Cruises look easy on paper. You unpack once, visit multiple places, and someone else worries about the logistics. That part is true.
What doesn’t get talked about enough are the small details that can catch first-time cruisers off guard. Not deal-breakers, but things you’ll want to know before you step on board.
Here are 10 things that no one really tells you…
1. Day one feels chaotic
Embarkation day is exciting, but it’s rarely calm. There are queues, security checks, boarding times, and luggage that may arrive at your cabin hours after you do.
Your cabin might not be ready straight away. Pools and buffet areas are often packed. The trick is to expect this and go with the flow. Grab lunch, explore the ship, and don’t overpack your carry-on, but do keep essentials with you!
2. Muster drills are mandatory and not optional
Yes, they’re boring. Yes, everyone has to do them.
Before the ship leaves port, you’ll attend a safety drill that explains life jackets, assembly points, and emergency procedures. You can’t skip it, and you won’t be sipping cocktails while it happens. Once it’s done, though, the holiday feeling kicks in properly.
3. The ship moves more than you think
You will feel movement even on large ships! Most of the time it’s gentle, but on rougher days you’ll feel it, especially at night.
If you’re worried about seasickness, book a mid-ship cabin on a lower deck and pack motion sickness tablets just in case. Although many first-timers are surprised by how quickly their bodies adjust.
4. Food is everywhere, all the time
You won’t go hungry. Ever.
Buffets, dining rooms, snack bars, room service. Some food is included, some isn’t. Speciality restaurants usually cost extra, but the main dining room meals are often excellent and included in your fare.
One thing people don’t expect is how structured dining can be. Some cruises assign dining times or tables, while others let you eat when you want. Check this before you sail so you’re not confused on night one.
5. Not everything is actually “all-inclusive”
This catches a lot of first-time cruisers out.
Your cruise fare usually covers accommodation, meals, entertainment, and basic drinks like tea, coffee, and water. Alcohol, speciality coffees, bottled water, shore excursions, spa treatments, and internet often cost extra.
Drinks packages can make sense, but only if you’ll use them. Do the maths before you buy one on impulse.
6. Phone signal shock is real
Once you leave port, your phone switches to maritime roaming. That’s when the horror stories start!
A few minutes of data use can cost hundreds of rands. The safest option is airplane mode and ship WiFi, or wait until you’re back in port to reconnect. This surprises almost every first-time cruiser at least once.
7. Sea days are very different from port days
Port days are busy. Early alarms, excursions, queues to get off the cruise ship, and full afternoons exploring.
Sea days are slow, relaxed, and quiet if you want them to be. Pools, shows, quizzes, games, naps, reading, and eating. Some first-timers worry they’ll be bored. Others say sea days become their favourite part.
It helps to know this rhythm in advance so you plan your energy.
8. You’ll dress up more than you expect
Most cruises have at least one formal or semi-formal night. You don’t need a tuxedo or ball gown, but you will see people dressed up.
During the day, it’s casual. Evenings are smarter. Comfortable shoes matter more than you think. Ships are big, and you walk a lot!
9. The staff will remember you
Cruise crew members often remember your name, your drink order, and your routine. It’s one of the nicest surprises for first-time cruisers.
Tip well where appropriate, be polite, and you’ll notice how personal the service becomes by the end of the trip.
10. You might get hooked
Many people swear they’ll only cruise once. Then they get off the ship and start browsing dates for the next one!
There’s something about unpacking once, watching the ocean roll by, and waking up somewhere new that’s hard to beat.
