First-Time Cruisers

Welcome Aboard

Embarking on your first cruise is like stepping into a floating resort—your cabin, dining, entertainment and travel between ports are all wrapped up in one seamless holiday. Relax, unpack once and let your ship carry you to new destinations.

Welcome Aboard

Your first cruise is like stepping into a floating resort—unpack once and wake up in a new port each day, with your cabin, dining and entertainment all on board.

 

All-In-One Simplicity

Meals, accommodation and activities are included, Everything you need is at your fingertips.

Tailored Itineraries

Pick the perfect length: 3–5-night weekend escapes, 7–10-night classic voyages, or 10+-night bucket-list adventures to the Caribbean, Alaska or transatlantic crossings.

Ship Sizes Explained

Boutique vessels (200–500 guests) for an intimate feel; mid-size liners (1,000–2,500) for a balance of crowds and choice; mega-ships (3,000+) for waterslides, theaters and dozens of dining venues.

What’s Included

Your fare covers your stateroom, main dining room, buffet meals and onboard entertainment—from Broadway-style shows and poolside movies to fitness classes and kids’ clubs.

Packing Essentials

Don’t forget your passport, smart-casual eveningwear, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket and small extras like a daypack, power strip and reusable water bottle.

Embarkation & Onboard Tips

Arrive 90–120 minutes before departure, attend the mandatory safety drill, review tomorrow’s daily planner and confirm your cruise line’s tipping policy.

Shore Excursion Strategies

Reserve popular tours before sailing, weigh line-operated vs. independent options, and always allow extra time to return to your ship in case of traffic or bridge delays.

Kids’ Clubs & Teen Lounges

Dedicated areas for younger children to enjoy supervised crafts and play, and for teens to socialize with games & music.

Live Entertainment

Watch live theatrical productions, join deck-party dance nights and compete in family trivia.

Welcome Aboard

Your first cruise is like stepping into a floating resort—unpack once and wake up in a new port each day, with your cabin, dining and entertainment all on board.

 

All-In-One Simplicity

Meals, accommodation and activities are included, Everything you need is at your fingertips.

Tailored Itineraries

Pick the perfect length: 3–5-night weekend escapes, 7–10-night classic voyages, or 10+-night bucket-list adventures to the Caribbean, Alaska or transatlantic crossings.

Ship Sizes Explained

Boutique vessels (200–500 guests) for an intimate feel; mid-size liners (1,000–2,500) for a balance of crowds and choice; mega-ships (3,000+) for waterslides, theaters and dozens of dining venues.

What’s Included

Your fare covers your stateroom, main dining room, buffet meals and onboard entertainment—from Broadway-style shows and poolside movies to fitness classes and kids’ clubs.

Packing Essentials

Don’t forget your passport (valid for at least six months), smart-casual eveningwear, comfortable walking shoes, a light jacket and small extras like a daypack, power strip and reusable water bottle.

Embarkation & Onboard Tips

Arrive 90–120 minutes before departure, attend the mandatory safety drill, review tomorrow’s daily planner and confirm your cruise line’s tipping policy.

Shore Excursion Strategies

Reserve popular tours before sailing, weigh line-operated vs. independent options, and always allow extra time to return to your ship in case of traffic or bridge delays.

FAQ

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A valid passport (six months’ remaining validity) and any required visas your booking confirmation will list specific entry requirements.

Our Travel Experts can help you apply for Visas.

Plan to arrive at least two hours before your ship’s departure time to allow for parking or transfers, luggage drop-off, security and check-in.

It’s sometimes possible if there’s last-minute availability—visit Guest Services early in the voyage to enquire about promotional rates.

Basic Wi-Fi is often available for a low fee (suitable for email and messaging). Premium or unlimited data plans can be purchased for streaming and videoconferencing.

You’ll open a cashless account linked to your credit card at embarkation. All bar tabs, spa treatments and gift-shop buys are charged to that account and settled at the end of your voyage.

Smoking and vaping are typically restricted to designated outdoor areas—never inside cabins or restaurants. Check your ship’s smoking policy for exact locations and rules.

Unlike airlines, cruisers are often allowed two checked bags (up to about 23 kg/50 lbs each) and one carry-on. Always confirm your cruise line’s specific weight and piece limits before packing.

Most ships provide 220–240 V outlets (European standard) and sometimes a single U.S.-style (110 V) socket.

Yes—cruise lines cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher and other diets. Notify them at booking and again once aboard to ensure full compliance.

You can reserve both before you sail via your online cruise planner or app, and again onboard at the spa desk or specialty-dining reservations desk.

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