Your first time on each cruise line

The short answer

Every cruise line does the basics the same way, and the details very differently: how gratuities are charged, what the drinks package covers, whether there are formal nights, and how you board. Pick your line below for its first-timer tips and its rules, quoted from its own website with the date we checked.

By Kathryn Lyn2 min readReviewed September 2026

Not sure which line yet? Start with the best cruise line for first-timers.

Carnival cruise tips for first timers

Carnival is casual, fun and good value, which makes it a popular first cruise. Download the Carnival HUB app before you sail, register a card to your Sail & Sign account, pack one dressier outfit for Cruise Elegant night, and budget for the daily gratuity Carnival adds to your account automatically.

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Royal Caribbean tips for first time cruisers

Royal Caribbean ships offer water parks, surf simulators and ice shows. On your first sailing, use the Royal Caribbean app to book shows and dining before you board, plan for $18.50 per guest per day in gratuities, and pack one smarter outfit for a Dress Your Best night.

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Disney cruise tips for first timers

A Disney cruise is built around families: rotational dining moves you and your servers to a different themed restaurant each night, the kids' clubs are excellent, and soft drinks at meals are included. Book Port Adventures and adult dining early, pack for pirate and dress-up nights, and budget Disney's recommended gratuity of $16 per guest per night.

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Norwegian Cruise Line tips for first timers

Norwegian (NCL) is built around freedom: no set dining times, no formal nights and casual dress throughout. Decide on Free at Sea perks when you book, reserve specialty dining early, and read NCL's tipping policy, which says you should not feel obliged to tip for general service but still adds 20% to drinks and specialty dining.

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Princess cruise tips for first timers

Princess is calmer and more traditional than the big party ships, and especially strong in Alaska. Your OceanMedallion is your key and wallet, so set it up before sailing. Budget Princess's Crew Appreciation of $18 per person per day in standard cabins, and pack for a couple of dressier nights.

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Celebrity Cruises tips for first timers

Celebrity is modern and polished, with an adult-leaning crowd and strong food. Complete online check-in at least three days before sailing, pack smart-casual evening clothes, know that everyone of drinking age in a cabin must buy the same drinks package, and budget $19.50 per guest per day in gratuities in standard cabins.

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MSC Cruises tips for first timers

MSC is a European line with big modern ships and a truly international crowd. Check what your fare includes, know that everyone at your dining table must hold the same drinks package, budget for the daily hotel service charge, and pack an outfit for Gala Night.

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Holland America tips for first timers

Holland America is quieter and more traditional, with smaller ships than the big resort lines, live music and long, port-rich itineraries, and it's a leader in Alaska. Complete online check-in at least 30 days ahead, pack smart casual plus cocktail attire for Dressy Nights, and budget $18 per guest per day for Crew Appreciation.

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Virgin Voyages tips for first timers

Virgin Voyages is adults only (18 and over), with no buffet-style mass dining, no formal nights, basic WiFi included and a simple gratuity of $22 per Sailor per day, or $20 if prepaid, with nothing added to drinks. There's no drinks package; you can pre-load a Bar Tab instead.

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Viking cruise tips for first timers

Viking ocean cruises are adults only (18 and over), destination-focused and quiet, with no casinos and no formal nights. Wine, beer and soft drinks come with lunch and dinner, WiFi is included, and you can bring your own alcohol with no corkage fee. Budget $20 per person per night in gratuities if not prepaid.

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Carnival cruise tips for first timers

Royal Caribbean tips for first time cruisers

Disney cruise tips for first timers

Norwegian Cruise Line tips for first timers

Princess cruise tips for first timers

Celebrity Cruises tips for first timers

MSC Cruises tips for first timers

Holland America tips for first timers

Virgin Voyages tips for first timers

Viking cruise tips for first timers

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