My daughter and I played this game together. The first time through (no walkthrough guidance), we royally messed up!
But it's okay to mess up in this game, in fact... it's normal! This is a game that you must play several times (at least) before you're really finished with it. Each time you play, you learn more about what's really necessary and what isn't -- and you work faster. On our fourth game, my daughter and I completed everything correctly... and received the ending to go with it.
Using the walkthrough (constantly) while playing this game can actually be more confusing. Forget it, except for specific questions, and just explore on your own. People will pop up unexpectedly, and you'll never know where or when. If you're too late to collect certain items, you will get another chance later... but you'll probably experience one of the 'alternative' endings. Finish the game anyway. You'll learn for the next time.
It will help to print out the maps of the ship. In the sinking sequence, you won't be able to use your mouse to 'jump' around the ship with the maps. Time is of the essence, and knowing where you're going is critical!
Visit the Pursor's office frequently. Ask to see the passenger list when you meet someone new, and look him/her/them up. This triggers events in the game related to these people. If you use the walkthrough to find out which cabins they're in, these events might not happen.
When people don't want to talk to you or give you information... don't give up. Sometimes, trying again and changing your approach can yield positive results. And sometimes, if you say the wrong thing... you lose cooperation that you need. For instance... don't insult the annoying passenger, or he won't invite you to join him in the cafe for an important meeting.
This is a unique adventure game. You must expect to play it over and over again, from start to finish, before you truly
conquer its challenges. Though you face lots of danger, you can't (won't) be killed off until the end of the game. So, put down that walkthrough, and start
exploring... Have fun!