First Time Cruising

Specialists are specialists for a reason: they really do know their stuff. If you’re not sure what to go for, then we’d recommend seeking out the experts. They’ll make sure you book a ship, itinerary and holiday that’s right for you, getting to know what you like, the places you’ve been in the past, and the sort of people you’d like to be around. Keep in mind though, that some agencies have agreements to push certain lines, so be sure to ask for a variety of different recommendations.

It might seem like cruise lines are much of a muchness, but after a bit of research, you’ll soon see just how varied they can be. P&O Cruises and Fred Olsen are distinctly British, for instance. In the mood for something Mediterranean? Costa and MSC Cruises can help with that. For party animals, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney all keep fun levels high, though that means families make up a large proportion of their guests, too. Those in their 20s to 40s tend to be well represented on the likes of Princess, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean. Want to keep it strictly millennial? Virgin Voyages are the cruise line for younger voyagers.

While there’s no need to know its deck plans front to back, getting to grips with the layout of your ship can be helpful. That way you’ll spend less time working out where things are in relation to your room and more time enjoying yourself at the ship’s venues. You know, the good stuff.

You’re bound to have your heart set on going somewhere when you’re on holiday. That’s how the bucket list gets ticked off after all. But if you’re putting all your travel eggs in one basket, you might be risking things a little. Hurricanes, storms, and other unforeseen events can mean you might not even get to stop in your port at all. So cast your net wide and plan to expand more than just one horizon to avoid disappointment.

Your ship’s drinks package might look like a great deal, but the wording can often cloud your judgment more than that second Long Island Iced Tea. A bit of research ahead of time can help you decide whether it’s worth it. There are a few things you’ll want to work out. Firstly – and most importantly – how much you plan on putting back. Then there’ll be things like whether you’ll want soft drinks and coffee thrown in, whether drinks are included with meals, and the price of individual drinks once you’re onboard. Drinks packages love to flaunt that they’re cheaper, but a bit of math beforehand might show that they won’t save you all that much.

After all the queuing and waiting around of embarkation, there tends to be one place where tired, hungry guests descend: the buffet. You might be tempted to follow suit, but when everyone has the same idea, the place will be heaving. And an all-you-can-eat free-for-all isn’t where you want to find yourself on day one. Head to a secondary dining option instead. It’ll be much quieter, and you may even be able to bag yourself a deal too.

If you’re looking to make the most of your time at sea, then it pays to do your homework. A plan of action will make sure you’re not against the clock, so get researching the restaurants, travel sites and attractions you definitely want to visit while you’re here. The same goes for signing up to onboard activities (including any speciality restaurants). You’ll want to book these in as early as you can, as they can be more popular than you might think.

With so much to do, it can sometimes feel like you have to squeeze in everything before you come back home. But remember, you’re there to relax too, so don’t be afraid to slow things down. Lounge in the pool. Relax on your balcony. Book in that massage. You’ll be glad you did.