Everybody remembers their first cruise holiday, exploring their cruise ship and cabin as they set sail for beautiful destinations across the world. But some people enjoy their cruise more than others; whether it's the hassle of catching connecting flights on time or booking the wrong type of cabin, there are many common mistakes that first-time cruisers make.
At Cruise118.com, our experts have compiled a list of the most common cruising mistakes that beginners make so you can ensure that you make the most of your cruise holiday.
There are many pitfalls that you can fall into when booking a cruise. It can be overwhelming, especially when booking for the first time. Knowing which cruise you want to book, when you should book, and what you need to pack just to start some of the things more experienced cruisers no longer second guess can feel overwhelming to a beginner.
It's easy to believe that you will need a wardrobe of clothes for a cruise holiday, especially if you are attending formal events but this is not the case. To avoid overpacking, be sure to pack clothes that can be worn for multiple events. Plan out your outfits ahead of time to avoid bringing clothes you won't end up wearing.
You can also use compression bags if you really are struggling with what to bring. These bags can help you maximise the space in your suitcase. If you plan on making off-shore excursions, be sure to pack appropriately for them.
While you may think that all cruise ships look the same, this couldn’t be further from the truth. All cruise lines have their own strengths, with some being more accustomed to family cruises and making life on-board the cruise ship just as fun as the time spent exploring, while other cruise lines tailor their ships to be more suited to sailing to remote destinations with less of an emphasis on on-board entertainment and more on selling the experience of the destination.
To avoid choosing the wrong ship for what you want out of your holiday, be it a fun-filled cruise on a floating resort or a more laid-back cruise on a luxurious ship, be sure to thoroughly research before you go ahead and book.
Cruise holidays are run on a tight schedule, meaning if you are not on the boat at the time of departure, you will have to watch your holiday sail off into the distance. If your cruise holiday is departing from a port overseas, you must fly there, unlike a cruise from the UK, where you simply park up at the terminal and board your ship.
If your flight is delayed or arrives too late, you will miss your cruise departure time and be stranded. It's best to book your flights a couple of days before your departure date. This ensures you arrive on schedule and gives you another destination to explore before you depart.
Choosing the right room is imperative to enjoying your cruise holiday, and for first-timers, the number of different rooms on offer can be almost impossible to decipher. There are many cabin grades, each with its perks. Indoor cabins offer the cheapest prices because of the cost of not having a window due to being on the inside of the ship. Outdoor cabins are more expensive and provide the same size and layout but offer a beautiful view of your surroundings.
Balcony rooms are slightly larger than outdoor rooms and have a private balcony to enjoy the crisp sea air. Finally, there are suites. These rooms are far larger than any of the other cabins and vary from cruise line to cruise line, with some having multi-story rooms, private bars, and jacuzzis. Both the bump in size and price are also significant.
Choosing where you stay on the ship is also significant. People prone to travel sickness should avoid waiting at the front of the boat due to the turbulence of the bow breaking through the water. The best place to stay is in the boat's mid-section because it remains calm and stationary. Finally, there is the rear or aft, of the ship. These rooms are better than the front of the boat, but it can still get a bit choppy in rough seas.
When you book your first cruise holiday, you may think everything on-board is included in your fee, but this is not the case. To get the absolute most from your cruise, you must upgrade to an all-inclusive holiday that entitles you to all the exclusive dining and entertainment options.
Be sure to read through your cruise itinerary before booking so you don't accidentally choose a dining experience or an exclusive excursion that ends up setting you back.
If you avoid the simple cruise mistakes our experts have highlighted, you will have a fantastic holiday. Whether you are looking for a big cruise ship heading to a destination filled with sun or want an expedition experience, you can find all types of cruises here at Cruise118.com.
Chloe Metcalf, Senior Sales Manager at Cruise118, said:
“No matter if you are a first-time cruiser or you have been on hundreds of cruise holidays, booking your holiday is always a stressful time, double and triple checking your flights and departure date or worrying about which outfit works best for your formal dinner.
"Thankfully, here at Cruise118.com, we have made the booking process as easy as possible, detailing exactly where and what you will be experiencing and providing as much information as you need about the many cruise lines and ships sailing to destinations worldwide. Avoid making any mistakes and book through Cruise118.com.”
