First-Time Cruising

5 Things to Do on First Day of Cruise

Updated May 23, 20255 min readBy the Cruise Compass editors

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The short answer

Spend the first day of your cruise exploring the ship, attending the mandatory muster drill, and enjoying the sail-away party.

The first day of your cruise is an exciting time, filled with anticipation and exploration, as you get to know your new home for the next few days, with typical cabin prices ranging from $800 to $2000 per person for a 7-night cruise, depending on the cruise line and category.

In this article, we will cover the top 5 things to do on the first day of your cruise, including attending the mandatory muster drill, exploring the ship's facilities, and enjoying the sail-away party, to help you make the most of your time on board and set the tone for a fantastic vacation.

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Getting Familiar with the Ship's Layout

The first day of your cruise is the perfect time to get familiar with the ship's layout, including the location of your cabin, the dining venues, and the entertainment options, with many ships having a deck plan available online or at the reception desk, which can be very helpful in planning your day.

Take some time to explore the ship, and don't be afraid to ask the crew for directions or recommendations, as they are always happy to help, and you can typically find them at the reception desk or in the public areas, such as the pool or the bar.

Check the daily program for special events
Explore the spa and wellness center
Visit the shop for essentials

Attending the Muster Drill

The muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise that takes place on the first day of your cruise, usually within the first few hours of departure, and it's essential to attend, as it will teach you what to do in case of an emergency, with the drill typically lasting around 30 minutes.

During the drill, you will learn about the emergency procedures, including how to put on a life jacket, and where to assemble in case of an emergency, with the crew demonstrating the procedures and answering any questions you may have, and it's a good idea to arrive early to get a good spot.

Arrive early to get a good spot
Pay attention to the crew's instructions
Ask questions if you're unsure

Exploring the Ship's Facilities

The first day of your cruise is a great time to explore the ship's facilities, including the pool, the gym, and the entertainment venues, with many ships offering a range of activities, such as yoga classes, wine tastings, and live shows, and you can typically find the schedule in the daily program or on the cruise line's app.

Take some time to explore the ship, and don't be afraid to try new things, as you can always change your plans if you find something else you'd rather do, and many ships offer a range of free activities, as well as some that incur an extra charge, typically ranging from $10 to $50 per person.

Check the daily program for activities
Try something new, like rock climbing
Book a spa treatment for relaxation

Pricing up first-time cruising?

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Enjoying the Sail-Away Party

The sail-away party is a fun event that takes place on the first day of your cruise, as the ship sets sail from the port of departure, and it's a great opportunity to meet your fellow passengers and enjoy some live music and entertainment, with many ships offering a range of drinks and snacks, typically priced between $5 and $15 per item.

The party usually takes place on the pool deck or in a public area, and it's a great way to get into the holiday spirit, with the crew and entertainment team providing a lively atmosphere, and you can typically find the party listed in the daily program or on the cruise line's app.

Arrive early to get a good spot
Try some of the local drinks
Dance the night away

Setting Up Your Onboard Account

The first day of your cruise is a good time to set up your onboard account, which will allow you to charge expenses to your cabin, such as drinks, spa treatments, and shore excursions, with many ships offering a range of payment options, including credit cards and cash, and you can typically find the reception desk or guest services desk on deck 5 or 6.

Take some time to review the onboard expenses policy, as some ships may have restrictions on what you can charge to your account, and it's always a good idea to keep an eye on your spending, as it can add up quickly, with typical onboard expenses ranging from $500 to $1000 per person for a 7-night cruise.

Check the onboard expenses policy
Set a budget for your expenses
Keep an eye on your account balance

Making the Most of Your First Day

The first day of your cruise is a great opportunity to make the most of your time on board, and with a little planning, you can have a fantastic day, with many ships offering a range of activities and events, such as wine tastings, cooking demonstrations, and live shows, and you can typically find the schedule in the daily program or on the cruise line's app.

Take some time to review the daily program, and plan out your day, including what activities you want to do, what you want to eat, and where you want to go, and don't be afraid to ask the crew for recommendations, as they are always happy to help, and you can typically find them at the reception desk or in the public areas.

Review the daily program
Plan out your day
Ask the crew for recommendations

Key takeaways

Attend the mandatory muster drill
Explore the ship's facilities
Enjoy the sail-away party
Set up your onboard account

Where to book this cruise

When booking your cruise, consider the time of year and the itinerary, as these can impact the price and the availability of certain activities, and be sure to compare current sailings and prices on CruiseDirect before booking, to get the best deal for your money, and don't forget to read the reviews and check the cruise line's policies, to ensure you're getting the vacation you want.

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Frequently asked questions

What time is the muster drill on the first day of my cruise?

The muster drill typically takes place within the first few hours of departure, usually around 30 minutes to 1 hour after the ship sets sail.

Can I change my cabin category on the first day of my cruise?

It's usually not possible to change your cabin category on the first day of your cruise, as the ship is typically fully booked, but you can ask the reception desk to see if there are any available upgrades.

How much does it cost to use the spa facilities on the first day of my cruise?

The cost of using the spa facilities can vary depending on the cruise line and the services you choose, but you can typically expect to pay between $10 and $50 per person for a treatment, and some ships may offer special packages or discounts for first-day bookings.

Can I bring my own drinks on board on the first day of my cruise?

Most cruise lines have a policy prohibiting passengers from bringing their own drinks on board, with the exception of water and soda, and you may be subject to a corkage fee if you bring your own wine or champagne.

What is the dress code for dinner on the first night of my cruise?

The dress code for dinner on the first night of your cruise can vary depending on the cruise line and the restaurant, but you can typically expect to dress in smart casual attire, with some ships having a formal night on the first night, so it's always a good idea to check the dress code policy before you sail.