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Cruise Preparations

Everything you need to do before, during and after a cruise — from picking the right ship to avoiding the mistakes I’ve made so you don’t have to. I’ve been caught out by time zones, left my laptop at the port and had items confiscated at security. It’s all here, so you can be better prepared than I was.

Booking A Cruise Last Minute Vs Early – Which Is Actually Cheaper?

28/05/202627/05/2026

The classic cruise advice people always give is either: “Book as early as possible” or “Wait for last-minute deals” Both of these methods can genuinely save money, but which one is the right option for you? In this article, we … Read more

Tags Booking, cheap cruise, family cruises, Hints and tips, last minute deals
excursion bus southern caribbean

5 Things I Hate About Cruise Line Excursions (And What I Do Instead)

20/04/2026

I’ve done loads of cruise line excursions over the years. Some have been great, but often, I end up feeling disappointed. They aren’t cheap, and it doesn’t always seem like you are getting good value for your money. Really, I … Read more

Tags coach trips, Cruiseline excursions, hop on hop off buses, independent excursions
Emma in headphones

Don’t Book A Noisy Cruise Cabin – Check These 5 Things First

14/04/2026

When booking your cabin for your cruise, there are a few things to keep in mind. Where your cabin is on the ship – and what is above and below it – can greatly impact your time onboard. It is … Read more

Tags bar, deck plans, night club, noise, pool deck, public areas, soundproof cabins, theatre

Cruise Adverts Can’t Show You What a Cruise is Really Like – Here’s Why

20/02/2026

I often see cruise ads on television or YouTube, but what they are advertising doesn’t seem to bear much resemblance to the cruising I know and love! Often, they focus on high-octane excitement, waterslides, go karts, flashy entertainment, and perfect … Read more

Tags cruise adverts, destinations, entertainment, go-karts, restaurants, rock climbing walls, waterslides
Emma cruise Norwegian Encore Alaska

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

11/02/2026

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 … Read more

Tags Booking, cruise info, cruising guide, first time cruiser, Hints and tips, solo cruising
I discovered a Roman Amphitheatre in Spain Emma cruises

4 Reasons I Don’t Often Book Excursions Through the Cruise Line

25/11/2025

Cruiseline excursions can be great in some situations. If you are a first-time cruiser, a nervous traveller, or are a long way from home in an unfamiliar country, they can be the perfect solution. Most of the time, I either … Read more

Tags cruise globe, Cruiseline excursions, excursions, independent excursions, money saving

3 Things You Should Do When You Get Home From a Cruise

13/09/2025

Returning home from a cruise can feel a bit flat, but there are a few simple tasks that make life easier and help you hold onto the wonderful memories of your cruise. These three steps will keep you organised, protect … Read more

Tags cruise planning, documentation, embarkation
P&O Aurora Emma Cruises and Lucy from Cruising as Crew

11 Things I Look Forward To When I’m Going On A Cruise

22/10/2024

There are so many things I look forward to when I have a cruise booked! Whether you are a regular cruiser or planning your first cruise, there are so many exciting things to see and do. #1 Exploring The Ship … Read more

Tags cruise facts, cruise preparations, cruise tips, emma cruises
Emma Cruises Anthem of the Seas Norway

8 Of The Best Cruise Lines For Young Adults – By Price

30/07/202522/10/2024

Deciding on a cruise line as a young person can often be a difficult task. There is so much variety within the cruise industry and it’s incredibly important that you make the right choice for you. I have been cruising … Read more

Tags costa, marella, MSC, ncl, p&o, Royal Caribbean, virgin voyages, Young cruisers
emma cruises embarkation day tshirt

What to Expect During Your First Day Onboard a Cruise Ship

22/10/2024

If you are going on your first-ever cruise, you might be nervous and excited – and be wondering what to expect when you arrive at the port on that first day. In this article, we look at your first day … Read more

Tags check in, cruise port, cruise terminal, Embarkation Day, security
white pass railway skagway

Shore Excursions vs. Exploring Solo: Which is Better for You?

27/09/2024

One of the things I love most about cruising is the opportunity to visit places that you would never normally see. Once you have chosen a cruise itinerary that suits you, you can sit back and think about where you … Read more

Tags cruise planning, excursions, ports
captain hudson books

The Wait is Over! My Biggest Project Yet – Revealed!

