‘Most important’: All the things you need to know before a cruise
Updated . First published
The number of Australians taking holidays at sea has surged to record numbers, with a total of 1.45m Aussies getting on a ship in 2025, per the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).
Cruising brings with it a whole new way of doing things. First timers, as well as more seasoned cruises, are constantly looking for ways to make the best of their voyage.
Cruising is surging in popularity with Aussies. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Here, Nine.com.au has rounded up some helpful tips from some of the best Aussie and international experts we’ve spoken to over the years.
Cruise booking hacks
Once you’re ready to book, make sure you keep an eye on the prices.
With some cruise lines, if the price drops once you have booked your holiday, you can contact the company and see if you can secure the new price.
As you’re booking you’ll also need to choose your cabin.
Balconies are a favourite for many, but can be expensive.
“If you are doing a short cruise, save your money and just book an interior or ocean view,” Katrina, from Cruise360, told nine.com.au.
Repositioning cruises can also be much better value than regular cruises, they advised.
Balcony cabins are sought-after but are more expensive. Supplied
As for a bucket-list cruise to Antarctica, there are ways to see it for less.
While you won’t get to disembark, some cruise ships sail right by the continent for much less than a pricey expedition trip.
What to pack for a cruise
The next thing to contend with is packing.
And the captain of the prestigious Queen Mary 2 said he sees travellers often make the same blunder.
The captain of the Queen Mary 2 said passengers often bring too much luggage, Supplied
“People always bring too many dresses or whatever,” Captain Tomás Connery told nine.com.au.
Indeed, cruise expert Honida Beram fromCruising with Honey, said destination dressing is the “most important” thing when packing for a cruise.
“Wherever you’re cruising, the destination should dictate your staple wardrobe,” she wrote.
It is also vital you take certain items out of your packing and leave them at home.
Power boards, clothes steamers and travel irons and kettles are banned and will be confiscated until you return.
A table of all the items taken off cruisers in Sydney. Sarah Swain
There are some things you are allowed which are surprising, though.
Ships normally allow a set number of cans of soft drink and even wine to be brought in hand luggage.
Check your cruise line’s website to see their rules.
Once you’re all set, do make sure you log on and join a Facebook group for your cruise.
Canny sailors can just do a search, and it’s likely somebody will have created a group for your particular sailing.
It means you can ask advice and meet people who’ll be on the ship with you.
Cruising from Sydney and Australia is popular - but there are more guidelines to follow if flying to a ship. Supplied
Cruise mistakes to avoid
Then it’s finally time to board.
Make sure you take things seriously as you go through customs and security.
One officer took great delight in telling a nine.com.au journalist he could actually refuse them entry to the ship because they were on their phone as they went through.
Cruise fans are increasingly flying to other countries to sail, experts say. And that brings with it a new set of tips to wise up on.
That includes never flying in on the day of your cruise. If you’re delayed, you may miss the ship.
A cruise is not like a land holiday, experts say, and you need to plan for it. Supplied
There’s also one major thing plenty of newbie cruisers get wrong once on board too.
“One of the biggest mistakes is treating a cruise like a land holiday,” Leanne from Cruising Travellers tells nine.com.au.
“A ship isn’t just transport between ports, it’s part of the experience.”
Another common mistake is not checking what’s included in your cruise fare when you book.
Some cruise lines demand you pay extra for some things such as speciality dining, while others bundle everything in packages.
