Ten Essential First Cruise Tips

There are many factors to consider when planning your first cruise. Make sure you've covered every base with our ten essential tips for first time cruisers.

1. Cruise Destinations - Where to go?

With the many possible cruise destinations available, it's good to do a little bit of research before your first cruise. There are holidays with constant great weather, such as Med cruises or Caribbean cruises and there are even Alaska cruises, if you want to try a cruise with a bit more ice!

2. Cruise Types - Which style of cruise?

The are many different cruise types from no-fly cruises and family cruises to cruise and stay holidays, If you're looking to treat yourself, then luxury cruises are also on offer for a more decadent time at sea.

3. Cruise Lines - What's most suitable?

Choosing between all the cruise lines all depends on the style of cruise you are taking. Some lines are suited to an older audience such as Fred. Olsen, whereas some are for all the family and packed with amenities. Browse our inventory of cruise lines to give yourself an idea of what's most suitable for you.

4. Cruise Deals - How to save money?

Before you hurry away to book, make sure you take a peek at what cruise deals are currently on offer. It's easy to find cheap cruises, just start looking at cruise deals related to the style of cruise you're planning.

5. Cruise Activities - What is there to do?

There's always plenty of fun on cruises, especially on your first cruise as you'll be experiencing everything for the first time. Remember most cruises have different ports of call every day, so you can always hop off the ship and explore the local town. Onboard, it all depends on the ship; some cruises can be more relaxed and laid back with a focus on the spa and massage facilities. Whereas others can be more pro-active and feature rock-climbing and running tracks, such as Royal Caribbean cruises.

6. Cruise Tipping - What is the tipping etiquette?

You generally do tip on cruises, but gratuity structure varies between cruise lines. For example, sometimes you'll find service charges are automatically added to your bill, particularly at bars. However, you'll also get optional tipping for exceptional service only. Be sure to check your cruise line's website for guidelines on how tipping is handled.

7. Cruise Dining - How does dining work onboard?

Cruise dining is difficult to pin down, because there are so many different options. You will find in general that most cruises offer both formal, reservation-only dining and casual, 24-hour dining where you can wander in whenever you like. After deciding which ship you're travelling on for your first cruise, make sure to scout out ahead of time whether you will need to reserve seats.

8. Cruise Dress - What are the rules regarding dress?

Again, cruise dress is something that fluctuates between lines, ship and even days of the week. The more luxury cruise lines, such as Cunard Line, may have evenings planned where formal wear is essential. Whereas, Ocean Village for example, are generally more casual and informal, so it's worth bearing in mind before choosing your cruise holiday and packing that fancy new dress just in case!

9. Cruise Travel - Travelling to and from the ship?

Depending on the type of cruise you have chosen and the destination, you might find you have to fly somewhere first, as not all cruises start from the UK. If you don't want to fly, you might want to consider cruises from Southampton or no-fly cruises. If you have chosen perhaps a Hawaii cruise, you may have to arrange flights in advance.

10. Family Cruises - Are the kids coming along?

Finally, there are some excellent family cruise holidays; however there are some ships that are specifically not for children. If you're bringing the kids along; make sure to pick a suitable line such as Carnival Cruises or P&O Cruises to make your first cruise as perfect as possible!