7 Things First-Time Cruisers Regret

And How to Avoid Them on Your Next Shore Day

Picture this: You're stepping off the ship, ready to explore a tropical paradise. You've waited months for this moment. But within hours, your dream turns stressful—you're lost, overpaid for a basic tour, or you're limping back to the ship with sore feet and a soaked phone.

Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. First-time cruisers often fall into the same traps when it comes to shore excursions. But here's the good news: Every one of these mistakes is avoidable. Let’s dive into the 7 most common regrets—and how you can cruise smarter from day one.

1. Waiting Too Long to Book Excursions

Rookie Move: Popular tours get snapped up fast—especially the good ones from reputable local providers. Wait too long and you’re stuck with overpriced or underwhelming ship excursions.

Cruise Like a Pro: Book early through trusted platforms like GetYourGuide. They often offer better prices, smaller groups, and verified reviews. Plus, many include a "return to ship" guarantee.

Avoid overpaying onboard—book smarter with vetted local experiences. 💸🌍

2. Not Allowing Enough Time to Get Back

Rookie Move: You fall in love with a stunning beach, linger too long in that charming local café, or lose track of time bargaining at the market—and suddenly, you're glancing at your watch in panic. The ship's departure is creeping closer, and you're still blocks away from the port. You're navigating unfamiliar streets, adrenaline rising as you try to remember the way back, heart pounding with every step. One wrong turn and you’re running instead of strolling, no longer savoring the moment but trying desperately not to miss the ship.

Cruise Like a Pro: Choose excursions that guarantee a timely return or leave at least 1–2 hours of buffer time. GetYourGuide shows return times clearly in their listings. Being proactive saves you from pier panic and the nightmare of watching your ship sail away without you.

No one wants to be the person sprinting down the pier. Trust me ⏳🚢

3. Wearing the Wrong Shoes

Rookie Move: Flip-flops on a volcano hike? Brand new sandals for a city walking tour? That’s a recipe for sore feet, blisters, and a miserable day. It's easy to underestimate how much walking you'll do on a shore excursion—but after hours of cobblestone streets, uneven trails, or beach hopping, your feet will remind you of every poor decision. Plus, the wrong footwear can even turn into a safety hazard if you're hiking, biking, or climbing.

Cruise Like a Pro: Bring comfortable, broken-in, and weather-appropriate shoes. Whether it’s a cushioned sneaker for long urban walks or waterproof hiking sandals for beach-and-trail combos, your feet will thank you. These Amazon bestsellers have been tested and loved by fellow cruisers—so you can explore without limping back to the ship.

Cruise pro tip: Always prioritize comfort over fashion. 👟🔥

4. Bringing No Waterproof Protection

Rookie Move: One unexpected splash, a sudden rain shower, or a bumpy boat ride—and suddenly your phone, passport copy, or emergency cash is soaked. Saltwater and electronics are a terrible combo, and even freshwater can ruin your day if you're left with a dead phone, unreadable documents, or soggy valuables. It’s not just about tech—wet clothing or ruined snacks can make for a miserable shore experience.

Cruise Like a Pro: Protect your gear before you even leave the ship. A high-quality waterproof phone pouch lets you take pictures safely while kayaking, beach hopping, or walking near the water. Pair it with a lightweight dry bag to store extra clothes, cash, sunscreen, and other essentials—so everything stays dry no matter what. These top-rated Amazon waterproof sets are trusted by seasoned travelers and won’t weigh you down. You'll explore confidently, knowing your valuables are safe.

Protect your memories before they get washed away 💦📱

5. Getting Lost in Port

Rookie Move: You didn’t save a map or research the layout—and now you’re walking in circles, unsure where the ship even is. Every street starts to look the same, and the excitement of exploring quickly turns into rising frustration.

Cruise Like a Pro: Download offline maps (like maps.me or Google Maps offline), and book guided tours with exact meeting points, like these ones on GetYourGuide. Preparation is power.

Know where you're going before you get off the ship 🧭📍

6. Not Bringing Cash

Rookie Move: Your card gets declined at a local stall or you miss the chance to tip your awesome guide. It’s awkward, frustrating, and can make you feel unprepared when you should be focused on enjoying the moment.

Cruise Like a Pro: Always have $10–$20 in small bills, tucked in a safe place like this Amazon travel belt. Most local vendors prefer cash, and it’s a nice gesture for good service. Having cash ready also means you can grab that fresh local snack, hop on a bus, or leave a well-deserved tip without scrambling for change.

Cash is king in many cruise ports. Don’t be caught off guard 💵👜

7. Following the Crowd

Rookie Move: You follow the herd off the ship, straight into a crowded bus with 40 other tourists. The guide sticks to a script, and you shuffle from one photo stop to the next. It’s loud, rushed, and impersonal—and instead of discovering the heart of the destination, you’re stuck behind a sea of selfie sticks and souvenir shops.

Cruise Like a Pro: Choose small-group or private excursions for a richer, more authentic experience. With platforms like GetYourGuide, you can find unique tours led by locals who show you hidden gems, favorite food spots, and real stories. You’ll connect more deeply with the place—and enjoy the freedom to explore at your own pace.

Big groups = small experiences. Choose the road less traveled 🚐🌿

Final Thoughts

Your cruise vacation should be full of memories—not mishaps. By learning from these 7 common mistakes, you’re already ahead of the game. Choose the right excursions, gear up smart, and plan with intention—and your next shore day will be unforgettable.

Avoid these rookie mistakes – and make the most of your shore day!

Explore smart excursions on GetYourGuide
Find shore day essentials on Amazon

Happy cruising! 🚢🌴

Get Ready for Your Next Adventure!

Are you packed and ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Don’t forget to check out my ultimate cruise packing list to make sure you’re prepared for all the action-packed excursions! 🧳🌟