Cruising is one of the most convenient ways to travel, but there are still plenty of tips and tricks that can help you get more out of your experience—whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned cruiser. From maximizing your onboard time to saving money before you even board, these cruise hacks will help you cruise smarter.
- Fly in the day before embarkation
Flight delays and cancellations can ruin your cruise before it begins. Always arrive at the departure city at least one day early to avoid travel-day stress. Book flexible rates on sites like Booking.com or Expedia for nearby hotels. - Use magnetic hooks in your cabin
Cruise ship cabin walls are made of metal, which means magnetic hooks are a smart space-saver. Use them to hang hats, lanyards, swimsuits, and bags, freeing up precious shelf and drawer space. - Bring a carry-on with essentials on embarkation day
Your checked bags may take hours to arrive at your stateroom. Pack a carry-on with a swimsuit, medications, phone chargers, sunscreen, and anything else you’ll need for the first few hours onboard. - Download the cruise line app ahead of time
Most major cruise lines have dedicated mobile apps for checking in, reserving shows, viewing daily schedules, messaging fellow guests, and managing onboard spending. Download and explore your app before you board. - Avoid the buffet on embarkation day
Everyone heads straight to the buffet when they first board. For a calmer experience, go to a main dining room or specialty restaurant that’s open for lunch—most first-day crowds won’t. - Use a luggage tag holder instead of taping printed tags
Instead of using tape or staples for your cruise luggage tags, invest in reusable plastic holders that protect them from damage. You can find these on sites like Amazon. - Book shore excursions early for the best selection
Popular excursions sell out quickly. Book directly through your cruise line or trusted third parties like Viator or GetYourGuide. Cashback apps like Rakuten sometimes offer savings on excursion bookings. - Bring a refillable water bottle
Cruise ships rarely provide bottled water for free. Instead, use a refillable bottle and fill it at drink stations. Collapsible bottles are especially handy for excursions and packing light. - Use night lights and power strips in your cabin
Cabins can be dark, especially interior rooms. Bring a travel-sized night light for nighttime visibility. Non-surge-protected power strips also help with limited outlet space. - Check for cashback offers before booking travel essentials
Before you book pre-cruise hotels, airport transportation, or travel gear, check apps like Ibotta or Rakuten. You can get rebates or cashback on purchases from sites like Walmart, Target, and even some travel brands.
Bonus tip: While cruise lines like Disney may not accept third-party gift cards, others such as Carnival allow you to apply gift cards during booking. If you’re sailing with Carnival, consider buying a gift card through Fluz to earn cashback on your cruise before you even board.
