14 Things to Do on Your First Cruise Trip (Budget Tips!)

If you’re on a strict budget and your upcoming cruise trip is your first time, maybe these tips will help you save money and have the best time of your life!

My first and only cruise experience was Royal Caribbean 7 Night Spice of Southeast Asia last January 2019. I came with my family and two of my aunties, and we visited Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand.

Check out my experience aboard “one of the best cruises” i.e. Royal Caribbean (as recognized by many publishers including Conde Nast) + budget port destination ideas (if you’re cruising in Southeast Asia).

Since it was my first time, I had nothing to compare it with, and there were things I would’ve prepared for. Read up and know what and how to get everything sorted out in advance, so you will have a great cruise experience!

Check-in online

My auntie did the booking and she asked us to check-in online before the start of the cruise trip. This is important because you need to update your personal information, print SetSail passes, and learn more details about the trip.

Bring a water tumbler

You only get the first set of water bottles in your cabin for free. After that, you have to pay. But why pay when you can refill water from the filling station at the buffet?

Bring an id lace

Royal Caribbean provides a key card that you use not only to open your room but also to access activities and restaurants, borrow towels at the pool, get off and back the ship, and more. So, a waterproof id lace prevents you from misplacing it especially when you don’t want to bring a pouch, or your clothes don’t have pockets. You can buy one on board but it’s definitely cheaper to bring one from outside.

Pack a semi-formal outfit

There’s a formal night and most nights at the Dining Hall recommend guests to show up wearing decent clothes. I usually wore dresses or trousers with some flowy top. No sandos, shorts, and flipflops.

Bring a set of clothes for the gym

With all the eating and sitting on board, I think you would want to shed some calories at the gym or wall climbing facility. On our cruise trip, the Royal Caribbean Voyager of the Seas definitely had a gym—we just didn’t use it. Lol

Pack a change of clothes on your carry on

Your room might not be ready yet, especially when you board so early (we did! Lol) so to pass time you can already have fun in the pool.

Rent your portable wifi

Not to be a slave to the internet, but I always make sure I have access to wi-fi when I travel because I rely on Google Maps a lot. Also, because I had to check work emails. 🙂 There’s definitely wifi on board but as expected, it was expensive. In my opinion, it’s better to bring your own. You can read about our experience using Skyroam during the cruise here.

Research alternatives for shore excursions

My number one tip if you’re on a budget. The shore excursions offered by Royal Caribbean were really steep, and we saved more than half the price booking the exact same activities with other providers.

Always check the daily itinerary and listen to announcements

The cruise staff have random, but also important announcements made on the intercom so try to pay attention. The daily itinerary usually covers these things, together with critical information like docking and disembarking time—you wouldn’t want to get left behind!

Put on sunscreen, wear a hat, and use an umbrella

It’s very hot at the port destinations! If your cruise trip will port in Singapore, Malaysia, or Thailand, do check out these budget shore excursions my family and I did instead of those offered by Royal Caribbean.

Check local prices beforehand

Especially if you’re planning to hire a taxi on the spot so you’ll know how much to haggle.

Know which onboard amenities are free

Ice cream, towels, the use of pool and jacuzzi, theater shows, wall climbing, gym, and so on are most likely free. You probably have to pay for professional photos, the spa, and specialty restaurants. Of course, we avoided those and yet, we still had a great time!

Promote your business… LOL

I saw that flat paper fridge magnet at our deck and immediately thought it was a great idea. It was just a small thing, but it caught my attention. I bet the person did get a lead or two from that cruise trip.

Leave a tip

Housekeeping people are very warm and friendly, and they always make sure your room is clean. I think they deserve a tip but that’s totally up to you. Being a noob, my auntie gave us the money to leave for our housekeeping guy. 🙂

There you have it! Whether you have snagged awesome cruise deals from one of the best cruise lines or not, these wallet-friendly tips are meant to help you be more practical and save a bit of money. Even on a budget, I still enjoyed the experience!

Are you going or have you been on a cruise? Please share in the comments if the same tips can be applied to other cruise lines as well. I’d love to know!