If I Was Taking My First Cruise, Here’s EVERYTHING I’d Want To Know

Step 1: Choose Where To Cruise

Where you choose to cruise will have a huge impact on your cruise experience.

It’s not all about beaches and hot destinations! You might want to take a cold-weather cruise to Norway or an expedition cruises to Antarctica.

Cruises to the Mediterranean not only offer good weather, but are also full of history and culture, if that is of interest to you.

You can explore the world with cruises to Africa, Asia, Australasia or South America.

The choice is yours! There should be an itinerary of interest for every keen traveller.

Some Of The Most Popular Regions

• Caribbean
  • The Caribbean is very popular and heavily geared toward US cruise passengers.
  • You can often choose an Eastern, Western or Southern itinerary.
  • Many of the big lines have their own private islands that their ships will visit.
  • It is a great destination for sunshine, relaxation, and shopping.

One disadvantage is that some Caribbean ports can feel man-made. You have little choice but to take an excursion if you want to get out and about further and see the island.

• Mediterranean
  • A Mediterranean cruise is great for visiting multiple countries quickly. You can realistically cover 3 or 4 countries in a week.
  • The countries all use the same currency, the Euro, so that makes it easy for travellers.
  • You can usually explore independently. I like to get off and walk.
  • There is such great history to be explored.
    • When I visited Cartagena, Spain, I literally stumbled across a Roman Amphitheatre! I had no idea it was there – and it was free entry that day too!
  • Many mainstream lines deploy ships to the Mediterranean in the summer.

If your trip visits small Greek islands, expect it to be busy in the summer months. In Santorini or Mikonos, it can be heaving if three or four ships are visiting on the same day.

• Baltics and Northern Europe (including UK departures)
  • Are rich in culture and very history-focused.
  • The weather is cooler and wetter, and can be unpredictable, even in the summer months.
  • Cruises often include Scandinavia and sometimes easy sailings from the UK.
  • “Northern Europe” sailings from the UK can include France, Belgium and the Netherlands.

Some ports in Northern Europe are very industrial, and very far from the headline city.

Le Harve (for Paris), for example, is 175–227 km (109–140 miles) from Paris. There are plenty of other ports like that, too.

Find out more about that here: Don’t Be Fooled: These 16 Cruise Ports Are FAR From The City

• British Isles
  • British Isles cruises can be surprisingly good value and an easy way to see lots of the UK without constant packing and unpacking.
  • When I sailed with Princess Cruises around the UK, I visited places I had never been to before, even though I have lived in the UK all my life.
  • It was easy to get off and do my own thing in ports, just using public transport as I do at home.

Have a look at the interesting places I visited in the UK and Ireland here:

• Norwegian Fjords
  • Fjords cruises are a common first cruise from the UK – it’s hard to go wrong with a trip to Norway.
  • Mainstream cruise lines offer 7-night itineraries from the UK, visiting places like Olden and Bergen.
  • The scenery is stunning, no matter what the weather – which is good as the weather is often unpredictable!
  • In most places, you can just get off and explore by yourself on foot if you don’t want to pay for a cruise line excursion.

Find out the 7 Reasons Why Your Next Cruise Should be to Norway in this article.

• Further north and unique itineraries
  • Some itineraries go very far north (like Svalbard) with frequent short port stops.
  • Port days vary. Typical is all day, but you can also get early and late stays, overnights, or multi-day docked stays, which can feel amazing because the ship is quiet.

I was lucky enough to visit Svalbard on a cruise to Norway and Iceland onboard the Norwegian Star. Have a look at the interesting excursions I was able to take, here:

• Canary Islands
  • Offers reliable winter warmth. You can fly there or cruise from the UK.
  • The weather can be rough sometimes if you sail from the UK in the winter months.
  • Flying in can reduce stress. You can visit a different port or island every day of your cruise.
• Alaska
  • Alaska has bucket-list scenery and excursions (The White Pass Railway, dog sledging, and more).
  • In the peak season, it can get busy in the small port towns.
  • Shoulder seasons can offer better value and be quieter.
    • May and September are good months to visit.

