Booking a cruise is exciting! You pick a few amazing ports, pay your deposit and start packing for your journey. The truth is that there is an art to cruising, and navigating things can be confusing if you are attempting it on your own.

There’s a lot to consider when setting sail on your dream vacation. Here are some of the biggest mistakes I see clients make when booking cruises on their own—and how a travel advisor can help.

1. Not understanding the cruise lines

Size matters. Seriously. A big ship experience is very different than a small ship journey. River, ocean or expedition. Formal or casual. Want a snow boots on trek in Antartica or just some breezy tapas by the sea in Barcelona? These days, there’s a cruise for just about everyone, so start with your exertion level. Do you prefer “easy,” or do you want to clock 20k steps on cobblestone streets to see as much history as you can?

Next, make sure your personality aligns with the cruise brand. Do you prefer dinner in flip flops and a sundress? Or do you savor exquisite meals in a ballgown? Either way, there is a best fit for you, so just talk to your travel agent. Here’s the biggie. If you are a retired history professor, cruise lines with a party-like atmosphere that stop at tourist traps will not satisfy you. Or maybe your hectic career has left you wanting extra lounge time by the pool with you kids? DO NOT rely on marketing! There are cruise lines you haven’t even heard of that would suit you better. Contact a travel advisor to help you customize your perfect experience.

2. Not recognizing the importance of the ship

Travelers can put too much or too little emphasis on the ship. Factors like the age of the ship, the last renovation and the vessel’s amenities hold sway over your overall cruise experience. Do you want a more active cruise – waterslides, pickleball, surfing, and go-karts? There is a ship for you! Prefer more larger bedrooms or expert lectures and culinary experiences? There is a ship for you! It all really boils down to the brand and itinerary. Port and excursion-heavy trips offer more chances for exploration, but sea days grant you unique opportunities for rest. Make sure the ship’s itinerary aligns with your needs. I’m just getting off of a sea-day heavy 15-day cruise, and it was so restful compared to my former 7-day cruises with a port/excursion every day. So, in that case, don’t discount the restful opportunities of sea days.    

3. Overpacking

Travelers might be tempted to bring along too many clothes for the journey <points to self>, but I recommend modest packing. You do not need a different dress every night! If anyone asks, tell them I said so. Yes, you will want to ditch those excursion clothes you have been sweating in all day, but that shirt you put on after the shower will be fresh for several evening wearings! Does your vessel have onboard laundry rooms or laundering services? If so, this is a brilliant way to keep items to a minimum. Lastly, remember to leave space in your suitcase for souvenirs! You don't want to be squashing everything on packing day OR doing the dreaded suitcase reshuffle at the airport to avoid extra fees.

Cruising is my jam, so here are some of my best tips for safe and efficient travel.

4. Not flying in a day early

This is a biggie! Do not (I repeat) do not arrive in the embarkation city the same day the ship departs unless it is a short driving distance away. Flight delays happen, and so do traffic jams. Don’t let one hiccup endanger your entire vacation. I hear horror stories of people watching a cruise ship sail away without them. Don’t be that person. For domestic travel, I recommend arriving a day early. Get a lovely hotel room, catch some local sightseeing and consider it part of the vacation! For international travel, I suggest at least two days to give travelers a chance to adjust to new time zones. Jet lag…the struggle is real. Don’t miss out on your excursions because you are exhausted from your flight. And, speaking of which, don’t plan to watch movies on an overseas flight. Get as much rest as you can.

5. Neglecting In-App Offerings

Once your cruise is booked, download the cruise line’s mobile app on your phone and tablet, then pull in your reservation number to check in. Login regularly for in-app discounts on spa treatments, excursions, drink packages. And why not avoid lines when you pre-book dining and theater reservations on app when possible?

6. Not Buying Travel Insurance

I absolutely love to waste money on travel insurance, because that means that everything goes as planned. However, I always suggest travel insurance, because it can save your bacon in a bind. BUT buy travel insurance based on your needs. Things can happen on a trip...lost luggage, missed connections, accidents, and more. If you travel once a year, the cruise ship’s policy is fine. If you travel frequently, consider an annual plan. Mine was less than $200, and I don’t have to worry about buying insurance for every single trip now....and that includes road trips to see my parents and travel agent FAM tours. Explore travel insurance policies now>

7. Overscheduling

Shore excursions are alluring but do your future self a favor and don’t over-extend yourself on a trip. Also, review how much time it takes to get you to and from a destination. I was once in transit for 6 hours on an excursion (3 hours both way) to spend 45 minutes at Chichen Itza in Mexico. Not worth it. Make sure to leave wiggle room for spontaneity and relaxation. Protect your downtime.

8. Not pre-booking excursions

That said, don’t wait till you’re on the ship to book your excursions. If you aim to book with the cruise ship, those incredible once-in-a-lifetime excursions will sell out. I suggest booking a cruise in advance and then booking excursions monthly to spread out the expense. And I do suggest booking excursions with the cruise line! You DO NOT want to get left behind! Just search “pier runners” on Youtube to see that in action.

Booking your own excursions is a big responsibility, and it means understanding the difference between local time and ship time. If you do elect to create your own itinerary, make sure your phone/watch is set to ship time and be back an hour before “all aboard” to avoid the line. I recommend Project Expedition, because they have great variety, and most activities have a generous cancellation policy. Plus, they guarantee to get you back to the ship on time!

Curious about the perfect cruise length? Check out 'The Cruise Conundrum: 7 Days versus 15 Days' for insights on choosing the ideal voyage duration.