Cruise ship mistakes to avoid: Expert tips

If you’ve sailed before, you most likely know there are certain mistakes worth avoiding. From racking up data charges to misunderstanding your cruise fare, many first-time cruisers miss out on opportunities both onboard and ashore because they’re unprepared. Here’s a list of common cruise mistakes to avoid, to help you make the most of your vacation.

One of the most important details to understand before sailing is your fare — the price of your cruise. Cruising isn't an all-inclusive vacation, but it can come close when you sail with Princess®. When you book, enjoy complimentary breakfast, lunch and dinner in:

• Casual dining venues
• Anytime Dining™ restaurants
• Main dining rooms with our Traditional Dining option 

From salads and seafood to cheesecake and sundaes, feast on locally-inspired dishes made fresh by our chefs. If you choose to indulge in soda, wine, beer or specialty cocktails, you will need to pay an additional fee. Many guests have learned that one of the biggest things not to do on a cruise is limit yourself. Vacation is all about having fun, which is why you can pay the one-time price of our beverage package and enjoy unlimited drinks during your time on board.

You can also partake in any of our onboard activities with no extra charge. Dance your way through a morning Zumba class, test your knowledge in Afternoon Trivia or watch nightly Movies Under the Stars®.  Even kids can frolic through the Youth & Teen centers without a worry — but specialty activities like the Jr. CHEF@Sea cooking workshop and late-night Group Kidsitting will cost you a small fee.

Surprising phone bills are a common cruise regret. Whether sailing along the coast or cruising overseas, we recommend that you disable data roaming and switch your cell phone to airplane mode to avoid unexpected charges during your trip. But this doesn’t mean you can’t keep in contact with your loved ones while on onboard. Stop by the Internet Café on any Princess ship and use one of our computers to send an update to your family. Or connect to MedallionNet®, available on all MedallionClass™ ships, and message, video chat, stream content and post to social media with ease. Those not traveling on a MedallionClass ship can connect to Princess@Sea. View event schedules, ship maps and account details, or learn about your itinerary ports and message other guests in your party.

Between flight delays and unexpected cancellations, some mishaps are out of your control. That’s why skipping travel insurance is one of the most important things not to do on a cruise vacation. With Princess Vacation Protection (PVP), you get the Cancellation Fee Waiver — a non-insurance feature provided through Princess Cruises — alongside travel insurance benefits underwritten by Nationwide® and non-insurance emergency assistance services. With different plans and prices to choose from, you can find one that fits your budget. Travel insurance can also help cover unexpected international medical emergencies and costly evacuations while at sea — a layer of protection that's hard to put a price on until you need it.

One of the most common cruise mistakes is flying to your departure port on the same day your cruise begins. Flight delays or cancellations could cause you to miss the ship — and ships don't wait. Many experienced travelers arrive at least one day before embarkation, giving themselves a buffer against weather, mechanical issues or missed connections. The added benefit: an extra day to explore the port city before your voyage begins. An option to consider is purchasing air through Princess' EZAir program.   Should flight delays occur, you will be protected to get to the cruise ship.

While under-packing can leave you unprepared, overpacking is another common cruise mistake, since cabin storage space is often limited. With unique destinations and year-round sailings, what you pack for your cruise will depend on where and when you travel. If you're heading to a tropical destination during summer, consider warm-weather items like swimsuits, sandals, shorts and lightweight shirts. Those heading to cooler climates should pack layers, as the weather can fluctuate from day to night.

Book your shore excursions ahead of time so you can pack any additional items you may need — hiking poles for the trails of Alaska, for example, or water shoes for rafting down the rivers of Costa Rica. Popular shore excursions, specialty dining and spa reservations can also sell out quickly, so booking activities early helps secure your preferred experiences. And if you're still worried about overpacking, remember that cruising offers the convenience of unpacking only once, so a couple of extra items probably won't hurt.

Whether it’s your first cruise or your first time visiting your dream destination, your time aboard and ashore should feel special. That's why traveling with an inexperienced cruise line tops the list of mistakes to avoid.. For decades, Princess has been sailing to some of the world's most sought-after destinations and has been named one of the best cruise lines and best cruise lines for first-timers — for good reason. Our onboard experiences make every ship feel like its own destination, and the addition of MedallionClass brings seamless service and personalized attention to every enabled ship. Before you book, make sure your cruise line of choice delivers the quality you want at the price you need.

The best cruise vacations come down to a handful of small choices: arriving early, packing thoughtfully, understanding what's covered and trusting an experienced cruise line to handle the rest. Avoid these common pitfalls and you're free to focus on what really matters — the destinations, the experiences and the people you'll share them with. View Princess cruises and start planning a trip you'll remember for the right reasons.