Have a look at some of the amazing excursions I took and sights I saw in Alaska, below:

• Other notable regions
  • The New York sail-away is iconic.
    • West Coast cruises and Panama Canal transits are popular.
  • Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands are also popular cruise regions.

• Asia
  • Offers extremely interesting ports, including Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, South Korea, and more.
  • It will probably require additional planning, as you may need vaccinations and visas.
  • It can offer a brilliant mix of exploring on land, then returning to the familiar ship at the end of the day.

Asia is my favourite place to cruise to. Have a look at some of the incredible sights you might see when you visit below:

General Principles, Whatever The Destination…

• If you’re travelling far to board, arriving 1 to 2 days early reduces stress. There could be travel delays and time zone confusion. You don’t want to risk missing the ship.
  • Time changes onboard are usually handled clearly and often happen overnight.
• Repositioning cruises that start and end in different ports (such as transatlantic cruises) can be cheaper.
  • You will be at sea for multiple days at a time, though, so don’t book one if you get seasick!
• Expedition cruising and luxury cruising are a growing market – fantastic if you have the money available.
• River cruising is worth considering, too.
  • You can visit multiple cities and towns in a week, docking in a central location.
  • River cruises are less suitable for guests with mobility issues, as they often don’t have lifts/elevators, and you may have to walk over multiple ships to reach your own!

Step 2: Understand cruise types

• Ocean cruises
  • There are literally hundreds of ships to choose from, lots of entertainment options, and a wide range of pricing.
  • The biggest ships can hold over seven thousand guests, and smaller ones may have only a few hundred.
• Expedition cruises
  • These are more niche and often far pricier, focusing on remote destinations and experiences.
• River cruises
  • Have much smaller ships (often around 100 to 200 guests, sometimes far fewer).
  • The dock right in towns and cities, relaxed pacing, excursion-heavy, but with far less entertainment and amenities onboard.
  • They are usually more expensive than ocean cruises, but very easy.
  • Read this next to find out Why Are River Cruises EXPENSIVE? – The Truth Behind The Price

Step 3: Pick A Cruise Line Based On What You Don’t Want

• There’s a line for everybody, but not every line fits every person.
• It’s often easier to identify dealbreakers first. These could include:
  • Strict dress codes
  • Table sharing.
  • A party vibe – or an atmosphere that is too laid back for you.
  • Too child-focused.

Once you have decided what you definitely don’t want, you will have narrowed down the available cruiseline options considerably.

The Big Four And The Market Reality

• The biggest cruise brands dominate the market, and many smaller brands are owned by these big parent companies.
• These four companies are:
  • Royal Caribbean International
  • Carnival Corporation
  • MSC Cruises
  • Norwegian Cruise Line.

Ownership does not mean the onboard experience is the same. Different brands owned by the same parent company can feel very different. Carnival owns Costa and Cunard – they are worlds apart!

A Quick overview of each cruise line:

• Royal Caribbean
  • Have a wide variety of older and newer ships.
    • The biggest cruise ships in the world are Royal Caribbean ships.
  • They focus on attractions with the “wow” factor and lavish entertainment, such as Broadway-style theatre shows.
  • Generally, they have a relaxed dress vibe.
  • They are good for families and mixed-age groups, with something onboard to entertain everybody.
  • They can be quite pricey – particularly for cruises on the newer, larger ships.
• Carnival
  • Are a more budget cruise line.
  • It attracts a party energy and younger crowds.
  • Mostly, they sail from U.S. ports, with fewer sailings in Europe and other destinations.
  • The casino can be a major attraction onboard. (British ships have very small casinos, or no casinos at all!)

When I saw that the Carnival Miracle was in Europe, I decided to book myself onboard so that I could try the Carnival experience. It was a little disappointing…

Find out what I didn’t like about that trip in this video:

• Costa
  • Costa was originally an Italian cruise line, but it is now part of the Carnival Corporation.
  • They are lively, multicultural, and often offer great value for money.
  • There will be people from all over the world onboard, and you will hear multiple languages spoken.
  • Daily gratuities are obligatory and cannot be removed from your bill (but they are cheaper than on many other cruise lines).

