Going on a cruise for the first time? Know 10 beginner-friendly travel hacks and mistakes to avoid on board

Going on a cruise for the first time? Know 10 beginner-friendly travel hacks and mistakes to avoid on board

Going on a cruise for the first time? Know 10 beginner-friendly travel hacks and mistakes to avoid on board ByAdrija Dey Jun 12, 2025 02:41 PM IST Read this news in brief form Share Via Copy Link If you are about to set sail on your maiden voyage on the sea, know these expert-approved tips to make your journey memorable.

There’s a first time for everything, from catching your first flight to planning that epic road trip. But cruising is a completely unique adventure. So much of the cinematic fantasy expectations rest on your maiden voyage; sipping mimosas with the sea breeze in your hair, watching the golden horizon at sunset, gourmet meals by the balcony, or stargazing from the deck. Media, especially movies and Instagram reels, spare no expense in making cruises look dreamy and romantic. While it’s natural to feel giddy about your first cruise, being well-informed is the first step to avoiding rookie missteps. But we have got you covered, so that you set sail smoothly. 

Cruise travel is rising in India.(Shutterstock)

Akansha Agarwal, co-founder and CMO of Int2Cruises, Asia’s cruise-first OTA, shared with HT Lifestyle what it takes to ensure your first cruise becomes a core memory, listing out the essential hacks and mistakes to avoid. 

Elaborating on how cruise travel is growing in India, she said, “Cruise travel from India is still emerging but growing fast. Outbound travel is booming, and cruising is finally being seen as a viable, even desirable, vacation style. With the Cruise Bharat Mission aiming for 2.5 million passengers annually by 2029, cruising is no longer niche; it’s booming. With newer ships, better itineraries, and growing accessibility, Indian travellers are discovering the ease and excitement of cruise holidays.”

Akansha shared a detailed guide, covering 5 beginner hacks and 5 mistakes to avoid when planning your first cruise, so you can sail stress-free: 

1. The ship is half the holiday

First, decide who you are travelling with and what kind of holiday you want. Because in many ways, the ship is the destination. Modern cruise lines offer ships tailored to different travel moods and styles.

Cruising has a reputation for being expensive, but that’s not true. It is actually more cost-effective than many land-based holidays. Base fares can start as low as Rs. 6,500 per person per night, including accommodation, meals, shows, entertainment, and activities.

1. Skipping the fine print on visas:

• Many cruise itineraries span multiple countries. Ensure you have thecorrect visa type (single-entry vs. multi-entry), especially if your ship departs from one country and returns to another, or re-enters a country mid-itinerary.
• Always double-check transit and port-specific visa rules well in advance.

2. Sailing without travel insurance:

• While cruises are usually smooth sailing, weather delays, medical emergencies, or missed port connections can happen.
• Travel insurance is non-negotiable. Choose a policy that covers cruise-specific scenarios, including missed departures or onboard medical care.

3. Not packing a day bag for embarkation day:

• Your check-in luggage might take a few hours to reach your cabin. Pack a carry-on bag with essentials like swimwear, medication, travel documents, chargers, and a change of clothes. That way, you can start enjoying the pool, buffet, or Jacuzzi .

4. Boarding the ship late on embarkation day:

• The ship starts buzzing with activity the moment boarding begins.
• Board early to explore the ship, beat the crowd at dining venues. It’s the best way to ease into your cruise adventure.

Ideal destinations for cruise

•  Singapore
•  Mediterranean (Europe)
•  Northern Europe
• Dubai
•  Japan

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