Why I Love Working With First-Time Cruisers

Recently, I was working with a client who was planning a cruise.

During our conversation, they told me something that caught my attention:

“We don't have passports, so I guess we can only go to the Bahamas.”

My response was basically:

“Who told you that?”

And this is exactly why I love working with first-time cruisers.

Not because first-time cruisers don't know anything. Everybody has a first cruise.

I love working with first-time cruisers because I get the opportunity to help you start your cruising journey with the right information, realistic expectations, and someone there to guide you through the process.

No Passport Doesn't Automatically Mean “Bahamas Only”

Let's start with that conversation.

Many U.S. citizens are surprised to learn that certain closed-loop cruises—cruises that begin and end at the same U.S. port—may allow eligible U.S. citizens to travel with approved citizenship and identification documents instead of a passport.

That can open up more possibilities than someone may realize.

However, documentation requirements depend on your itinerary, citizenship, cruise line, destinations, and individual circumstances. A passport may be required for some cruises, and I strongly recommend traveling with one when possible.

That's exactly why you shouldn't make assumptions about where you can or cannot travel.

Ask.

You may have more options than you think.

First-Time Cruisers Haven't Developed Cruise “Habits” Yet

This reminds me of something I learned in management.

Sometimes it's easier to teach someone something correctly from the beginning than to have them unlearn years of bad habits.

Cruising can be the same way.

Maybe someone told you:

“Always book the cheapest cabin.”

“Never use a travel advisor.”

“You have to buy the drink package.”

“You can't cruise without a passport.”

“Wait until the last minute because cruises get cheaper.”

Some of those statements may occasionally fit someone's situation.

But they aren't universal rules.

When you're cruising for the first time, I have an opportunity to help you understand why you're making certain decisions instead of simply copying what somebody else does.

I'm Not Just Here to Find You a Deal

This is something I want people to understand about what I do.

I'm not just a deal finder.

Can I look for a good price?

Absolutely.

But if price were the only thing that mattered, you could go online, sort from lowest to highest, click “Book,” and be done.

That's not where my real value is.

I'm here to guide you.

I'm here to help you understand what you're buying.

There's a big difference.

Think of Me as Your Travel Assistant

Here's one of the easiest ways I can explain my role.

Imagine you had a personal assistant and said:

“I want to take my family on a cruise next summer. Here's my budget. Here's what we like. Help me figure this out.”

That's me.

Your travel assistant.

You tell me what you're trying to accomplish, and I help you navigate the options.

Which cruise line?

Which ship?

Which itinerary?

Which cabin?

Passport or birth certificate?

Drink package or pay as you go?

Travel protection?

Excursions?

Dining?

Online check-in?

There are a lot of little decisions between saying “I want to take a cruise” and actually walking onto that ship.

You don't have to figure all of them out alone.

I Want You to Know What You Booked

One of my biggest goals with a first-time cruiser is making sure you aren't walking onto the ship completely clueless about what happens next.

I may send you:

• YouTube videos of your ship

• Videos showing your cabin or cabin category

• Facebook groups for your particular sailing or ship

• Information about your ports

• Reminders about travel documents

• Information about check-in

• Suggestions for excursions and onboard activities

I want you to see the ship.

I want you to understand your cabin.

I want you to know what is included and what costs extra.

I want you to know what documents you're supposed to bring.

And most importantly, I want you to ask questions.

There is no stupid first-cruise question.

I'd rather you ask me before the trip than find out the hard way once you're standing at the cruise terminal.

Your First Cruise Shouldn't Feel Like a Test

Cruising has its own language.

Port.

Starboard.

Embarkation.

Disembarkation.

Tender ports.

Guaranteed cabins.

Balcony categories.

Specialty dining.

Gratuities.

Onboard credit.

If you've never cruised before, why would I expect you to automatically know all of that?

That's what I'm here for.

You don't need to become a cruise expert before taking your first cruise.

You just need access to someone who can help you understand it.

And Yes, I Love the Challenge

First-time cruisers ask questions that sometimes make me stop and think.

I actually enjoy that.

Sometimes a question sends me researching.

Sometimes we discover an option the client didn't know existed.

Sometimes what you originally thought you wanted isn't actually the best vacation for you.

That's part of the process.

I'm not here to tell you what vacation you have to take.

I'm here to show you the options, explain the differences, and help you make an informed decision.

My Goal Is to Create an Educated Traveler

I don't just want to book your first cruise.

I want your first experience to teach you something.

Afterward, I want you to know:

What type of cabin you prefer.

What part of the ship you like.

Whether you need a drink package.

What type of itinerary fits you.

Whether you prefer a smaller ship or a floating resort.

Maybe you'll discover you love cruising.

Maybe you'll discover you'd rather stay at an all-inclusive resort.

Either way, we've learned something about your travel style.

And when it's time for vacation number two, we're not starting from zero.

We're building on experience.

Final Thoughts

First-time cruisers are some of my favorite clients because I get to be there at the beginning.

I get to answer the questions.

Correct the misconceptions.

Explain the options.

Help you prepare.

And hopefully watch you come home saying:

“Okay...when are we going again?”

So if you've never cruised before, don't feel like you need to know everything before contacting me.

That's the point of having a travel advisor.

Bring me the questions.

Bring me the budget.

Bring me the “I heard somebody say...”

Bring me the “I don't know how any of this works.”

We'll figure out the rest together.

I'm not just here to book your vacation.

I'm here to be your travel assistant.

Turning travel wishes into reality—starting with cruise number one.

— Eric Miles
Poet's Year-Round Travel