Are you considering your first cruise in 2026 or 2027?
This article will guide you from pre-cruise through to disembarkation, helping you avoid costly, time-consuming mistakes.
I have included tips from seasoned cruisers on a range of cruise-related topics. Use their experiences and knowledge to help you enjoy the perfect first cruise!
Before The Cruise
Cruise Tip #1: Check Your Cruise Documents Are up to Date Before You do ANYTHING Else
There is NOTHING more important than making sure you have the correct documents in place to cruise. Without this, you will be turned away from the ship at the port, and your cruise will be over before it begins.
In this situation, you wouldn’t receive a refund, so you would be left out of pocket.
There are a few cruises where you don’t need passports, but in the majority of situations, you do.
I have another post detailing which cruises don’t require passports and which types of ID you need instead. To find out more, read the post below:
Cruise Tip #2: Find Out if There Are Areas of Your Ship That You DON’T Want to Miss!
I recommend researching the ship you’re on before the cruise and keeping a list on your phone of key details, e.g., which restaurants are speciality or complimentary, and whether you need to book dining and show reservations.
Once onboard, explore the ship. I normally work my way up the ship, starting with the atrium/ reception at the bottom and working my way along all the decks with public spaces until I reach the top.
That gives me a good overview to start with. I will remember the places I want to return to, but usually not where they are located. I have to look up the location and return later in the cruise.
I like to think of myself as something of a seasoned cruiser, but I am still guilty of getting midway through a cruise and thinking, “I’m sure there is an ice skating rink on here, I haven’t found it yet…”
Exploring the ship. You can normally find ship maps by the stairs
Cruise Tip #3: Download The Cruise Line’s App
Apps are free and let you check what is going on that day, view your onboard account, book excursions and speciality meals, and find out all sorts of interesting information.
You can use them once you are onboard, not before.
You don’t need to buy the cruiselines WiFi to access the app.
I love cruise line apps. MSC and Marella are two of my favourites. The apps usually allow you to see the daily schedule, book shows/meals, and check your onboard account.
Costa’s App – you can look up information Royal Caribbean’s App – book experiences…and check the daily Schedule – Marella
Cruise Tip #4: Research Excursions Through The Ship and Consider Booking Independent Tours
It is quite rare for me to take ship-organised excursions.
It is completely fine to never take an excursion with the cruise line, the cruise lines don’t want you to know this though, because they obviously want your money.
Sometimes they will be a bit sneaky.
In Marseille, MSC tried to sell us a transfer into town for €30 each. If you didn’t know better, you may be tempted by this offer; however, there is actually a free shuttle bus just outside the cruise port!
Simply enter your cruise details – when you are sailing and with which cruiseline.
The cruise globe will then suggest excursions you can book, since it knows when you are visiting each port.
These excursions will be far cheaper than the cruise lines’ own excursions.
Enter the details of your cruise…And you will be offered excursions on the correct dates.
Don’t think you have to book cruise line excursions. You can often explore on your own or book an independent excursion to save a lot of money.
Cruise Tip #5: Check For Any Reservation Mistakes – Missing Drinks Packages, For Example
When printing your cruise tickets or checking in online, make sure the items you have paid for are confirmed.
I’ve had a few issues with drinks packages not being properly applied to my account, and having the evidence on paper that I did pay for the package certainly helped.
If you ever do have any problems, the staff at the reception desk will always be happy to help.
Cruise Tip #6: Print Your Luggage Tags
If you have the option to print your own luggage tags, do it.
Some cruise lines will email you your luggage tags a few weeks before, or you can print them via your online account. Before the cruise, print these and attach them to your suitcases.
Bring Sellotape or a Stapler to fix them to your case, or use Clear Plastic Luggage Tags so that you can just put the folded paper tags inside.
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luggage labels in plastic cases
I tend to keep a clear plastic luggage tag in the front pocket of my suitcase at all times, so I can just put the luggage tag in that.
Be aware that if you are sailing from a home port (mine is Southampton), they will take your cases from you before you enter the terminal building. If your cases are already labelled up, it is far easier.
If you are on a fly-cruise, you will need to attach your cruise labels once you retrieve your baggage at the airport when you reach your destination.
