Tips for First-Time Cruisers!

The size of the ship, its facilities and ports can significantly impact a cruise experience. Our inaugural cruise was on the MSC Musica, a smaller ship lacking fancy facilities like a water park or a street promenade. However, It was the perfect ship to discover our love for cruising.  The smaller the ship, the more intimate it felt and without all the fancy gadgets it attracted a more adult crowd. This made us super social and we made friends everywhere on the ship - when boarding in the queue, having dinner, in the bar.

For a family or group of friends, opting for a larger ship could be more suitable. These ships provide a variety of activities and spaces to ensure everyone stays entertained, such as waterslides, bowling alleys, arcades, spas, Broadway-style shows, youth clubs, shops, and bars.

Look at the ports and timings and find a cruise that suits your needs. If you like having lazy mornings, then you may appreciate stops with later timings. If you want to explore more then you may find cruises that stop over at a destination overnight.

If you have an annual travel insurance policy, ensure it includes cruise-specific coverage for medical care and trip interruptions. Just because your cruise is in a location covered by your insurance doesn’t mean you’re covered for cruising.

Before boarding the ship

Joining or starting a Facebook group for your sailing date could be incredibly useful.  Members often post about good deals and check-in openings, allowing you to secure early embarkation times. If you can secure an early check-in time, the ship should be a lot calmer and you'll be able to get lunch in the buffet without the huge crowds.

If possible, arrive in your departure city a day early. Cruise ships won’t wait for late passengers, and having that extra buffer can save you a lot of stress if travel plans shift unexpectedly.

It’s usually a good idea to download the cruise app before you reach the terminal as it’s often necessary for check-in. We once forgot and the app started acting up due to internet issues. This was a stressful situation that could have been avoided especially since this is the beginning of your trip and should be exciting not stressful.

Your luggage might take several hours to arrive at your room, so be sure to pack a carry on with everything you'll need for embarkation day. If you require medication, chargers, swimwear, etc, ensure you pack these items and bring them on board with you to enjoy your first day. Usually, we've received our suitcase before dinner, but we've heard that some people didn't get theirs until much later in the evening.

You can buy Wi‑Fi onboard or ahead of your cruise, but the speed isn’t like what you'd get at home. Download shows, playlists, and maps before you leave so you don't have to worry about playback interruptions.

During your cruise

A muster drill is a crucial first day task on your cruise and is quick and painless if you complete it. You’ll most likely watch a safety video in your room and then head to your allocated station. Missing it on board means you’ll have to do it the next day which could disrupt your holiday plans.

If you dislike waiting in lines, consider disembarking about an hour after everyone else. The pools and other amenities will likely be pleasantly quiet. During our time on the MSC Seaview, the ship appeared empty when we docked at Palma and it was the most enjoyable couple of hours we spent on board.

Your cabin walls are magnetic so if you prefer a tidy space pack some mini magnet hooks. They’re perfect for hanging lanyards, hats, jackets and more.

If you can access your menus online, try to look at what you’re having in advance.  Don’t just stick to the buffet or main dining room; it’s perfectly fine to mix things up.  If you dislike the main dining room menu, head to the buffet.  This will allow you to have the perfect meal every time.

Think about bringing a refillable water bottle. If your cruise leaves from the UK, your room might have a kettle. If it doesn't, you can still make a nice drink at the buffet or bars and bring it back to your room to enjoy. Also, if you haven't purchased a drinks package, this can help you save money.

Gratuities are often automatically added.  As a UK citizen, ours are usually included in the purchase price but it’s wise to check beforehand or expect a separate bill at the end of your trip.  The TV in your room might display your onboard purchases which will help you keep track of your expenditure. If something doesn't look right, Guest Services can help you.

This blog contains personal opinions for entertainment and commentary purposes only. All views are subjective, and no statements should be taken as factual assertions. I do not accept liability for any actions taken based on the content published here.