New to the world of cruising? Congrats! If you’re reading this, then it means you’re going – or thinking about going – on your first cruise. Exciting, right? Definitely: you’re about to have the time of your life.
But while we wish it was a simple case of packing your bags and hopping on your ship of choice, you’ll actually need to do a bit of homework ahead of your departure. The good news is we know a thing or two about cruise holidays, so you’re in the perfect place to get up to speed ahead of your maiden voyage.
Packed with top tips so you can get to grips, this first-time cruise guide covers everything you need to know ahead of your debut journey at sea.
In most cases these days, the dress code onboard your ship is like any other holiday with casual clothing allowed – after all, you’re there to relax! However, there may be instances where smarter clothing is required, whether it’s for dinner in the evening or a gala event. You can find out more about what you should wear and what’s best to avoid in our guide.
While tipping isn’t necessarily mandatory, it’s certainly appreciated by the great number of staff working hard to provide you with a great cruise experience. Many of the main cruise lines will now include gratuities in your fare so you don’t have to worry about tipping throughout your stay, but it’s worth checking this when you book. If it’s not included, you might want to consider saving any tipping for the last couple of days of your cruise.
We’ve covered what you need to know about tipping in our guide here.
Just like any other holiday, you’ll need to book cruise holiday insurance before you set sail so that any medical costs, missed departures, and lost or stolen baggage can be covered.
For more details on how to go about booking your cruise holiday insurance, we’ve got you covered here.
Just like when you travel on a plane, there are some restrictions when it comes to items onboard the ship. Things like drugs, knives and highly flammable liquids might be obvious when it comes to banned items on a cruise, but there are other items that you might not be so readily aware of. You can check out the full list of banned and restricted items here.
There’s a time and a place to cruise that can help you to maximise both cost savings and enjoyment levels. Of course, it depends on where you’re travelling to, but all cruise locations have periods of demand that can make your holiday even more amazing.
High season, where demand is at its highest, tends to correlate to the best weather, but this is usually the priciest, busiest time to go on a cruise. Moderate demand, also known as shoulder season, tends to be spring and autumn, while low demand (or low season) usually means worse weather but cheaper fares and uncrowded ports. Of course, it all depends on what you want out of your holiday.
There’s a cruise for everyone, and finding the right one for you just comes down to a little research. For instance, if you’re travelling on your own, Norwegian Cruise Line is well equipped for solo travellers with cabins specially designed for single occupancy and plenty of events and opportunities to socialise. On the other hand, if you’re travelling with young children, you can’t bet Disney Cruise Line with endless fun and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy.
We’ve mapped out the best cruise lines and destinations for first-time cruisers in our blog post: Best Cruises for First Time Cruisers. Take a read for detailed recommendations on a variety of cruise holidays!
Deciding how long to go on a cruise for the first time might seem like a tricky decision. After all, if you book a 2-week trip and realise cruising isn’t for you, there’s not much you can do about it. On the other hand, only going for 3-4 nights won’t give you a full picture of what cruising can offer.
It may be worth looking at 7-10 days for your first cruise, allowing you just enough time to see multiple destinations while enjoying everything the ship has to offer.
Finding the perfect cruise should start with exploring different destinations and cruise lines to suit your preferences. Compare itineraries, onboard amenities, and departure dates to find a trip that matches your needs. For inspiration, check out our Cruise Deals page.
Booking well in advance often secures the best prices, but last-minute deals can also be great if you’re a bit more go-with-the-flow. Keep an eye out for promotions and seasonal offers to snag a bargain.
Cruise & Stay holidays not only include the cruise itself, but the chance to extend your trip by including a hotel stay either before or after your cruise itinerary. It also includes return flights, so you can enjoy even more holiday for your money. Some of the most popular Cruise & Stay packages include the likes of Barcelona, New York and Dubai.
Cruise costs vary based on trip length, cabin type, upgrades, flight inclusions, cruise lines, itineraries, and travel season. There's a cruise to fit every budget. By booking at the right time, you can take advantage of some great offers, so be on the lookout!
Cruises typically include accommodations, meals, and entertainment, but extras like excursions, drinks packages, and speciality dining may cost more. If you’re concerned about whether your cruise is all-inclusive, you can contact Cruise Nation via our Knowledge Base page.
Modern ships minimise motion, but if seasickness occurs, remedies are available. Check out our guide on How to Combat Seasickness.
Pack wisely, considering your itinerary and onboard dress codes, and the length of your trip. Laundry facilities are usually available on every deck, but you might want to have plenty of options to hand. For more tips, see our Cruise Holiday Packing Checklist.