Have a look at my cruise on the mega ship, Costa Smeralda, below. I liked it far more than I thought I would…

• Norwegian
  • Norwegian offers “Freestyle” cruising, with no fixed dining times, fewer dress rules, and plenty of dining options.
  • They are excellent for solo cruisers with dedicated solo cabins and lounges on some ships.
  • There is a big difference between older and newer ships.
  • My first cruises were with Norwegian, so it was a bit of a shock to my system when I sailed with other cruise lines and found they weren’t all as relaxed and casual!

I had the opportunity to stay in a purpose-built solo cabin onboard Norwegian Breakaway. Have a look at that tiny cabin here:

• MSC
  • MSC are a Budget, international Italian cruiseline.
  • They have many ships and seem to launch new ones every year.
  • Entertainment can be unusual, as they have to put on something that people speaking many different languages will enjoy.
  • They offer a very good value cruise experience, but they are not for everyone.
  • Food opinions vary, but I enjoy the Mediteranean style food MSC offers.
    • To have a look at examples of the food on offer, have a look at this post: Everything I Ate on my MSC Cruise (Photos and Menus) – Food Review
• Princess
  • Princess are a more traditional cruiseline.
  • They have a relaxed daytime vibe with evening dress codes and formal nights.
  • They have embraced modern technology, and you can use the “Princess Medallion” – a wearable, coin-sized device that provides a contactless, personalised experience.
    • It replaces traditional cruise cards, serving as a key for your cabin, a payment method, and a tracker for shipboard services and location.
  • They are very keen for you to upgrade to the “Princess Plus” or “Princess Premier” packages. You will get more included, but adding these packages can literally double the advertised cruise price.
• Celebrity
  • Celebrity cruises have a modern and grown-up feel.
  • The newer ships have the distinctive orange “Magic Carpet” hanging off the side.
    • The Magic Carpet is a multipurpose space used as a bar, a restaurant, and a tendering platform.
  • They serve very good food and, on the newer ships, offer a number of smaller, included restaurants.
  • They fall into the more premium end of the mainstream cruiseline market.

Have a look at my cruise around the Mediterranean on Celebrity Edge here. She is a lovely ship:

• Virgin Voyages
  • Virgin Voyages are one of the newest cruise companies. They have four identical adult-only ships in their fleet.
  • They have an adults-only party vibe with modern and unconventional entertainment.
  • There are no extra-charge speciality restaurants, and all the food onboard is of a high quality.
  • There may be some inclusions like Wi-Fi and soft drinks, depending on the fare you have paid.
• Disney
  • Disney cruises are pricey!
  • They are family-focused, with Disney Characters and Disney shows featuring heavily.
    • If you don’t have children or aren’t a huge Disney fan, they probably aren’t worth considering.
  • Ships have rotational dining, so you try all of the ships’ restaurants, with consistent waiting staff that move to the different restaurants with you.
• Holland America
  • Holland America are a more traditional line and often have an older passenger demographic.
  • I have yet to try Holland America, but this is because they have a lot of longer itineraries, and I haven’t been able to spare the time or find one that fits in with my work schedule.
  • They are very much on my “bucket list” though!
• P&O
  • P&O are a common first cruise option for British passengers. They are affordable, and gratuities are included in the cruise fare.
  • They have a mix of ships, some aimed at families and others for more traditional cruisers.
  • They have dress codes and formal nights; the smaller the ship, the more formal and traditional it seems to be!
• Cunard
  • Cunard is the most traditional of all the cruise lines.
  • They have strictly enforced dress codes in most venues after 6 pm.
  • They are big on history and Transatlantic heritage. Cunard was founded way back in 1840, but they are now part of the Carnival brand.
    • They operate the last Ocean Liner at sea, Queen Mary 2, which undertakes regular Transatlantic crossings.
    • The Queen Mary actually has kennels onboard, so you can take your dog or cat with you if you are relocating!
  • There tends to be an older passenger demographic onboard.

Have a look at the traditional Transatlantic crossing I took on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 below.

