Top 25 Tips for Booking Your Next Cruise

Wave season is here, and it’s the BEST time to start planning your dream cruises for 2025 and 2026. So many amazing deals are coming up in the next few months, and you’ve probably started seeing some of them a bit early! Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned pro, I have 25 tips to help you choose the perfect cruise, save money, and have an unforgettable trip.

Let’s dive into the TIPS!

Tip 1: Not All Cruise Lines are the Same

Cruise lines vary widely. Some are great for families, others are luxury-focused, and some cater to adventurous travellers. Some cruise lines are better for solo travellers, and others are better for multigenerational families.

Choosing the right cruise is all about matching what the cruise line offers to your travel style and interests. With various options available, from mega-ships with Broadway-style entertainment to intimate vessels focused on immersive experiences, there’s a cruise line tailored for every type of traveller and all ages. Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line stand out for those looking for family fun. Royal Caribbean appeals to adventure seekers and multigenerational families with its onboard activities like ziplining, rock climbing, and even surf simulators. At the same time, Disney Cruise Line delivers magical experiences tailored to Disney-enthusiastic families with younger kids, and it has themed entertainment, character interactions, and family-friendly dining.

For those craving sophistication and cultural enrichment, Azamara and Viking excel with their focus on smaller ships under 1000 guests, destination-focused itineraries, and immersive excursions. Viking is perfect for mature travellers prioritizing history, culture, and scenic river and ocean voyages. It is for adults only — 18 years of age and older. Similarly, Azamara requires at least one person in the room to be 21 years of age or older. Azamara’s intimate ships cater to those seeking longer port stays and unique local experiences. If luxury is your goal, cruise lines such as Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas offer all-inclusive, personalized experiences with high-end amenities, spacious suites, and world-class service—ideal for those looking for comfort, exclusivity, and exotic destinations.

For younger cruisers, couples, or those interested in a more laid-back yet trendy atmosphere onboard, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises are great options. Norwegian’s flexible dining and entertainment options suit travellers who love spontaneity, while Celebrity’s focus on upscale design, culinary excellence, and modern luxury attracts style-conscious travellers. Meanwhile, Carnival Cruise Line appeals to budget-conscious travellers and groups looking for a fun, festive atmosphere with energetic onboard activities and lively entertainment. Whether you’re a family, solo adventurer, luxury traveller, or cultural explorer, there’s a cruise line suited for you.

Tip 2: Be Smart When Choosing Your Cabin

Balcony cabins are the most popular choice, offering fresh air and views, but interior cabins can save you a lot of money. Weigh your options based on budget and itinerary — for example, a balcony is AMAZING on scenic cruises like Alaska. If you’re travelling with a group, then you probably won’t be spending a lot of time in your cabin and will be in the public areas instead, so having a balcony may not be important to you. Personally, I don’t know if I could cruise without a balcony. My favourite parts of my cruise days are opening up the door and having fresh air and wind in my hair, sitting on the balcony and watching the scenery sail by. Even at night, when it’s dark out, there’s something so peaceful about just hearing the sound of the waves and not seeing much past the ship’s lights. Sometimes, you can have a balcony cabin for great prices and even better prices if it’s obstructed or partially obstructed. Keep watch, or have your travel agent watch for those deals for you. If you get motion sick, mid-deck and lower decks cabins feel the least motion, and river cruisers may not even feel any motion.

Tip 3: Always Arrive the Day Before

If you’re flying or driving a long distance, always arrive at the port city the day BEFORE your cruise departs. Flights get delayed, luggage gets lost, and you don’t want to miss the ship! I arrived on the day off without my luggage. I barely made it to my boat in time, and eventually, 4 days later, my luggage caught up with me and was delivered to the ship. It was super stressful, but I learned my lesson. I don’t think I could travel carry-on only, but for those who do, much respect! On my Christmas Markets river cruise on the Rhine, I actually had to buy a new suitcase to bring home my Christmas ornaments and my cheese from Amsterdam…

Tip 4: Pack a Carry-On for Boarding Day

Your luggage may not arrive at your cabin until evening…or a few days later like the example I just shared, so bring the essentials in a carry-on or backpack. I typically carry a change of clothes, medications, a phone charger, AirPods for on the plane, and my AirFly to use my AirPods with the plane’s TV system.

