If you’re heading out on a cruise — whether it’s your first cruise or your 10th — there are a few unspoken rules and helpful tips that can make your experience smooth sailing from start to finish. From what to pack to when to show up at the port, here’s a quick guide to cruise etiquette every cruiser should know.
Review the Inclusions
What’s included in your cruise package will vary. Basic packages cover accommodations, meals in the main dining areas, and some onboard entertainment. However, speciality dining, alcohol (even those tempting welcome drinks with the umbrellas), and shore excursions are typically extra.
Cruise lines might offer a drinks package, which allows you to order as many drinks as you want during the cruise for a flat rate. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and Carnival Cruise Lines both offer a variety of drink packages, including options for soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, and even wine-focused plans — making it easy to choose the one that best fits your preferences.
Keep in mind that some cruise lines do not allow guests to bring beer or spirits on board, so B.Y.O.B. isn’t a reliable way to cut costs. Some lines, like Carnival and Royal Caribbean, permit each guest to bring a single bottle of wine or Champagne. Others, like Viking Ocean Cruises, have no limits on alcohol quantities brought on board. It’s important to check your specific cruise line’s policy, as rules can vary from one line to another.
Also consider gratuities: Many cruise lines will add an automatic daily gratuity to your bill for each person. Some cruise lines will bake gratuities into the fare, or sometimes you can book a special package that includes gratuities. Any additional tips for onboard staff are at your discretion.
Check the Dress Code
While casual attire like T-shirts, tank tops, and shorts are perfectly acceptable during the day, the dress code on a cruise ship often shifts in the evening. “Smart casual” is a good rule of thumb for evening wear if you’re eating in the main dining area. On formal nights, women typically wear cocktail dresses, while men are expected to wear suits and ties. Be sure to check your cruise line’s dress code policy so you can pack appropriately.
Often, cruises will hold theme nights, so you may be able to ditch the formalwear for something a little more fun. Check out what your cruise line has planned. Some lines, like Carnival, throw themed events like an ’80s Rock ’N’ Glow Deck Party, ’90s Night, and Superhero Night. It’s a great excuse to dress up, let loose, and have a good time. Just remember that swimsuits and bare feet are generally not permitted in any of the dining areas or specialty restaurants on a cruise ship.
Double-Check Your Documentation
As departure day approaches, carefully review all emails from the cruise company concerning any pre-cruise checklists, medical information, and documentation requirements. You’ll need a form of government ID, and most cruise lines prefer a passport. If you’re cruising to a foreign country, make sure you understand the entry requirements and whether you need to apply for a visa in advance.
Closed-loop tours are the exception. You’ll be able to disembark at a foreign port of call for a shore excursion traveling only with a driver’s license, making these cruises very popular for U.S. citizens without a passport. Lastly, have your reservation number, proof of booking, or boarding QR code handy when you arrive at the terminal — it will help you get on board quickly and smoothly.
Don’t Arrive Too Early
One important piece of information you’ll receive in the pre-cruise email is the scheduled arrival time at the port. Because cruise lines typically welcome thousands of people aboard, these arrival times are staggered to avoid long waits, overcrowded piers, and chaotic boarding. Although it may be tempting, don’t arrive at the dock earlier than scheduled. You’ll just end up having to wait — usually under the hot sun and without access to any amenities — while all the passengers who were scheduled before you board.
It’s also worth reviewing the parking options at the port, so you can plan your arrival accordingly. Many cruises offer parking in the cruise ship terminal (for a heftier cost) or cheaper off-site parking with shuttle access.
Pack Practically
Cruise lines are less strict than airlines when it comes to luggage limits. Most companies permit passengers to bring a reasonable amount of luggage for their cruise duration. Carnival Cruise Lines, for instance, suggests one checked bag and one carry-on for cruises less than five days. If you’re cruising for longer than five days, two pieces of luggage are suggested. The weight limit across most cruise lines is 50 pounds per bag. A carry-on bag is always allowed.
Your cruise line will also send you luggage tags ahead of departure. Make sure to tag your luggage with your name, cruise line, sail date, and cabin number before you get to the pier. This helps speed up the process of getting your bags to your room. But don’t stress if you forget — porters at the terminal can print a tag or tag your bag for you. When you arrive at your scheduled boarding time, porters will take your checked bags, and they’ll be delivered to your cabin later that day. (It’s a good idea to have a few dollars handy to tip them for their services.)
Be sure to pack a few essentials in your carry-on that you might want right away, such as a change of clothes, swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, or flip-flops. It could be a few hours before you see your checked bag again, and you don’t want to miss out on pool time while you wait.
Review Banned Items Before Boarding
Like at airports, you will pass through security before embarking, including a baggage scanner and metal detector. Your checked luggage will be X-rayed as well, so make sure you’re not carrying any prohibited items.
Each cruise line has its own rules, but generally, banned items include weapons, explosives, fireworks, perishable or homemade food, drones, heating appliances (though curling irons, blow dryers, and flat irons are usually fine), segways, bicycles, scooters, extension cords, power strips, and any alcohol beyond the allowed limit.
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