I went on my first cruise — here are 15 things that surprised me about this type of travel

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The author on the largest cruise ship in the world
The reporter's first cruise was on board Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I'm a seasoned cruiser, but I still booked the wrong room for my family of 4 on a recent sailing

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Jill Robbins in bed with husband in bed across from her and sons on bed above her on cruise
After so many cruises, I like to think I know what I'm doing when I plan them. However, I made a rookie mistake that put a damper on my family's recent sailing.

Jill Ribbons

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.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Sharon poses on the deck of a cruise ship.
As a frequent traveler, I know all the best things to do as soon as you board a cruise ship.

Sharon Fisher

In my 60s, I sold the home I raised my son in and took a job on a cruise ship. It gave me the freedom I needed.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
Woman posing for photo
The author sold her house and took a job as a cruise photographer.

Courtesy of the author

I've been on over 25 cruises. There are 8 types of rooms I'd never book — and one I swear by.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The Disney Fantasy cruise ship at a dock.
In my opinion, there are a few kinds of rooms to never book on a cruise unless you must.

Lauren Mack

I'm a former cruise director. Here are 9 big mistakes I see first-time passengers make.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
The writer and her husband taking a selfie next to a pool on a cruise ship deck
Christine Kesteloo and her husband live on a cruise ship most of the year.

Christine Kesteloo

I've been on over 50 cruises. Here are 5 things I never buy on the ships.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
megan posing in front of a cruise ship at a port
I've been taking cruises for the last 15 years, and there are some things I still won't spend my money on.

Megan duBois

I've been on over a dozen cruises, but one unexpected voyage stood out among the rest

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Jacqueline poses while bundled up on a boat with icebergs and mountains in the background.
I took a cruise to Alaska and had an incredible time.

Jacqueline Dole

I booked the wrong room on my first cruise, and it was my biggest regret of the 7-day voyage

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A composite image of the author standing on an outdoor cruise ship deck with plants and water slides in the background, and inside a cruise stateroom with a white bed in front of a rectangular window showing the front of the ship.
Business Insider's reporter regretted booking a room at the front of Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

After spending 150 days on Princess Cruises, I earned Elite status. These 4 perks have completely elevated my experience.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
A small pool on the deck of a cruise ship.
I have Elite status on Princess Cruises, which comes with some pretty great perks.

Tammy Barr

Subscribe to Cruise