Cruises could be magical — waking up in a brand new vacation spot day-after-day, countless 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 now have 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 truly 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 sensible and spend much less time stressing and extra time sipping cocktails by the pool.
1. Reserving the fallacious 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 while you ebook a cruise, select a cabin or stateroom that most closely fits your wants.
Generally, there are 4 foremost forms of cruise ship lodging:
- Inside rooms are often the most affordable, 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 surface.
- Balcony rooms have some additional area the place you’ll be able to step outdoors and get a greater view of the ocean and the ports.
- Suites have extra facilities than regular. They arrive in all sizes and shapes, and often include all kinds of perks.
So if you happen to’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 an alternative, select one within the center half. You’ll additionally really feel the movement essentially the most on greater 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 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 price, among the regular questions we see within the remark part are: Is that for the room solely? How concerning the meals? How a lot if meals are included? Do we’ve to pay to make use of or entry the swimming pools?
Normally or nearly all instances, while you ebook a cruise on the cruise line’s web site and even with a journey company, the cruise fare already consists of the next for everything of the crusing:
USUAL INCLUSIONS
Once more, these are lined by your cruise fare.
- Lodging
– the room the place you can be staying - Entry to most facilities (like swimming pools)
– not all or with exceptions - Primary leisure or reveals
- Full board meals
– breakfast, lunch, dinner
There are two forms 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 additional. 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 apart from the buffet, there’s additionally a complimentary full-service (or high quality eating) possibility, which can also be freed from cost. The names additionally differ relying on the ship.
Not too long ago, on our earlier cruise reel about Costa Serena, there was a remark that they obtained uninterested in 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 additional. After I advised them that Vesta was truly free, they couldn’t imagine it. I even needed to clarify it additional. They thought that as a result of it was high quality eating, it will incur additional charges and that solely the buffet was “free”. What a missed alternative! Think about, seven days of crusing and so they 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 need to know the inclusions, in addition to the exclusions!
3. Not budgeting for “hidden prices”.
Alternatively, many first-timers assume cruises are 100% all-inclusive. Spoiler alert: they’re not.
While you’re reserving a cruise, the primary costs which can be offered to you’re often 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 while you attain the checkout web page, you’ll immediately discover some additions to the associated fee. That’s likely the “port prices”. Extra on this later. Beneath are the exclusions out of your cruise fare that you need to be conscious of.
EXCLUDED FROM CRUISE FARE
- Port Expenses. Port prices (generally referred to as port charges or port taxes) are the obligatory charges that cruise traces pay to every port your ship visits, form of like “hire” for docking there. The cash goes to the port authorities for issues like upkeep, safety, and customs operations. You’ll often see port prices already included in your complete cruise fare, however generally they’re listed individually to indicate transparency. They’re not non-compulsory, even if you happen to determine to remain on the ship and skip the tour. The cruise line nonetheless has to pay the port on your ship’s go to. For those who’re reserving with a journey company, the revealed charges often don’t embrace port prices but. So anticipate to pay extra upon reserving.
- Flights and Transfers. Attending to the port will not be included both, except you’re reserving a fly-and-cruise bundle.
- Journey Tax. Philippine passport holders additionally must settle the Philippine journey tax.
- Gratuities. These are nightly service prices routinely added to your invoice to compensate the hardworking crew corresponding to your cabin attendants, eating employees, and behind-the-scenes crew, who maintain all the things spotless and operating 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 traces and sailings (like Singapore sailings of Royal Caribbean) embrace gratuities within the fare. However others cost them individually — often round USD 10–20 per particular person per day. You’ll be able to 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 instances, it’s typically frowned upon except one thing went terribly fallacious. These crew members work lengthy hours for modest pay, in order that little additional goes a great distance. In brief, it’s not a rip-off, it’s simply cruise tradition.
- Different Necessary Charges. For sailings to Japan, a JPY 1000 Vacationer Arrival Price can also 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-compulsory gadgets that may make your cruise expertise extra handy or pleasing however are additionally not included in your cruise fare.
OPTIONAL ADD-ONS
- Wifi. Cruise ships often 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 usually are not included. Your bills while you alight the ship usually are 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. While you dine in one in all these specialty eating places, you’ll be charged additional. 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 need to pay for them.
Drink packages are additionally quite common on cruise ships, which offers you limitless drinks, however they’re often very costly and unhealthy. I’ve by no means paid for a drink bundle, and I nonetheless take pleasure in my time on board with out issues.
4. Lacking out on promos.
Cruise traces are always 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 lots of of {dollars} off your complete fare, however provided that you recognize when and the place to look.
The issue is that many first-timers panic-book on the first first rate worth they see. The secret is to remain looking out. Cruise traces are likely to launch promos throughout off-peak reserving intervals or once 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 may also take pleasure in an extra 5% OFF on some cruises. All you’ll 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), ebook 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 ebook with Cruising.com.ph. The code is WORTHIT, which may also offer you 5% OFF. You’ll be able to attempt it on their web site, however generally the system doesn’t work. However if you happen to ebook 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.
Additionally it is necessary to do not forget that extra providers and comforts are often less expensive while you ebook 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 ebook them upfront than while you’re already on board.
