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

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

I spent 85 days on cruises this year. Here are 5 travel mistakes I won't be making in 2026.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Jill Schildhouse smling in front of two cruise ships in CocoCay
After many cruises across Europe, Asia, and the Caribbean, I learned the hard way what happens when you overschedule.

Jill Schildhouse

I spent Christmas and New Year's Eve on a cruise with a few family members. I doubt I'd ever do it again.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Erin Yarnall smiling on a cruise in front of a glacier
One year, I spent the holidays sailing past Antarctica on a 22-day cruise with a few of my family members.

Erin Yarnall

I went on a Mediterranean cruise in the winter and was pleasantly surprised. It's the best season for this kind of travel.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
The author and her husband posing together on an excursion from their cruise.
I went on a winter cruise to the Mediterranean and think it's the best season to visit the region.

Rebecca Deurlein

We paid over $14,000 for the cheapest room on an ultra-luxury cruise. Take a look inside our ship and 350-square-foot suite.

Tech Insider : Travel, Business, Style
Cruise ship at end of dock
We booked an over-the-top cruise on Silversea's Silver Ray. Our ultra-luxury trip was complete with personal butlers, unlimited caviar, and gourmet dining experiences.

David Morris

My husband and I spent Thanksgiving on a cruise ship with friends for about $1,300 a person. We'd do it again for other holidays.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
carnival cruise ship lit up at night
We sailed on a Carnival Cruise over the Thanksgiving holiday.

Katrina Wilson

After 50 cruises, I still wasn't prepared for my first expedition sailing. I wish I'd known how it'd differ from other trips.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Megan duBois at Glacier Lagoon in Iceland
Glacier Lagoon in Iceland

Megan duBois

When I went on my first cruise, I did 5 things to save money without cheapening the experience

Tech Insider : Travel, Business
A wide shot of the author taking photos on the cruise.
I saved money on my first cruise by opting out of package upgrades and booking an interior cabin.

Waverly Colville

I took a 12-night cruise across Asia with my 64-year-old parents. I was exhausted, but I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel, Business
Author Allie Hubers with her sister, parents smiling in front of water
As my parents get older, I find myself planning more of the family trips and handling logistics and issues, which can be mentally draining.

Allie Hubers

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