24/09/2024

I’ve been working on a project for the last two years, and it is finally time to share it with you. I am so excited but this journey hasn’t been easy at all. There were plenty of people that told … Read more

Tags Captain Hudson, children, cruise preparations, Hudson, Hudson Books, kids books
Emma Cruises Symphony of the Seas

Ready to Set Sail? Discover the Secrets to Planning the Perfect Cruise

17/02/202625/08/2024

When planning your perfect cruise, there is a lot to think about! From picking the perfect destination to making sure you pack all the essentials, a new cruiser could easily feel overwhelmed! If you make the right choices, cruising is … Read more

Tags cruise cabins, Cruise Destinations, cruise packing, cruise tips, money saving, travel agent
norwegian fjord cruise view from balcony emma cruises in geiranger

I Took a Summer Cruise To Norway – Here’s What I Packed (Clothes, Accessories & More)

02/07/202511/06/2024

Norway is one of my favourite places to cruise to – I have returned again and again. The weather can be unpredictable, to say the least, so you need to be prepared for all eventualities. If you are planning a … Read more

Tags cruise info, cruise packing, cruise tips, Norway, Packing List
insta360 celebrity edge

Which Side of The Ship is Better? (Here’s Where to Book Your Cabin)

18/02/202607/06/2024

The Great Debate: Port Versus Starboard When it comes to cruising, one of the most common questions people ask me is “Which side of the ship is best?” The Port side or the Starboard side? But the truth is, the … Read more

Tags cabin, cruise cabins, cruise tips

15 Common Mistakes – Things Cruisers Wish They Knew About Before Their First Cruise

18/02/202604/06/2024

When you embark on your first cruise, you may be worried about things you have forgotten about or be concerned that you aren’t as well prepared as you should be. There is no need to worry! In this article, we … Read more

Tags cruise tips, first cruise tips, Included Food, packing

Skagway Cruise Guide: 7 Essential Tips for Your Alaska Adventure!

18/02/202625/05/2024

Most Alaska cruises will include the port of Skagway. Here are 7 Essential Tips for things to do in and around Skagway when you visit based on my most recent trip there. Skagway, Alaska, offers wonderful natural beauty and plenty … Read more

Tags Alaska, cruise tips, ncl, ports, Skagway
Cruise Fare Breakdown

This is What Cruise Lines Spend Your Cruise Fare on (Real Breakdown)

08/05/202408/05/2024

If you’ve ever booked a cruise, you might have wondered what the cruise line is actually spending your money on. Of course, costs and profits may vary from year to year, but these figures are based on cruise line financial … Read more

Tags cruise costs, cruise info
Hudson in Mia Tui Bag

These Are The 5 Items Most Regularly Confiscated by Cruise Lines

18/02/202611/04/2024

There are various things you aren’t allowed to take on cruise ships – but unless you have spent hours reading pages of the cruise line’s terms and conditions, you might get caught out. Some of the things that you shouldn’t … Read more

Tags banned items, cruise tips, cruising, first cruise tips
cruise airport luggage

8 Annoying Mistakes I’ve Made on Cruises (Some Expensive and Some Just Frustrating)

20/03/2024

Everyone thinks of me as being a “Cruise Expert” – but believe me, I have made some stupid mistakes when cruising – just the same as everyone else! Find out what in this article… #1 Time Zone Mistake I arrived … Read more

Tags cruise tips, cruising
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Hey hey hey, I'm Emma and I LOVE cruising! I took my first cruise when I was 11 and I've been hooked ever since. I create cruise content across YouTube, this website and my social accounts, all with the aim of helping you to find, and take your perfect cruise. 48,000 people receive my best cruise tips, insights and guides every week. You can join them for free by clicking here.

I co-founded The Cruise Globe, the cruise tracker app, where you can track, share and relive cruises like never before (for free!). 🌍🚢

Want to explore, track and share your cruises like never before? 🌍⚓️

Join over 100,000 people on our brand new cruise tracker app, The Cruise Globe. It's completely free and SO much fun. 😇⚓️

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