I've been on over 55 cruises. Here are 7 of the biggest mistakes I see cruisers make.

Sep 4, 2026 · 7 min read

I've been on over 55 cruises. Here are 7 of the biggest mistakes I see cruisers make.

Allie Hubers

You're currently following this author! Want to unfollow? Unsubscribe via the link in your email.

Woman in sunglasses smiling, cruise ships behind her — As a seasoned cruiser, I have a lot of advice for first-timers and beginners.
Allie Hubers

I've traveled all over the world, and cruising continues to be one of the easiest ways to visit new places.

You can unpack once while waking up in a new destination every day, all while having dining and entertainment just steps from your cabin.

But planning a cruise can be more complicated than you might anticipate. Between booking flights to the departure city, choosing a cabin, making reservations, and planning your time ashore, there are plenty of decisions that can make or break your vacation.

After more than 55 cruises, I feel like I see cruisers making the same avoidable mistakes. Fortunately, I've learned that a little preparation can make all the difference in preventing unnecessary stress.

Here are the seven biggest mistakes I see cruisers make — and what I recommend doing instead.

Booking flights too close to embarkation or disembarkation

Planes on tarmac — You don't want a delayed flight to ruin a cruise.
Allie Hubers

Choosing the wrong flights is one of the biggest mistakes I see cruisers make. If you're flying to your departure port, it's crucial to book flights that will leave enough time for potential disruptions.

It's the golden rule of cruising to arrive at least one day before embarkation in case your flight is delayed or canceled.

For an international cruise, I recommend arriving at least two days early, if not more. When possible, I also book a nonstop flight to reduce the chance of disruptions. Otherwise, if you don't reach the cruise port in time, the ship can leave without you.

You should also be cautious when booking a flight home. Although your ship might dock at 7 a.m., that doesn't mean you should book an early-morning return flight. Disembarkation can take longer than expected with long lines, luggage collection, and immigration.

For the trip home, a late afternoon or evening flight can provide breathing room and help prevent a stressful end to your vacation.

Reserving a cabin without looking at the deck plans

Hallway of doors on Carnival Sunshine cruise ship — Some cruise cabins are better than others.
Allie Hubers

When booking a cruise, you'll find many different cabin categories and locations. You might not think twice about your room's location, but a bad experience can dampen your entire cruise.

Some cabins can be especially noisy, such as those near the elevators, under the pool deck, or close to the bars. If you're a light sleeper, this extra noise can make it difficult to get enough rest each night.

Similarly, if you're prone to motion sickness, a cabin at the front of the ship might make you feel extra queasy during rough seas.

Before choosing a cruise cabin, review your ship's deck plans to find the best location that minimizes noise and motion. I recommend selecting a midship stateroom with other cabins nearby, including the decks directly above and below it.

Bringing prohibited items on board

K9 dog examining suitcases, bags — You don't want your cruise to end before it even begins because you packed an item that's not allowed.
Allie Hubers

Another common mistake I see cruisers make is packing items that aren't allowed on the ship.

Cruise lines' websites usually have a long list of prohibited items due to safety regulations, legal restrictions, and fire hazards. Because of these strict rules, you'll want to leave your weapons, irons, and steamers at home.

If you forget, your item(s) may be confiscated before disembarkation. In more serious cases, a cruise line can even prevent you from boarding the ship.

In this way, it's a good idea to review your cruise line's specific list of prohibited items before packing.

Missing out on amenities you've already paid for

Water slides on Carnival Jubilee cruise ship deck — Water slides may not cost extra.
Allie Hubers

Although there are plenty of ways to spend extra money on board, your cruise fare often covers more than you might realize. In fact, I've seen many cruisers assume certain restaurants or onboard thrills cost extra when they're actually complimentary.

Last summer, after I tried the Ultimate Abyss dry slide on Wonder of the Seas, another passenger approached me and asked how much it cost. When I told her it was free, she was shocked!

With so much to see and do on board, it can be difficult to keep track of which experiences are included and which cost extra. Before boarding, review the ship's included dining venues, amenities, and attractions, so you know what you've already paid for.

Don't assume something costs extra without checking first — this info is usually available in the cruise line's app or on the daily schedule.

Forgetting to make reservations

People dancing on stage under lights on celebrity Edge — For some onboard shows, you'll need to reserve tickets or seats.
Allie Hubers

Some onboard experiences require reservations, but if you wait until embarkation day, you might be left with few options. Specialty restaurants can be especially likely to fill up, with the most popular dining times being booked first.

Depending on the ship, reservations might also be required for headliner shows and productions. For example, Royal Caribbean's biggest vessels often ask guests to reserve seats for its ice-skating spectacles, AquaTheatre shows, and Broadway-style performances.

Before sailing, check the cruise planner or app to reserve specialty dining and entertainment.

If booking isn't available beforehand, make reservations as soon as you can on embarkation day. This gives you the best chance of securing times that fit your vacation schedule.

Cutting it too close when returning to the ship

People walking onto Norwegian Star cruise ship via gangway — Make sure you have enough time to get back to your cruise ship before it departs at each port.
Allie Hubers

Cruise ships operate on strict schedules, so the all-aboard time is non-negotiable. Cruisers exploring independently are responsible for returning on time, and those seen racing back to the ship because they're late are often called "pier runners."

I've seen many pier runners over the years, including two people who were left behind in Prince Edward Island. After repeatedly paging for the missing cruisers and waiting more than 40 minutes past the all-aboard time, our ship eventually set sail.

In a scene that felt straight out of a movie, the two late passengers appeared on the pier moments after we pulled away.

To avoid being left behind, I recommend returning to the port about an hour before the all-aboard time. This leaves a buffer for traffic or unexpected delays — and you can still explore the port area or terminal before boarding.

I also save the port agent's contact information provided by the cruise line in case of an emergency.

Not having a disembarkation plan

Cruise ships docked at pier — In some cases, I like to end my cruises with a tour.
Allie Hubers

It's easy to overlook disembarkation when putting together a cruise, but not having a plan can turn your final morning into a headache.

When I disembarked from a Mediterranean cruise in Ravenna, Italy, some passengers waited in the heat for more than two hours because there were very few taxis available.

Thankfully, I had researched the port and arranged our transportation in advance for the two-hour drive to Venice.

Before your cruise, research what to expect at the disembarkation port and arrange transportation in advance.

I prefer booking disembarkation tours with airport drop-offs through the cruise line, as they're convenient and don't add stress to the end of my vacation.

I've been on over 55 cruises. Here are 7 of the biggest mistakes I see cruisers make.