance courses, film screenings, meals tastings, and even karaoke. It additionally tells you if there will probably 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 Road is simply inside strolling distance. In Naha, you may as well stroll to a bus cease or get a cab simply.
However Port Klang is sort of indifferent from Kuala Lumpur. And in Taiwan, in case your goal is Taipei, it takes time to achieve it from Keelung, particularly if you happen to’re taking public transportation. In Japan, Ishigaki’s port is sort of remoted, with a really restricted variety of taxis, so it’s greatest to constitution one upfront.
Keep in mind! Cruise ships observe strict schedules, and they won’t look forward to late passengers.
For those who be part of a ship-organized tour, you’re protected — they’ll be sure to’re again in time. However if you happen to discover independently, be aware of the all-aboard time. It’s not like lacking a bus; if you happen to’re late, the ship will actually sail with out you. All the time keep watch over the clock, and provides your self no less than an hour’s buffer earlier than departure.
And oh, it’s at all times greatest 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 likely to occur on the worst potential time. You most likely received’t want it (fingers crossed), however if you happen to 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 positively does is PGA Sompo’s TravelJoy. To e-book, simply go to www.thepoortraveler.web/defend. This can lead you to PGA Sompo’s official journey insurance coverage citation web page.
Cruise insurance coverage insurance policies are barely pricier — normally a 30% premium is added — however that’s higher than nothing. To assist scale back the price, use our code WORTHIT, which provides you with 5% OFF.
9. Forgetting the gown code.
Most cruise ships working in Asia are fairly informal. But it surely’s nonetheless fairly enjoyable to decorate up. You may assume, “It’s trip! I’ll put on slippers in all places.” However not all eating rooms or lounges agree. Whereas ships have grow to be extra lenient, full-service eating places normally don’t permit swimwear, flip-flops, and pajamas.
I normally 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 no less than 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 carry a tux. Simply one thing a bit nicer than your “mall” outfit.
And if you happen to intend to swim, correct swimwear is normally non-negotiable.
10. Overpacking
Cruise cabins are cozy — and by cozy, we imply small. Generally, actually small. Bringing two suitcases filled with “simply in case” outfits will go away you tripping over your baggage. The trick? Pack good.
Persist with mix-and-match items, carry one pair of gown footwear, and don’t overlook swimwear and one thing heat for the chilly decks at evening.
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 strains have strict guidelines about what you’ll be able to and might’t carry on board, they usually take them significantly. These guidelines fluctuate relying on the ship or cruise line, however normally, weapons, unlawful substances, and gadgets which can be 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 embody:
- Warmth-generating gadgets like flat iron (though hair straighteners and curling irons are normally exempted).
- Extension cords or energy strips, as these are fireplace hazards. As an alternative, carry these small journey adapters.
- Alcoholic drinks, typically 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 test the superb print earlier than packing.
12. Not making ready for seasickness.
Some vacationers deal with sea days (days with no port cease) as “wasted” days. Huge mistake. Sea days are literally the most effective a part of cruising, the calm between adventures.
Use them to chill out. Lounge by the pool, hit the spa, be part of a wine-tasting, or simply nap prefer it’s your job. You may also use the time to discover the ship. By the tip, you’ll understand sea days are whenever you really really feel the cruise life.
However it’s lately at excessive seas that are typically the shakiest. Even if you happen to assume you’re not the sort to get movement illness, the ocean may humble you. It occurs to the most effective of us — even seasoned vacationers.
Pack motion-sickness patches, tablets, or wristbands simply in case. And if you happen to begin feeling queasy, go exterior and take a look at the horizon. It helps your mind recalibrate.
I don’t actually get dizzy rather a lot. However I’m at all times ready for it. Fortunately, I by no means had to make use of it. Not but, no less than.
13. Not bringing backup money.
On most cruise ships, every part you purchase onboard will get charged to your room key or card. However when you step ashore, it’s a unique story. Some ports, markets, and even taxis nonetheless choose good old style money. And in case your bank card all of the sudden decides to have belief points mid-trip, you’re in hassle.
Right here’s the factor: generally, your financial institution sees overseas transactions and freaks out, assuming your card’s been stolen regardless that you’re simply making an attempt 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 at all times good to carry backup money and one other card, ideally from a unique financial institution or community (like one Visa and one Mastercard). Maintain some native forex for every port, plus a couple of crisp USD payments as common backup. It doesn’t should be rather a lot — simply sufficient for emergencies, ideas, or that impossible to resist avenue meals.
Deliver some small payments, too, for tipping crew members who go the additional mile. Somewhat generosity goes a good distance, and these hardworking of us typically bear in mind your kindness (and your favourite drink order).
It’s your flip! Do you’ve got ideas 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
