Booking your first cruise can feel overwhelming. With hundreds of ships, dozens of cruise lines, and itineraries spanning every ocean, where do you even begin? This guide breaks it all down.

Choosing Your Cruise Line

Not all cruise lines are created equal. Your choice should match your travel style:

• Royal Caribbean & MSC: Best for families and first-timers. Big ships, tons of activities, and great kids' clubs.
• Celebrity & Holland America: Upscale but not stuffy. Great dining, elegant ships, and a more relaxed pace.
• Norwegian: Freestyle cruising means no fixed dining times and a casual atmosphere.
• Viking & Oceania: Adults-only, destination-focused, and culturally enriching.
• Regent & Silversea: Ultra-luxury, all-inclusive, and intimate small ships.

What's Included (and What Isn't)

Most mainstream cruise fares include:

• Your cabin
• All main dining room meals and buffet
• Entertainment (shows, pools, activities)
• Kids' clubs (on family lines)
• Basic room service

What typically costs extra:

• Specialty restaurants (£20-£60 per person)
• Alcoholic drinks (or buy a drinks package)
• Shore excursions
• Spa treatments
• Wi-Fi
• Gratuities (auto-charged at £12-£18/day)

Picking Your Cabin

• Inside cabins are cheapest and great if you'll spend most time exploring the ship and ports.
• Ocean view adds a window — nice for natural light but you can't open it.
• Balcony is the sweet spot for most cruisers. Private outdoor space makes a huge difference.
• Suite adds a living area, priority boarding, and premium perks.

Pro tip: Mid-ship, lower decks feel the least motion. Avoid cabins near the elevator or nightclub.

Packing Essentials

Beyond the obvious, experienced cruisers always bring:

• A magnetic hook set (cabin walls are metal — perfect for hanging hats, lanyards)
• A power strip or travel adapter (cabins have limited outlets)
• Motion sickness remedies, even if you don't think you'll need them
• A lightweight rain jacket for port days
• A lanyard for your cruise card (you'll use it hundreds of times)

Embarkation Day Tips

• Arrive at the port early (before your assigned time if possible)
• Eat lunch onboard immediately — the buffet is open and the ship is empty
• Explore the ship while everyone else is still boarding
• Skip the muster drill stress — newer ships have e-muster via the app
• Set your daily spending limit at Guest Services before the cocktails start flowing