Essential Tips For New To Cruise

Thinking about booking your first ever cruise? Follow expert advice and get ready to have the holiday of a lifetime

1 There is a cruise line for you

If you’re new to cruise, you may think all cruise lines are the same. But this couldn’t be further from the truth. There’s a wealth of them out there, all offering different onboard atmospheres, from the family-friendly feel of Norwegian Cruise Line to the cultured character of a Viking voyage to the glamorous allure of MSC Cruises. The small, intimate ships of a line like Silversea contrast with the larger, Las Vegas-style vessels beloved by Carnival guests while others are primed for adventure, relaxation or culinary immersion.

The choice of cruise lines is actually so staggering, picking one can be daunting. But as we all have varying budgets, interests and ideas of comfort, it pays to know what each cruise line offers. The trick is to do your research and opt for one that reflects what you want from your time away.

2 Call your agent

ANDY HARMER, Director at CLIA, UK & Ireland

“Once you’ve nailed down the cruise line, there’s still the ship to pick, the destinations to decide on and the cabin to choose. If you’re overwhelmed post-research or would simply prefer to speak to an expert to start with, help is at hand in the form of a travel agent. Travel agents sell the vast majority of cruises in the UK, as customers rely on them for their expert knowledge and guidance through what can sometimes be an confusing booking process. Talking to a CLIA travel agent will prove invaluable — they will find out about your tastes and the types of holidays you like and guide you through all the options available to find the perfect cruise for you. They’ll also know the best time to book, and sometimes get special deals not generally available.”

3 Timing is everything