I’ve Sailed Over 100 Times and I’ll Never Book a Cruise Without This Step

Whether you're a first time cruiser or a pro at sailing the high seas , there's always something new to learn about cruise vacations. From deciding whether the drink package is worth it, scheduling dining reservations, getting to know the offerings of a new ship, and everything in between–there's truly so much to think about. Enjoying a cruise is absolutely up to you to make it wonderful, and I'm here to help make sure that happens.

I worked as a performer on cruise ships for five years, and I've also gone on countless cruises as a passenger. It's my favorite way to see the world, relax, and have fun. After spending so much time at sea, I've learned quite a bit about the ins and outs of cruising. When I finally "retired" from being a cruise ship performer, I decided to celebrate by going on a solo cruise throughout the Mediterranean . There's something that I did right after I booked the cruise that changed the entire trajectory of my vacation, and trust me, you're going to want to do it, too.

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Join The Facebook Group For Your Specific Cruise Voyage

Once you book your cruise, go ahead and open Facebook. In the search bar, search for the cruise ship that you'll be sailing on, and type in the dates of your voyage as well. There, you will find a Facebook group for your specific sailing. Most people in these groups are in the age range of about 40 to 60, however if you're younger, don't let that deter you. I joined the group for my solo Mediterranean cruise when I was 30 years old, and still found it to be very applicable to my time onboard.

Once I joined this group, I saw many conversations happening that helped me to plan my trip. Guests discussed all of the dining options onboard, and I was able to learn how certain restaurants stacked up against each other. Some passengers had been to the ports we were visiting, and were offering tips on the shore excursions that you could book through the cruise line, as well as sharing other options to do on your own. What I found most worth it, however, was connecting with fellow passengers around my age. I ended up finding two 30-year-old women who were also solo traveling in the group, and we ended up dining together several times throughout the trip. If it weren't for the Facebook group, I don't think we would have connected!

A TikTok about a Facebook group for a Disney cruise went viral, where passengers all decided to wear the same shirt one evening. They all met up in the ship's atrium, did a conga line, and connected over a silly, fun concept. This is just a simple example of how joining the Facebook group can make you feel more connected with the community on the ship.

Related: 3 Cool Things Everyone Misses on a Norwegian Cruise, According to a Former Crew Member

Make Sure To Take Things With A Grain Of Salt, Too

These groups aren't run by the cruise line, but instead are created by fellow passengers. That makes it a great environment to get candid information about the ship from people who have sailed before. It also makes it an environment where people like to outwardly complain about certain situations that have happened to them onboard.

Unless you enjoy a little bit of drama (hey, I'm not judging) I highly recommend that you ignore those posts. Some people get easily drawn into the negativity, and you don't want the opinions of others to negatively affect your experience onboard. Again, like I said before, your cruise vacation is what YOU make it –so only take in what serves you on these Facebook groups.

Related: The Best-Kept Secret in Norwegian Cruise Line's Fleet, According To An Ex-Crew Member

This story was originally published by Parade on Feb 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the Travel section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.