(And Why You Shouldn’t Either)

Every cruise ship has two types of travelers: the people who look stressed, confused, and overwhelmed… and the people who stroll through the ship like they’ve been doing this for decades. These “pro cruisers” didn’t earn that title by accident. They’ve learned—sometimes the hard way—what works, what doesn’t, and which little mistakes can turn a dream vacation into a headache.

The good news? You don’t need 20 cruises under your belt to cruise like a seasoned traveler. You just have to avoid the things pros never do. These are the habits that keep their vacations smoother, cheaper, safer, and way more enjoyable.

Below are the 10 things experienced cruisers never do… and the smart reasons behind each one.

1. They Never Skip the Muster Drill

Yes, it’s inconvenient. Yes, it interrupts the excitement. And yes, everyone tries to avoid it—except the pros.
Experienced cruisers know the muster drill isn’t just a boring announcement; it’s a legal requirement and a life-saving one. They show up early, listen, and get it done. That means no delays, no repeated announcements, and no crew knocking on their cabin doors later.

Once the drill is over? The cruise truly begins.

2. They Never Fly in on Embarkation Day

If there’s one rule pro cruisers swear by, it’s this:
“Never trust same-day travel.”

A single flight delay, a missed connection, or a mechanical issue can mean watching your ship sail away without you. Pros always arrive one day early. The bonus? They enjoy a relaxed pre-cruise evening, explore the port city, eat well, sleep well—and board the ship refreshed instead of frazzled.

It’s the cheapest “travel insurance” you can buy.

3. They Never Cruise Without Travel Insurance

Cruises are magical, but life happens—even at sea. Pro cruisers know that medical care onboard can be expensive, flights can get canceled, luggage can get lost, and emergencies don’t care about vacation plans. Travel insurance costs little but protects a lot. It’s peace of mind in a neat little policy.

4. They Never Forget to Turn On Airplane Mode

Here’s a rookie mistake that hurts: using your phone at sea without airplane mode.
Pros know this can lead to roaming charges in the hundreds—or thousands. They switch to airplane mode before leaving port, use the ship’s Wi-Fi packages if they want internet, and turn roaming off entirely.

After all, a cruise is the perfect excuse to unplug… unless you’re at the buffet and want to post photos of your third dessert.

5. They Never Pack Only One Swimsuit

Cruise life = pool, hot tub, beaches, and more pool.
Pros always pack two or three swimsuits. One is always drying while the other is ready to go.
No one wants to slip into a cold, damp suit before heading to the Lido deck.

6. They Never Rely Solely on Checked Luggage

Checked bags often arrive hours after you board. Sometimes even longer.
That’s why experienced cruisers always board with a carry-on that includes:

• Important documents
• Medications
• Chargers
• Sunscreen
• Swimwear
• A change of clothes

That way, the fun starts immediately—even if the luggage takes its time.

7. They Never Overpack

This one is hard for everyone, but pros know it’s essential.
Cruise cabins are comfortable but compact. Overpacking just means clutter, stress, and way too many clothes that never get worn. Pros pack mix-and-match outfits, re-wear basics, and choose shoes wisely. The less they bring, the happier they are.

Plus… it leaves room for souvenirs.

8. They Never Ignore Ship Time

Miss the ship once, and you never forget it. Pro cruisers are religious about checking ship time—not phone time, not local time.
Even a small time difference can leave you stranded in port while the ship pulls away.

Pros:

• Set a watch to ship time
• Double-check shore excursion timing
• Return early, not at the last minute

They’d rather enjoy a quiet drink onboard than sprint down a dock waving at a disappearing ship.

9. They Never Skip Handwashing or Sanitizing

Cruise ships are incredibly clean, but thousands of passengers share elevators, handrails, buffets, and lounges. Pros wash their hands constantly—not out of fear, but out of experience. Nothing ruins a cruise faster than getting sick halfway through.

Sanitize like a pro, and enjoy every day of your vacation.

10. They Never Try to Do Everything

New cruisers run from activity to activity like they’re competing in the Olympics. Pro cruisers? They know a secret:

A cruise is more enjoyable when you slow down.

They choose their favorite activities, relax between events, book downtime, and savor the journey. A cruise is not a checklist—it’s a floating vacation.

Sometimes the best moments happen when you do absolutely nothing at all.

Cruise Like a Pro

Cruising like an expert doesn’t require insider connections or dozens of past trips. It simply means avoiding the mistakes that create stress, unexpected costs, or missed opportunities. Follow these 10 rules, and you’ll instantly cruise with more confidence, more ease, and way more joy.

Because the real secret of pro cruisers is this:
They don’t just vacation—they enjoy every moment of it.

Bon voyage! 🚢✨