01 Before you book
Pick the cruise line before the ship. Each line has a distinct personality, Princess is grown-up classic, Royal Caribbean leans family + waterparks, Norwegian is casual "Freestyle." Read a few short comparisons (our cruise-line page is a good starting point) before you commit. Then pick the itinerary, then the ship, then the cabin. Do not start with "we saw a deal."
- Caribbean, Alaska, Mediterranean are the three classic starter itineraries.
- Interior rooms are fine for first-time short cruises, you sleep in them.
- Balcony is worth it from 7+ nights or in Alaska/Fjords where the view is the point.
- Sail weeks from your home port if you can, avoids flight cancellations ruining Day 1.
02 30 days out: the lead-up
This is when you actually work. Documents (passport), flights, insurance, pre-boarding forms, specialty dining reservations. The top specialty restaurants on your ship fill up weeks before sailing, if you want Crown Grill on Princess or Chops Grille on Royal, book now, not onboard.
- Passport valid 6 months past your return date. If closed-loop (round-trip US port), birth certificate works but passport is safer.
- Pre-boarding online check-in 30 days out for most lines. Upload your photo, it saves 20 minutes at the terminal.
- Book specialty dining and shore excursions online, same price, guaranteed slot.
- Travel insurance: basic medical/evacuation is worth it, "cancel for any reason" is optional.
03 Embarkation day (the 90-minute sequence)
Arrive at your assigned check-in time, not earlier. Security screens your bags, you hand over your luggage to porters (it arrives at your cabin later), you walk through terminal check-in, get your keycard or Medallion, and walk onto the ship. The whole thing takes 45-90 minutes depending on the port.
- Carry-on essentials: swimsuit, sunscreen, a change of clothes, meds, phone charger. Checked bags may not arrive at your cabin until 4 PM.
- Cabins usually open around 1:00-1:30 PM. You can board earlier and eat at the buffet.
- The muster drill happens Day 1. Most lines let you complete it on your phone before boarding, do it.
- Don't pre-book a shore excursion for Day 1 embarkation or Day 2 (you need a rest day).
04 Tipping and the bill
2026 daily service charges run $18–$25 per guest per day depending on line and cabin category. That covers room stewards, dining staff, and most behind-the-scenes service. On top of that, bar drinks and specialty dining add an automatic gratuity at the register, 20% on Princess (raised from 18% on March 8, 2026), 18% on Royal Caribbean, 20% on Norwegian. You can pre-pay the daily charge at booking if you want a fixed total.
- Princess: $18/day interior/oceanview/balcony; $19/day mini-suite, Cabana, or Club Class; $20/day suite. Called "crew appreciation." Rates effective March 8, 2026.
- Royal Caribbean: $18.50/day regular staterooms and Junior Suites; $21/day full suites. Rate increased from $18 in November 2024.
- Norwegian: $20/day Studios, Inside, Oceanview, Balcony and Club Balcony Suites; $25/day Haven and Suites. Called "daily service charge."
- NCL Free at Sea beverage perk adds a mandatory $28.50/guest/day service charge on top for 21+ guests. Budget for it separately.
05 Packing reality
Less than you think. A 7-night cruise needs about 5 outfits, swimwear, one "dressy" set for formal/chic night, and comfortable shoes. Most ships have laundry for longer sailings. The ship is climate-controlled and warmer than people expect, pack a light sweater for dinner.
- Two pairs of shoes max: one comfortable for walking (ports + ship), one dressy for dinners.
- A power strip WITHOUT surge protection (surge protectors are banned onboard).
- Magnetic hooks, cabin walls are metal, they hold lanyards, laundry bags, etc.
- A small day-bag for ports. Reusable water bottle. Refillable sunscreen.