Cruise Tip #7: Tell The Cruise Line About Allergies Before You Board if Possible
If you have a food allergy or intolerance, you have a couple of options.
Minor food intolerances:
If your food intolerance is relatively minor, like mine, you may wish to avoid certain foods by checking the food intolerance information on the menus.
Cruise lines will have allergens like gluten and dairy marked on the menus.
If not, the waitstaff are always knowledgeable about the menus and can help you avoid your allergen.
Serious intolerances or allergies:
Another option for more serious intolerances or allergies is to let the cruise line know ahead of your cruise.
At the time of booking, you may be asked if you have any dietary requirements.
On arrival at the ship, you may meet with the Maitre d’ to organise your meals ahead of time.
In some situations, you will be provided with the dinner menu a day early and may have to choose what you’d like for tomorrow’s dinner so the menu can be adjusted.
This might also happen when there are no vegan options on the menu, and the passenger is vegan.
Menus have allergen markings
Cruise Tip #8: Book Your Transport/Parking EARLY For Cheaper Rates
Before your cruise, make sure you’ve sorted practical things like this and booked your transport/parking.
I’m lucky that I live relatively close to my local cruise port, so I am able to drive and park my car at the port.
Don’t forget your car or pet. Make sure you have parking arranged and a cat/dog sitter looking after your animals.
Organise pet sitters – My cat, Hudson
My dog, Rolo
Organise car parking early
Packing For The Cruise
Cruise Tip #9: Take 25% of Your Suitcase Contents Out Before You Go
Take some of the “just in case” stuff out. You won’t wear it!!!
I think this is very important. I have always packed light, so I’m not necessarily guilty of this, but I know LOADS of people who are.
If you are driving to the port, feel free to pack as much as you’d like – but if you’re flying, make sure you are keeping within the luggage restrictions of the airline.
To help decide what I ACTUALLY wear day to day, I usually pack by putting things into my suitcase when I’ve washed them instead of putting them back into my drawers.
If I haven’t worn something in months, it’s unlikely I’m going to want to wear it on holiday – apart from formal night dresses, of course!
To make my packing easier, I use packing cubes. T-shirts in one cube, underwear in another, etc., etc.
Cruise Tip #10: Pack Seasickness Medication – Even if You’ve Never Been Seasick Before
Some people say you don’t need to bring seasickness medicine on a cruise. These people have either never been on a cruise or don’t really get seasick!
I am one of the most motion-sick people I know. I get travel sick in cars, coaches, ships, and fairground rides…
Yes, I have been seasick on a cruise. It is very rare, as most of the time you don’t notice the ship moving at all, but I’ve been stuck in a couple of storms, and seasickness is awful.
I definitely recommend bringing seasickness medication to everybody taking a cruise. Even if you don’t think you’ll get seasick, it is so much better to have it.
If the Captain says that we’re heading into bad weather, I just take a seasickness pill, and then I’m fine – Easy!
To learn more about how I prevent and treat seasickness, check out this post:
Have a look at my worst seasickness experience, on a cruise to see the Northern Lights with Fred Olsen, below. It wasn’t sensible to book a sailing across the North Sea in February on a smallish ship – but I did get to see the Northern Lights:
Cruise Tip #11: Take Loose and Comfortable Clothes
When you are on your cruise, you want to be comfortable. There’s no point in wearing jeans that look great but make you feel miserable.
Cruise Tip #12: Choose a Bright or Distinctive Suitcase
This is always a good idea. I have a bright red suitcase so that it is easy to spot.
If you have a dark suitcase, tie some brightly coloured ribbon to the handle to make it stand out from the others.
When you disembark, your suitcase will most likely end up in a huge pile with the other passengers. Being able to find your suitcase easily can save you a lot of time.
Cruise Tip #13: Fill Your Carry-On Bag With Essentials and Some Other Items
Always remember to take a carry-on bag with your essentials. You won’t get your luggage till later.
Some people like to pack their swimming things and suncream so they can get straight to the pool deck, while everyone else waits for their stuff to arrive. It is quieter then.
