Planning your first cruise? Here's what to know before you go

Know what to expect on your first day

Arming yourself with knowledge is the best way to avoid mistakes on embarkation day, also known as boarding day. Sail through it with this step-by-step guide.

1. Arrive at your allotted time: Getting hundreds or thousands of passengers on board is quite the task, and it doesn’t happen all at once. If you can pick your boarding slot, choose an earlier time; the sooner you're on the ship, the sooner your holiday starts.

2. Check-in: Do this ahead of time via your cruise line’s app or website to make the day a little less hectic. If you decide to check in at the cruise terminal instead, leave yourself plenty of time. 

3. Collect your cruise card or wristband: This frequently acts as your room key, boarding pass and onboard payment method. 

4. Drop off your luggage: Before you arrive at the cruise terminal, make sure you do two key things. Firstly, tag your suitcase, as you'll need to hand it over to porters who will transport it to your cabin. Secondly, make sure you pack a day bag with important items like medication and a phone charger, as you might not get to your cabin for several hours. Stashing a swimsuit in there is also a good idea so you can test out the pool while others are still finding their bearings. 

5. Go through security: This is similar to an airport. Your bags will be scanned so make sure you don't have any prohibited items. You also might need to fill in a health questionnaire. 

6. Board and explore: Often, cabins are not ready right away, but that gives you time for a dip in the pool or a bite to eat. Some cruise lines offer tours of the ship, which are extremely useful, particularly if you are on a mega-ship. 

7. Settle into your cabin: Once your room is ready (this is frequently announced via a PA system), head over and make yourself at home.

8. Attend the muster drill: This is a safety briefing to show you what to do in an emergency. It’s mandatory, whether it’s your first cruise or your fiftieth. The demonstration is quick and straightforward – just know where and when yours is taking place. 

Get clued up on cabin types

Whether your finger is hovering over the ‘book now’ button or you’ve already secured your spot, it’s good to know what to expect from your cabin. Different cruise lines use different terminology, but cabins generally fall into four categories. 

Inside or interior rooms are the most affordable because they do not have windows or balconies. If you intend to spend most of your cruise socialising in communal areas or on shore excursions, these can be particularly good value. 

In contrast, oceanview or outside rooms have windows or portholes, providing natural light and a glimpse of the sea. They’re a solid mid-range option for warm-weather cruises, but it’s in the cold that they truly shine. After all, when sailing icy waters in Antarctica, you’re unlikely to fancy protracted periods on the balcony, but you will want to see the dazzling glacial views. 

That said, balcony rooms are brilliant for soaking up balmy ocean breezes. They are similar to outside cabins but with the added luxury of an outdoor area. The balconies usually come with a chair or two, plus perhaps a small table. With these rooms, you can enjoy your fill of sea vistas without having to worry about sharing your space with fellow passengers.

Lastly, suites are indisputably the most luxurious cabins on any ship, and they come with a price tag to match. If you’re looking for plenty of square footage and perks like private hot tubs and personal butlers, it's worth the splurge. 

Top tip: When it comes to cabins, location matters as well as type. For example, if you’re concerned about seasickness, keep the rock and roll to a minimum by choosing a lower cabin nearer to the centre of the ship. 

Learn the lingo 

Stepping onto a cruise can feel like entering a completely new world – one far removed from the stress of everyday routines. But it’s also one where even familiar words can take on entirely new meanings. Your ‘zodiac’ has nothing to do with when you were born and you probably won’t find politicians striking deals in ‘staterooms’. Here's how to speak like a sailor. 

-    Aft and bow: The back and front of the ship, respectively.
-    Cruise director: The person in charge of onboard entertainment, activities and social events. 
-    Deck plan: A map of the ship’s layout to help you find your way around. 
-    Lido deck: The pool deck, often complemented by casual dining. 
-    Open dining: Flexible dining times with no set seating. 
-    Port and starboard: Nautical terms for the left and right sides of the ship, respectively, when facing forward. 
-    Stateroom: Your cabin or bedroom onboard. 
-    Tenders: Small boats that ferry passengers to the shore when the ship can’t dock. 
-    Zodiacs: Small inflatable vessels used for excursions away from the cruise ship. 

