Travel experts' tips for your first cruise including choosing the right ship

13 December 2023 , 12:48

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Young woman on a cruise ship (Image: Getty Images)

Cruise holidays can make for once-in-a-lifetime adventures, covering off plenty of brilliant destination while offering all your food, entertainment and fun nights out on board.

However, if you've never been on a cruise, it can be daunting to try and plan everything, whether it's deciding what to pack or the common mistakes you'll want to avoid.

The good news is that there are plenty of secrets and tricks to planning the ideal getaway, and travel insiders from Destinations – The Holiday & Travel Show have shared some of the best ones.

Check out their top tips below - and happy holiday planning!

Do your research - but be brave

"Spend time reading and researching about where you are travelling to and immerse yourself in the destination. Be adventurous and brave! Don’t be afraid to try new things – there’s always a team around to help," recommends Alastair Newton, Director of Expedition Operations at HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions).

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Take time picking the right ship

Travel experts' tips for your first cruise including choosing the right ship

Take the time to pick the right ship for you (Destinations – The Holiday & Travel Show)

The size of ship can make a big difference to your holiday. For example you can get giant ships with water parks, restaurants, theatres, shopping galleries and dozens of decks if you're after plenty of atmosphere, but if you're looking to unwind or enjoy a slower pace then a smaller ship might tick the right boxes.

Alastair Newton adds: "Know the style and focus of your chosen operator, and make sure it fits your interests – whether that’s luxury, cruise or expedition, onboard entertainment vs science and discovery."

For example, Wendy Atkin-Smith, Managing Director of Viking UK, points out that their ships are "all very small including our ocean ships", as well as smaller and more intimate Polar Class expedition ships. She explains: "Apart from having a more intimate, less crowded experience, this means that we can visit destinations which the big cruise lines cannot access – we also own a lot of the docking stations on the rivers of Europe so guests can step off our ships straight into the heart of many towns and villages."

Then, make the most of the ship

Rob Debenham, Show Manager at Destinations – The Holiday & Travel Show, explains: "Cruises completely spoil a traveller with the amount of entertainment, food options and leisure facilities on offer so maximise it and enjoy it! The fact that you don’t have to travel far to enjoy all the finer things in life is a luxury to make the most of."

Keep an eye out for hidden costs

While most cruise holidays are essentially all-inclusive from your food to accommodation, whether extras such as alcohol, gratuities and Wi-Fi are included can depend on the package you book. Rob Debenham warns that you should check the details of exactly what's covered before you book, so you don't end up with any shock bills at the end of your trip!

Don't forget to pack the essentials

Alistair Newton warns: "You will want to take every advantage of being off the ship exploring, so invest in good walking shoes and gear that can withstand exploring every day throughout the voyage. Similarly, pack plenty of layers especially for colder climates. No one wants their first cruise experience ruined by shivering in cold weather." Oh, and don't forget to bring a good camera to capture all of the amazing places you'll be visiting!

Consider a 'part cruise, part land' holiday

Rob Debenham suggests: "If you’re unsure you’ll be fan of cruising, try a cruise where you’re staying on land for some of the itinerary. There are lots of cruise trips out there where you stay half the time on the ship and the other half in well-curated hotels chosen especially for you. That way you’ll be safe in the knowledge that you’ll be staying in a top quality place on land, and heading back to the boat for your next adventure before too long."