⚓ 1. Arrive a Day Early—Seriously

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Why? Flights get delayed, luggage goes missing, and cruise ships? They wait for no one. Arriving in your departure city the same day as your cruise is like playing travel roulette—and we prefer our holidays without the drama.

The Smart Move: Travel down the day before and enjoy a stress-free start to your adventure. It's the perfect excuse for a cheeky hotel stay and maybe even a nice dinner the night before you set sail. Think of it as pre-cruise foreplay.

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Even Better:
Many cruise lines organise flights as part of your package, which helps keep you on track if things go sideways. If a delay happens on a cruise line-arranged flight, they’ll usually ensure you’re looked after or flown to the next port—peace of mind, built in.

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You can also choose Cruise & Stay packages, giving you the chance to explore your departure or arrival city with a few extra nights before or after your sailing. From Barcelona tapas to Miami cocktails—make your cruise part of a longer adventure.

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🍹Bonus Tip: We can help you find great hotel options near your port, often with cruise parking or shuttle services. One less thing to worry about!

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👜 2. Pack a Carry-On Like a Cruise Ninja

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Your main suitcase may take a few hours to reach your cabin after boarding, so pack a small bag with:

• Travel documents & cruise passes

• Medications & toiletries

• Swimwear (for a quick dip before dinner!)

• A change of clothes

• Phone charger & headphones

 

Why it matters: You can kick off your holiday straight away, without looking like you just fought through an airport.

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📲 3. Download the Cruise Line App

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Think of this as your onboard best friend. Most cruise lines have an app that includes:

• Daily schedules and entertainment

• Shore excursion bookings

• Restaurant reservations

• Onboard account tracking

 

Hot Tip: Some apps even work offline once onboard. Download it before you sail—Wi-Fi at sea can be patchy (and pricy).

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🥂 4. Pre-Book Dining & Excursions (Don’t Wait!)

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The best steakhouse or that dreamy catamaran trip to a private beach? They fill up fast.
Book ahead—even before you board if possible. Some cruise lines let you plan everything online in advance.

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PS: We’re happy to help you with recommendations and bookings—just ask!

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💳 5. Set a Budget for Onboard Spending

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Let’s be real: it’s very easy to get swept up in the “I’m on holiday!” mindset and suddenly find yourself buying cocktails like you’re a Bond villain. Most cruise ships operate a cashless system, meaning everything gets charged to your onboard account via your cruise card or wristband. Handy? Absolutely. Dangerous? Also yes.

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What to keep in mind:

• Set a daily budget (and check your account regularly via the app or guest services).

• Watch for bundle deals—drinks packages, Wi-Fi, and specialty dining often work out cheaper if booked in advance.

• Some cruise lines offer all-inclusive cruises—but it’s important to check what’s actually included.

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🚨 Important Note: Even on all-inclusive cruises, à la carte restaurants and premium dining experiences are often not included. That steakhouse with gold-dusted wagyu? Probably an extra. So be sure to check what's covered—or better yet, let us talk you through it before you book.

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Top Tip: If you’re not a big drinker, the drinks package might not be worth it. But if you enjoy a few poolside piña coladas, it can easily pay for itself by day two.

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🍽️ 6. Understand What’s Actually Included

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Not all cruises are created equal.
Some include:

• Food (but not specialty dining)

• Drinks (some... not all)

• Entertainment

• Tips (sometimes!)

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We’ll break it down for you when you book. No one wants to argue about soft drink packages on holiday.

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​🔌 7. Bring a Power Strip – But Read This First!

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Cruise cabins often only have one or two sockets. A cruise-approved power strip (without surge protection) is a game changer for charging phones, cameras, hair tools, etc.

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⚠️ Surge protectors and extension cords are often banned and may be confiscated at security.

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👗 8. Check the Dress Code

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Don’t get caught in swimwear at a formal dinner. Every cruise line is a bit different:

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• Formal nights: Think dresses, suits, or cocktail attire.

• Smart casual: Sundresses, polo shirts, slacks.

• Theme nights: White night, tropical night, ‘80s night (yes, you’ll want neon).

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Pack accordingly and maybe even bring a little sparkle—it’s your time to shine!

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​🌊 9. Worried About Seasickness?

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Modern cruise ships have stabilizers, but some people still feel it—especially on open sea days.

Pack for just-in-case:

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• Ginger tablets or sweets

• Motion sickness wristbands

• Travel sickness pills (check if drowsy or non-drowsy)

• Sea patches (prescription)

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Cabin tip: Mid-ship, lower deck cabins tend to feel the least motion.

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😌 10. Go With the Flow—Literally

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Cruises are beautifully structured, but weather and ports can shift plans now and then. The key?
Stay flexible. Enjoy the unexpected. Make friends. Dance. Try weird desserts.

You’re on a floating city full of possibilities—embrace the journey, not just the destination.

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🌴 Bonus Cruise Tips from the Pros:

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• Pack magnetic hooks (cabin walls are metal—instant storage win!)

• Bring a refillable water bottle

• Use a lanyard for your cruise card

• Pack wrinkle-release spray (irons are often not allowed)

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🧳 Ready to Set Sail?

We’ve helped dozens of happy cruisers plan their dream trips—now it’s your turn! Whether you're chasing sunshine in the Med or fjords in Norway, we’ll match you with the perfect cruise line, itinerary, and extras.

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📩 Contact us today for personalised cruise recommendations, best deals, and exclusive perks.