She is the last Ocean Liner at sea, not a cruise ship. There are many important differences. Find out here all about Cruise Ships vs Ocean Liners – Measurable Differences You Need to Know:

• Marella
  • Marella cruises include flights and transfers from the UK in the cruise fare.
  • There is a relaxed, British feel on onboard.
  • Ships are older but refurbished and have had former lives, sailing for other cruise lines
  • Find out How Marella Cruises Transformed Ex-Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Ships. here.

Have a look at the peak season sailing to the Mediterranean I took with my Mum on Marella Voyager below. We had a great time…

Smaller and independent lines also exist.

• You may have heard of:
  • Fred. Olsen
  • Saga
  • Havila
  • Hurtigruten
  • Azamara
  • Ambassador
  • Celestyal and there are many more…

All have their own identities – and their own pros and cons.

Luxury and expedition lines exist, too. Oceania, Viking, Emerald, Seabourn to name but a few…

Have a look at the trip I took with Havila down the coastline of Norway, in winter, below.

Their ships use LNG and battery power rather than conventional fuels, making them state-of-the-art.

I stopped at 21 different ports in four days!

See how that went, and find out more about their unique ships here:

Step 4: Narrow Down The Specific Cruise

• Avoid school holidays if possible. The ships will be at their busiest and most expensive then.
  • Even shifting dates by a week can reduce costs a lot.
  • Midweek to midweek can be cheaper than weekend to weekend.
• If you love a specific ship, look at the sister ships.
  • You might be able to get a very similar experience for less money.
• If you are more worried about the cruise line, look at the older ships in the fleet.
  • They are usually cheaper to sail on than the newer ships.
• Solo travel costs more because pricing assumes double occupancy.
  • Solo supplements exist because cruise lines expect onboard spending from two people.
  • Solo cabins are limited, and the best solo offers are often on sale years before the ship actually departs.
• Repositioning cruises can be good value, especially for solo travellers.
  • They are less popular with families and first-timer cruisers, which makes them cheaper.

Step 5: Booking – Travel Agent vs Direct

• A good travel agent can be incredibly useful. A bad one is worse than useless.
  • Going through an agent should not cost more than booking direct because they’re paid commission by the cruise line.
  • Agents can sometimes offer extra perks such as onboard credit, upgrades, and access to cabins that appear sold out online.
  • When something goes wrong, the agent deals with the cruise line, so you don’t have to. That can offer great peace of mind.
• Timing
  • Book very early for the best choice and often the best pricing.
  • Or book late when cruise lines try to fill remaining cabins – but don’t rely on availability.
    • If you have your heart set on a particular cruise, book it; it may get sold out.
  • Watch Out For Cruise Sales at These Times of the Year (Many People Miss Them)
  • Wave season (Jan to Mar) and sometimes Black Friday can offer deals, but watch for price changes before the sale season.
    • My advice would be to monitor the price of cruises you are interested in, so you know whether the “sale price” is a bargain or not.

Don’t assume you’re getting a good deal just because you are told the cruise is on sale. They sometimes hike prices beforehand just so they can reduce them again and call it a sale! Very sneaky!

Step 6: Cabin Choice – Save Money Without Ruining The Trip

• Inside cabins
  • Are the cheapest available, they have no windows and are totally fine if you’re out and about most of the time.
    • Tip: A sunrise or daylight alarm clock like the one below helps because it will be pitch-black with the lights off all the time.
    • It could be 2 am or 2 pm – there is no way of telling!

• Ocean view
  • Most have a similar layout to inside cabins, but with a window that doesn’t open.
  • Some may be large, picture windows, and others may have small porthole windows. Find out more about the options available here: Porthole vs Picture Window: The Big Difference Between Two “Oceanview” Cabins
  • Having some daylight can make a big difference to your cruise cabin experience.
• Balcony
  • This is the most popular cabin category.
  • It is nice to have some extra, private outside space and access to fresh air.
  • It is most worth it to splurge on a balcony for scenic cruises, such as in Alaska or Norway.
• Suites and “ship within a ship“areas
  • Come at a much higher cost, but can include private areas and perks.
  • Groups can sometimes save money by sharing a suite. They can have multiple bedrooms.

