Those who have traveled on a cruise before are probably already familiar with cruise dos and don’ts. But for cruise rookies out there, this is a brand new experience. If you’re one of them, you probably do not know what to expect, especially since there will be a ton of other passengers. Good thing we’re here to help. Read on to know about five things you should not do on your first cruise trip.

Don’t forget to turn off your data
First-time passengers are often surprised and dumbfounded by their expensive cellular bills after a cruise. These high bills are only a result of the international data and roaming charges applied to cell services. If you do want to avoid these pricy bills, you can opt to turn off cellular data for the whole duration of your trip or while nearing a coast or port. You can also switch off your cell phone or put it on airplane mode to avoid unnecessary costs. However, this does not mean that you cannot contact your loved ones on land. You can simply use the internet cafes onboard or pay to access Wi-Fi services throughout the trip.

Don’t shop too much
One of the biggest mistakes first-time travelers make is shopping way too much at ports. Sure, shopping on vacation is normal, but going overboard will leave you with more luggage and increase your vacation budget. Many cruise travelers have also observed that they rarely use the things they buy while on vacation. Instead, shop for souvenirs and mementos for yourself and family and friends. These are excellent reminders of a great trip and can fit into your luggage with ease.

Don’t skip out on travel insurance
Travel insurance is a must-have if you’re thinking about traversing the globe and vacationing on a cruise. This is to avoid any major losses. We rely on many things that we have no control over when traveling. Your flight could be delayed due to bad weather, or there could be a cancellation on your ticket, or traffic could cause you to miss your flight. In such situations, travel insurance will allow you to get your money back without a hassle. Travel insurance also protects you from cancellation fees and covers the costs of loss of luggage.

Don’t misjudge your cruise fare
Another common mistake first-time cruise travelers make is not paying attention to their cruise fares. The price of a cruise is typically not all-inclusive. This means: the fare of your cruise does not usually include meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, and other services. Fares are also not inclusive of other classes, spa treatments, and even onboard activities. As a result, you may end up spending a lot more than the cost of the cruise ticket. To limit your costs and prevent additional expenses, you can instead purchase a beverage and meal plan and your cruise ticket. Some cruises even offer discounts for onboard activities and classes.

Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen
While onboard, you probably will spend a lot of time on the deck or by the pool. This calls for sunscreen, as you will be spending hours under the sun. And no one wants to spend their vacation with sunburns.