Tip 5: Take a Picture of Your Luggage

This may sound weird, but if, by chance, your bags are delayed or misplaced, a photo will make it easier for the crew to locate them quickly.

Tip 6: Put an AirTag In Your Luggage

I always put an air tag in my luggage, and it proved very handy on a cruise last year when my luggage stayed in Toronto, and I didn’t! I could always track where my luggage was and keep the ship’s guest services manager informed. They coordinated the delivery of my suitcase to the next available port, which was delivered to my room.

Tip 7: Online Check-In Is Key

When you do online check-in, you can select your boarding time. Noon or later is ideal — the crowds are smaller, and you’re more likely to head straight to your cabin. Smaller ships are a bit different; for example, with Viking, your boarding time depends on the cabin type you purchased.

Tip 8: Bring Your Passport!

Even if some cruises allow you to travel with only birth certificates, bring your passport. If there’s an emergency in a foreign port, you’ll need a passport to fly home. Even if you’re a Canadian cruising to Alaska from Vancouver and don’t have your passport, you’ll not be able to disembark, and if you run into problems in port, you won’t even be able to fly home even if you can practically see your house from the ship. Ensure you have at least 6 months left on your passport from departure date. It’s required in many countries, and you don’t want to run into issues.

Tip 9: Understand the Dining Room System

Cruise dining can be a challenge! You can order as much as you want in the main dining room as it’s already included in your fare. Want a second dessert? Want to have a little bit of everything? Go for it! On my last cruise, I didn’t want to spend extra money on dining, and I found there were plenty of choices to have different food for each meal…and on the last night, I went back for my favourites. Some higher-priced cruise lines are more all-inclusive, which I love, and all meals are included in your purchase price. I prefer this more straightforward option, to be honest, even though the cruise costs more money. I didn’t have to bother to figure out what food or drinks were or weren’t included with my package.

Tip 10: Should You Buy a Drink Package?

This is a question I often get from clients, and my advice is to do the math! Drink packages can be worth it if you plan to drink several daily beverages (alcohol, soda, and specialty coffee and teas). Most cruise lines require all adults in a cabin to be on a drinks package of some kind. You can’t buy just one and share it. If you’ve come across a cruise line that allows this option, let me know below! Check with your cruise line or have your travel agent do this for you, and see the options. Booking when there are great savings in bundles is often a no-brainer. Even if you don’t think you’ll drink that many drinks in a day, you’d be surprised how quickly it adds up as some cruise lines even charge for sparkling water. Most cruise lines let you bring a limited amount of drinks onboard — check their policy before assuming what you can bring onboard. I’ve only brought a water or two and small bottles of alcohol that I was bringing home for souvenirs, not for consuming onboard. Drop a comment below and share what your experience has been and what you were limited to bringing on board. I’m curious to know.

Tip 11: Bring Adapters for Outlets

Cabins never have enough outlets, and many older ships have limited plugs, so bring a USB hub, adapters, and a non-surge-protected power strip to charge all your devices. Check your cruise line’s restricted list first, as there are new regulations on what can be brought onboard, and they vary by cruise line. You don’t want your only options for charging your phone and gear to be confiscated when boarding.

Tip 12: Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode

Avoid outrageous roaming charges by putting your phone in airplane mode when you leave your home country on your flight. If you need light internet, buy a wifi package before you leave home — it’s cheaper than onboard rates. I also use a GlocalMe portable hotspot and could use it while on walking tours and onboard. It’s a good idea to have cell service if you get separated from your tour group or explore independently. You don’t want to be a pier runner and literally miss the boat.

Tip 13: Gratuities Aren’t Optional

Cruise lines automatically charge daily gratuities to your onboard account. These tips go to hardworking staff like your room steward and waiters. I tip extra for exceptional service. On one of my cruises last year, I fell and injured myself on an excursion. When I returned to the ship, the doctor instructed me to ice my knee. I asked my room steward ONCE for ice and a baggie, and every day after that, when I returned to my stateroom, I had fresh ice and a baggie waiting for me. That’s great service.

