I’ve been on 84 cruises, and I still remember all the things I wished someone had told me before my first one. Everything here is written for people who are new to cruising, whether you’re genuinely excited, a bit nervous, or still not entirely sure it’s for you. No jargon, no assumptions, just honest advice from someone who’s made most of the mistakes already.
I’ve been on 84 cruises so far – and have more planned, booked and paid for! People often assume I must be bored with cruising by now, and I only cruise because I have to – it’s my business. Nothing … Read more
In this article, we look at what cruising is actually like. It is aimed at people who are worried they might book a cruise – and then hate it! It addresses common worries and misconceptions and explains why many first-time … Read more
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
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 … Read more
I’ve been on cruises with Fred Olsen, P&O, MSC and Ambassador where I have been assigned a shared table with strangers for dinner. These aren’t the only cruise lines that do it but some cruise lines like NCL and Marella … Read more
If you are not used to cruising, it can feel a little weird to dine in a nice restaurant, eat a full meal with wine, and then… just walk out without paying the bill. If you are used to dining … Read more
I’ve seen somebody break a cruise rule on almost every cruise I’ve been on. Some are the type that just make you roll your eyes, others are things people knowingly or accidentally do that are against the rules. The worrying … Read more
A question I am regularly asked is, “How long should my first cruise be?” This is actually quite an important thing to think about when you decide to book a cruise. In this post, we will look at everything first-time … Read more
I was recently asked what the mats on cruise ship beds are for. You may find them on the beds when you first arrive in your room. If you have been wondering the same thing, this post is for you! … Read more
When you are on your cruise, there are lots of small things you can easily do that will keep the ship clean and avoid making the crew’s life harder. We can all agree that the crew work extremely hard for … Read more
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
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
Cruising is great for first-time nervous travellers, you can have adventures and explore the world, but cruising gives you a sense of security too. If you don’t like the place you are visiting for some reason, you have a luxury … Read more
Embarkation day is an exciting day. I am usually counting down the days to my cruise, and I can’t wait to get on board and start exploring! There are a few things that can catch out unsuspecting cruisers. In this … Read more
Getting ready for a cruise can be stressful! Some people have packing off to a fine art, throwing in everything at the last minute, and never forgetting a thing. Others start to pack weeks in advance, put things into the … Read more
When my parents first thought about taking a family cruise way back in 2005, my Mum’s major concern was about the safety of bringing her children onboard a cruise ship. I was the perfect child, (so my mum says), and … Read more
If you have children, grandchildren, or other children in the family, you might be wondering whether a cruise would be a good option for your family holiday/ vacation. I have been cruising since I was a child, and now I … Read more
When I talk about cruising, it is easy for me to fall into the trap of using cruise terms that I assume everyone will be familiar with. Reading the comments on my post, I often find that people don’t actually … Read more
One of my favourite things about cruising is the availability of food around the clock. From a midnight snack to a full meal in the main dining room, there is always plenty of tempting food on offer. The buffet is … Read more
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