We have sailed a great many ships between us. What follows is the unvarnished list of things our team wishes every first-time cruiser knew, in the order we wish we’d known them.
- Pick a midship cabin if you’re worried about motion. The lower and the more central, the less you’ll feel anything. The cheapest cabin on the ship is almost always the most comfortable one in a swell.
- Book a balcony for the bigger ships, an outside for the small ones. Expedition ships have so much programme on offer (Zodiac, lectures, decks) that the cabin is just for sleeping. On the big ships, you’ll actually sit on the balcony.
- The early dinner sitting is the friendlier one. If you’re travelling on your own and you want to meet people, ask for a shared table at the early sitting. Solo dining is a 60+ pastime; you won’t be alone.
- Don’t pay for the drinks package unless you’ll drink more than four a day. Run the maths. For most over-60s, paying as you go is the cheaper option.
- Book the small-ship shore excursion through the cruise line for the first port. After that, you’ll know enough to book independently in subsequent ports — usually at half the price.
- Tip the cabin steward in cash on day one. $20 USD upfront gets you better service for the rest of the voyage than $50 at the end of the week.
- Travel insurance is non-negotiable. The medical evacuation from a ship is the part that bankrupts people. Buy comprehensive cover the day you put your deposit down.
- Pack a small carry-on with the basics. Bags can take 6-8 hours to reach your stateroom on embarkation day. Toothbrush, swim costume, a change of shirt — all in the carry-on.
- The captain’s cocktail night is worth dressing for. You don’t need black tie, but a jacket and a frock will get you photos you’ll keep for the rest of your life.
- Disembarkation is always longer than they tell you. Plan for an extra two hours on the morning you leave the ship. Don’t book a flight before midday on disembarkation day.
None of this is on the brochure. All of it is honest. Call us if you’d like a second opinion on which cabin grade is worth the upgrade on your particular sailing.