Beginner’s Guide to Ocean Cruising

Essential tips for first-time cruisers in the UK

Good to know: This is a general guide. Policies and processes vary by cruise line and ship. If you share your exact ship and sailing, I will tailor the advice for you.

Sailing away from port at sunset - a highlight for first-time UK cruisers.

Embarkation, how to board smoothly

Arriving and check in

Plan to arrive at the port at your assigned time. If you are travelling far, consider staying one night nearby to avoid delays. Cruise terminals work differently to airports. Arriving too early usually means waiting, since boarding often begins around midday.

Luggage and documents

Give large suitcases to porters with cruise luggage tags attached. Keep your passport, boarding pass, visas if required, medication, and valuables in your carry on. At check in, staff verify ID, take a photo, and set up your onboard account. You receive a cruise card or wearable that is your cabin key, ID, and payment method.

Travellers at embarkation walking towards their cruise ship in port.

Security and boarding

Bags are scanned, similar to an airport but usually quicker. Then you walk up the gangway and you are on holiday.

Muster drill and sailaway

Complete the mandatory safety drill. Some lines use a video or app plus a quick check in at your muster station. After that, head to an open deck for sailaway. It is a lovely moment as the ship eases out of port.

Note: Exact timing, processes, and any priority boarding options vary by line.

What is included, what costs extra

Typically included in your fare

• Your cabin and housekeeping
• Most meals in the main dining room and buffet, plus several casual spots
• Daily entertainment such as theatre shows, live music, quizzes
• Pools, hot tubs, gym, and most daytime activities
• Tender boats to shore when the ship cannot dock

Common extras to budget for

• Drinks. Soft drinks, bottled water, speciality coffee, and alcohol are usually extra. Expect a service charge on bar bills. A drinks package can be good value if you will use it every day.
• Speciality dining. Optional restaurants such as steakhouses or sushi bars have a cover charge or à la carte pricing.
• Gratuities. Many lines add a daily service charge, often around £12 to £16 per person per day. Some UK-based lines include this in the fare.
• Wi-Fi. Internet packages are usually extra. Typical costs are around £10 to £25 per day depending on speed and devices.
• Shore excursions. Cruise line tours range widely in price. Independent options can be cheaper, but the ship only waits for its own tours.
• Spa, fitness classes, photos, casino, activities such as escape rooms or go karts.

Onboard payments
Everything is charged to your cabin account using your card or wearable. Track spending in the app or on your TV. Your stored card is charged automatically on the last morning unless you settle another way at guest services.

Note: Inclusion lists and pricing bands vary by line and itinerary.

The main dining room - included in your cruise fare for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Dining, how it works

Main dining room

Multi-course dinners are included. You may have fixed seating times or flexible dining where you arrive within set hours. If you want a different time or table size, speak to the maître d’ on day one.

Buffet and casual spots

Great for variety and convenience. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are usually available in some form throughout the day.

A comfortable cruise cabin with balcony - your home from home at sea.

Speciality restaurants

Smaller venues with an extra charge. Book early for popular nights or celebrations.

Room service and dietary needs

Room service policies vary from free to a small fee. Tell the cruise line about allergies or dietary needs in advance and remind your head waiter on day one.

Dress codes simplified

Daytime

Casual and comfortable. Swimwear with a cover up indoors. Practical footwear for walking the decks and shore days.

Evenings

Most nights are smart casual. Longer voyages often include one or two elegant or gala nights. A cocktail dress or a shirt with smart trousers will be fine for most dining rooms. Casual venues do not require formal wear.

Smart evening wear for formal night on board - optional but memorable.

Theme nights

Some sailings include optional themes such as White Night. Join in if you like.

Note: Dress guidance varies by cruise line. Check your daily programme or app.