When you get to the cruise ship, you will leave your suitcase with the porters, and you will board the ship
Your suitcase will arrive in your room later that afternoon. I’ve never had to wait for more than a couple of hours for mine, but it is possible that your suitcase could be delayed until after dinner.
For this reason, they rarely have a formal night on the first night of a cruise.
Pack anything that you’ll need for the day in a carry-on bag to keep with you. Make sure you keep any medicines and cruise documents/passports in this bag.
When I recently took a cruise on Anthem of the Seas from Southampton, Mum’s suitcase took over seven hours to appear in the cabin.
Everyone else’s appeared hours earlier, and she was starting to panic. Luckily, she had most essentials in her hand luggage, but was worried about having no clothes!
Take a bag and keep your essentials in it.
Cruise Tip #14: Don’t Forget Your Cruise Essentials
Don’t forget to bring adapters, your passport, credit cards, your phone or your camera.
It is important, and I feel as though lots of cruisers are so busy packing lots of things that they forget what is actually essential.
My mum always seems to forget to pack a coat. If you have a lightweight “Pac-a-Mac” in your case, you can get it out and use it when needed.
Cruise Tip #15: Pack Formal Wear (If You Need It)
Not all cruise lines have formal nights, but many do
If you’re cruising for a week, I would recommend packing two formal outfits, as there are normally two formal nights.
The definition of “formal” varies widely across cruise lines. On Cunard, “Formal” means a Tuxedo and bow tie for men.
On cruise lines like MSC, on a “Gala/Formal” night, men could wear a polo shirt in the main dining room and not be out of place.
If you don’t ever want to dress up you don’t have to.
Lines like Norwegian Cruise Line have no formal nights at all. If you don’t want to dress up, choose a cruiseline with a more relaxed dress code.
Even if you do pick a cruise line that does have formal nights, these can usually be avoided by eating in the buffet instead of the main dining room.
I took a transatlantic crossing with the most traditional and formal cruiseline, Cunard. Find out how I got on here:
Embarkation Day
Cruise Tip #16: Allow More Time Than Necessary
If possible, arrive at the port the day before. Flying into port on the day is possible, but it can be stressful.
I have flown into ports and embarked on a ship on the same day – it isn’t something I would recommend. On those occasions, I had no other option, and it worked out okay for me
If you have a choice, I strongly recommend getting to port the night before you embark. You really don’t want to start your cruise being stressed.
If you live within a few hours of the port, this might not be necessary, but make sure you have plenty of time to make the journey.
Cruise Tip #17: Be Patient and Expect Minor Delays
Be prepared to wait in a line of some sort. Cruise lines are normally very efficient and give people different boarding times to avoid queues.
The embarkation process can be similar to going through an airport, so you may have to wait in line to check in or go through security.
I find it far more relaxed and less stressful than airport security though…
Cruise Tip #18: Expect to go Through Security When Embarking
Cruise ship security is almost the same as that in an airport. Your bags are scanned, and you are scanned as well.
When you get to the port, you’ll have to go through security. Cruise lines are looking for any dangerous items or items that are not allowed on board.
You will be surprised by the items that cruise lines confiscate from passengers! Find out more here:
Cruise Tip #19: Don’t Put Away Your Cruise Card as You Get on The Ship
When you check in, you will be given a room card, which is your key to everything onboard. Don’t put it away, you’ll need it throughout the cruise and to embark the ship
Your cruise card really is the most important thing when you cruise. It is used to charge all onboard spending to and it also opens your cabin door. Do your best to look after it.
If you do lose the card, you’ll be able to get a replacement at reception, but it’s always best to try to avoid this.
When embarking, you’ll need the card multiple times, so don’t put it away.
That said, I have been guilty of losing mine…
Cruise Tip #20: Head To The Main Restaurant on Embarkation Day, Avoid The Buffet
If an option on your ship, go to the Main Dining Room for embarkation lunch instead of the buffet. A nice, relaxed way to start the cruise!
When you embark, most people will head straight to the buffet or the pool, both of these places can become really busy.
Norwegian Prima Main Dining Room – Hudson’s
Cruise Tip #21: Explore The Ship as Soon As Possible
Once you get on the ship, especially if they let you embark early, be aware that your cabin may not be ready, so it’s a good time to wander the ship and explore!