Have a look at the Yacht Club Suite I stayed in onboard MSC Euribia below. I had access to lots of Yacht Club-only areas that most passengers couldn’t use.

• Obstructed-view cabins
  • Great value if you research the obstruction using deck plans and past photos.
  • Some might just have a small bit of machinery in one corner – others might be completely obscured by a massive lifeboat!
  • Find out The Truth About Obstructed View Cabins – (Photo Examples & How to Find One) in this article.
• 3rd and 4th guests in a cabin
  • Extra guests often sleep on sofa beds or pull-down bunks.
  • Storage space can be tight when you have three or four people in a cabin.
  • Discounts for 3rd and 4th guests can reduce the overall cost for everyone in the cabin.
  • You could find it a little claustrophobic with four adults sharing a cabin.
    • Find out more about that here: Inside Cabin for 4 Adults? Here’s What No One Tells You!
• Cabin location basics
  • If you want your room to move less in rough seas, choose one that is mid-ship and on a lower deck.
  • If you want a quiet cabin, choose one surrounded by other cabins.
    • Avoid the cabins above or below clubs, theatres, or near the anchor at the front.
  • Look online at deck plans for the ship, and check out what is around the cabin before you book it.
    • Here are 11 Cruise Deck Plan Hacks Only Regular Cruisers Know to help you find the best cabin location.

I booked the cheapest guaranteed cabin onboard Cunard’s newest ship, Queen Anne. Unfortunately, the cabin I was assigned was very close to the nightclub.

Luckily, I always pack earplugs, and I’m not a light sleeper. It wouldn’t suit everyone though.

Have a look at that well-designed and stylish cabin here:

• Guaranteed cabins
  • These are the cheapest cabins. You can choose your cabin grade – inside, oceanview, balcony, etc., but the cruise line assigns the location.
  • Savings can be worth it if you are on a tight budget, but you never know where on the ship you will end up.

• Cabin Upgrades are not common. The cruiseline may often offer you the chance to “bid for an upgrade”.
  • The bidding systems favour higher bids – those who bid the highest get the cabin upgrade.
  • Find out whether Bidding for a Cruise Upgrade: Scam or Success? Is worth considering.

I have only once been successful in bidding for an upgrade. That was for a cruise onboard Ambassador Ambience, and I upgraded to a suite.

Find out what I originally booked, and whether I thought my upgrade offered good value for money here:

• Accessible Cabins and Mobility Issues
  • These are in high demand and sell out fast.
    • Book early if you need an accessible cabin.
  • Check that your cruise doesn’t have many tender ports if you have mobility issues.
    • You might find yourself stuck on the ship, unable to get off.
  • Check the cruise line’s individual policies regarding mobility aids.
    • Different lines have different policies when it comes to mobility scooters/ wheelchairs/ Walkers etc.

Step 7: Travel Prep And Paperwork

• Virtually all cruises require you to have a valid passport. A passport is strongly recommended even for itineraries where it’s not strictly required. Find out more about that here:
  • Do You Need A Passport To Cruise? (Everything You Need To Know)
• Emergencies could force unexpected travel; if you have no passport, you will be stuck.
• Watch out for passport validity rules. Many countries want 6 months’ validity left on your passport on your return.
• Check if you need a visa early. Some take weeks or months to come through.
• Travel insurance is non-negotiable. Medical care onboard is expensive, and evacuations can cost a lot.
  • Find out all about Cruise Travel Insurance – Why You Need it and How to Get It: (Step by Step Illustrated Guide)

Find out about disasters caused by not having the correct cruise travel insurance in the video below. You won’t want to travel without it!

Step 8: What To Pack And How

• Print or screenshot key documents for offline access (boarding passes, hotel confirmations, insurance).
• Use luggage tag holders if provided. Tags can get ruined in the rain.
  • If they are not provided, buy some cheap, clear tags like the ones below to put your home-printed luggage labels in.
    • I always keep one in the front pocket of my suitcase, so I have one handy if needed.

