{"id":15545,"date":"2025-07-06T14:09:31","date_gmt":"2025-07-06T14:09:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/?p=15545"},"modified":"2025-07-08T13:47:25","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T13:47:25","slug":"101-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-cruise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/have-kids-will-travel.com\/index.php\/2025\/07\/06\/101-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-my-first-cruise\/","title":{"rendered":"101 Things I Wish I Knew Before My First Cruise"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"101<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Planning your first cruise? We love cruising, and I think you’ll love it too. Cruising combines relaxation, adventure, and convenience\u2014all in one trip. Unpack once, visit multiple destinations, and enjoy world-class dining and service onboard. You choose how active or laid-back each day is. The whole family is entertained. With lodging, meals, and activities included, it ends up being a great deal for our family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, get ready for one of the most exciting and relaxing vacations you’ll ever take\u2014but also one with its own set of rules, routines, and hidden surprises. Whether you’re sailing with Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Disney, or Princess, cruising is a unique experience that can feel overwhelming for beginners. So, here’s the ultimate list of cruise tips, tricks, and hacks every first-time cruiser should know. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is a LOOOONG list…you might want to make a sandwich…<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"101<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

You Can Bid on Cabins<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Many cruise lines now offer cabin upgrade bidding programs<\/em>, allowing passengers to bid on higher-category rooms (like balconies or suites) at a potentially discounted rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How It Works:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After booking, the cruise line may email you an invitation (usually 1\u20134 weeks before sailing). Select which cabin types you’re willing to bid on (e.g., oceanview, balcony, suite). Use a sliding scale or set your offer for each category. Some lines let you bid on multiple room types at once. You’ll be notified\u2014typically 2\u20137 days before your cruise\u2014if your bid was accepted. If accepted, your bid is charged automatically. Most bids are final and non-refundable<\/em>. The cruise line will assign your cabin location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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    Major Cruise Lines That Offer Bidding:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n