If you embark on your cruise at midday, your cabin may not be ready until 2/3 pm – so be prepared for this.
On occasion, when you embark, you’ll be able to go straight to your cabin, but this is not typical.
The previous guests would have been in the cabins until about 8 am, so the crew really don’t have very long to clean the entire ship!
Cruise Tip #22: Go Swimming as Soon as You Embark
Some people wear their swimming things under their clothes or have them in a carry-on. The hot tubs and pools are open even if the room is not ready yet.
You could start your cruise in a hot tub with a Pina Colada…
Cruise Tip #23: Change Your Dining Times (If You Want to)
When you book a cruise you’ll often be asked if you would like early or late dining. If you don’t get the dining time you’d like you can often change this onboard if you speak to the Maitre d’ on the first day of your cruise.
It is possible to change it later on in the cruise, but it is less likely that there will be room at your desired time.
Not all cruises have fixed dining, with many offering a more flexible experience. This will depend entirely on the cruise line.
If you don’t feel like dining in the main dining room at any point during your cruise, you are always able to eat in the buffet.
Almost all cruises have the main dining room and buffet options available for dinner.
Cruise Tip #24: Put Your Suitcase Under The Bed if Possible
Putting your suitcase under the bed or into the wardrobe gives you a lot more room.
If I’m on board for a really short cruise (2 or 3 nights), I might just live out of my suitcase, but usually, I unpack and put the suitcase under the bed.
Once Onboard
Cruise Tip #25: ALWAYS Read The Daily Schedule
Each night a daily schedule will be delivered to your room, these have various names like ‘Cruise Compass’, or ‘Princess Patter’ depending on the cruise line, but generally all have the same contents.
Read the daily schedule delivered to your cabin and plan for the next day.
These schedules will include what is going on around the ship when and will also provide you with information on when all the bars/restaurants are open.
You can also find this information on the cruise ship App, but there is something relaxing about sitting in your cabin and reading the next day’s schedule every evening.
Cruise Tip #26: Don’t Miss The Sunsets
Sunsets at sea are unlike anything you’ll ever find on land. I’m not sure why, but they should not be missed!
If you’re reading this and you’ve never been on a cruise, you might be thinking, ‘How could I miss the sunset?
Amazingly, it’s very easy to do!
Maybe you’re in the theatre, or at dinner, cruises can be busy, and sometimes you just forget to look outside.
Cruise Tip #27: Ask For Help!
Don’t be afraid to ask questions – the crew & the other passengers are usually happy to help you!
You might get lost a few times trying to work out forward & aft, or starboard & port (or where your cabin is!) – but just ask someone and someone will be willing to point you in the right direction.
Being a first-time cruiser can be a bit overwhelming – but there are people onboard who want to make your cruise a wonderful experience!
Guest services is always available to answer questions- even the silly ones (sometimes they need a good laugh too)!
Cruise Tip #28: Walk Lots
Eat lots, but walk lots and take the stairs to make up for it. Check out the whole ship.
Take plenty of pictures and be careful what you wear under sundresses; it can get very windy on deck sometimes.
Sadly, I have fallen victim to the windy deck problem on a number of occasions. “How windy can it be?!” – my famous last words.
I strongly recommend taking the stairs and walking as much as possible when onboard.
It is a well-known ‘fact’ that cruisers put on, on average, a pound a day when they cruise.
I don’t think that I have ever put on weight on a cruise, in fact, I find it much easier to be healthy onboard than in my day-to-day life.
If you’d like to find out how I do it, and still treat myself, check out this post I wrote about staying healthy onboard:
Cruise Tip #29: Change Table Mates (If You Want To)
Don’t be afraid to ask to change table if your dinner mates are not your cup of tea! Life is too short to be with people you don’t get on with.
You don’t have to table share on all cruises but on some, you might end up doing it.
I usually try and avoid table sharing but it can be a lot of fun. If you are table sharing and don’t like your table mates you MUST make sure that you change.
This happens all the time and the staff won’t mind. You can also change to a table for 2 (or your party size) if you would prefer not to share.