Top tip: It’s not a boat. It’s a ship. In fact, banish the ‘b’ word from your vocabulary, unless you want disapproving looks from your fellow passengers. Speaking of which… 

Don’t miss the… ship 

The cardinal rule of cruising? Don’t miss the ship. Being left behind could mean your holiday ends before it begins. 

Cruise lines don’t leave stragglers behind out of spite – delaying departure can throw off itineraries, affect docking permissions and incur hefty fees. It’s simply not practical for them to wait. 

To make sure you’re not racing to the port at the last minute for embarkation, consider arriving at your departure city a day early, if budget and schedule allow. Not only does this cut out the stress of train or plane delays, but it also gives you time to adjust to jetlag if you’ve jumped a few time zones. 

Plus, you get the chance to enjoy the nightlife of a port city, which can be a real highlight if you’re departing from somewhere like Miami or Singapore. 

Once your cruise is underway, be mindful when out on shore days, particularly if you’ve sailed through time zones. Always keep an eye on the ‘all aboard time’, which is the deadline to be back on the ship before it leaves. It’s typically posted on the cruise line app or announced on the PA system. 

To safeguard your trip, purchase travel insurance that covers missing the ship’s departure. Find out more about what to do if you miss the ship. 

Take charge of your shore days 

When it comes to shore days, a little planning before your cruise goes a long way. Shore excursions, ranging from wine tastings and tours of ancient ruins to rides in hot air balloons or seaplanes, can be a phenomenal way to make memories when the ship is docked. 

Many cruise ships will offer discounts if you book your excursions before boarding. Booking directly through your cruise line has other advantages, too. Doing so can often be a fuss-free option, as these tours are designed with time constraints in mind. 

Some cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean International, will wait for you or make alternative arrangements if you are delayed on one of their official shore excursions. Others, like Holland America Line, take the hassle out of budgeting by offering packages including them.

That said, the most convenient option is rarely the cheapest. If you’re travelling on a tight budget, shop around. Local operators may offer similar experiences for less. 

Keep in mind that no matter how incredible they are, you don’t have to go on excursions. For example, if you’re in Venice for the fifth time and the city is teeming with tourists, you might prefer a lazy affogato over a gondola ride. 

You don’t even have to disembark at every port if you don’t want to. Staying aboard has its own appeal, particularly in extremely hot or cold weather. On days when most passengers are ashore, the ship's facilities are quieter and there are often deals on spa treatments and speciality dining. 

Be weather aware 

Weather can make or break your cruise experience, so it’s crucial to be well-prepared – especially as extreme weather events become more common. 

If you haven’t booked yet, check for well-known seasonal weather patterns in your desired region. Is hurricane season looming in the Caribbean? Do your dates for Japan line up with typhoon season? 

Once you have booked your cruise, check what the weather is usually like at your ports of call during the dates you're travelling. That way you can pack smart and set realistic expectations. A few sites provide annual weather averages broken down by months. 

You should also check the actual forecast nearer your departure date, so you can make final decisions on things like excursions. If you’re headed to the Mediterranean during a potential heatwave, you might hold off on booking that six-hour hiking tour. 

Checking ahead for each port is particularly important if your cruise takes you to multiple destinations, especially islands, as weather can vary significantly throughout your journey.

Budget like a pro before you go  

Cruises can offer good value for money considering how many destinations are included, but it’s still easy to spend more than you planned to once you’re on board. 

Budget before sailing, and keep easy-to-forget extras front of mind. Spa treatments, speciality dining experiences and internet packages are typically excluded from your fare, and they can add up quickly. 

The big question for many new-to-cruisers is whether a cruise drinks package is worth it. These can save you a pretty penny, but do the maths and see if it’s worth it for you. 

In the case of many of the optional add-ons, booking them in advance can come with a discount. As a bonus, doing so saves you from any surprises at the end of your cruise. 

Tipping is another potential cost to consider. Practices can vary significantly between cruise lines, so check how yours handles gratuities before you board. Some include a service charge automatically, meaning you don’t need to tip on top – though you’re always welcome to add a little extra for exceptional service. 

With those key points sorted, all that's left to do is pack your suitcase and test the waters for yourself, safe in the knowledge that you're primed for a drama-free first cruise.