Embarking on a cruise is a great way to experience the world; from seeing new places and indulging in delicious food to enjoying activities on board and relaxing by the pool. However, there are some rookie mistakes those new to cruising find themselves committing. Here, we chat with seasoned cruisers to discover their top tips:
Top tips for those new to cruise
Do as much or as little as you like
If you’re about to embark on your first cruise, you’re sure to be amazed by the wealth of activities and entertainment onboard, as well as the gorgeous ocean views. Going on your first cruise with an open mind is something Binny from Binny’s Food and Travel suggests, “Go with an open mind, try everything, if you have a cabin with a balcony, have your breakfast there on a sea day, it’s just amazing seeing the ocean whilst you sip on your orange juice.
“There are different cruises and different ships of all sizes, so make sure you pick one that suits your interests. I picked one that had a focus on food which I loved. There are others better suited for families, music lovers and art lovers.”
Research your ports of call
Passengers have the choice to disembark at various ports of call during some cruises. This can give you the chance to explore new places for a period of time before the ship continues its journey.
“Cruising was a completely new experience for me and my family and I usually do quite a lot of research before travelling,” Kayleigh from Candyfloss & Dreams told us. “However, I wish I had investigated our destination a bit more and found out about local transport routes such as the metro, bus links and trains just so we could get around a bit more. Sometimes you may only have a few hours in port so planning what you’re going to do and getting the times right is essential as you need to get back to the ship on time.
“I love no-fly cruising because it’s so simple. I love that once you’re on the ship you’re on holiday and you can start navigating the ship pretty much straight away, or at the very least after the health and safety announcement. It’s also nice to be able to visit several countries on one trip. It can give you a great taste for a country that you might consider going to for a longer holiday in the future.”
Take note of where the infirmary is onboard
Nobody wants to be unwell during their cruise but should it happen, it’s important to know where the infirmary is onboard. Cruise ships tend to have medical facilities to help treat passengers with non-emergency conditions and so knowing where to go if you don’t feel well can help keep your holiday stress-free.
The World Health Organization explains on their website that passengers should view the ship’s medical facility as an infirmary, not as a hospital, “Although most of the medical conditions that arise aboard a ship can be treated as they would be at an ambulatory care centre at home, more severe problems may require the patient to be treated in a fully staffed and equipped land-based hospital after stabilization on the ship.”
Once you’ve embarked, take time to stroll around to familiarise yourself with the layout of the vessel as well as take note of where the infirmary is. You’ll feel at ease knowing how to find your way around and being able to easily locate important areas.
Think about which upgrades you want
If having internet access, a drinks package or a sea view is important to you, then consider spending a little extra to ensure your cruise experience is the best it can be. Kayleigh recommends first-time cruisers book a balcony cabin, “Having that extra bit of closed-off outdoor space can give you a bit of breathing room away from the hustle and bustle of cruise ship life.”
If you need access to Wi-Fi during your cruise, then look for a cruise line that offers it included in the price. Briona from You Me Lunch & Travel told us how she regretted not buying the Wi-Fi package on her first cruise, “Yes, I wanted to relax and unplug from the digital world but not having internet meant I couldn’t share pictures with my family for a few days.”
