5 Top tips for first time cruisers

Many of my clients say they would like to try something different for their holiday and I always suggest a cruise. Unfortunately, lots of people have their reservations as there are many myths surrounding cruising. I decided to put together 5 top tips to ensure that people get the most out of what I believe is the best way to see a collection of wonderful places - while only having to unpack once!

Tip 1: Booking your cruise: use a Travel Counsellor

Cruising is not the time to decide to be your own travel agent. Anyone new to cruising should work with an expert travel agent who is knowledgeable about the industry. They will help you to decide which is the best cruise line to meet your taste, help you choose the best cabin from the different grades and types available, whilst ensuring it is best positioned for your budget.

Cruise lines have very different offerings, and the reason why most first time cruisers do not enjoy their first experience is because they choose the wrong cruise line. Some cruises are very formal which is great if you like dressing up but others are much more relaxed. You can also choose from adult only cruises or family friendly ones. Size is also important to consider as you can get huge cruises like floating cities while others are more intimate so can access smaller ports. With so much choice there really is a cruise line to suit everyone.

Tip 2: Before you book a full cruise, try a ‘taster’ cruise for 2 or 3 nights

Before you go ahead and book a full cruise, I always recommend first time cruisers to try out cruising by going on one of the ‘taster’ or ‘mini’ cruises that most cruise lines offer. These are from 2-4 nights long and will travel to 2-3 ports in Europe. They give you the chance to try out your sea legs, live ship board life and see if the whole experience is for you.

Tip 3: Do not let worrying about being seasick put you off going on a cruise

Everyone worries about getting seasick, although almost no-one actually gets seasick on a cruise ship these days. Cruise ships are designed to be stable, even in rough seas. They have stabilisers that they deploy that reduce the rolling effect which is what’s used to cause sea sickness.

If you are concerned there are still a number of things you can do when you go on your first cruise: 1. Go in the middle of summer when the sea will usually be calm 2. Chose either a Fjords cruise as the Fjords are inland and very calm, or go on a Mediterranean Cruise that departs from a port in the Mediterranean 3. Choose a cabin that is in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck 4. Take some over the counter anti motion sickness pills or wrist bands with you to reassure yourself

Tip 4: Always request a dinner table for eight people

As a new cruiser, I recommend you request a large table of 8 people for your dinner. If you are on a cruise that has ‘free seating’ and not set tables then of course this does not apply, but most cruise lines still have fixed seating for dinner. As a new cruiser being on a large table has many benefits. Even if you do not get on with one couple, there will be other people to chat to. The table will have experienced cruisers on and they will be able to answer all your questions, give you tips and secrets on how to get the most out of the ship and cruise. People on cruises like to talk and you will find it much easier than on any other holiday to start a conversation.

Tip 5: Watch the ‘extras’ as they can mount up quickly

Cruises used to be much more ‘all inclusive’, but over recent years this has started to change with increased competition and the need to fill ships during tough times. So while we have seen the headline fare of the cruise fall and appear great value, it means that the cruise lines are now working very hard to drive up the average spend by passenger through extras. These include on-board activities and events, special restaurants, courses and training, gym classes, stores, excursions, on-board photos, internet access and of course drinks.