Tips for your first cruise holiday
A cruise holiday can be a fantastic holiday experience for individuals, couples and families alike. You’ll have the opportunity to rest and relax, explore the ship’s many features and venture on shore to be a tourist in fabulous destinations. If you’ve never booked one before, here are some tips to help you set sail.
Picking a cruise line and destinations
There are so many cruise lines, destinations and routes to choose from, so consider what parts of the world you want to explore. For a family holiday, TUI Cruises are a good option and set sail from Southampton, while Princess Cruises offer a more intimate couples experience.
Some of the most popular cruise routes include the Greek Islands, the wider Mediterranean and the Caribbean for a diverse range of experiences. Where gets you excited?
What to pack
Your packing list should be largely determined by your route and destination. The attire needed for a cruise up Norweigan fjords is going to be very different from what’s needed for a Mediterranean adventure. It’s best to take some warm clothing wherever you’re going because you’re on the ocean after all, so catching a chill is easy.
Take clothes to wear in your cabin, around the ship, for evening activities and excursions ashore. Most cruises will have clothes shops on board anyway, in case you forget something.
Things to avoid on board
There are a few fundamental rules that passengers should follow while on a cruise. First of all, smoking is strictly prohibited outside of dedicated smoking areas which are usually positioned on deck.
Your health is also a significant factor and the crew must be aware of any symptoms or chronic conditions you’re suffering from before you board. This is so public health risks can managed and you and others can be protected. If the ship suffers an outbreak, the whole experience can be impacted dramatically for everyone.
Any safety drills are compulsory, even if you are on holiday. These are crucial to ensure everyone is ready for an emergency. You can endanger yourself, your family or other passengers if you aren’t aware of safety protocols.
If you’re heading off-ship, you’ll need to follow the all-aboard time closely, otherwise, you risk being stranded on land watching the ship sail off without you. Captains are serious about these times and any delays can disrupt the experience for everyone.
What to do in an emergency
Understanding emergency procedures is essential on board a cruise ship. It’s important to read all the pre-cruise information before you board and pay attention to any captain announcements while on the ship.
The crew should inform you or leave instructions in your cabin, so there’s no need to worry about remembering everything off the top of your head. If in doubt, ask any member of staff and they should be able to direct you.
