5 Useful Tips For First Time Cruisers

1. Set A Budget!
It’s very important to set yourself a budget before booking any holiday, not only a cruise. Setting yourself a budget will mean that you will be able to search for cruises which are within your price range. You may have a budget which allows you to look at the ultra-luxury cruise lines out there, or you may want to spend just a few hundred pounds.

​2. Choose The Right Cruise Line
There are countless cruise lines out there, each offering something very different. Make sure when you book your first cruise that you find a cruise line which is suited to you. Are you looking for the ultimate in luxury? Do you want to spend time with your children on a family friendly ship? Or maybe you want to explore exotic destinations? Or perhaps you want a more traditional cruising experience?

The best way to find out about each cruise line is to visit their websites or watch videos about them online on YouTube perhaps. This way you’ll get to glimpse what a particular cruise line has to offer. Some offer a more traditional cruising experience, whilst others offer a more exciting modern cruise experience with innovative on board attractions!

3. ​Choose The Right Ship
Cruise ships come in all different shapes and sizes. The smallest accommodate as little as 10 passengers or so, whilst the largest can accommodate more than 6,000! Smaller ships obviously offer fewer amenities compared to the larger cruise ships and may only have a lounge and restaurant. The larger ships out there can offer more than 25 bars and restaurants and amazing amenities, from ice skating to sky-diving simulators or even bumper cars!
 
You may want to book a smaller ship which carries just a few hundred passengers for a more intimate cruising experience. Or if you’re the adventurous type a newer larger cruise ship may be more suited to you.
 
If you’re travelling with children make sure you pick a family friendly ship which offers kids clubs and fun activities to keep them entertained. If you’re planning on cruising solo there’s also now plenty of cruise lines with staterooms just for single passengers.

4. ​​Book A Mini Cruise
If you’re worried a cruise might not be for you then booking a mini cruise can be a great way of quickly finding out if it’s for you. You don’t have to spend thousands of pounds booking a 14-night cruise to the Caribbean. Many cruise lines offer short cruises.
 
These shorter sailings can be a great way to get on board a cruise ship for the very first time and see what all the fuss is about. It is important to remember however than often shorter cruises like this may not give you enough time to experience everything on offer, especially if you’re booked on board one of the larger mega cruise ships.

5. ​Find A Good Travel Agent
Finding a good travel agent is always a good idea! An experienced travel agent will be able to answer almost any questions you have about cruising. They will want to get to know you and find you a cruise which suits you. They might also even be able to find you a cruise cheaper than you would have found elsewhere by offering you an exclusive discount.