6 things I wish I knew before setting foot on a cruise ship that all first-timers should keep in mind

The reporter's first cruise was a seven-day voyage aboard Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider If I could take my first cruise again, I'd pick up a case of water on my way to the port.

I'd pack a bar of laundry soap.

And I'd leave my formal dress at home.

The closest thing I'd seen to a cruise ship was the Staten Island ferry.

That changed in April 2022, when I left my home in NYC to take my first cruise .

I flew to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for a seven-night voyage on one of the largest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas .

We sailed to Roatán, Honduras ; Cozumel and Costa Maya, Mexico; and Royal Caribbean's private island in the Bahamas.

I had a good time, but some things would've made my trip easier, cheaper, and more comfortable.

Here's what I think all first-time cruisers should know before setting sail.

Some cruise ship cabins, like those at the front of the ship, can be rockier than others.

The reporter's room was at the front of the ship.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider Before booking, I should have researched how a cabin's location can affect how much motion you feel while the ship is moving.

My ocean-view cabin was at the front of the ship, and I felt more movement than I expected.