• Pack light and avoid “just in case” clutter. Bring chargers or a battery pack.
• Packing cubes make unpacking and repacking faster and keep you organised.
• Comfortable shoes matter most. You’ll walk a lot.
• Bring basic medicines. Ship prices are high if you have to buy medicines or toiletries onboard.
  • Find out all about Staying Healthy When You Cruise, Avoiding Seasickness – Medications and First Aid Items to Pack in this article.

Step 9: Onboard Spending -What’s Included vs What Extra

Usually included:

• Your cabin,
• Main meals and snacks.
• Water, tea and coffee in the buffet.
• Entertainment.
• The Gym.

Usually Not Included:

Most soft drinks and alcohol, speciality dining, excursions, Wi-Fi, spa, some room service, gratuities (this varies by line and market).

• Excursions
  • Cruise line excursions cost more but provide peace of mind because the ship waits for them if they are delayed returning to the ship.
  • Independent tours can be cheaper.
    • Always check refund policies if a port is cancelled.
    • Shore Excursions vs. Exploring Solo: Which is Better for You?
• Drinks packages
  • Calculate your break-even using menu prices. Will you get your money’s worth?
  • Packages are per day and often per person, and everyone in the cabin must buy the same package.
  • Buying a Drinks Package? 5 Things Many People Don’t Realise Until It’s Too Late
• Gratuities
  • Often, it is around $15 per person per night on many lines, and it adds up fast.
  • Removing gratuities is discouraged because it impacts crew income.
  • Cruise Gratuities: A Simple Step by Step Guide For First Time Cruisers
• Wi-Fi
  • Often expensive and per device, not per person or per cabin.
  • Consider using port Wi-Fi, offline maps, or eSIMs if your needs are light.
  • Cruise WiFi isn’t always the best. Find out about Cruise Wi-Fi: 6 Things People Don’t Realise Until They Try to Use It at Sea here.
• Other spending traps
  • Watch out for Spa upselling. Spa treatments can be expensive anyway, but they will always try and sell you something else while you are there!
  • There are Room Service charges on many lines.
  • Port parking can be far cheaper using alternatives to the official carparks. Research and book early for the best price.
  • Check cashback and discount codes before booking. Find out more about that here:
  • Save Money When Booking Your Cruise – Using Discount Codes, Cashback Sites and More…

Step 10: Embarkation, Onboard Life, And Disembarkation

• Stick to your check-in time. Arriving too early can mean waiting outside the terminal.
  • Check in online if possible and bring a carry-on with essentials and valuables.
• The Muster Drill is mandatory and usually easy (you watch a video, then check in at your station).
• On embarkation day, consider the main dining room for lunch if it’s open because the buffet can be chaotic.
• The daily schedule tells you everything, including the very important “all-aboard” time.
• Missing the ship is one of the most expensive mistakes you can make.
  • Know the “back onboard” time and keep the ship’s contact details. They are normally printed on the back page of the daily schedule.
  • Find out What Actually Happens When You Miss The Cruise Ship? here.
• Tender ports can change last minute. Allow extra time if you’ve booked independent tours.
• Seasickness
  • Reduce risk with fewer sea days, newer and mid-sized ships, and mid-ship lower-deck cabins.
  • Take medication early if rough weather is expected. Fresh air, horizon view, bland food, ginger and sleep can help.
  • Look at my 13 Actionable Tips to Prevent and Treat Seasickness on a Cruise here.
• Disembarkation
  • Keep essentials and clothes for the last morning out of your main suitcase.
  • Check your onboard account before leaving to fix errors easily.
  • Find out about the 5 Things You Should NEVER Leave Until Disembarkation Day here.
  • Don’t book your travel home schedule too tightly, especially for early flights.
    • You don’t want to spend your cruise worrying that you might miss your flight for your return journey!

Before You Go

I like to save money and book cheap cabins – but I know all the advantages and disadvantages of doing that. Find out what many other people don’t realise until they get onboard here:

Booking the Cheapest Cruise Cabin: 7 Things Many People Don’t Realise Until They’re Onboard

I took a luxury cruise on Viking Star, after years of wanting to get onboard one of their ships. Find out what surprised me about that experience here:

I Took a Luxury Cruise After Years on Mainstream Lines: Here’s What Surprised Me