Cruising has a reputation of being the type of vacation you go on if you’re older or with your family, but cruising is a great way to explore different parts of the world. However, if you’ve never been on a cruise before, it can seem overwhelming to plan your first voyage. From choosing the right cruise line to picking what destinations to visit, there are a lot of things to consider. Here are 7 thinks you need to know for your first cruise:
Choosing the right cruise line for you
There are a lot of different cruise lines you can choose from. Some cruise lines cater to families, while other cruise lines are geared towards solo travelers or couples. There are some more luxurious, while others are more casual. The best way to narrow down what cruise line you want to go on is research. Websites like cruisecritic.com and cruiseline.com are great places to start.
Pro tip: YouTube and TikTok are great ways to research and see what the ship’s really like.
Deciding on a destination
Arguably the most difficult to decide (personally, anyway) is what destination to sail to. Cruise ships travel all over the world. There are some that travel down the coast of California, and there are others that sail across the Atlantic Ocean. More popular destinations are the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and the Mediterranean. A few things you should consider when picking a destination:
- Time of year – do you want to sail to Europe when it’s too cold to visit the beach?
- Length – Transatlantic cruises can be upwards of 20 nights, whereas a weekend cruise to the Bahamas are only 3-4 nights
- Cost – Destinations outside of the US tend to be a bit more expensive than staying local
Booking your cabin
When you’ve finally decided what cruise line and destination to go on, it’s time to book your cabin. There are a wide variety of accommodations cruise ships offer, from luxurious suites to inside cabins. Make sure you choose a cabin you feel the most comfortable with considering you will most likely be sleeping there for the entire trip. If you’re prone to seasickness, I recommend choosing a cabin in the middle of the ship where there is usually less motion. If you’re claustrophobic, a cabin with a balcony makes it feel larger and less enclosed.
Preparing for the trip
One of the most important things to do before you set sail is making sure you’re prepared. For instance, if you’re travelling outside of the US (even the Bahamas) make sure you have a valid passport as you’ll need it onboard. Research what the weather is like and make sure you pack the appropriate clothing. Most ships also let you bring on 1-2 bottles of wine onto the ship, so make sure you check with your cruise line.
Onboard activities and entertainment
One of the best things about being on a cruise is that there’s a large array of entertainment and activities onboard. From cycling classes to comedy shows to spa days, there’s always something for everyone. Each day you’ll receive a schedule of activities on board, so make sure you check it daily to plan your activities accordingly.
Dining options
All cruise ships offer a variety of dining options for your voyage. From casual buffets or food halls to formal restaurants, there’s usually something for even the pickiest of eaters. Some cruise lines also offer ‘specialty dining options’ which allow you to dine at a restaurant for an additional fee. One thing to keep in mind is the dress code, as some restaurants tend to be more formal than others. Make sure to make reservations in advance if there are any restaurants you really want to eat at.
Packing for your cruise
2 words: pack smart. Bringing comfortable clothing and shoes for exploring the ports is key, but also make sure you have nicer clothes for any special dinners. For sunnier destinations, sunscreen (or anything else to help block the sun) are important as usually they tend to cost +50% more if you want to purchase them onboard.
Cruising is my favorite way to see the world while feeling like you’re on a floating hotel. You get to visit a variety of places in a short period of time but still get to sleep in the same bed every night. By choosing the right cruise line, destination, cabin, and preparing for your trip, you can make the most out of your first voyage.
Still preparing for your trip? Check out our other blog posts:
