Cruising for the first time is exciting—and maybe a little overwhelming. The ship is your hotel, your resort and your mode of travel all at once. With the right plan and mindset, your first voyage becomes less about figuring out how to cruise and more about enjoying every moment with your group. At America’s Best Cruises, we’re here to help you and your friends sail smoothly together.
Top Tips For New Cruisers
1. Arrive Early & Set the Tone
- Land in or arrive at your departure port the day before your ship sails. Flight delays, traffic or luggage hiccups can derail your plans if you arrive on embarkation day. (Business Insider)
- Plan to gather your group at the terminal early, have a coffee, take photos, and treat embarkation as the first fun moment of your trip—not the chaotic one.
- Once on board, take 20–30 minutes to explore the ship before diving into activities. Knowing your surroundings helps you and your group feel settled. (Celebrity Cruises)
2. Choose Accommodations & Cabin Layout with Your Group in Mind
- For groups of friends or sisters, booking cabins close together is ideal—adjacent rooms or on the same deck make it easy to meet, chat and share moments.
- Decide as a group: will you be social on deck most of the time (so perhaps interior or ocean-view cabins suffice) or will you value a balcony for morning coffee or late-night ocean views?
- Consider how the cabin layout supports your group dynamic: more shared spaces, easy access to each other, comfortable for everyone to join in or retreat when needed.
3. Pack Smart (for Your Group & Yourself)
- Pack essentials in your carry-on: swimsuit, cover-up, important documents, medications—just in case your checked luggage is delayed. (Reddit)
- Bring clothing you can mix and match—daywear, lounge wear, one or two dress-up outfits for dinner or themed nights.
- Pack comfortable walking shoes, sandals for the deck, and a light layer or cardigan for cool evenings.
- Bring a shared day-bag for excursions if your group will head ashore together: sunscreen, hat, refillable water bottle, portable charger.
- Avoid over-packing clothes you won’t wear. Downsizing your wardrobe means more space for souvenirs and less stress. (Cruise Critic)
4. Know What to Expect Onboard & During Port Days
- Read the daily activity planner (or app) each evening. These will tell you about excursions, themed nights, pool games and entertainment so your group can pick “together activities” and “solo/disconnect times.” (Business Insider)
- On port days, decide together whether the group will explore ashore or stay on board and use it as a rest/reconnect day. Having a plan helps everyone relax.
- When booking excursions, if you’re new to cruising, consider going through the cruise line’s approved tours for convenience and security. (Business Insider)
- On the ship: arrive early for popular areas (buffet, pool deck, shows), or pick slightly off-peak times for a calmer experience.
5. Communication, Rhythm & Group Connection
- Agree on a few daily check-in times or meeting spots so no one feels left behind—“Sunset toast on Deck 7 at 7 pm”.
- Balance group activities and personal time. Some might want a spa afternoon while others may want a shore excursion—make space for both.
- Assign one person as the “group navigator” for bookings and check-ins, so the rest of the group relaxes.
- Celebrate together: arrival photo, first dinner toast, post-show recap—these shared moments build the group memory.
6. Budget & Hidden Costs
- Know what’s included in your cruise fare and what adds up: specialty dining, drink packages, shore excursions, WiFi. Budget as a group so everyone’s aligned. (Celebrity Cruises)
- Ask your travel planner about group benefits, free cabins, credits—take advantage of what your group can gain.
- Have a “fun-fund” or shared group fund for extras like group photos, special excursions, or deck cocktails.
7. Enjoy the Unexpected & Embrace the Moment
- First cruises are full of “firsts”—your group’s first sail-away drink, first island stop together, first evening under the stars on deck.
- Be flexible: if you wake up and want a quiet ship day, take it. If you’re feeling energized, join a new activity.
- Capture moments, not just destinations: selfies with your group, behind-the-scenes of your cabin, laughter on the pool deck. These are the stories you’ll share later.
- Remember: your group vacation is as much about who you’re with as where you go.
Ready For a Seamless First Cruise?
With the right planning, the first time can feel comfortable, exciting and deeply connected. At America’s Best Cruises, we’ll walk your group through every step—cabins, itinerary, packing, budget—so you board with confidence.
Contact us today, gather your friends or sisters, and let’s turn your first cruise into a shared memory that starts before the ship even leaves port.
Here’s to smooth boarding, big laughs, and a voyage where you feel ready, relaxed and fully present.