Find out more about avoiding table sharing (if you want to) here:
When I recently sailed on the budget British line, Ambassador, I did everything I could to avoid sharing a table. Find out more about that interesting cruise here:
Cruise Tip #30: Get To Know Your Cabin Steward
Cabin stewards often have a lot of information about the ports that you are visiting
They may have been on the cruise for a while and been to the port themselves, or they may have just heard other guests talking about it.
If you have any questions about life onboard it can often be easiest to direct these to your cabin steward, if your cabin steward doesn’t know the answer they will know who you should ask!
Cruise Tip #31: Make Friends
Talk to strangers! Get to know people and don’t be afraid to try new things!
If there’s a roll call for your cruise, join it before the cruise and join in on the meet and greets and bar crawls. They can be great fun!
I’ve never personally attended a meet-and-greet, but I do know loads of people who enjoy them.
CruiseCritic is a great place to start.
Cruise Tip #32: Sign Up For Kids Clubs
Get your kids to enjoy the kids’ club so you can get some “me-time” too!
Talk to them about it before you go so they’re excited to try it, and leave them for very short periods on the first day or two so they’re asking to go back (rather than being there for ages and wanting to get out!)
I have been cruising since I was 11 and went to a number of kids’ clubs when I was younger.
They were always so much fun, and I’d definitely recommend signing your kids up. They’ll love it and you will too!
Hawaii 2005 – wearing my NCL Kid’s club hat.
Cruise Tip #33: Remember Your Cabin’s Location
Make a mental note of where your cabin is from various lifts to save you miles of walking.
Cruise ships can be confusing; there is no denying that.
Even when you’re in your cabin, it can be tricky to get an idea of your location relative to other things around the ship.
Have a look at the deck plan either before or during your cruise, and make sure you know which way you should go when leaving your room to get to the nearest staircase or lift/elevator.
Cruise Tip #34: Change The Bed Configuration
I often cruise with my brother and have to ask to have the beds separated
As a default, the cruise line will usually provide a double bed.
You can either ask your room steward in person to have the beds separated, or if you don’t bump into them, you can leave them a note. I often do this.
If something is not as expected, or if you’re not sure what to expect, just ask! That also goes for your cabin, meals, drinks, getting a towel at the pool, excursions, reservations, etc.
Find out about the cheapest inside cabin I shared with my brother on Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne, below. I really liked it:
Cruise Tip #35: Take a Photo of The Daily Schedule
If you’re carrying your phone around the ship, take pictures of the daily schedule, bar times, etc.
Many cruise lines offer apps you can download before your cruise that show the daily schedule.
Some apps are easier to navigate than others though, so take a photo of anything you need to remember.
Cruise Tip #36: Tip Your Room Steward (If You’d Like To)
This is by no means necessary, but is always a nice gesture.
Many cruise lines will have automatic gratuities, which are added to your bill at the end of the cruise. I usually leave these on.
Some cruisers choose to remove the automatic gratuities and tip the staff in cash, and others tip in cash and also leave the gratuities on.
This is 100% your choice, and you shouldn’t let anybody else pressure you into doing/not doing something that you’d like to do. It is a personal preference.
Some British cruiselines (and MSC if you are booking from the UK) include gratuities in your cruise fare, so there is no need to tip.
Of course, the crew appreciate any extra tips – but don’t feel obliged to do so.
To learn more about gratuities, including how they also affect drinks and spa treatments, check out this post so that you don’t have any nasty surprises on your cruise:
I have been on a number of cruises where I have had problems with my onboard account
Sometimes items will be incorrectly charged to you, or discounts/packages that you have will not be correctly applied.
Checking your account throughout your cruise lets you nip these problems in the bud.
On most cruise lines, you can check your onboard account on the TV or on screens around the ship. Many cruise lines also have apps where you can monitor your onboard spend – which I love.
If you leave any problems until the last morning, there will likely be a long queue at Reception.
Food Cruise Tip #38: Be Adventurous
Try new things, even if a little weird. What’s the worst that will happen? You’ll have to order more free food?
Don’t be afraid to order things that you wouldn’t normally try at home.
Cruising is a brilliant way to try new foods without learning to cook them.
