Your First Cruise Starts Here 🛳️
Everything Kenny wishes somebody told him before his first sailing.
The cruise, explained like a friend.
No jargon, no judgment. Here's what actually happens on a cruise — and what to do about it.
Boarding Day
You'll show up, drop your big bags with porters outside, walk through security, scan your docs, and step onto the ship. Boom — you're on vacation.
Kenny says: book the earliest check-in time you can. More ship, more buffet, more pool chair real estate.
Muster Drill
A short, mandatory safety check-in at your assigned station. On most lines you can do it on the app — just don't skip it or the ship won't sail.
Kenny says: do it the second you board. Out of the way, drink in hand, vacation begins.
Dining Rooms vs Buffet
The Main Dining Room (MDR) is sit-down, multi-course, included. The buffet is faster, more chaotic, also included. Specialty restaurants cost extra but are usually worth it once.
Yes, the buffet WILL become your second home. Don't fight it.
Theme Nights
Most ships do a white night, an 80s night, a tropical night, plus formal/elegant night. They're optional but way more fun if you play along.
Kenny says: pack one ridiculous outfit. You'll regret it if you don't.
Sea Days
No port, all ship. Pool, trivia, comedy, naps, more naps, and a buffet that somehow keeps appearing.
Sea days are the cruise. Everything else is a bonus.
Port Days
The ship docks somewhere fun. Get off, do something, get back BEFORE all-aboard time. Use ship time, not local time.
Kenny says: missing the ship is a story you don't want to tell.
Casino Basics
Open at sea, closed in port. Use your cruise card every single time you play — that's how you earn points, drinks, and future offers.
No card swipe, no points. Don't leave them on the table.
Drink Packages
Unlimited drinks for a flat daily rate. Great if you'll have 5+ drinks per day. Basic soda/coffee/water packages exist too.
Kenny says: do the math BEFORE the gangway, not after the second mojito.
Internet Packages
Cruise Wi-Fi is fine for messaging and basic browsing. Streaming plans cost more. You usually save by buying before sailing.
Truthfully? You're on vacation. Touch grass… or saltwater.
Tipping
Most lines auto-add daily gratuities for crew. Specialty dining and bar tabs add an automatic gratuity too. Extra cash tips for great service are always appreciated.
Kenny says: tip your room steward early. Magic happens.
Excursions
Tours you book in port — beaches, snorkeling, jungle stuff. Booking through the cruise line is safer (the ship waits if you're late). Independent is cheaper but on you.
First cruise? Book through the ship. Future-you will high-five present-you.
Motion Sickness Tips
Modern ships barely move. Pick a midship cabin lower in the ship if you're worried. Pack Dramamine, Bonine, or wristbands just in case.
Kenny says: ginger ale is your friend. So is fresh air on the promenade.
Tap. Pack. Sail.
Saved on your device automatically. No accounts, no nonsense.
Hard-earned, mildly dramatic.
"Get to the terminal earlier than you think."
Talk like you've sailed before.
Real questions. Real answers.
Watch before you sail.
Coming soon — Kenny's curated first-cruiser playlist.
You're going to love it.
Cruising sounds complicated until you do it once. Then you spend the rest of your life counting down to the next one. Welcome to the club.