There are an incredible variety of cruises available all over the world so check out our top tips for booking your first cruise.
I have always told people I have never been on a cruise and probably never will do. My husband gently reminded me that I had indeed been on a cruise – down the Nile. I strangely thought that wasn’t a cruise as it was on a river. It was on a small boat, only for 4 nights and was a part of a larger holiday. It was a cruise though and it was an experience I loved. Check out my top tips for booking your first cruise. Many of these tips apply to both Sea and River Cruising.
Tip One
Decide on what type of cruise you want. There is a different cruise for just about everyone. Foodies, night life, entertainment, families with young children, families with teenagers, multi-generational groups, over 60’s, expeditions, enrichment, luxury, budget, explorers, thrill seekers. You name it, it will be on offer. Get in contact with us if you would like help narrowing down your dream cruise.
Tip Two
Decide when and where you want to go. Sounds obvious, but if you decide what part of the world you want to see, this then narrows down the number of cruise lines and therefore ships that you would consider. Cruises don’t set sail every day, unlike flights. Therefore, you have to fit in with the ships schedule rather than decide on an exact date.
Tip Three
Set your budget. The published price may not be all inclusive. Most cruises include all meals but may exclude fine dining, alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and even tea and coffee outside of breakfast. Tips alone can add hundreds to your final bill, as can excursions, certain activities and spa treatments. If you don’t want a shock at the end of your wonderful holiday, look for all-inclusive packages and definitely buy a pre-paid drinks package. Crystal Cruises are a great example of offering true all inclusive. While the Hurtigruten basic package doesn’t even include tea or coffee.
Tip Four
Carefully pick your cabin. I would always have wanted a balcony cabin (or state room). Why would you go on a cruise if you couldn’t see the sea? However, if your cruise is in a port everyday with no or very few sea days, then this could be wasted money. You can’t see much at sea when it is dark and if you are off the ship all day then you won’t need that balcony. However, if your cruise has several or more days at sea then you may appreciate a balcony.
Every cruise ship will have a detailed plan for each deck. It is wise to study it. Are you easily disturbed by noise? Then stay away from the night club or entertainment areas, lift shafts and stair cases. You’ve booked that balcony at an additional cost, and it seemed a great price. Have you checked it isn’t obscured by a life boat?
Tip Five
Check your insurance. Some insurance policies include cruise connection cover or it can be added. This means that if your connecting flight is delayed or cancelled and you miss embarking, this additional insurance will cover reasonable expenses and accommodation. Giving you support and means to catch up with the ship and join at the next available port.
Booking your first cruise
Tip Six
This leads on from booking your first cruise top tip number five. Always arrive at least a day or two before the cruise starts. This allows for any delays and avoids you being exhausted and stressed on your embarkation day. The ship will not wait – it will leave on time. Most cruise packages allow for up to 3 additional nights in hotels pre and/or post the cruise. These include the hotel, return airport and pier transfers. It will also give you the opportunity to explore and enjoy the city you are embarking from and start your holiday early!
Tip Seven
Pre book everything! Restaurants (particularly the speciality or celebrity chef ones) excursions, spa treatments, lectures and classes. This also ties back to tip three. Pre book drinks packages, pre pay tips and gratuities and there may even be a Wi-Fi package. If there isn’t switch off your data roaming or go onto airplane mode. Many people have returned home to face a £1000 bill by not understanding mobile phone charges at sea.
Tip Eight
Pre pack a carry-on bag with everything you might need on your first day. Your bags are unlikely to arrive at your cabin when you do and if you want to go and enjoy the pool or deck or an activity, make sure you have the right clothes, medication, chargers and sun-cream.
Tip Nine
Most cruise lines allow you to check in online. This will allow you to go to a shorter queue to embark. Embarkations can take hours if it is a large ship. Arrive early, avoid the crowds, explore the ship.
Tip Ten
Disembarkation day has all of the ingredients to ruin the end of your amazing holiday. Everyone is trying to leave, everyone has to get out of the cabins at the same time, although that doesn’t mean they are allowed off the ship, as it’s a strict room category rota, so corridors and landings become huge waiting rooms with people stressed and irritable. If you can carry your own luggage and don’t mind an early start, opt for the self-assist or walk off option. There won’t be any staff or porters around to help but you will be the first group called to disembark and you could be off by 7.15 a.m. This also means that you avoid the cattle market on shore when all of the passenger’s luggage is laid out on the pier and you have to find your suitcase from thousands.
Contact us to find out more about booking your bespoke holiday with Berry Travel.