The waiters really won’t mind if you don’t like it and don’t eat the dish. Often, if you don’t eat the dish a waiter will offer you another, sometimes they can be quite persuasive!
Cruise Tip #39: Eat in the Main Dining Room on Day One
Eat at the main dining room the first night. People then to go to the buffet the first day and it tends to be packed while the main dining room is empty
Going to the main dining room on the first night means that you can meet your table mates and waiters. You can decide at this point if you’d like to change the dining time or table
The first night of a cruise is not normally a formal night, which means you’re able to experience the main dining room in a bit of a more relaxed atmosphere. You can learn a lot from watching the other guests too!
I agree with those who say to eat in the main dining room the first night. That way, you get an idea of the food, the service and the atmosphere.
Then if you don’t like it, you still have time to either make reservations at the speciality restaurants or just eat at the buffet.
Cruise Tip #40: Try Table Sharing
Try sharing a table at least once… I hated the thought of it, but when I did it, I met some amazing people, and it was really interesting!!
I’ve always been very anti-table sharing. I don’t think of myself as a particularly sociable person, and sometimes I don’t have the energy to chat for hours.
However, I shared a table with a group on a P&O Britannia cruise, and it was brilliant.
I was travelling with my Mum and we were put on a table for 10, ordinarily, this would strike fear into my heart but we had SO much fun.
We actually decided to meet up again on the last night to see how our cruises had gone. It was really interesting to get to know everybody and learn a little about them.
Cruise Tip #41: Make The Most of Your Waiters
Try new things, but if you don’t like something, don’t be afraid to tell the waiters.
They will happily bring you something else. The waiters usually know what is good and enjoyed by most, so I always ask them for recommendations in the main dining room.
The waiters have LOADS of information about the food. If you’re ever unsure about an ingredient or how something is cooked make sure you talk to them
They will usually ask how your food is, but don’t wait until then if you have a problem.
If you cruise on a line where you have fixed dining, you might get to know your waiters extremely well!
Cruise Tip 42#: Choose Breakfast in The MDR
Go to the main dining room for breakfast and get waited on. Much better than a crowded buffet for those who are big breakfast eaters.
This is a brilliant idea but I very rarely manage to get up in time. I love to have a lie in and the main dining room breakfast usually ends at around 9 am. The buffet breakfast often goes on later, until 10 or 11
It definitely is a nicer experience to be waited on in the main restaurant, as the buffet can sometimes be busy, and at peak times, it can be tricky to get a seat on some of the bigger ships.
Cruise Tip #43: Dietary Restrictions
If you have any dietary restrictions/choices/allergies, mention this on booking then once on board I find the restaurant manager to discuss any meal planning.
Cruise lines are normally very good at dealing with dietary restrictions, but they do need prior warning
It is becoming easier and easier to cruise as a vegetarian or vegan, but it can still be tricky on some cruise lines.
When i cruised with the more luxury cruise line Azamara, they had a completely separate Vegetarian/Vegan menu available in the main dining room every night.
Find out about that cruise here:
Cruise Tip #44: Mix Up The Courses
I love looking at the dinner menus and trying to decide what to have, but sometimes I just can’t!
You are always able to ask for a starter as a main or a main as a starter
You could probably even ask for a dessert as a main if you wanted to – although I’m not too sure that I’d recommend it!
Cruise Tip #45: Skip The Main Dining Room (Sometimes)
Don’t feel like you have to eat at speciality restaurants or even the main dining room on any given day.
Sometimes you have too many drinks/snacks during the day, and you aren’t hungry until later in the evening, when just a sandwich or a slice of pizza will do.
It’s your cruise, do it your way! I love eating in the buffet, and I also love ordering room service
If you’ve had a long day in port and you’re tired, don’t feel as though you have to go to the main dining room.
On most cruise lines, the buffet is open late into the evening, and some will even have midnight snacks.
On cruise lines like Norwegian and Royal Caribbean, there is often food available almost 24 hours a day.
You don’t have to tell your tablemates or waiters if you aren’t coming to the main dining room. They will start without you.
Cruise Tip #46: Have a Pool Day
Don’t feel you have to do anything. It’s your cruise. You don’t have to get off at every port if you’re tired, have a poolside day instead.