Some employees, 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 foremost eating room gave us 50% OFF on one other restaurant after we talked about we needed to attempt it.
5. Not understanding the visa necessities.
Many first-time cruisers assume that as a result of they’re “simply on a ship,” they will skip the entire visa enterprise. Incorrect. Even if you happen to’re technically solely stepping off for a couple of 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 won’t be allowed to board the ship in any respect.
Fortunately, many 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 will need to pay the Vacationer Arrival Price (JPY 1000). Cruise traces often 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 out a visa. For those who’re staying longer, you’ll want to use for one. To be secure, 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 every other 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
Word: That is as of this writing, 2025. These insurance policies change over time, so be sure you get the up to date information. Cruise traces will often inform you after reserving, but it surely’s nonetheless your accountability to verify the necessities.
6. Not giving sufficient time allowance.
You should give your self sufficient time earlier than and after your crusing. Cruise embarkation and disembarkation could be chaotic. Flight delays, cancellations, and even visitors can simply destroy your plans. Arrive on the port metropolis at the very least a day earlier than departure. It offers you a cushion in case one thing goes fallacious.
The identical goes for after the cruise. Disembarkation can take hours, so don’t schedule an early flight residence. As an alternative, spend yet one more 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 you’ll want to ebook a lodge within the homeport metropolis, you’ll be able to ebook 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 ebook a lodge, enter it once more upon checkout. That’s truly 10% OFF however capped at USD 10, in order that’s 5800 pesos primarily based on present conversion. That’s big! We additionally get credited for each reserving, which helps us keep this web site.
7. Combating time zone confusion.
Some sailings cross time zones, which makes time-telling fairly difficult. Immediately, your cellphone says one factor, the ship’s clock says one other.
Numerous first-timers don’t notice 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 gained’t wait.
Cruise traces often announce time modifications over the intercom or within the every 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 all places or displayed on the in-room TV.
TIP! When doubtful, set your cellphone to airplane mode and manually modify the clock to “ship time.” This manner, your gadget doesn’t betray you mid-shopping spree in a foreign country. It appears like a small mistake, but it surely occurs rather a lot.
By the best way, each evening, your cabin steward will depart a every day program in your room. It lists all the things occurring onboard the following day: reveals, 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 Seaside in Thailand, and Naha in Okinawa are simple 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 can too 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 succeed in 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.
Bear in mind! Cruise ships comply with strict schedules, and they won’t look ahead to late passengers.
For those who be part of a ship-organized tour, you’re secure — they’ll be sure you’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 at the very least an hour’s buffer earlier than departure.
And oh, it’s at all times greatest 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 most likely gained’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 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 ebook, simply go to www.thepoortraveler.web/defend. This may 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 cut back the associated fee, use our code WORTHIT, which offers you 5% OFF.
9. Forgetting the costume code.
Most cruise ships working in Asia are fairly informal. However it’s nonetheless fairly enjoyable to decorate up. You would possibly 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 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 prime ought to at the very 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 if you happen to 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 depart you tripping over your baggage. The trick? Pack sensible.
Keep on with mix-and-match items, carry one pair of costume sneakers, and don’t neglect swimwear and one thing heat for the chilly decks at evening.
Additionally, don’t neglect 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 traces have strict guidelines about what you’ll be able to and may’t carry on board, and so they take them severely. These guidelines differ relying on the ship or cruise line, however generally, 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 embrace:
- Warmth-generating gadgets like flat iron (though hair straighteners and curling irons are often exempted).
- Extension cords or energy strips, as these are fireplace hazards. As an alternative, carry these small journey adapters.
- Alcoholic drinks, usually 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 verify the high quality print earlier than packing.
12. Not making ready for seasickness.
Some vacationers deal with sea days (days with out a port cease) as “wasted” days. Large 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. It’s also possible to use the time to discover the ship. By the tip, you’ll notice sea days are while you really really feel the cruise life.
However it’s as of late at excessive seas that are typically the shakiest. Even if you happen to assume you’re not the kind to get movement illness, the ocean would possibly 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 outdoors and have 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, at the very least.
13. Not bringing backup money.
On most cruise ships, all the things you purchase onboard will get charged to your room key or card. However when you step ashore, it’s a special story. Some ports, markets, and even taxis nonetheless favor good old style money. And in case your bank card immediately 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 making an attempt to purchase souvenirs. When that occurs, the cardboard will get blocked. Been there, performed that. It occurred to us after we have been crusing within the Caribbean from Miami. It additionally occurred to a good friend after we have been crusing from Singapore to Malaysia.
It’s not simple to contact customer support overseas whereas everybody else is fortunately exploring. That’s why it’s at all times sensible to carry backup money and one other card, ideally from a special financial institution or community (like one Visa and one Mastercard). Preserve some native forex for every port, plus a couple of crisp USD payments as common backup. It doesn’t need to be rather a lot — simply sufficient for emergencies, suggestions, or that impossible to resist avenue meals.
Deliver some small payments, too, for tipping crew members who go the additional mile. A little bit generosity goes a great distance, and these hardworking people usually keep in mind your kindness (and your favourite drink order).
It’s your flip! Do you may have suggestions 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
