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Check in online -

Doing this will speed up the whole process. Port authorities usually require cruise lines to submit passenger lists about an hour before they leave, so it's important to get your part done as soon as possible.

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Board early -

Arrive early, board early, and have more free time to explore the ship before it gets crowded.

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Take a backpack or carry-on bag -

Pack all the essentials for the day, as it can take a while before you have access to your luggage.

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Skip the elevators -

These can be very busy, especially during the first day, so make use of the stairs if you can.

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Book specialty restaurants -

The first night can be perfect to try a specialty restaurant. Some cruise ships offer good deals for the first bookings.

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Try the spa -

Make the most of the spa, as usually there are discounted deals on your first day aboard the cruise ship.

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Settle in -

Settle into your room. Unpack and familiarize yourself with everything.

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Free booze -

Some cruise ships do offer complimentary Champagne on the first day abroad. Enjoy it!

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Stay awake -

Stay awake and active during your first day aboard. Attend all the meetings and briefings.

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Notify your credit card company before you go on vacation -

You will likely use your card in multiple countries in a relatively short amount of time. Notifying the company will avoid getting your credit card frozen for suspicions of fraud.

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Minimize sea sickness -

An interior cabin in the lower decks might be a better choice if you struggle with seasickness.

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The location of your cabin -

The location of your cabin matters. Noise can be a problem in cabins located under or above public areas, for instance. So check the deck plans before you book. 

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Check the menu -

Dinners at the main dining room are preplanned, so check the menu. This way, you can decide which days you want to eat at the specialty restaurants instead.

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Alcohol policy -

Cruise ships have alcohol policies that must be followed. There is usually a limit to how much alcohol you can bring into the ship, and other fees might apply.

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Order room service -

While restaurants are great, sometimes having some food in the privacy of your cabin can be exactly what you need.

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Take a photo of your passport -

It's handy to carry this with you, so you can leave your passport safe in the cruise ship. Having the number of your country's embassy at each port of call is also a good idea.

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Research where you're stopping beforehand -

Learn more about your ports of call and what you want to see and do in them.

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Carry sunscreen, a hat, and water -

These are must-haves if you're visiting a sunny destination.

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Basic items you should carry -

In addition, things such as comfortable shoes, a band-aid, and a swimsuit might come handy.

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Learn some local phrases -

These can go a long way, so it's always a good idea to learn how to say a few basic things in the language of your ports of call.

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Carry small bills -

These always come handy when it's time to buy a coffee or leave a tip.

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Pack a snack -

Pack a snack before you go out to explore your port of call. While you should try the local cuisine, sometimes you just need an emergency snack. Though check if your port of entry allows you to enter with food.

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Adjust your watch to ship time -

If you go out exploring your port of call or join an excursion, it's important that you come back on time so you don't miss the ship.

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Laundry solutions -

Getting your clothes washed and dried in a cruise ship can be expensive. Alternatively, you can pack enough clothes for your whole trip, or wash basics such as underwear in you cabin.

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Airplane mode -

You might want to do this when you board to avoid international data roaming charges. However, most cruise lines do offer data packages, so you might want to look into these.

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Pack a power strip -

Especially if you have various electronic devices. Cabins usually have a maximum of two sockets.

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Wash your hands regularly -

It's important to keep healthy, and washing your hands regularly is a way to get rid of germs. Most cruise ships have designated wash stations.

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Pack basic medicine -

Pack common medicine. This way you'll avoid having to go look for a pharmacy at your port of call.

See also: How cruise ships manage their daily food supply

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