{"id":6366,"date":"2023-05-09T15:34:32","date_gmt":"2023-05-09T14:34:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/?p=6366"},"modified":"2023-05-12T11:21:31","modified_gmt":"2023-05-12T10:21:31","slug":"10-insider-tips-for-your-first-time-cruise","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.broadwaytravel.com\/blog\/10-insider-tips-for-your-first-time-cruise\/","title":{"rendered":"10 insider tips for your first time cruise!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Ahoy there! If you\u2019re about to go on a cruise for the first time and you\u2019re wondering what to expect, you\u2019ve come to the right place. We\u2019ll let you know how spending works on board, what to pack, how to choose the right cruise for you, and much more. In fact, we\u2019ve got a boatload of tips and tricks for making your first cruise holiday smooth sailing \u2013 read on for our top insider tips!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. How do I choose my cruise?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Waterslide<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Nowadays, cruise companies offer everything from fun-packed jaunts to the Caribbean to awe-inspiring trips through the Norwegian fjords. There are cruise liners with their own water parks, larger-than-life vessels with Vegas-style casinos, and even ships with robot bartenders serving the drinks! If you\u2019re looking for a kid-free experience, you can find that too \u2013 some cruises are adults-only. Why not call one of Broadway Travel\u2019s cruise specialists on 020 3478 2163<\/a> to find a cruise that\u2019s right for you?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. What about spending money on board?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Boutique<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Apart from at the casino, most cruise liners don\u2019t accept cash on board. Instead, they issue you with a card (called Cruise Card on MSC and Sea Pass on Royal Caribbean) which is linked to your credit card. You can use this to pay for items in the shops and for drinks from the bar. Ideally, you\u2019ll want to limit spending on board, since prices for things like sunscreen and medicines can be costly \u2013 be sure to pack everything you need before you go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

3. What is my baggage allowance?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re travelling from the UK without flights, the good news is you can pack as much as you like \u2013 well, almost. P&O Cruises say you can take as much luggage that comfortably fits into your cabin, while Royal Caribbean<\/a> state that each passenger can take a \u2018reasonable\u2019 amount of luggage on board. MSC Cruises<\/a> have an allowance of 2 x 23kg suitcases per traveller, along with 2x pieces of hand luggage, weighing up to 23kg each. For cruises with flights, it\u2019s a case of sticking to the airline\u2019s baggage requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. What should I pack, and what’s prohibited?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the length of your cruise, you\u2019ll want to pack a decent variety of clothing and sportswear (see no. 5 below). Bring magnetic hooks for hanging towels and jackets in your cabin, and a lanyard for holding your cruise card. You\u2019ll also want to pack your own sunscreen and motion sickness tablets, as these sell for a premium on board. In terms of prohibited items, the major cruise liners don\u2019t allow hard liquor or food to be taken aboard, although you\u2019re usually OK with dried snacks and a couple of bottles of wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. What’s the dress code?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Woman<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s fine to wear casual attire in most areas of the ship during the day. A smart-casual look may be expected in the evenings, and most ships hold formal evenings when it\u2019s all about dressing to impress \u2013 think cocktail dresses and tuxes. You\u2019ll also want to bring your sporting gear so you can hit the gym, and take part in the many sporting activities on board including squash, tennis, and even surfing. On MSC and Royal Caribbean there are multiple pools and water slides to try out, so don\u2019t forget your swimwear!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. What about food and drink?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Colourful<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the major perks of a cruise holiday is the fantastic food on offer. Your package will include full board food, giving you 3 meals per day, with snacks in between. You\u2019ll find a huge choice at the buffet, with venues open from early in the morning until late at night. If you prefer waiter service, you\u2019re free to choose that instead, at no extra cost. Tea, coffee and fruit juice are usually free of charge, but you\u2019ll have to pay extra for sodas and alcoholic drinks \u2013 we recommend buying a drinks package for unlimited beverages on board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. What about excursions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Santiago

We always recommend booking guided excursions in advance. These tend to be very popular, particularly for destinations in southern Europe and North America. However, you are free to explore each place on your own \u2013 just make sure you\u2019re back in time to set sail! Some people even stay on board when the ship docks, giving them uncrowded access to the most popular facilities, such as the swimming pools and sports venues. If you do venture out, it\u2019s a good idea to bring your passport, a backpack for souvenirs and water for hydration.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

8. What kind of entertainment will I find on board?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Ice<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There\u2019s zero chance of boredom when you choose a cruise holiday with Broadway Travel! Expect multiple swimming pools on board all our ships sailing from Southampton, along with Jacuzzis, slides, and even adventure playgrounds above the water. You\u2019ll find Rob the Robot Bartender aboard MSC Virtuosa, and Shaun the Sheep on P&O Cruises. Then there\u2019s Royal Caribbean, home to a surf simulator, laser lag, and a high-up zipwire. You\u2019ll find Broadway-quality shows, gala evenings and outdoor film nights\u2026 the list goes on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. What type of cabin should I choose?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Suite<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

There are usually 4 types of cabin to choose from: inside, outside (often called oceanview), balcony, and suite. Inside cabins are the least expensive option, while outside cabins give you a window with a view of the ocean. Balcony cabins have an outside balcony with seating, and suites \u2013 the most luxurious cabin type \u2013 provide extra living space and a variety of perks, including exclusive guest-only areas. At Broadway Travel, we often provide free cabin and drinks upgrades as part of our cruise packages \u2013 sign up to our newsletter<\/a> for the latest deals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Where can I find out the daily itinerary?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Digital<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The first thing to do is download your cruise company app before you board. This will keep you up to date on sailing times, onboard mealtimes and events, and upcoming excursions. Once settled into your cabin, you\u2019ll find the cruise channel, which will keep you in the loop when it comes to entertainment, daily kids\u2019 clubs and much more. If in doubt, ask a member of staff on board \u2013 they\u2019re always happy to help out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Good to know:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n