First-Time Cruisers: Tips & Advice for Your First Cruise

Thinking about going on your first cruise but not sure where to start? With so many cruise lines, ships and itineraries to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming.

Whether you’re still deciding if cruising is for you or you’ve already booked your first trip, I’ve put together some tips and advice to help you plan, get ready and know what to expect when you get onboard.

Choosing Your First Cruise

With so many cruise lines, ships and destinations to choose from, deciding which cruise to book can feel a little overwhelming. Here are a few guides to help you get started.

A large white P&O Cruises ship is docked beside a tree lined shoreline in a Norwegian fjord. Towering green mountains with snow covered peaks rise behind the ship beneath a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds.

Cruise Pros and Cons: Is a Cruise Holiday for You?

Getting Ready For Your First Cruise

Once you’ve booked your cruise, it’s time to start getting ready. From deciding what to pack to knowing what happens on embarkation day, here are a few guides to help you prepare for your holiday.

A bright yellow overhead sign at a cruise terminal reads "To the ship" with an upward pointing arrow and cruise ship symbol. Below it are the words "Have a Great Cruise" welcoming passengers as they head towards their ship.

Cruise Embarkation Day Tips

Exploring Ports & Shore Excursions

One of the things I love about cruising is waking up somewhere new. But once you’ve arrived in port, how do you decide what to do? Should you book a shore excursion or head off and explore on your own?

Here are a few guides to help you plan your days ashore and make the most of your time in port.

A black cable car hangs above a deep blue Norwegian fjord beside a large metal support tower. Snow covered mountains stretch across the background beneath a bright blue sky with wispy white clouds.

What Are Shore Excursions?

Panoramic view of Bergen in Norway from the top of the Fløibanen funicular railway. Colourful buildings surround the harbour with several large cruise ships docked along the waterfront and green hills stretching into the distance beneath a blue sky filled with white clouds.

Cruise Port Guides

More Cruise Tips & Advice

Cruise ship balcony cabin with two single beds dressed in white bedding and grey patterned throws. The room features bedside lamps, a small desk, storage drawers and floor to ceiling glass doors leading to a private balcony.

Cruise Cabin Reviews & Tips

Bright pink hard shell suitcase standing upright in a cruise ship corridor beside a cabin door. The suitcase has four wheels and attached luggage tags and sits on a blue patterned carpet after being delivered to the cabin.

Cruise  Packing Tips & Lists

&O Cruises Iona docked beside a stone quayside in Olden. The enormous white cruise ship features a red and blue Union Jack design across its bow with green hills and snow capped mountains behind it under a bright blue sky.

Cruise Planning & Advice