My Top Tips For 1st Time Cruisers

I have had quite a few enquiries from customers recently looking to book their first cruise.  As all of us who are experienced cruisers know this can be a minefield for you.  There are many questions to be asked…”Which Cruise Line is best?”  “Is it better to fly or sail from the UK?” Which cabin type is best”?

These are just some of the questions I get asked on a daily basis.  I hope these top tips I can give you will help you decide on your first cruise and will make this one of many cruises to come.

Please enjoy reading and please feel free to leave any comments on any top tips you have picked up.

Choosing The Best Cabin For You

This can be one of the biggest decisions you need to make on a cruise.  Lets explore the pros and cons of the different cabin types:

Inside Cabin – there is no window so there will be no natural light coming in.  These cabins are the most cost effective so if you only plan on using your cabin for sleeping and getting changed this would definitely suit you.

Outside Cabin – these cabins have the same layout as an inside cabin but you will have a porthole or picture window to give you natural light and be able to check the weather when you get up.  Some outside cabins are larger than the standard cabins.

Balcony Cabin – these cabins are larger with doors that take you out to your own private balcony. You can get fresh air and listen to the sea. They are more expensive so you have to decide how much time you will be in your cabin as if you plan on being out all day every day you may not get the use of the balcony.

Suite – these are the top type of accommodation available.  Suites vary in size and category.  Some have separate living areas and many have sun loungers on the balcony but be aware not all suites have balconies.  Some have floor to ceiling windows.  You pay more for suites but if you want the life of luxury then this will be for you

Dress Codes

Again this is another question I get asked..”how formal is the cruise?”  Dress codes vary from ship to ship.

Formal Nights – on these evenings men will be wearing tuxedos and smart suits and women will be in their cocktail dresses or evening gowns.  This dress code only applies if you want to eat in the main dining room.  For a more informal evening you can eat in the buffet restaurants.

Semi-Formal Nights – The other nights vary from semi-formal or smart casual to casual.  For this dress code it is wise to check with the cruise lines what their policy is as they can vary from ship to ship. Some cruise lines still ask men to wear jackets where others are happy for shirts and trousers to be worn

Weather

I would always recommend checking the weather for the different destinations you want to visit before booking your cruise as the last thing you want is to go somewhere where you expect beautiful sunshine to find out its rainy season.  Certain destinations are also seasonal so that is where I can help recommend a suitable destination for the time of year you want to travel.

So those are some of my top tips for booking your first ever cruise.  If you now feel ready to book please get in touch with me and I will be happy to help with any advice you need on 0333 300 2825 or [email protected].

Happy Cruising!