Seven things cruise passengers often do wrong

A new port almost every morning, exciting adventures during the day and a relaxed dinner on board in the evening - cruises offer unforgettable experiences: But behind the fascinating variety on offer lurk pitfalls that can spoil a holiday from one moment to the next.

Whether it's missed ships, unexpectedly high costs or an unpleasant surprise on arrival - many of these pitfalls are avoidable. Here are the seven most common and annoying mistakes:

1. Not arriving until the day of departure

Many passengers choose to arrive on the day of departure, but this is a risky decision. Even minor flight delays can result in missing your cruise. Remember, flight schedules are not guaranteed, and airlines are not obligated to compensate you for missed cruises caused by delays or cancellations. To ensure a smooth and stress-free start to your trip, plan to arrive at least one day before departure.

2. Arriving without travel documents

Passengers frequently arrive at the port without valid identification documents and are turned away—without a refund. The travel documents required for a cruise depend on several factors, including citizenship, the cruise line, and the destinations. Generally, a valid passport is necessary and should remain valid for at least six months beyond the return date. Even for cruises within the Schengen area, carrying a passport is usually the safest option. Depending on the itinerary, a visa may also be required.

Before the trip, you will receive an embarkation card from the cruise line. Upon embarkation, the cruise line issues an ID card, which serves as your room key, means of payment, and proof of identification throughout the trip.

3. Ignoring the pregnancy rule

Most cruise lines only allow you to travel up to the 23rd week of pregnancy. From the beginning of the 24th week, you will be refused embarkation for safety reasons. The pregnancy week is usually calculated on the basis of the medical certificate.

4. Taking babies under six months of age

As a general rule, babies under six months of age are not allowed on cruise ships. Most cruise lines have strict age limits to ensure the safety and well-being of infants on board. For voyages with several consecutive days at sea (e.g. transatlantic or expedition cruises), the age limit is often 12 months, as medical care on the high seas is limited. Check the cruise line's policies as age requirements may vary depending on the route and cruise line!

5. Not switching your phone to flight mode

It is highly advisable to switch your phone to flight mode on cruises. Cruise ships often use maritime satellite networks that charge extremely high fees for mobile services. Even receiving messages or automatically synchronising apps can incur significant costs. Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi for a fee. To use it, flight mode is necessary to avoid additional connections via the mobile network. Also, download maps, films, books and music before you travel to be independent of internet access!

6. Not taking out travel insurance

Without insurance, travellers can be left facing high costs in the event of unexpected events such as cancellation or illness. Medical emergencies at sea can cost up to five figures for repatriation.

7. Being late when returning to port

If you don't return to the ship on time, you risk missing the departure. Shipping companies depend on keeping to their timetables, as arrival and departure times in ports are often strictly coordinated and delays can cause high costs or logistical problems. The phenomenon of passengers arriving too late and missing the ship – often referred to as ‘pier runners’ – is not uncommon. Videos of desperate passengers waving from the pier at their departing ship regularly appear on social media. With careful planning, such stressful situations can easily be avoided.