If you’re a first time cruiser, we have no doubt you will have many questions regarding the cruising experience. Not to worry, we’ve got the answers! At Supercruises we have completed cruise bookings for many a first timer, so we know exactly what sort of information you may be looking for. In this guide we have provided some brilliant cruise tips to help you prepare for your cruise holiday and to give you an idea of what to expect as you step onboard a cruise ship for the very first time.
Booking Your Cruise
Firstly, booking a cruise can be slightly overwhelming if you have never done it before. At Supercruises we make sure that this process is as hassle free as possible. Creating an all-in-one booking platform where you can browse and compare over 18000 cruise deals from all major cruise lines and to regions across the globe.
When booking a cruise, it is important to consider the type of cruise you’re looking for, whether this is a couple’s cruise, family cruise, senior cruise, or more specific type. Many of the major cruise companies provide a selection of cruise varieties to suit all different types of travellers. From adult only cruises to kid friendly, family cruise ships, there’s bound to be a cruise that matches what you are looking for.
You should also think about the time of year you’re planning to step aboard and the destinations you would like to see. If you’re looking for somewhere hot to visit in the midst of the summer, a Mediterranean cruise is the perfect choice, stopping off in world-famous cities and ports across Europe. While a Middle-Eastern or Australian & New Zealand cruise would be excellent for those seeking some winter sunshine throughout winter 2024.
With Supercruises you can explore the many varieties of cruises available and compare deals from cruise lines such as P&O Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, and many more.
Packing The Essentials
Once your cruise is booked, with ABTA protection, of course, the only thing you need to do before you step on board is to pack your essentials. Our list below includes the basics, but you should always consider any items or necessities you can not live without. Just be sure to refer to the details of your booking for information regarding your luggage allowance and restricted items. These may differ from cruise line to cruise line.
- Appropriate clothing including comfortable footwear choices
- Swimwear
- Spending cards
- Identification
- Medication
- Toys for the kids
- A handbag or backpack for excursions on land
- Any visa documentation (if required)
Preparing For The First Day Onboard
Consider looking into the excursions and packages you can pre-book with your cruise line. This will allow you to enhance your cruise experience and ensure you don’t miss out on any great experiences both onboard and at your cruise’s planned destinations. This can be done after booking your cruise, giving you plenty of time to see what’s on offer and to plan this with your accompanying traveller(s).
As you step onboard the cruise ship for the first time, you will notice that your bags will be x-rayed, much like going through security at an airport. This security check is carried out to make sure no one onboard is carrying any dangerous or restricted items. Purely for the safety and protection of all cruising passengers and staff.
Once safely onboard, you will be provided with introductory information both about your cruise and plans for the trip but also about the specific ship you will be cruising on. For any extra information, you will find a whole host of friendly faces, from concierge members to customer service representatives and more to help and answer questions, if you need.
What To Expect From Inside Your Ship Cabin And More…
With all types of cruise ships there are a wide variety of cabin types. You will be able to choose the type of cabin you like best and that suits your budget during the booking process. Inside your cabin you will find a comfortable and private space for you to get some rest and a good night’s sleep during your cruise holiday. Some cabins will even have a sea view. So you can wave hello and goodbye to each port you pass through!
Stepping out of your cabin and exploring the rest of the cruise ship, you will find a wide range of amenities and facilities. Depending on the type of ship you are travelling on, these will differ. However, this almost always includes different types of restaurants and places to buy or order food and drinks, entertainment spaces such as shopping and sporting facilities as well as places to relax and even swim.
You may find that some of these entertainment facilities can be accessed at various times throughout the day, so it is always advisable to complete a full introductory tour of your ship so you can familiarise yourself with what’s onboard and to learn about the opening and closing times of such areas.
Final words of cruising advice
While we could go on and on about the cruise experience and the many amazing aspects of some of the world’s best cruise ships, we are quickly rounding this off with some final words of advice before you become an experienced cruise traveller:
- Research the ports you will be docking – this will allow you plenty of time to plan the excursions, sightseeing and experiences you would like to visit while on land.
- Consider how much spending money you will need – as with any holiday, having additional spending money will allow for the chance to make last minute purchases, upgrades or add extras to your booking. We would advise you to bring a credit card, or to look into the onboard currency used by your cruise line.
- Pay attention to the cruise ship rules – much like an aircraft, there are rules onboard a cruise ship. Helping to ensure everyone stays safe and, in case of emergency, passengers are aware of the correct procedures. Safety briefings are carried out at the beginning of each cruise holiday, however you can always ask for more information from staff onboard.
- Always keep an eye out for the weather – this will allow you to plan ahead, guaranteeing you have the right attire and footwear, no matter if it’s raining or the sun is shining.
If you’re ready to book your first cruise from our selection of thousands of cruise deals, use our all-in-one platform today to find your dream cruise. With hundreds of destinations across the world, we’ve made it easy for travellers to tick off countries and cities on their bucket lists. Simply book your cruise by browsing and comparing deals, direct from your laptop or smartphone, it only takes a few taps! What’s more, all our cruise bookings are ABTA protected, giving you peace of mind as you embark on your first ever cruise holiday.
All that’s left to say is, welcome to the world of cruising!
