New to cruise?
New to cruise and not really sure how it all works?
Well that’s great. I love people like you. It allows me to talk about (one of) my favourite things in the World…CRUISE.
Sometimes, I just get really carried away. My friends say my eyes light up and I get quite excitable when I talk about my job. There is so much on offer with a cruise, so many different types of ships, itineraries, destinations, activities, first-class entertainment, restaurants, and did I mention food? SO MUCH FOOD, and not all of it bad food, depending on how you look at it. There’s so much variety for everybody!
You may actually have to tell me to stop talking, as I go through absolutely everything you need to know from the moment you book, to the moment you arrive home again, and I even call you after you’ve arrived home to see how it all went.
Cruising is different from land holidays. I’ve known people to book through websites then come to me to ask questions and get help because they can’t reach a human being over the phone. I don’t mind this, I am here to give advice and help when I can, plus, I know these people will come back to book with me next time, because I am always here.
So, anyway, based on the premium cruise lines and river cruises I specialise in, I’ve compiled a little list of hints and tips to help get you started:
1. When you board the ship, make sure to have everything you will need for the first day in your hand luggage; any medication, swim suits, glasses, change of clothes, clean underwear, etc. The suitcases are boarded separately and porters will drop the luggage outside your stateroom anytime that day or evening.
2. Although you can go all out if you want to, you do not have to dress formal on formal evenings, of which there may be 1 or 2 on each sailing, depending on cruise duration. Cruising has really changed over the last few years and formal evenings can be smart/casual; trousers and jacket for the gents, and a dress or trouser suit for the ladies. During the day, you will find people wearing resort-casual clothing. The only stipulation is - no swimwear in the restaurants - which is totally fair enough.
My husband and I dressed up for dinner
My husband and I looking more casual for dinner
3. When a cruise line has a free drinks package promotion, this is generally house wine or beer only. You will need to upgrade to the premium drinks package if you would like premium wine or beer and spirits.
4. Most river cruise excursions are included in the base cost, but otherwise, don’t restrict yourself to booking the cruise lines own shore excursions. Cruise ship tours can be expensive, so it’s definitely worth comparing costs before your cruise. Anything they may offer, you can find elsewhere. There are so many other options available to you. If you would like a more relaxed time in each port, go off on your own or in a small group. You may want to pre-book tickets or jump the queues at tourist spots, all this is possible. Either way, I am happy to book shore excursions and transfers for you.
5. Don’t book your cruise based on price alone. Every single cruise line, and cruise ship, are different. It really pays to research and gather expert advice, not only about the cruise lines, but the range of staterooms too. Each one can offer a totally unique holiday experience, but the ships I book, you are guaranteed to have no more than 1250 other guests onboard, which makes for an all round less-crowded, and less stressful holiday experience.
6. Unless you are travelling on an all-inclusive ship, make sure to budget for drinks, gratuities, and excursions and keep track of spending on your onboard account, or you may get hit with a huge bill come debarkation day. Don’t worry, I can advise you on all of those points.
7. Pre-book your table in a specialty dining restaurant. They only seat a small amount of guests, so if you are celebrating a special occasion, or would just like a gourmet treat, book as early as possible. Prices vary from ship to ship.
8. Don’t fly on the day your ship sets sail. If your flight is delayed or cancelled, the ship will not wait for you. To save stress on your holiday, I can book you a hotel close to the cruise pier for at least one night, or more if you wish, so you can arrive onboard refreshed and able to enjoy your first day. On the day of leaving your ship, why not stay longer in your destination by booking a city break or luxury beach holiday?
9. Again, this is not true of river cruise ships, but on an ocean cruise, you cannot take your own alcohol onto the ship. Security will remove this and keep it safe until debarkation day. On a river ship, you can buy a bottle locally, take it onboard, and drink it anywhere. They will even open it for you.
10. Book your cruise early, especially if you are looking to book a suite, as these are limited, and always sell out first. This is true of ocean and river cruises. Suites and their verandas are much larger than standard, and you will receive many more amenities and benefits.
The very popular spa-suite onboard Azamara featuring spa-soaking tub & separate rain-shower
The popular suite with outside balcony on a Scenic river cruise ship
11. Enjoyed your experience? Then book your next cruise onboard. Most major cruise lines offer significant savings and additional perks for those who book their next cruise onboard. In many cases, you don't even need to choose a particular sailing on-the-spot; a minimal deposit will do the trick to secure your place on a future cruise. So, if you're having fun and foresee yourself sailing again with the cruise line, it's to your advantage to speak to me as soon as possible on your return…Here's the additional bonus, once you've made your booking, it will transfer it to me. We can then offer you the personal service of monitoring the booking, making any changes you might request, applying any additional offers and/or savings to optimise your benefits, and notifying you when final payment is due.
Can you think of any more I can add to the list? It really helps people out to get as much advice as possible. Any hints & tips you’ve learned from past experiences? Let me know and i’ll add them on.