18 Practical Cruise Tips

Cruising has never been more popular, with more than one million Australian cruise fans taking to the high seas each year, and a growing number of people recognising that cruising can be fun for all the family. If you're a first-time cruiser, however, what key information do you need to know? Here are 18 practical tips to help you plan the cruise holiday of your dreams. Policies differ between cruise lines, and even between ships, so check the details with your line before you book.

1. Where To Cruise

Choosing where you want to cruise is the first thing to do. Keep in mind that while some regions are open for cruising year round, such as our own backyard, other destinations have "seasons", such as Alaska, Antarctica or northern Europe.

2. How Long To Cruise

Deciding how long you want to be at sea is also important, as cruises can range from quick two-night jaunts to nowhere to world cruises lasting over three months. If you are completely new to cruising, consider a shorter itinerary, perhaps five to seven days, particularly if you are unsure how you will respond to being at sea. This can allow you enough time to get into the "swing of things" and enjoy both the destinations and the facilities on board, without the cruise being too long.

3. Choosing Your Ship

This is determined largely by the style of cruise you want, and who you're cruising with. Five-star luxury across all elements of cruising is generally found on small to mid-sized ships, while larger vessels tend to have more diversity in accommodation and more facilities. It's also important to consider who you're cruising with, as some ships are built specifically with families in mind, with a lineup of kid-specific facilities, but if you're looking for romance, it might be safer to focus on small to medium ships designed for the couples' market.

4. Do Your Research

Once you have a few ships and itineraries in mind, do some more research. Things to check include the size of the vessel and the number of passengers it carries, and the number of days in port versus days at sea if you are unsure of the state of your sea legs. Also check the availability of facilities or services which are important to you on holiday, such as a gym or alternative dining, and read some recent independent reviews to get a clear idea of the type of on-board experience you can expect.

5. Be Accommodation Smart

If you are concerned about seasickness, many travellers prefer accommodation nearer the middle of the ship, where movement may feel less pronounced, and a window can help you look at the horizon. If you are less mobile, request accommodation near the elevators or closer to public decks to minimise walking. Inside staterooms have no window or view, so decide how much a view matters to you, and accommodation with multiple berths is good for groups of friends or small families.

6. Consider Any Health Concerns

Cruising has become more accessible to people of all ages; however, if you need to follow a special diet or use a wheelchair, make sure that the vessel you have chosen can accommodate your needs. Medical capability varies considerably between ships and itineraries. If onboard medical support is important to you, ask the operator what clinical staff, equipment and evacuation arrangements are available on the specific vessel. Itineraries can also involve visiting remote destinations without much in the way of medical services, or long stretches at sea, which could be a problem if there is a health emergency.

7. Cruising With Kids

Check the minimum age of passage with the cruise line you have in mind, or ask your travel agent to advise. Although many mass market cruise lines can accommodate small babies, there can be a minimum age to travel, and for providing essential equipment such as cribs. Also check that your ship has child programs and facilities, especially for younger children, and whether babysitting or child-minding services are available. Accommodation is also important for cruising families, as there are many options depending on the age of your kids and the size of your family. On large ships in particular, options can range from sharing a three or four-berth stateroom to larger suites with two bedrooms.

8. Check What's Included

What's included in a cruise varies between lines, and sometimes between sailings, so check exactly what your booking covers before you commit. Soft drinks, premium coffees, alcohol, alternative dining and gratuities are included by some lines and not by others, and some cruises don't include flights, which is worth knowing if your cruise starts and finishes in different places.

9. Research Your Destinations

Once you've decided on your cruise, think about what to do ashore. Many lines offer organised shore excursions, but if you do some research before you cruise, you may find that some destinations your ship visits can be easily explored on foot, or by using local transport or renting a car. Before booking anything independently, however, make sure you have enough time in port to go it alone. Check the current Smartraveller advice for the destination and any local transport risks, note the ship's all-aboard time, and find out what the operator's arrangements are if you are delayed getting back.

