Our First Cruise Experience: What First-Time Cruisers Should Know Before Booking
Carnival Mardi Gras
Booking our first cruise wasn’t something we did lightly. While cruising looks effortless once you’re onboard, we quickly learned there’s a lot to consider before you ever step on the ship.
For years, people told us, “If you love theme parks, you’d love cruising.” At the same time, we had started booking cruises for clients through our travel agency, and I wanted to truly understand the experience from a traveler’s perspective — not just what looks good online, but what actually matters when you’re making decisions.
So we decided to make our first cruise our anniversary trip, knowing it would be both a vacation and a learning experience.
Choosing the Right Cruise for Our First Time
Originally, we planned to sail on the Carnival Sunshine out of Charleston, South Carolina. It was close to home and short enough that if cruising wasn’t for us, we wouldn’t feel locked into a long trip.
As the year went on, though, we reconsidered. Since we were cruising in December, we worried about weather and wanted something more tropical. After comparing itineraries — and understanding the cost involved in changing a cruise reservation — we switched to a five-night cruise out of Port Canaveral.
That change gave us warmer weather, three ports we were excited about, and a better overall experience for celebrating our anniversary.
What First-Time Cruisers Should Know Before Sailing
Passports vs. Birth Certificates for Cruises
One thing that surprised me early on was how much preparation cruising requires. You’ll need proper identification — either a passport or a birth certificate — depending on the itinerary.
We chose passports. Boarding is often smoother, and as someone who plans for worst-case scenarios, I wanted peace of mind in case something unexpected happened while we were in another country. The passport process itself is an adventure and definitely something first-time cruisers should plan for early.
Changing Cruise Reservations
Changing a cruise reservation isn’t free. There are fees involved, and it’s not something you want to do multiple times. We took our time comparing options before making the switch, which helped us feel confident in our final decision.
Is a Cruise Drink Package Worth It?
We debated the drink package a lot. On most cruise lines, if one adult purchases the alcohol package, all adults in the cabin must have it.
While it may have made sense for my husband, I’m not a heavy drinker, and financially it didn’t add up for us. We skipped the alcohol package and don’t regret it. We did purchase the soft drink package, which was worth it — especially with our daughter — since included beverages are limited to tea and standard drip coffee.
Cruise Excursions and Port Experiences
Costa Maya Cruise Port – What to Expect
Our first port was Costa Maya. After researching excursions — including options through Viator — we decided not to book one.
Travel times to Mayan ruins made us nervous for a first cruise, and we had read mixed reviews about transportation pricing. Instead, we explored the port area. It was extremely crowded that day, with multiple large ships docked at once.
We enjoyed watching local performances and relaxing with a coconut drink, but we also learned that haggling is common in some ports. Walking away is often part of the process. Costa Maya wasn’t our favorite port, but it was still a good learning experience — and we headed back to the ship early to enjoy quieter time onboard.
Cozumel Cruise Port and Paradise Beach
Cozumel felt completely different. Transportation was clearly organized, with flat-fee taxi pricing posted upfront, which made us feel comfortable leaving the port.
We spent the day at Paradise Beach, an all-inclusive, family-friendly beach club. Getting there and back was smooth, the staff was welcoming, and the experience felt relaxed rather than rushed.
This ended up being one of our favorite days of the cruise, and we’ll be sharing a full Paradise Beach review soon.
Mahogany Bay, Roatán – An Easy Beach Day
Our third port was Mahogany Bay. This port surprised us in the best way.
The beach is right there — no transportation required. While it isn’t all-inclusive, it’s incredibly convenient, especially for families. We spent the day swimming, relaxing, and chatting with locals who shared stories about life on the island.
It was low-stress, scenic, and a great way to enjoy a port day without extensive planning.
Sea Days on a Cruise Ship: What They’re Really Like
Sea days weren’t quite what we expected — and that’s not a bad thing.
We’re early risers, so mornings were peaceful. We ordered room service coffee, watched the sunrise from our balcony, and enjoyed slow breakfasts. Our daughter loved the kids’ club, which offered structured activities, crafts, and even educational components — not just screen time.
For us, sea days taught us that:
bringing games or cards would help
most shows happen later in the evening
we’re not big nightlife people
pacing matters more than over-scheduling
Life Onboard the Carnival Mardi Gras
There was no shortage of things to do onboard:
the Bolt roller coaster at sea
mini golf
arcade visits
pool time
and an endless supply of ice cream
Food options were plentiful, with both included and paid venues. Our favorites were Guy’s Burgers and Shaq’s Chicken. While the buffet was fine, it wasn’t a standout for us.
Once onboard, the biggest decisions quickly became:
Where do we eat next?
Am I too full for ice cream?
And honestly — that’s not a bad problem to have.
What We Learned From Our First Cruise
This experience taught us that cruising is:
decision-heavy before you sail
incredibly relaxing once you’re onboard
very family-friendly when planned correctly
There are many details to consider upfront — documents, transportation, excursions, and timing — but once you’re on the ship, everything slows down in the best way.
Final Thoughts: Is a Cruise Worth It for First-Time Travelers?
Our cute family picture at port
Our first cruise showed us that while cruising looks effortless, the planning stage matters most, especially for first-time cruisers. Once onboard, cruising becomes relaxing, flexible, and surprisingly simple.
We loved our first cruise and absolutely plan to cruise again, with a few adjustments next time. Experiencing it firsthand has also given us a better perspective when helping other families decide if cruising is right for them.
If you’re thinking about booking your first cruise and feeling overwhelmed by the details, I’m always happy to help walk through options and answer questions so you can decide what’s best for your family. Please reach out to us here.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our First Cruise
Is a cruise worth it for first-time travelers?
Yes — especially if you like having your lodging, food, and entertainment bundled together. While the planning stage can feel overwhelming, once you’re onboard, cruising is surprisingly relaxing and easy to navigate.
Do you need a passport for a cruise?
It depends on the itinerary, but we highly recommend having a passport. Boarding is often smoother, and it provides peace of mind if something unexpected happens while visiting another country.
Is a cruise drink package worth it?
That depends on your travel style. For us, the alcohol drink package didn’t make financial sense since all adults in the cabin must purchase it. However, the soft drink package was worth it, especially with a child.
Are cruises good for families with kids?
Absolutely. The kids’ club was one of the highlights of our cruise. Our daughter enjoyed the structured activities, crafts, and educational elements — it wasn’t just screen time.
Should first-time cruisers book excursions at every port?
Not necessarily. Some ports are easy to explore on your own, while others may be better with an excursion. Researching each port ahead of time helps you decide what’s worth booking and what isn’t.
What surprised you most about your first cruise?
How much planning happens before the cruise — and how little decision-making is required once you’re onboard. After embarkation, the biggest choices really are where to eat and how to spend your day.
Would you cruise again after your first experience?
Yes. We really enjoyed our first cruise and would absolutely cruise again, with a few adjustments now that we know what to expect.
