Cruising can be wonderfully easy once you're on board. The trick is making the right choices before you get there. These are ten of the things we think every first-time cruiser should know.
The cruise line matters, but the ship matters just as much.
Two ships from the same cruise line can offer surprisingly different vacations. Size, age, facilities, atmosphere, dining and entertainment all play a part. Choosing a cruise isn't simply about finding an itinerary you like. The ship is part of your destination too, particularly if your sailing includes several days at sea.
Your cabin location really can make a difference.
Forward, aft or midship? What's directly above and below you? How close are the elevators? Does the cabin have a connecting door? None of those details sound terribly exciting when you're booking, but they can matter once you're on board. A bargain cabin underneath a busy entertainment venue may not feel quite such a bargain at midnight.
The advertised fare isn't necessarily the cost of your vacation.
Drinks, gratuities, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and excursions are handled differently by different cruise lines. Some fares include considerably more than others. That's why we prefer to look at the likely cost of the whole experience rather than simply comparing two headline prices.
You don't automatically need a ship excursion in every port.
Cruise-line excursions are convenient and there are occasions when they make excellent sense. But private tours, small-group experiences or simply exploring independently may suit you better in some destinations. The important part is understanding the port, the timings and the consequences of being late back to the ship.
Embarkation day is part of your vacation.
Don't think of embarkation simply as the day you have to get through before the cruise begins. Once you're aboard, start enjoying the ship. Keep medication, travel documents, swimwear and anything else you may want immediately in your carry-on bag. Checked luggage can take a while to reach your cabin.
Flying in on embarkation day is a gamble.
For most cruises involving a flight, we strongly prefer arriving at least the day before sailing. Flights get delayed. Connections get missed. Weather happens. A pre-cruise night can turn embarkation morning from a stressful race against the clock into the relaxed beginning of your vacation.
Sea days aren't necessarily boring.
This is one of the biggest worries we hear from people who haven't cruised before. On the right ship, a sea day can become one of the most enjoyable days of the entire trip. Some people want activities and entertainment from morning until night. Others want a quiet deck, a good book and an uninterrupted view of the ocean.
You don't have to do everything.
The daily planner can make cruising look like a competitive sport. You are also allowed to sit somewhere beautiful with a drink and watch the ocean. Sometimes that's the best activity on the schedule.
Download the cruise-line app before you leave home.
Modern cruise apps can be central to the onboard experience. Depending on the cruise line, you may use the app for check-in, dining reservations, schedules, messaging, your onboard account and other practical details. Downloading it and completing as much as possible before travel can make embarkation considerably easier.
There is no such thing as the best cruise.
There is only the cruise that's best for you. Someone else's favorite ship could be completely wrong for your family, budget, interests or travel style. Some travelers want intimate and luxurious. Others want big, lively and packed with entertainment. Finding that match is far more important than finding the cruise that happens to be most popular.
What would make this a brilliant vacation for you?
Before recommending a ship or itinerary, we want to understand how you actually like to travel. Relaxed or lively? Intimate or action-packed? Is the ship the star, or are the ports your priority?
Those answers tell us far more than a list of cruise deals ever could.
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