10. Make Sure You're Insured

Take out travel insurance that specifically covers cruising, including onboard medical treatment and medical evacuation. This can still be important on an Australian domestic cruise because Medicare or private health insurance may not apply onboard. Check policy details carefully, making sure everyone travelling in your party is covered adequately, and if you're planning to engage in any sports ashore such as scuba diving, make sure you're covered for those too. Be sure to add a copy of your policy, along with any emergency numbers, to your documentation.

11. Documentation

Check the passport requirements for every destination and transit point. Many countries require at least six months' validity remaining on your passport, while individual cruise lines may apply their own documentation rules, in some cases requiring six months' validity beyond the end of the cruise. If necessary, renew it early to avoid any problems. When it comes to visas, which may be needed to visit certain countries, whether you need one or not largely depends on the passport you're travelling on. Cruise lines generally place the responsibility for visas on the passenger, however, so do your own research, allow plenty of time for obtaining any visas, and if you need multiple visas consider using a visa agency to do the legwork for you.

12. Adults Only

If an adults-only environment matters to you, choose a cruise line or sailing with an explicit minimum-age policy. On other ships, check whether there are adults-only areas and whether the sailing falls in a school-holiday period. Do not assume a luxury, expedition or river cruise will be child-free.

13. Repositioning Cruises

These are worth considering if you are up for a longer cruise. Essentially they are one-off voyages which move a ship from one region to another, and they can offer a longer itinerary with more sea days, and some unusual destinations en route. The only snag is that one-way flights are usually involved, as the cruise starts and ends in a different place, so build these into your travel plans.

14. Check The Dress Code

Although the dress code has eased considerably with a number of major cruise lines, some ships are still more traditional than others when it comes to what to wear and when. For example, some lines still hold formal or "elegant" evenings, and what they expect ranges from black tie to smart attire such as a jacket for men and a cocktail dress for women, so check with your line. If your idea of dressing up is a pair of jeans and a polo shirt, pick a ship without a strict dress code before you book.

15. Balcony Accommodation

A private balcony will give you a quiet place in which to relax, and enjoy views of the ocean and your ports of call. Not all balconies are equal, however, with some having obstructed views, and some being larger than others. Also brush up on some common balcony etiquette: noise can travel, so be mindful when you are outside early in the morning and late at night; if smoking is allowed, never throw butts or matches off your balcony, as they are a potential fire hazard; don't leave things outside when your ship is at sea, as they blow away; and if you need to use your mobile phone, don't speak at the top of your voice.

16. Shore Excursions

Shore excursions vary widely, so before you book, find out exactly what each one involves and what is included so you can plan. For example, if your tour includes a meal, make sure it's suitable for everyone in your party, and check if any special equipment is provided for tours such as snorkelling or hiking. Also make sure you are fit for an excursion; while one may mostly involve being driven around, another may involve walking or climbing stairs.

17. Cruise Ship Dining

Make the best dining arrangements to suit you. Some ships operate "fixed seating" or "traditional dining" in their main dining rooms, where you are assigned to a table for the entire cruise, and will eat dinner every night at the same time. If this doesn't suit, opt for flexible dining if offered. Many ships also offer alternative dining venues, from casual grills to specialty restaurants, some of which require a reservation. Where your line allows it, reserving before you cruise can help you avoid missing out. If you have a food allergy or any other dietary requirement, tell the cruise line in advance, ideally when you book.

18. Norovirus

Norovirus is the most common cause of gastro outbreaks on cruise ships, producing symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. It spreads easily from person to person, via contaminated surfaces such as handrails, and through contaminated food and water. The best protection is to wash your hands often with soap and water, especially before eating and after using the toilet. Alcohol hand sanitiser doesn't work well against norovirus, so use it as well as washing your hands, never instead. If you become unwell, tell the ship's medical centre as soon as possible and follow their advice, and make sure you are properly insured in case you need to see the doctor.

More from UTM: When Should I Cruise There? A Guide to Cruise Seasons by Region, Cruise Ship Dining 101: Sittings, Specialty Restaurants and Special Diets and Travel Like a Pro: Loyalty Programs, Lounges, Upgrades and Seats.

Editor's note. This article brings together UTM's original Top 20 Best Cruise Tips feature, first published in two parts, into a single piece. Consolidated and fact-checked on 22 September 2026.