Your first cruise: what to expect

About Your first cruise: what to expect

By the ULTIMATE the world’s cruise lines Editorial Team

Editor-in-Chief: Jai Michael

A first cruise is easier than it looks. You unpack once, the ship does the travelling, and most of the questions people worry about are answered by the line long before they board. Here is what the first days are really like, and what is worth deciding before you sail.

Before you sail

Every line asks you to check in online in the weeks before departure, upload your passport details and often choose a boarding time. Do it as soon as the window opens: the popular arrival slots, and on the bigger ships the most sought-after speciality restaurants and shows, go first. Your line will tell you exactly which documents you need for every country on the route, not only the port where you board.

Embarkation day

At the terminal you drop your large cases with the porters, pass security and check-in, and walk aboard. Your luggage reaches your cabin some hours later, so keep a small bag with you: documents, medicines, a swimsuit and whatever you need for the afternoon. Before the ship sails, everyone takes part in the compulsory safety briefing; your line explains how it works on your ship.

You unpack once, the ship does the travelling, and the sea does the rest.

Docking and tendering

In most ports the ship ties up alongside and you simply walk down the gangway. In smaller harbours it anchors offshore and you go ashore by tender, the ship’s own boats. Tendering takes longer, so on those days the line usually issues tickets or times; small ships and yachts make it far quicker, and some of the loveliest harbours can only be reached this way.

Money on board

Ships are cashless: your cabin card is linked to an onboard account settled at the end. What the fare includes is the single biggest difference between lines. On the big resort ships, drinks, Wi-Fi and speciality restaurants are usually extra and a daily service charge is added; the ultra-luxury lines include drinks, gratuities and often much more. Each line guide on our site sets out what that line includes, in its own words.

Dress codes

Most lines are relaxed by day and smart-casual in the evening, with one or two dressier nights on a longer voyage. Cunard keeps the most formal tradition of all, with Gala Evenings in tuxedos and ball gowns. Your line’s own guidance is the one to follow.

Our advice: choose the ship before the itinerary. The same Mediterranean week feels completely different on a 6,000-guest resort ship and on a 100-guest yacht, and both can be the right answer. Start with our guide to the five kinds of cruise, then read the line guides for the two or three that suit you.

Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Your first cruise: what to expect before you go.