20 Things NOT to Do on a Cruise (That No One Tells You)
Thinking about your first cruise? Or maybe you’ve been on a few but keep making rookie mistakes? Today, we’re saving you stress, money, and embarrassment with 20 things you should NEVER do on a cruise.
We’re Adam and Mary from Holletts At Sea — cruising, laughing, and sharing the hacks we wish we knew years ago. Let’s dive in before you accidentally commit one of these high-seas blunders.
đźš« The 20 Things You Should NEVER Do on a Cruise
1. Don’t Show Up Late to Embarkation
The ship waits for no one. It will leave you standing on the dock waving like an unpaid extra in a disaster movie.
2. Don’t Pack Your Passport in Checked Luggage
You’ll need it at the terminal. Nothing says “vacation meltdown” like digging through a mountain of bags.
3. Don’t Skip Travel Insurance
We’ve seen people pay thousands out of pocket for missed flights, canceled ports, or onboard medical care. Don’t roll those dice.
4. Don’t Forget to Put Your Phone in Airplane Mode
Unless you love surprise $500 phone bills for scrolling Instagram at sea, flip that switch before sailaway.
5. Don’t Overpack
Cabins are cozy (that’s cruise-speak for small). You don’t need 12 pairs of shoes. Promise.
6. Don’t Ignore the Muster Drill
It’s mandatory and literally teaches you what to do if things go wrong. Five minutes of attention could save your life.
7. Don’t Bring a Power Strip with a Surge Protector
It’ll get confiscated faster than you can say “outlet shortage.” Bring a cruise-approved USB hub instead.
8. Don’t Just Eat at the Buffet
The main dining room and specialty restaurants often serve better food at no extra cost. Try them at least once.
9. Don’t Forget Gratuities
Crew members work incredibly hard. Budget for them — they’re part of cruise culture.
10. Don’t Wait Until the Last Day to Settle Your Bill
Lines will be longer than the buffet on lobster night. Handle it early and skip the chaos.
11. Don’t Miss the Sailaway Party
The music, the drinks, the skyline fading behind you — it’s pure cruise magic. Don’t spend it unpacking socks.
12. Don’t Bring Irons or Candles
Both are major fire hazards and will be confiscated. The ship has laundry services and mood lighting, you’ll survive.
13. Don’t Spend All Your Money in the Casino
The odds are never in your favor — unless you count free drinks while losing.
Fun fact: In September 2025, a passenger jumped ship in Puerto Rico to avoid paying a $16,710 gambling tab. Don’t be that headline.
14. Don’t Assume Wi-Fi Will Be Perfect
You’re in the middle of the ocean, not Starbucks. Download movies, playlists, and maps before you sail.
15. Don’t Book Shore Excursions Blindly
Research before you book. Some DIY adventures save money, others end with missed ships and panic sprints.
16. Don’t Forget Sunscreen
Cruise sun is sneaky. Burn once, and your vacation photos will feature you as “Lobster #3.”
17. Don’t Hog Pool Chairs
Chair hogs are the villains of the high seas. Don’t be that person.
18. Don’t Bring Giant Suitcases
They won’t fit under the bed, and you’ll trip over them all week. Pack smart, not heavy.
19. Don’t Miss Free Shows and Activities
Broadway-level performances, trivia, karaoke — all included! Don’t waste your cruise binge-watching reruns in your cabin.
20. Don’t Forget to Tip a Little Extra
A couple of dollars can make a crew member’s day — and it feels good to spread a little kindness.
Bonus Tip: Use packing cubes to squeeze in extra clothes and stuff dirty ones in your laundry bag later.
Extra Bonus: Don’t sneak alcohol on board. They always know. Always.
🧠Wrap-Up: Cruise Smarter, Laugh Harder
“So those are our 20 things NOT to do on a cruise — and believe us, we’ve learned some of these the hard way.”
Which one surprised you most? Share your own cruise mistakes in the comments — we might feature them in a future post or video!
If you want to learn what you should do on your next cruise, check out our Cruise Hacks Playlist and grab our FREE Cruise Packing List at HollettsAtSea.com.
⚓ Thanks for reading — and remember, don’t hog the pool chairs!