Everything you need to know about booking your first cruise

If you’ve never booked a cruise holiday before, it can be a pretty daunting prospect. With hundreds of ships from which to choose and numerous itineraries that cover the world, selecting a particular voyage is just the start.

Let’s assume you’re booking an ocean cruise, as that tends to be the way in for most people. Though if river cruises sound more attractive, we have a guide to those, too.

You should consider the type of cabin you prefer and work out just how much your holiday will really cost. An attractive headline price is not such good value if you end up forking out for most of the extras that make cruising such a pleasure. Gratuities should be considered also.

Below are some of the essential questions you need to ask – of yourself and of the cruise lines or a travel agent before you book.

What is a cruise holiday?

It’s essentially a hotel on water that moves from place to place. Whenever the ship docks at a new port, you’ll have the chance to go ashore. Depending on the route, this could be occasionally or every day. It’s your choice whether to join an excursion organised by the ship or do your own thing.

On board, the number of facilities and options relates to the size of the ship, from a little expedition vessel with just a piano bar to theatres, waterparks and crazy golf courses on the largest ships.

What do I do on board?

Again, it depends on the size of the ship and your personal preferences. On larger ships, daily newsletters (you’ll receive a paper copy in your room and/or a digital version on an app) will have a timetable of events along with restaurant opening times.

On-board activities could include lectures, craft sessions, quizzes, sports, wine tastings, bingo and live entertainment. On smaller ships, dockings are generally more frequent and the odd day at sea could be spent reading or attending a lecture.

Food is often available around the clock, including room service (usually for an extra charge). And on any ship there’s always the option to do little except lie by the pool.

Will I feel restricted?

Bigger ships have so much going on, you’ll never be bored – but they can feel crowded. As said, once ashore you are a free agent.

Meal times are more relaxed and flexible than in years gone by, so you don’t have to dine every night at a set time on the same table with the same people. While some cruise lines still make a big thing of “black tie” nights, others keep the smart-casual theme throughout the trip.

How do I choose a ship?

Look at videos and photo galleries online – many ships offer 360-degree virtual tours – to find a style that suits you. If you like boutique hotels, select a smaller ship with luxurious decor. Smaller ships also offer a more intimate experience (plus it’s quicker to get on and off) but there may not be enough going on for those who enjoy around-the-clock entertainment or for families with children.

The bigger the ship, the more choice of entertainment, facilities and places to eat. If a ship has waterslides and go-kart tracks, reckon on sharing your holiday with families, who benefit from age-grouped children’s clubs. There are plenty of adult-only or adult-orientated alternatives.

Don’t assume that a bigger ship will allow more space per person. If you can do the maths, working out the ratio of the ship’s tonnage to the number of passengers is a fair guide to how crowded, or otherwise, it may feel.

Consult our guide to family-friendly cruises here.

What about cabins?

Although you can expect all mod cons and an en suite, your room may be smaller than you expect (that said, cruise lines are pretty good at incorporating clever storage).

Remember that a “suite” usually means a sofa or a “living” area as part of the room, not two rooms.

Do you really need a balcony? It’s always nice to have one, but few guests actually spend much time here and often pay a hefty premium for the privilege. Check out the price differential.

Those with limited mobility will prefer to be near a lift – corridors on bigger ships can be very long. If you suffer from motion sickness, book a cabin on a lower deck near the middle of the ship.

Deck plans for most ships can be found online to help you decide – and remember, “stateroom” is just a fancy word for cabin.

Read our guide to choosing the perfect cabin here.

What’s included?

Much thought needs to be given to exactly what is included in the fare and how much extra you may need to spend to have the best experience. Not all prices include flights, though agency bookings will normally include air travel.

Once on board, all your meals are included, though on larger ships there are also extra-cost “speciality” options. Entertainment such as shows and musical performances do not usually cost extra. Nearly all waterpark and fairground-style facilities will also be free.

Drinks usually cost extra; all-inclusive could mean just free beverages or a whole package including daily excursions. The majority of cruise lines add a service charge (12 to 18 per cent) per drink. Most lines offer a drinks package, though these can be expensive. Remember to factor in the exchange rate for ships using dollars or euros.

Tipping, excursions and Wi-Fi

Gratuities are a major consideration. A few cruise lines include them; most add a daily amount of between £5 and £11 per person, per day, to your account – even for teenagers. You can ask for them to be taken off but as you’ll see, crew on board ships work incredibly hard.

Your biggest expense is likely to be shore excursions – a few of these can easily add up to hundreds of pounds. Choose well from a ship’s own options and you can considerably enhance a voyage, but ask yourself if you really need a guide to walk you around a small city. A bit of homework and an app or map could save you lots of money (it’s worth checking out local guiding services and independent excursion operators).

Using a ship’s WiFi can be pricey and may be quite slow. If this is important, choose one that includes it or at least offers a good package.

When should I book?

To guarantee a particular cabin or at least one in a preferred part of the ship, book early. Popular grades of accommodation can and do sell out, especially on the smaller ships.

Flexible on dates and destinations? It is possible to pick up good deals between one and three months before travel, but don’t count on a huge saving. There’s little difference in price between booking direct with a cruise line or through an agent, though the latter will sometimes negotiate a cabin upgrade or on-board credit.

Look out for special offers such as free drinks packages or on-board credit which may be offered at any time.

Five of the best cruise lines for first time cruisers

Fred Olsen in the Norwegian fjords

With close-up views of fabulous scenery and the opportunity to sail without flying, the fjords are superb. A typical cruise conveniently lasts about a week. Fred Olsen operates from various UK ports.

A mini cruise with Cunard

Still not convinced you’ll like cruising? Hop aboard for two to five nights to sample the food, entertainment and changing sea views. Cunard has regular short breaks from Southampton.

A Mediterranean fly-cruise with P&O Cruises

As a break from the standard package holiday in Spain or Italy, a Med voyage will take in a fascinating array of destinations, often with a full day in each. P&O Cruises has plenty to choose from.

Family fun voyages with Disney

Choose a big ship packed with kids’ clubs and an astonishing range of pools, thrilling rides and experiences and you won’t see your offspring for a week. Disney do it so well.

Intimate experiences with Silversea

Put off by the thought of sharing a ship with thousands of others? Smaller luxury ships offer an intimate experience and can dock in ports others cannot. Seabourn and Silversea are highly regarded.