Today I’m sharing my tips for planning your first cruise holiday. Picking your first cruise holiday can be tricky with all the choices of ships, destinations, itineraries, cabin types, and onboard options especially when you want your first cruise trip to be perfect. Analysis paralysis can be a real problem when deciding which operator or route best suits your group or family.
If you’re feeling stuck, check out our guide to the essentials and nice-to-haves to look out for when browsing online for cruise options.
Choose the Cruise for Your Travel Style
Some ships are packed with family-friendly entertainment and water parks, while others focus on relaxation or cultural exploration more suited for older or mature couples looking to switch off. Before deciding on a cruise, consider factors such as destination, cruise length, onboard atmosphere, and whether you’d prefer a smaller ship or a larger resort-style vessel.
You’ll find quieter, more intimate experiences with easier access to ports on a smaller ship, while a larger vessel tends to offer exciting onboard entertainment at the cost of a busier atmosphere. Thinking about the kind of holiday you want helps narrow the options before you start browsing itineraries.
Departure Point and Itinerary
Whilst some travellers prefer to fly overseas to join a ship, others find it more convenient to depart from a UK port. Make sure you consider how many destinations you’d like to see and how much time you’d like to spend at sea when researching itineraries.
For those looking to avoid the hassle of airports, options such as cruises from Southampton provide access to a range of destinations such as the Norwegian Fjords, Mediterranean and Canary Islands while keeping travel arrangements simple for those departing from the UK, letting you drive to the port and start your holiday without an extra flight to think about and plan around.
Picking the Perfect Cabin on Your Cruise Holiday
Your cabin will have a real impact on your cruise holiday, beyond just serving as a bedroom. Ocean-view and balcony cabins are great for space and scenic views, but are on the pricier side, so an interior cabin may be a good option if you’re watching your budget. You’re likely to spend more downtime in your cabin on longer voyages, so consider whether waking up to the ocean is worth the additional cost.
Looking into cabin locations to avoid noisier areas or those that experience more movement during the voyage (such as those near lifts or right at the front or back of the ship) can also be a good idea. Make sure to review deck plans to find your ideal cabin, balancing needs such as budget, noise tolerance or motion sickness.
Preparing for Life Onboard
Your day-to-day experiences on board will vary by cruise, but you should always familiarise yourself with dress codes before departure and what’s included in your fare. For cruises with no air travel, you won’t be restricted by airline baggage rules or weight limits. Drinks packages and speciality dining often incur an additional cost, and popular excursions may be booked out if you leave them too late.
Reviewing the onboard schedule can help you choose what you really want to do rather than fitting in entertainment and activities at the last minute. If you’re travelling as a family or couple, most cruises offer a huge variety of activities to keep everyone entertained including fitness facilities, swimming pools, kids clubs, movie theatres and spas. Being prepared and packing the right essentials will leave you feeling less stressed and able to enjoy your first cruise holiday.
Final Thoughts on Planning Your First Cruise Holiday
While it can seem overwhelming planning so much in advance, the planning helps build excitement and also removes some of that annoying decision paralysis that can happen when overwhelmed with options on holiday. Following these tips won’t take long, and they’ll make the experience feel much smoother once you’re at sea.
