Your first cruise: what to expect

A cruise is a holiday where your hotel moves. You unpack once, the ship travels while you eat, sleep and relax, and you wake up in a new place. This guide covers how it works if you have never been.

Choosing a cruise

Start with three questions: how long you want to be away, where you want to go and whether you want to fly. Sailings from UK ports such as Southampton avoid flights, which suits many first-timers. Fly-cruises open up the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and further afield.

Then think about the ship. Large ships have many restaurants, shows and activities. Smaller ships feel quieter and can reach smaller ports. Our ship guides and cruise line guides help you compare, and the cruise line quiz gives you a starting point.

Picking a cabin

There are four broad types: inside, ocean view, balcony and suite. The type tells you what the cabin has, not where it is. Check the deck plan before you pay. Our guide to reading a deck plan covers the common traps.

What is included

The fare usually covers your cabin, main meals, entertainment and use of most facilities. Drinks, speciality restaurants, Wi-Fi, excursions and service charges are often extra. Cruise lines differ, so read the list of what is included for your exact booking.

Boarding day

You check in at the cruise terminal during a time slot set by the cruise line. Have your passport and boarding documents ready. Your luggage is usually taken to your cabin later in the day, so keep anything you need at once in a small bag. Before the ship sails you must attend a safety briefing called the muster drill.

A typical day at sea

Breakfast, then deck games, talks, spa visits or simply a book by the pool. Evenings often mean a show, live music or a quiet drink. The ship tells you about each day in a printed or app-based programme.

Days in port

On port days you can book an excursion with the cruise line, arrange your own trip or just wander ashore. Always allow plenty of time to be back. The ship will not wait for passengers who are late, and the ship's all-aboard time is the one to follow.

The last morning

You will usually be asked to leave your cabin early and collect your luggage in the terminal. Check the instructions the night before so there are no surprises.

New words? See our cruise glossary.