A Beginner’s Guide to Planning Your First Cruise

Like a classic fly and flop? Chances are a cruise will feel like sailing into a whole new world of travel.

But there’s plenty to love about a holiday on the seas: you’ll wake up somewhere new and exciting each day, round-the-clock entertainment is at your fingertips onboard and all-inclusive dining means you won’t feel guilty about seconds. Even better, you only have to unpack once!

To help you get onboard a cruise holiday, we’ve rounded up five essential steps to planning your first cruise. Here’s how to set sail like a pro.

Step 1: Choose the right cruise line

Your first job is to choose a cruise line – easier said than done when there are heaps of options specialising in everything from kids entertainment to five-star dining. Finding your perfect match will depend on the kind of holiday you’re after.

Take Royal Caribbean, for example. Its huge ships bring the wow-factor and are a favourite with families. We’re talking onboard activities like rock climbing, surfing, Broadway-style productions and even ice-skating shows! There’s plenty for grown ups to love too (think spas, gyms and bars).

Want to go all out on grown-up time? Lively and luxe, Virgin Voyages caters to the adults-only crowd with fine-dining restaurants, stylish spaces, themed evening events and a load of wellness-focused activities.

Culture vultures will love Viking Ocean Cruises, which specialises in destination-led sailings, while Celebrity Cruises is a hit with couples and multi-generation groups seeking a spot of sophistication. Or you could add character meet-and-greets to your at-sea itinerary with Disney Cruise Line!

Our top tip: Think about your holiday style. Do you want family-friendly fun or a romantic getaway? Are you after relaxation or adventure? Big ships packed to the brim with waterslides and kids’ clubs are great for families, but there are also intimate ships that offer a much quieter sailing experience.

Step 2: Pick the perfect destination

The best thing about cruising is the variety of destinations you can visit in one trip! Whether you’re craving non-stop sunshine and tropical beaches or ticking off the highlights of Europe’s top cities, there’s a cruise with your name on it.

The Caribbean

From seven-day jaunts around the Bahamas to multi-week sailings touring tropical islands, the Caribbean offers countless sailing experiences for first-time cruisers. Alongside the obvious perks of year-round warm weather and Insta-worthy beaches, it’s also a fab destination for cultural experiences – you could be exploring St Lucia’s vibrant capital one day, and sampling sweet, fruity rum in Barbados the next!

Norwegian fjords

If incredible views are top of your cruise wishlist, you won’t find a more memorable destination than the Norwegian fjords. You’ll get to see magnificent cascading waterfalls and towering glaciers, all from the comfort of your ship! Shorter sea days and plenty of no-fly packages departing from the UK make Norway a great choice for any first-time cruisers looking for a fuss-free option.

Mediterranean

Whether you’ve got your heart set on the Greek islands or like the sound of hitting up Spain, France and Italy all in one go, you’re spoilt for choice on cruise routes in the Mediterranean. It’s a great pick for culture-cravers looking to explore some of Europe’s most iconic cities like Barcelona, Rome and Athens, all with the backdrop of the Med’s dazzling blue sea.

Our top tip: Consider the time of year you’re cruising. The Caribbean is a great choice for winter sun, while the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are ideal for exploring Europe without the crowds.

Step 3: Select your cabin

Cruise ships offer a variety of cabin types – what you pick will likely depend on your budget and preferences. Here’s a quick rundown:

• Interior cabin: The most budget-friendly cabin, these rooms are typically the smallest option on ship. They don’t have any windows to the sea but are cosy and comfortable for sleeping.
• Ocean view cabin: If you want a window or porthole, ocean-view cabins (also called outside rooms) offer scenic views without the price tag of a balcony cabin.
• Balcony cabin: As it says on the tin, this cabin comes with its own balcony, and often extra space in the room – perfect for anyone wanting fresh air and a private outdoor area.
• Suites: Suites offer spacious rooms, typically with balconies and luxury perks included like butler service or priority boarding. It’s ideal for a more luxurious experience.

Our top tip: If you’re prone to seasickness, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck – it’s the most stable spot onboard!

Step 4: Check out what to expect onboard

Every cruise ship will be jam-packed with activities, entertainment and dining options. It’s a good idea to check out what to expect onboard before setting sail.

Dining

Many cruises offer both traditional dining (where you eat at the same time and table every night) and flexible options such as specialty restaurants and buffet-style meals. Some cruise lines offer an all-inclusive option or you can choose to upgrade your dining and drinks package before you board.

Entertainment

From Broadway-style shows and comedy clubs to live music and deck parties, there’s no getting bored on a cruise – trust us! Note that some specialty entertainment may cost extra to attend and will need booking in advance.

Activities

Onboard activities will depend on the size of your ship. On smaller vessels, this could be wine tastings, expert-led lectures and quizzes, while on the larger ships, you can expect cinemas, mini golf, cooking classes, dance lessons and more.

Excursions

When you dock at a port, you have the option to book shore excursions through the cruise line or independently. Depending on the destination, this could include snorkelling, city tours or wildlife watching.

Our top tip: Download your cruise line’s app if they have one. It usually includes daily schedules, dining options and more, so you won’t miss out on any activities.