Over the past 10 years, I've spent 253 days at sea. First-time cruisers need to do these 6 things as soon as they board.

• As soon as you board, it’s important to review safety protocols and unpack your belongings.
• I like to explore the entire ship as soon as possible, so that I don’t miss out on any amenities.

Plus, in my experience, the buffet tends to get crowded, so I like to look for alternative seating options by the pool or even on an upper deck ahead of time.

This story was originally published on January 19, 2026, and most recently updated on August 18, 2026.