What to pack for a cruise

Essentials

• Passport with six months’ validity beyond return date
• Travel insurance details and cruise documents
• Any required visas
• Medications, copies of prescriptions, seasickness remedies
• Bank cards and a little local currency for ports

Clothing

• Lightweight layers for warm destinations
• A warmer layer for air-conditioned interiors and breezy decks
• Swimwear, cover up, hat, sunglasses
• Comfortable walking shoes for port days
• One smart outfit for an elegant night

Smart packing for a cruise: passport, swimwear, sun protection and evening outfits.

Useful extras

• UK and EU or US adaptors based on ship sockets
• Small non-surge power cube if allowed by your line
• Portable battery pack
• Refillable water bottle
• Magnetic hooks for cabin walls, zip bags, highlighter for the printed schedule
• Earplugs or a white noise app if you sleep lightly

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Life onboard, smooth sailing tips

Daily schedule

Your printed planner or app lists shows, activities, dress suggestions, and opening times. Mark your must-dos. It is fine to ignore the rest.

Phones and Wi-Fi

Switch your phone to flight mode at sailaway. Only use ship Wi-Fi if you’ve bought a package, unless the ship has its own app (for schedules or dining) – then allow Wi-Fi for that app only

A sample cruise daily planner displayed on a phone app - activities from morning to night.

Motion and seasickness

Modern ships are stable. If you feel queasy, try fresh air on deck, look at the horizon, sip ginger ale, or use wristbands or medication. Cabins midship on lower decks feel less movement.

Etiquette

Do not reserve sun loungers for long periods. Follow smoking rules. Respect quiet areas and adult-only spaces.

Port days, going ashore

Docking or tendering

Docking means a simple walk off. Tendering uses small boats to reach shore and takes longer. Allow extra time to return.

A tender boat ferrying passengers from ship to shore - common in smaller ports.

Ship tours or independent exploring

Ship tours are convenient and the ship will wait if they run late. Independent exploring offers flexibility and value. Either way, return well before all aboard.

Re-boarding

Take your cruise card and a photo ID. Stay on ship time. Your phone may switch to local time, which can be misleading.

Disembarkation, the final morning

Two options

• Self assist. Keep your luggage and walk off early.
• Assisted. Put tagged bags outside your door the night before. Collect them in the terminal.

Morning flow

Vacate your cabin on time, usually by 08.00. Have breakfast, then wait in your assigned lounge until your group is called. Leave a comfortable buffer before any onward travel. Midday or early afternoon flights are safest.

Passengers disembarking at a cruise terminal at the end of their holiday.

Popular questions from first-time cruisers

Is tap water safe on the ship
Yes. Ships produce and treat their own water to high standards. Use dispensers or ask for iced water in restaurants.

Can I bring alcohol onboard
Policies vary by line. Many allow a limited amount of wine per adult at embarkation. Beer and spirits are usually not allowed. Extra alcohol bought ashore is often held and returned at the end.

Do I have to tip
Many lines add a daily service charge. Some UK-based lines include this in the fare. You can usually prepay or discuss adjustments at guest services.

Will I get bored
Unlikely. There are shows, live music, lectures, classes, films, spa time, and shore days. You can do as much or as little as you like.

What if I get seasick
Act early. Use remedies you packed, get fresh air, and focus on the horizon. The medical centre can help if you need it.

What is the best cabin location
For the least motion and noise, choose midship on a lower deck. If you love views and private outdoor space, a balcony is a treat.

Can I use my phone
Yes, but keep it in flight mode to avoid roaming. Buy a Wi-Fi package if you need to stay connected, or wait for free Wi-Fi in port.

Are laundry facilities available
Most ships offer paid laundry or pressing. Some have self-service launderettes. Pack a small laundry bag to keep things organised.

A collage of cruise experiences - dining, cabins, activities and views at sea.

Ready to plan your first cruise

Tell me your preferred dates, destinations, and the kind of atmosphere you enjoy. I will match you to the right ship, advise on cabins, and handle the details so you can just relax.

This guide is general. Your cruise line may do things differently. Ask me anything about your exact ship and itinerary and I will tailor the advice for you.

💬 DM or WhatsApp 0117 452 1159
📞 Call 0117 452 1159
📧 bridget@worldclassadventures.co.uk