The prospect of your first-time cruise holiday is thrilling; it’s like stepping into a whole new world of travel adventure! Imagine waking up in a new place every day, enjoying endless activities onboard, and exploring beautiful destinations without ever having to unpack more than once.
Your first time on a cruise ship will be an experience like no other, and discovering everything on offer is hugely exciting. However, it’s also worth doing your research first so you know what to expect and are prepared with everything you need to make the most of your holiday.
To help, we’ve created our first-time cruise guide, packed with tips and tricks for a seamless, enjoyable experience. From booking your holiday to what you should pack and what you need to know when onboard, our eight first-time cruise tips cover everything you’ll need to have the most amazing time at sea.
Choosing the Best First-Time Cruise
When deciding how to pick a cruise for the first time, you need to make three crucial choices: the cruise line, the ship, and the destination.
The best cruise line for first-time cruisers is one that aligns with your travel style. Every cruise line has a different approach to cruising; some focus on luxury, while others offer family-friendly facilities or adventurous experiences.
When planning a cruise for the first time, take time to get to know the attributes of the different cruise lines to find one that will deliver your perfect holiday.
When you’ve chosen your cruise line, you need to select your ship, as these can also vary greatly. Consider the size of the vessel, the variety of amenities on offer, and the level of personal service, all of which can make a big difference to your experience.
Finally, pick a destination. Again, the best first-time cruise destinations are simply the ones that inspire you. You may prefer to relax in the sun-soaked Caribbean, discover the glacier-carved fjords of Alaska, or wander around the culture-rich ports of the Mediterranean; the world is your oyster, full of spectacular destinations for you to discover.
Selecting the Best Cabin
If it’s your first time on a cruise ship, one thing worth knowing is that your cabin location can make a big difference to your cruise holiday experience.
Mid-ship cabins offer the most stability – important if you’re prone to sea sickness. Other things to weigh up are whether you want your cabin to be close to the ship’s amenities and activities or whether you prefer a quieter spot further away.
If your budget allows, one of our top first-time cruise recommendations is to choose a cabin with a balcony. This extra space gives you a tranquil, private spot to relax outside and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Your First-Time Cruise Packing List
One of the frequent first-time cruise mistakes is overpacking, leaving you hauling a heavy suitcase around. Here’s how to strike a perfect balance between being prepared and taking too much:
Versatile Clothing
A handy piece of cruise advice is to pack clothes that can be mixed and matched, creating multiple outfits for different occasions from just a few pieces. Include casual wear for daytime activities, swimwear for pools and beaches, and at least one or two formal outfits for special evenings onboard.
Use the Onboard Laundry Services
Most ships offer laundry services, so you can re-wear your favourite outfits, pack lighter and save space in your suitcase for souvenirs.
Footwear
Comfortable walking shoes are a must for exploring ports. Additionally, pack sandals for the pool or beach and dress shoes for formal nights.
Carry-On Bag
If this is your first-time cruise, you may not be aware that your checked luggage doesn’t always arrive at your cabin straight after boarding. Therefore, pack a carry-on with essentials like medications, valuables, a change of clothes and swimwear (so you can enjoy the pool right away!)
Outlet Adapters
Given the international nature of cruising, your ship might have outlets different from those in your home country. Bringing a universal outlet adapter ensures you can charge your devices regardless of the plug type. However, check your cruise line’s guidelines, as those with surge protection are often prohibited for safety reasons.
When it comes to what you can bring onboard, most cruise lines have their own specific recommendations and restrictions. Even if this is not your first cruise, it’s always a good idea to check their guidelines before you start packing.
Managing Your Budget
While many cruises are all-inclusive, additional expenses — like speciality dining, excursions, and spa treatments — can add up quickly. Avoid one of the most common first-time cruise mistakes of unexpectedly racking up big bills onboard by setting a budget beforehand.
Also, consider pre-purchasing packages for beverages, Wi-Fi, and gratuities to better manage your expenses.
Smooth Embarkation
The best first-time cruises begin stress-free. While arriving a few hours ahead of embarkation may seem sufficient, it only takes a flight delay or a road closure to mean you miss your ship! Therefore, another of our top tips for your first cruise is to arrive at your departure city a day early to mitigate any travel delays.
On embarkation day, have your documentation ready for a seamless boarding process, and familiarise yourself with the ship in advance to find your bearings quickly.
Adopting Appropriate Cruise Etiquette
Cruise ships carry thousands of guests. So, to ensure smooth operations, cruise guests need to follow the unwritten code of cruise conduct.
Here are a few points of advice for first-time cruises:
– Be aware of the dress code; save swimwear for around the poolside.
– Be polite to the crew; a friendly hello and a thank you will go a long way!
– Be mindful of noise levels, especially at night; tune the volume of your music down and avoid talking loudly on your phone or in the hallways.
– Drink responsibly; make sure your actions don’t negatively affect your fellow cruise guests and crew.
– Remember hygiene; good habits, such as frequently washing your hands, will avoid sickness spreading throughout the ship.
Good cruise etiquette is all about following the cruise ship rules and behaving respectfully towards the crew and other crew guests. Take this approach and you’ll enjoy a smooth and relaxing onboard experience.
Pre-Booking Onboard Experiences
To make the most of your cruise, pre-book experiences like dining in speciality restaurants, relaxing in the spa, or enjoying high-demand shows. Pre-booking not only secures your spot but also helps you budget for these extras.
You can book speciality dining, activities and experiences before you board the ship via your cruise line. Alternatively, there are guest services onboard. Many cruise lines now also offer an app for their onboard guests where you can make these arrangements.
Exploring Ashore With Port Excursions
A frequent first-time cruise question is how to arrange things to do at port. The easiest way is to book port excursions with your cruise line. It will also ensure you’re back on the ship on time.
However, cruise line excursions can be more expensive, so it’s also worth researching local or independent options that align with your interests and comfort level.
The best first-time cruises are always those that have been planned carefully beforehand. Doing the research now is so worthwhile. You’ll enjoy a fantastic, hassle-free holiday, and it will ensure your first-time cruise is not your last!
If you have any further questions about first-timing cruising, please get in touch with our cruise specialists.