I am a big fan of a pool day.It’s lovely to be able to enjoy the ship without other passengers being everywhere.
I often skip a port day to film my ship tours (when things are less busy).
To find out why cruisers often stay on the ship in port, including discounts available, check out the post below:
Cruise Tip #47: Cruise Prices Are Based On Two Sharing
When you see a cruise price, this will be based on two people sharing.
This makes it more expensive for people cruising solo, as they’ll often be charged a solo supplement
When you go on a cruise line’s website, the price shown will be for one person, but this fare is based on two people sharing a cabin.
Single-occupancy rates mean it is often much more expensive to cruise alone than with another person.
Cruise Tip #48: For Solo Cruising – Consider Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line are definitely one of the best cruise lines for people travelling solo.
They have specific solo cabins and solo lounges and events.
Cruises with Norwegian are often very relaxed and informal, which makes it a great atmosphere to make friends.
I recently had the opportunity to stay in one of Norwegian’s solo-specific cabins.
Have a look at that here:
Cruise Tip #49: For Solo Cruising – Consider P&O
P&O are one of the few cruise lines that have single balcony cabins.
There are other cruise lines which have single balcony cabins, such as Saga, but P&O are probably most well known for this. The single balcony cabins are a really good size, too
Cruise Tip #50: For Solo Cruising – Make Friends Before You Go
Join a sail page (if there is one) before the sailing. It’s a nice way to make a few good friends that you can meet up with on the ship! Also, don’t be afraid to eat alone.
Prior to a cruise, you’ll usually be able to find a ‘Sail Page’ which people join if they are going on a certain cruise
You can usually find these on Facebook or on CruiseCritic. These are also called ‘Roll Calls’.
Cruise Tip #51: For Solo Cruising – Request a Large Table
If the line offers seated dinners, request a big table. It’s a great way to meet people. Join in on the shipboard activities, like trivia. If you see someone sitting alone, ask to join them.
It can sometimes be hard to go up and start a conversation with people, so games like trivia are a great way.
We’ve made many friends with people who have joined in our trivia games. Dinner is always a good opportunity to make friends, as you’ve got an hour or two to chat.
Cruise Tip #52: Solo Cruising – You Do You!
As a solo cruiser, you don’t have a ready-made companion that you already know, with the same travel style as you.
So, to ensure the cruise will meet your needs and wants, start by really evaluating what’s most important to you…partying, making friends, quiet time? Relax on a beach or excursions/on the go in port? Budget or luxury? Privacy?
These guidelines will help you choose a cruise line, itinerary, and cabin, as well as activities that will make you happy.
Cruising solo is the perfect opportunity to do what you want, when you want! No compromises
Find out everything you need to know about solo cruising in the article below:
Sometimes on cruises, you have to go on a tender boat to get to land because the ship is too big to fit into the port. I think the tenders are quite fun, to be honest.
Tendering is where you use a lifeboat, or smaller boat, to get from the cruise ship to the port. It usually happens when the ship is too big to get into port. It often slows down the disembarkation process.
If you are worried about tendering or would prefer not to, check cruise itinerary before you book if the ports are docked or tendered.
To learn more about cruise ship tendering, here is a post I wrote about tendering tips:
Cruise lines would like you to believe that you do because that is where they make their money, but many guests just get off the ship and wander off on their own.
This is easier in some countries than others, but in general, if you’re taking a cruise to the Mediterranean, you can walk around the ports on your own.
It really annoys me how cruise lines make first-time cruisers believe they need to pay for their cruise line excursions to have a great time. Often, going it alone is far more fun!
They often make out that this is the only way to visit certain things, which isn’t true at all. On many cruises I don’t do any excursions at all.
Cruise Tip #55: Consider Cruise Line Excursions
If you are a first-time cruiser and nervous about doing your own thing, it might be a good idea to consider a cruise line excursion.
The main benefit of taking one with the cruise line is that the cruise ship would wait for its own excursions if there was a traffic incident or something similar.
If you were on your own private tour, the ship wouldn’t wait past departure time. Taking an excursion with the cruise line is the easiest option, but it is normally the most expensive – and not always the best way to see the country.
If you have “onboard credit” with your cruise booking, you can use this for excursions.
