When vacationers think of a summer cruise, they likely picture lazy days on a pool deck passing through the sea with a fun cocktail in their hand. However, they often forget the season also brings high temperatures, crowds, and logistical challenges.
I've taken a few cruises already this summer, and have a couple more to go.
In my experience, the difference between a dreamy summer trip and a frustrating one often comes down to how prepared you are for the realities of what summer brings.
After taking a couple of summer cruises, I wanted to share the things vacationers should avoid while cruising in the summer months.
Spending too much time in the direct sun on the first day
After the stress of traveling and dealing with port agents during embarkation, you'll likely want to switch gears into vacation mode immediately after stepping aboard the ship. However, a word of warning: don't overdo it in the sun before sailaway.
It's more than tempting to head straight up to the pool deck and sip on a fruity beverage. However, you'll want to continuously reapply sunscreen while outside, so you don't end up with a painful sunburn before the trip even begins.
If you're like my fiancée, the sun can also make you feel extremely tired. Because of that, you may want to pace yourself and avoid wearing yourself out on the first day of your cruise, especially with long port days ahead.
Not packing enough sun protection
Speaking of the sun, it's important to pack a lot of sunscreen. In fact, I'd argue that you should have more than you think you'll need, rather than not enough.
The reason is simple: sunscreen on the ship is way more expensive than at retailers like Target, Amazon, or your local drugstore. For example, I've seen prices as high as $35 for a bottle on Royal Caribbean ships and private destinations.
The last thing you want to happen is to make it to the last day of your vacation, which happens to be a sunny port day in The Bahamas, run out of sunscreen, and have to spend a premium price just so you don't turn into a lobster (yep, that happened to me!).
Packing only swimsuits, flip-flops, and other beach-appropriate attire
Even if you're on a warm-weather cruise to somewhere like The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mediterranean, or Mexican Riviera, you'll want to ensure you're packing for more than just days spent at the beach or by the pool.
For example, if you plan to eat in the ship's Main Dining Room, you will need appropriate dinner-time clothing, such as sundresses, khakis, jeans, and blouses. You don't have to dress overly formal or anything, but you will want to have outfits that are a step above your poolside attire.
Additionally, think about how you plan to spend your days ashore. Mediterranean cruises, for instance, often involve more sightseeing, so comfortable shoes and lightweight clothing that are suitable for long walking tours are recommended.
Thinking the best summer cruises are to warm-weather destinations
Speaking of cruises to warm-weather destinations, you don't have to limit your summer cruise plans to places with beaches and above-average sunshine.
Although tropical destinations are popular during the summer months, I can personally attest that some of the most memorable cruises take you to cooler climates and offer different — and just as memorable — experiences.
For example, on cruises to Alaska and Northern Europe, you can enjoy breathtaking scenery, wildlife viewing opportunities, delicious cuisine, and unique outdoor adventures that you won't find in ports like Costa Maya, San Juan, or Aruba.
Not planning for crowded summer ports
Summer is one of the busiest times of year for tourism, which means popular ports of call can see an influx of land-based tourists, along with thousands of cruise passengers.
As such, you'll want to adjust your expectations and plan appropriately. For instance, when I visited Santorini, Greece, in July, the streets of Oia were so crowded that it was difficult to walk at times. Although beautiful, it was a far cry from the picturesque photos of dramatic calderas and blue-domed buildings.
My advice? Take your pre-cruise planning seriously. Research your stops ahead of time, browse port schedules to see how many ships will be docked during your visit, and plan accordingly. Additionally, don't wait until the last minute to book excursions, especially in popular destinations where there will be multiple ships visiting at the same time.
Waiting too long to book your pre-cruise accommodations
On a similar note, if you haven't already, I'd highly suggest finalizing your pre-cruise travel plans. Booking your accommodations and transportation in advance helps ensure a smoother start. Plus, you won't have to worry about inflated last-minute fares.
Domestic flight prices have increased by 23.2% between March and June 2025, while international flight costs have increased 11.5% in the same time period, Fortune reported.
While the increase is partly due to ongoing political issues in the Middle East, higher demand for summer travel has also enabled airlines to keep prices higher. As such, you really shouldn't delay making those plans!
Arriving at the port on the same day as departure
When planning your travel, it's important that you don't arrive the same day as your ship leaves. Although this is a common warning, it becomes even more important during the summer months, when afternoon storms can wreak havoc on flight schedules.
Even if you aren't sailing from South Florida, weather-related delays and unexpected travel disruptions can happen anywhere. Your aircraft, for example, could be delayed due to inclement weather along its inbound route.
For that reason, I'd highly advise against booking the latest flight of the day. If anything goes wrong, you'll be left scrambling to make last-minute arrangements on departure day, with very little wiggle room if things continue to work against you.
Drinking too much, especially in the sun
Deluxe Beverage Package holders beware: just because you have an unlimited drink package doesn't mean you should abuse it. It is easy to get caught up in vacation mode, sipping fruity piña coladas by the pool and throwing back shots at late-night parties.
However, overindulging in alcohol while in the direct sun is one of the biggest mistakes you can make. Heat, humidity, and prolonged sun exposure can intensify the effects of alcohol, leading to dehydration and fatigue. As such, it's important to pace yourself and drink plenty of water.
The last thing you want is to be dealing with an insufferable hangover in port on an all-day excursion with limited access to a bathroom. Trust me, it's as bad as it sounds.
Forgetting to check the weather before your cruise
One of the easiest mistakes to make before a cruise is forgetting to check the weather forecast. Weather can impact everything from what you pack to your travel plans, so it's something you should do in the days leading up to your vacation.
It's even more important during the peak of Atlantic hurricane season, which typically runs from late August through mid-October. Storms don't always impact cruise itineraries, but keeping an eye on the forecast can help you prepare for potential changes.
For example, my Bermuda cruise turned into a Canada cruise thanks to Hurricane Erin, which caused my ship to change course. Consequently, the weather was chillier than expected. Had I checked the weather and considered the possibility of a major itinerary change, I would have packed a little differently.
Overscheduling yourself with activities
Finally, you don't want to do too much on your cruise. With so many activities, entertainment options, and excursions available, it's tempting to try to stay booked and busy from dawn to dusk.
However, packing your schedule, especially on mega ships like Legend of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas, can leave you feeling exhausted. This is even more true during the warmer months, when spending hours in the heat can quickly wear you down.
Instead, I try to build in time to relax and recharge in the air conditioning during the hottest part of the afternoon. I won't lie, I used to feel guilty doing this, but I quickly learned that a little downtime can make everything feel more enjoyable, rather than feeling as though you're dragging your feet from one activity to the next.
