I just got back from a 5-day cruise. I survived, I have opinions, and I’m here to share them whether you asked or not. Think of this as the briefing I wish someone had slid under my cabin door, preferably with a snack.
My biggest lesson? Do your homework before you go. The cruise line will happily sell you the dream, but the fine print is on you. If you’re a camper like me, here’s the good news: comfort hacks work just as well on a floating hotel as they do in a tent. Love it, don’t rough it!
Packing: Where Overachievers Go to Overpack
1. Pack light (then pack lighter)
Your cabin is roughly the size of a closet that’s been told to hold two adults and their feelings. A 5-day cruise does not require an outfit for every personality you might have. Pick a color palette, mix and match, and plan your outfits ahead of time. Layers are your best friend on a fall sailing, with chilly decks and warm ports. Nobody on that ship is handing out medals for the biggest suitcase.
2. Bring magnetic hooks (my favorite hack, fight me)
Cabin walls and doors are usually metal, so magnetic hooks stick right on, and suddenly your tiny room has storage. Genius, right? I used mine to:
- Hang towels so they could dry like civilized people
- Hang clothes, hats and lanyards
- Keep small bags and my daypack off the floor
- Stop the little stuff from staging a takeover of the tiny desk
Tip: test one on the wall first. Magnets don’t stick to everything, but most cabins have plenty that work.
3. Decorate your cabin door
Yes, it’s adorable. It’s also survival. After a long day, every door in that hallway looks exactly like yours, and nothing says “vacation” like trying your key card on a stranger’s room. A magnetic decoration, a little wreath or a themed sign says “this one’s mine.” Check your cruise line’s rules first, because some don’t allow anything that damages or blocks the door.
4. Make a cozy sleep kit
Cabins can be very dark and surprisingly noisy. Pack an eye mask, earplugs and a small night light. Add a travel-size wrinkle-release spray, because irons are usually not allowed on board, and arriving at dinner looking like a crumpled receipt is optional.
5. Keep the essentials in your carry-on
Your suitcase may not reach your cabin until late afternoon. That’s a lot of hours to stare at the pool in your travel clothes. Pack your swimsuit, a change of clothes, medications, chargers and documents in your carry-on. Add motion relief and a few first aid basics too. Even if you’ve never been seasick, the ocean doesn’t care about your track record.
Money: Small Bills, Big Karma
6. Bring cash, especially $1s and $5s
Cash is for more than souvenirs. Small bills make it easy to say thank you to the people who make your trip great:
- Ship crew: your room attendant, dining staff, bartenders, musicians and entertainers
- Tour guides and drivers on your shore excursions
- Street vendors at the ports: buy a little something from them, whether it’s a handmade souvenir, a snack or a drink
Many port communities depend heavily on cruise visitors, so a few dollars goes a long way. Small bills also save you from the awkward moment of handing someone a $50 for a $3 trinket. Bringing cash from home means you can skip port ATMs and their fees, too.
Tip: many cruise lines add automatic gratuities for some staff. Check your cruise line’s policy so you know where extra cash is a nice bonus.
7. Do the math before you buy a drink package
A drink package can be a great deal, or a very expensive way to drink a lot of water. They often run $70-80 per day, and you’re charged for every day of the cruise, so you have to drink that much every single day to come out ahead. Before you buy, plug your own habits into a free calculator: Cruise Hive’s Cruise Drinks Package Calculator. It compares what you’d spend ordering drinks one at a time with the package price. Be honest with it. The calculator can’t help you if you lie.
Remember to count the port days, when you’re off exploring instead of parked at the bar. If you’re only having a drink or two a day, paying as you go may save you money.
Shore Excursions: Read the Reviews, Not Just the Brochure
8. Research your excursions before you book
This is the big one, so gather around for a story. We booked an ATV adventure in Mexico. The description made it sound like a pleasant outing. What it did not mention was how rocky the trail was (which, I’ll admit, was actually fun) or that our guide rode like he had somewhere better to be. It was hard to keep up with the group. To be fair, they never left us behind. But it felt rushed, and it could be downright risky for someone who has never ridden an ATV. Looking back, I wish I had checked what kind of four-wheeling it would really be. The brochure was not about to tell me.
This goes for any excursion, whether it’s ziplining, snorkeling, a hike or a bike tour. Before you book:
- Read recent reviews, not just the shiny description
- Look for comments about pace, terrain, difficulty and group size
- Check photos and videos from real guests
- Ask the tour company how fast the group moves and whether beginners are welcome
- Be honest about your experience level (the guide can’t read your mind)
- Pick the gentler option if you’re unsure. It’s okay to sit one out!
9. Be back on the ship early
The ship leaves on time. It does not care about your souvenir shopping. If you booked a tour through the cruise line, the ship will wait for you. If you booked an outside tour on your own, it absolutely will not. Also check the posted “all aboard” time, because ship time and port time can be different. Watching your vacation sail away without you is an adventure nobody needs.
10. Pack a small port-day bag
A lightweight daypack makes every port day easier. Mine holds a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, cash, a phone charger and a waterproof phone pouch for beach days. For dusty or active tours (like my ATV ride), add a bandana or buff and wear closed-toe shoes instead of sandals. Comfortable walking shoes matter every single day, because you’ll walk way more than you expect. Cute-but-painful shoes belong at home, with your regrets.
Planning: Future You Says Thanks
11. Book the popular things early
Specialty dining, shows, spa times and the best excursions fill up fast. Check your cruise line’s app before you sail and reserve what matters most to you, or enjoy your front-row seat to everyone else’s good time.
12. Choose your cabin location carefully
Midship and lower decks feel the least motion. Skip cabins right under the pool deck or buffet, where scraping chairs can start your morning before you’re ready for it. Nothing says “relaxing getaway” like the sound of a thousand deck chairs at 6 a.m.
13. Use airplane mode at sea
Phones can roam on cell signals at sea and run up shockingly large charges. Turn on airplane mode, then turn Wi-Fi back on if you’ve bought a Wi-Fi plan. Your wallet will thank you, and your future self will not open a bill and scream.
14. Bring your passport (and keep your cruise card close)
Some cruises allow a birth certificate, but a passport makes things much easier if you ever need to fly home unexpectedly. Keep your cruise card on a lanyard or card holder so you never lose it. If you want a power strip for your cabin, check your cruise line’s rules first, because many allow only ones without surge protection.
15. Plan one easy day
Decide what matters most, whether that’s a port, a show or a quiet morning on the deck, and let the rest be flexible. You’re on vacation, not running a military operation. Give yourself a buffer on travel day, too. A relaxed start sets the tone for the whole trip, and so does not sprinting through a terminal.
Want a head start on packing? I made a free printable 5-Day Fall Cruise Packing Checklist with an outfit planner and a before-you-leave list. Grab it on my free printables page.
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