Cruise Tip #56: Get Back Early!
I always make sure I am back at the ship in plenty of time. We have all seen those videos of “pier runners” who miss the ship!
You can usually check the daily schedule for the “all onboard” time, and often they put it on a board near the gangplank when you disembark.
Find out what happens if you do miss your cruise ship here:
The website whatsinport.com is great for first-time cruisers. Google Maps each port has a look around.
I think cruise planning is part of the fun. I love planning where I will go and what I will see
I read review after review and ensure I know everything there is to know.
Cruise Tip #58: Book Your Own Excursions
On some cruises, the ship’s excursions are extortionate.
Cruise ship excursions can be really expensive, which is what puts me off taking them.
You can often book independent excursions before you go, or once you have disembarked in port.
Some cruise line excursions are much better than others – but generally speaking, they’re quite expensive.
Have a look at some of the excursions I took with Norwegian Cruiseline when I visited Alaska here:
Disembarkation
When disembarking cruise ships, you usually have two options:
You can do the thing that most people do, which is put your luggage tags on the night before you disembark and then leave your bags outside your cabin.
You then disembark at a set time and meet your bags on land.
You’ll be given the luggage tags and a disembarkation time.
You can self-disembark.
You get up early and leave, but you need to be able to take all your cases with you.
This is the option I usually take, particularly if I am cruising from my local port, Southampton.
Cruise Tip #59: Change Your Disembarkation Time if You’d Like to
If you don’t like the time on your luggage tags, go to reception, and you may be able to change it.
Disembarkation times are usually set by deck or cabin location
For example, all guests on deck 6 might be asked to disembark at 8 am, and guests on deck 7 might be asked to disembark at 8.30 am.
It isn’t always convenient when family members have different disembarkation times because they are in different cabins on the ship.
Cruise Tip #60: Bring an Overnight Bag
If you are leaving your bag outside the night before, it is important to keep a bag with you with essentials in it.
Nothing worse than not keeping your clothes and having to disembark in your pyjamas!
My brother actually left his cruise card in his suitcase once, which was then disembarked without him (d’oh).
Nothing awful happened; he just had to line up at reception to get another card before being able to disembark.
#61 Diesembark Slowly – Or Quickly!
Disembarking slowly is always a good option. I’d always suggest either disembarking quickly or slowly if you want a smooth disembarkation. Avoid the peak times
The second option is to disembark yourself. You don’t leave your bags outside and instead, just carry them off with you in the morning.
This is the option I tend to choose if I’m going straight home after the cruise and don’t have anything to wait for.
Cruise Tip #62: Disembark Fast
I am guilty, too, of skipping breakfast and getting straight off the ship. The buffet is usually so busy on disembarkation day
If you remember, it can be a good idea to get some breakfast the night before, maybe just a banana or an apple, from the buffet to keep in your cabin for an early breakfast.
Cruise Tip #63: Check and Double Check, Everything.
Do not leave things in your safe. If you ever get your belongings back, it will be a long process. You might never get them back at all.
In theory, if your cabin steward found the items when tidying the room, they would go into lost property.
Be nice to the crew; they work super long days, 7 days a week, sometimes up to 13 months at a time…to make sure you’re having a good time!
The crew work so hard, a please and a thank you go a long way. I find it infuriating when I see passengers being rude to the staff.
Cruise Tip #67: Leave Negativity at Home
Just relax. Enjoy the fact that you don’t have to cook, clean or drive.
Tips from seasoned cruisers:
Paul My tip would be to go with an open mind. Don’t expect your cruise experience to be the same as anybody else’s. If they haven’t liked something, it doesn’t mean you won’t like it. Just go and have fun.
Claire. Have a plan, sure, but don’t ever try to predict your cruise. Let it take you where it takes you.
Tommy Don’t forget to pack your “cruise-tude” (attitude). Kick back, relax, let your hair down, try new things, go-with-the-flow and have fun!! Leave the negativity at home
Cynthia Cruising is brilliant, it’s my favourite way to travel.
By having read this post you’ll be more prepared than 99% of other first time cruisers!
Before You Go
Find out all about planning and packing for your cruise here:
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