With many luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines expecting a record number of passengers this summer, first-time cruisers are being offered top tips on making the most of their experience. Planning for a first-time cruise can be overwhelming, so luxury cruise experts at  Panache Cruises are sharing their comprehensive first-time cruising guide to ensure everything is plain sailing.

The luxury cruise industry is soaring, with record-breaking bookings suggesting 2023 could be the biggest year yet. More people than ever are considering switching up their usual holiday plans in favour of sailing the open seas. However, cruising is unlike land-based trips, and the extent of choice and information available often daunts holidaymakers when booking and embarking on their first journey afloat.

Ahead of saying bon voyage and sipping cocktails in front of the breathtaking ocean views, first time cruisers are encouraged to pre-plan their trip, carefully select their accommodation on-board and pack efficiently for their trip.

From reserving the right suite (sometimes called a cabin or stateroom) to planning shore excursions, first-time cruisers always have many questions before heading on their maiden voyage.

James Cole, founder and managing director at Panache Cruises said: “This year, travellers are looking for a holiday which can offer more than their usual yearly trip abroad. “Many people are still playing catch up after a general lack of travelling over the past few years due to the pandemic. This is one reason why so many are turning to luxury cruises to fulfil their travel needs.

“Cruises allow travellers to see a larger part of the world in a short time and provide a fun and relaxing all-in-one experience. “Remember, there are so many variables in a cruise, so someone contemplating going on one for the first time will have many questions when planning and booking. “Don’t learn the hard way!  Aside from doing research online, speak to a specialist cruise agent or you can even pose questions on cruise message boards to create a short-list of the best cruise lines and itineraries.

“Stepping on a ship for the first time can be daunting, so it makes sense to be well-researched and organised to reduce any stress.”

Here are Panache Cruises’ first-time cruising tips to help holidaymakers navigate their way through their first booking:

1. Book through a specialist

Consulting with a specialist cruise retailer will massively benefit first-time cruisers because they have detailed knowledge of all the different service offerings. By offering a personalised service, they will take time to get to know ‘hopeful  cruisers’ too. They will establish what best suits their taste and preferences in order to find the best ship for them. Cruise specialists have extensive knowledge of the industry and will be able to take the stress and hassle out of the finer elements. They can also assist with advance onboard bookings, like shore excursions and dinner reservations, so there is less to worry about on arrival. A specialist cruise agent will also book your flights (if needed) and any hotel stays at the start or end of your holiday.

2. Consider a ‘no fly’ cruise

Most first time cruises are unaware that many popular destinations could be served from ships that leave their local port. This negates the need to take a flight to join the ship. This has many advantages and takes a lot of stress out of the experience. Where long-haul flights are required to join a ship, always consider the effects of jet-lag. It is always sensible to arrive in your departure port a day early to help minimise the effects of long-haul travel. Even when taking short-haul flights, many people choose to arrive a day or two early to explore the port of departure and the surrounding area. Similarly, many people often extend their trip to explore the final destination on their cruise itinerary before flying home.

3. Pre-plan your trip 

Organisation is key to making the most of a cruise trip, so holidaymakers are strongly encouraged to plan in advance. Those who book early will be the first to receive information and can get ‘first dibs’ on certain things. A range of activities and attractions will be on-board, so try pre-booking excursions and speciality dining reservations beforehand. If this is not possible, most cruise lines will also have a phone ‘app’, calendar, or planner which lists everything going on, thereby allowing people to get ahead of the game.

4. Research the cruise line

Different cruise lines offer very different onboard experiences, from entertainment to dining. For example, Oceania Cruises is the world’s leading culinary and destination-focused cruise line. While some lines offer resort-style ships full of activities like mini golf and arcades, others are traditional and more relaxing. Different cruises will attract different people, so holidaymakers should think carefully about the experience and vibe they want.

5. Study cruise ports beforehand

Unlike mainstream cruise lines, many shore-excursions are included with luxury and ultra-luxury cruise lines, which is great for ‘new to cruise’ customers. Nonetheless, it is still important to research and book in advance. Cruise line tours can sometimes be expensive when not included in the fare, so don’t be afraid to research the ports and explore independent tours if this is the case. For more adventurous holidaymakers who are keen to avoid the crowds, researching the ports beforehand is key. Find out if there are buses or local transport in the area to help with DIY independent tours. Always be mindful of the ship’s departure time however when wandering off into unfamiliar areas. To minimise risk, first-time cruisers might want to only book tours that are organised by the cruise line as these are guaranteed to return before the ship is due to depart.

6. Pick a suite carefully

Holidaymakers should think carefully when booking their stateroom or suite  depending on specific needs. The location should be an important consideration. Those who struggle with walking should think wisely about where they would be best situated, and families should consider what facilities would be most convenient for them to be near. The suite will be ‘home’ for the duration of the trip, so cruisers should think about what is important to them. For example, those people on longer itineraries or who envisage spending significant time in their cabin should think about upgrading to a larger suite with a dining table, larger balcony and perhaps even their own butler.

7. It’s all included

First time cruisers risk being stung by the additional onboard costs of cruises which always appear less expensive up front. However with luxury and ultra-luxury cruises many onboard items are included in the ticket price including all drinks, WI-FI, shore excursions, speciality restaurant reservations and gratuities / tips. Always price up the ‘total cost’ of the cruise when making comparisons. The cheapest prices can often be deceptive and seldom represent the best value. Consequently, first time cruisers should consider all-inclusive options to better manage supplementary costs. Given their all-inclusive nature, luxury cruise lines such as Oceania, Azamara, Silversea and new cruise line Explora Journeys are worth a closer look. It’s the cost to get off that counts, not the cost to get on!

8. It’s not stuffy on-board

Most cruises tend to have a relaxed dress code. However, don’t let that stop you from dressing up in the evening when going out to dinner. There may also be an event with a theme, so research the cruise itinerary beforehand. Obviously, it is also very important to pack for the weather. If travelling on an exotic or Caribbean cruise, for example, pack light. And don’t forget your mask and snorkel!