After 20 Years Cruising: 15 Pieces of Old Advice We Stopped Following and What We Do Instead

# What changed after 20 years at sea

1. Stop booking the cheapest fare by default

Old habit: pick the lowest sticker price. That once worked because fare structures were simpler and refundable options were common. Now fares are segmented into refundable and nonrefundable categories and bundled products that include drinks, Wi‑Fi, and gratuities often change the value calculation.

• Compare fare types, terms, and cancellation rules—don't judge solely by the headline price.
• Price out bundled offerings (for example, packages that include beverages or Wi‑Fi) against ala carte costs to see total value.

2. Stop relying on paper, power strips, and other old gear

Old habit: bring a "veteran-cruiser kit" with paper daily planners, lanyards, printed documents, and power strips.

What changed: daily planners, boarding passes, and onboard schedules are now in cruise line apps. Cabins increasingly include USB ports and extra outlets, and many cruise lines ban extension cords and power strips for safety reasons. Some lines also restrict specific items such as Bluetooth speakers or smart glasses in public spaces.

• Pack a cruise-approved multi-port charging block rather than a power strip.
• Check the cruise line's prohibited items list before packing—rules differ between lines and update over time.

3. Stop arriving at the terminal hours early hoping to board first

Old habit: show up at the pier as early as possible to be first in line and board when the gangway opens.

What changed: cruise lines now stagger arrival times during online check-in to reduce terminal crowding. Lines may refuse guests who show up too early for their assigned window or make them wait outside until the window begins.

• Complete online check-in immediately when it opens and reserve the earliest available arrival window.
• Treat the assigned early window as the advantage, not physically arriving earlier than that time.
• Pack a carry-on with essentials because cabins often aren't ready until the afternoon even if you have an early arrival window.

4. Stop overpacking formalwear

Old habit: pack multiple formal outfits—suits, tuxes, gowns—for formal nights.

What changed: dress expectations on many ships have relaxed. Formal nights are less uniformly formal than they once were, so packing multiple full formal looks is often unnecessary.

• Pack one versatile dress or jacket-and-sport-shirt combination if you want to attend evening events that feel dressier.
• Prioritize lightweight, space-saving pieces rather than multiple heavy formal garments.

# Practical pattern behind the changes

The authors' adjustments follow a consistent logic: don't assume older rules still apply, verify current line-specific policies, and trade bulk and ritual for flexibility and modern conveniences. That approach reduces stress, avoids surprises at embarkation, and often saves money when you evaluate total value rather than sticker price.