Tip 14: Money on Board

Ships are cashless unless you’re on a ship that has a casino—they usually accept cash. Bring US dollars to use for buying souvenirs in port and for tips for your bus drivers and tour guides in the Caribbean and Euros in Europe. Obviously, you can use USD for Alaska and Canadian dollars, if you want, for your port day in Victoria, BC.

Tip 15: Itineraries Can Change

Weather or unforeseen events can ruin plans! You must be flexible and go with the flow as part of your adventure. On a past cruise, in 2018 or 2019, I think it was…I was on a Baltic Sea cruise, and the sea was too rough to leave St. Petersburg, Russia. We had to stay in port an extra night and skip Gdansk, Poland. I was sad to miss visiting Poland, but safety first! It just means that one day, I will have to visit Poland.

Tip 16: Buy Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is a MUST, and I’m not just saying that because I sell it in Canada. Travel insurance covers you for more than trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost luggage. Don’t skip it and get stuck with a huge bill! The packages I sell even include a “cancel for any reason” option. If you’re in Canada and would like a quote, you can message me using the link below for more information, even if you have booked your trip yourself.

Tip 17: Longer Cruises Tend to be Quieter

Shorter cruises attract party crowds, while longer itineraries for more than a week are quieter and cater to more seasoned travellers.

Tip 18: Book Excursions Early

Popular excursions sell out quickly. Book through the cruise line or a reputable company in advance. Always factor in the time to return to the ship so you don’t become a pier runner! I’ve noticed several videos on YouTube that are all pier runners. As entertaining as they can be, I never want to be the subject of one of these videos.

Tip 19: Not Everything Is Included

Your fare covers a lot, but specialty dining, drinks, excursions, WiFi, and spa treatments usually cost extra.

Tip 20: Be Patient on Embarkation Day

Embarkation can be hectic. Smile, breathe, and remember that soon you’ll be sipping a drink by the pool. It’s worth the wait! I lucked out on my last cruise, and it was a breeze. Our ship was the only one in port that day. I’d checked in online and had the Princess Medallion around my neck. I walked straight through, with no lineups, scanned my Medallion and kept walking. It’s rarely this easy…the cruise prior, I waited in lines for two hours.

Tip 21: Know What’s Allowed Onboard

Before leaving home, check your cruise line’s rules for prohibited items. Most cruise lines don’t allow irons, steamers, certain alcohol, or power strips with surge protection. While filming the video linked above, there is still some confusion about the restrictions on some power bars and multi-plug adapters. It’s best to check directly with your cruise line or have your travel agent check for you.

Tip 22: Cruise WiFi Can Be Slow

If you need consistent internet, consider downloading movies or podcasts before you leave. WiFi on board is improving, but it is often slower than on land.

Tip 23: Double-Check Dress Codes

Most cruise lines have at least one formal night and are sometimes themed. Bring an outfit that matches the vibe, or if it doesn’t interest you, on larger ships, you can always skip it and enjoy casual dining instead.

Tip 24: Learn About Shipboard Events

Download the cruise line’s app or grab the daily schedule in your cabin — I like the printed version that some cruise lines still provide. Activities like trivia, live shows, and poolside games are easy to miss without planning. If the app isn’t working correctly and you’re looking at the schedule on your TV, take a picture of it with your phone, and you can look through it whenever you like. I also take a picture of the printed version from my cabin so I have the ship’s contact details for when I’m off the ship. In case an emergency arises, I can find where we’re docked or call the ship.

Tip 25: Pack Essentials for Port Days

Bring sunscreen, water, a hat, and your room card when going ashore. If you’re heading to the beach, pack a towel from the ship or bring a microfiber towel from home. They dry fast and pack up small in your suitcase. I bought this one, and it comes in various colours and sizes so everyone can have a different colour and not mix them up.

Closing

There are 25 essential tips to help you plan, book, and enjoy your next cruise! What’s YOUR top cruise tip? I’d love to hear from you. Until next time, happy sailing, everyone!