Embarking on your first cruise is exciting, but we also know it can be a bit daunting. You may have no idea what to expect on your first cruise, or if you’re looking to book your maiden voyage, you may not know where to visit or what to pack. No matter your worries, Bolsover Cruise Club has all the answers you need to put your mind at ease and get excited for your maiden voyage!
The Stages of Your First Cruise
If it’s your first time on a cruise ship, it’s normal to have questions about what your first cruise experience will look like. To paint a clear picture, let’s split up the cruise experience into its primary stages.
Before you Set Sail
Each cruise begins with the booking process, completed either online or over the phone with the cruise line in question. At Bolsover Cruise Club, we offer a smooth booking process, during which you can discuss your ideal itinerary and destinations to find a cruise that works for you both in terms of experience and price.
After you’ve booked, the next stage is one of preparation. First-time cruisers are advised to check their passport validity and visa requirements before their cruise, and ensure they have the necessary travel insurance for cruising. This stage also involves packing for your cruise, a process that is best facilitated by our useful packing guide.
Once You’re On Board
Depending on whether you sail from the UK or book a fly cruise, the process of arriving at your port of departure will differ. Whether you drive or fly, you will board your ship, check in at the allocated point, and provide your ticket and required travel documents. You will then be given your room key, introduced to any on board account system in place for your cruise, and informed about the muster drill video you must watch when you reach your room.
Once this has been completed, you will be free to explore the cruise ship. You will find a variety of facilities and amenities to browse. Many cruise ships feature a variety of restaurants, bars, lounges, gyms, spas, pools, waterparks, and sunbathing decks.
Pro Tip: Once on board, ask a crew member about the dining schedule. This will tell you if there are set times for having breakfast, lunch and dinner, allowing you to plan your days at sea.
Throughout your cruise, your days will vary between those at sea and those in port. At sea, you are free to explore the facilities of your ship, socialising with your fellow passengers and enjoying the journey. In port, you will have the opportunity to embark on shore excursions, during which you can go ashore for special activities such as guided tours, wildlife expeditions, and wine tastings.
Returning Home
A few days before reaching your final port, you will be notified of the disembarkation process for your chosen cruise line. Often, guests are advised to pack their bags the night before they disembark, ensuring a swift and seamless process for leaving the ship.
Many cruise lines provide a final breakfast or dining option before guests depart. Luggage is collected by the crew on guests’ behalf, and this can be easily collected once ashore.
Top Destinations for Your First Cruise
Ahead of your first time on a cruise ship, you might be wondering what the best cruise destinations are. Cruising offers an incredible opportunity to see the world, with a range of destinations catering to every holiday style.
For those looking for a classic summer getaway, the Mediterranean is certain to please. A network of some of Europe’s most historically rich and gastronomically iconic ports, this region promises first-time cruisers an itinerary of exciting excursions with consistently beautiful weather. Venice, Athens, and Dubrovnik are just some of the highlights guests can look forward to.
For those craving a first-time cruise experience across the Atlantic, the Caribbean delivers exceptional weather, delicious cuisines, and cultural heritage to immerse yourself in truly. Sailing between pristine beaches with lapping turquoise waters to colonial towns bustling with music and marketplaces, your first time visiting this beautiful region is sure to be memorable.
Another honourable mention for first-time cruisers to consider is the Norwegian Fjords. Within close sailing distance from the UK, this stunning destination offers natural wonders to leave you speechless. Not only do these itineraries immerse you in the majesty of the northern wilderness, but they also visit a variety of intriguing towns and cities across Northern Europe along the way, making for an incredible all-round trip.
Planning Your Holiday: First-Time Cruise Tips
Don’t know what to expect on your first cruise? Planning your cruise ahead of time is the best way to cast away doubt about your holiday on the sea, so here are our top first-time cruise tips:
- Choosing the Right Ship: Take a look at the facilities and accommodation available on the ships you have in mind. Also, consider checking out reviews to see what previous guests have to say.
- Choosing the Best Destination: For a relaxing summer holiday, consider places with guaranteed sun and relaxing activities, such as the Mediterranean or Canary Islands. If you’re looking for something more adventurous, consider options with exotic or thrilling excursions, such as Australasia or South America.
- Knowing How Much to Pack: Consider the duration of your cruise, the availability of on board laundry services, and the likely weather conditions in your destination. For those going on a fly cruise, also check the luggage allowances of your airline.
- Picking the Best Excursions: We recommend striking a balance between exciting excursion days and free days, allowing you to go wherever the mood takes you. Look ahead at the available excursions and identify those that best suit your holiday style or offer something you can’t find anywhere else.
Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club
Whether you’ve never cruised before or are eager to return to the seas, get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.
2 thoughts on “What to Expect on Your First Cruise Holiday”
You are too modest to advise the best way to simplify taking your first cruise. Let Bolsover Cruise Club shoulder the burden.
We booked our cruise a year last February, we are going at last this Saturday 25th Sept. on Britannia. Our advisor (Maddison) spent a lot of time finding out what sort of cruise we wanted. She took into account our age (ancient) and the fact that we were celebrating our Golden Wedding. She suggested the Britannia in May to the Med., she even recommended the right cabin to minimise ship movement and also avoid crowds at lifts, stairs and entertainment from above or below. Everything we asked she was able to give options and recommendations. At no time did we get the “hard sell”. Never the less, we booked the following day. Sadly, we missed our Golden Wedding because of Covid, but through all the uncertain times, Maddison and her collegues were there to help, empathise and reassure us to reach our dream of cruising
Go Bolsover!
Hi William, thank you for your kind words. I will certainly pass these on to Maddison and the team. Hopefully you can still celebrate you’re Golden Wedding Anniversary when you sail on Britannia, have a lovely time.