10 Things First‑Time Cruisers Always Ask - Answered by a Cruise Specialist
1. Will I get seasick on a cruise?
It’s one of the most common worries for first‑time cruisers, but modern ships are incredibly stable. Today’s vessels use advanced stabilisers, smart weather routing, and deep‑water itineraries to minimise movement, meaning most guests feel little to no motion at all. If you’re concerned, choosing a mid‑ship cabin on a lower deck can make the experience even smoother.
Many cruise lines also offer natural remedies, wristbands, or gentle medication if you need a little extra support although most people never do. On scenic itineraries like the Norwegian Fjords or Alaska, the waters are typically calm, making them ideal for nervous first‑timers. With the right ship and itinerary, seasickness is far less common than people expect.
2. What’s actually included in the price?
Cruises are known for offering exceptional value because so much is included in the fare. You’ll get your accommodation, main dining, snacks, entertainment, and activities as standard and often far more than you’d expect from a land‑based holiday. Most ships include theatre shows, live music, fitness facilities, pools, kids’ clubs, and a wide choice of dining venues at no extra cost.
Depending on the cruise line, you may also benefit from added‑value packages such as drinks, Wi‑Fi, gratuities, or onboard credit, which can make budgeting even easier. Some premium and luxury lines include these as standard.
Optional extras like speciality dining, spa treatments, certain fitness classes, and some excursions which allow you to personalise your holiday, but you’re never short of included options. When you compare everything that’s bundled into the fare, cruising often works out as one of the best‑value ways to travel.
3. How do dining times work?
Cruise dining is far more flexible than many first‑time travellers expect. Most cruise lines offer a choice between traditional set dining times - usually early or late seating. Then flexible “anytime dining”, where you can arrive at the main restaurant whenever it suits you. This gives you the freedom to plan dinner around your day, whether you’ve had a long excursion or want a relaxed evening onboard.
Beyond the main dining room, ships also feature a variety of speciality restaurants, ranging from steakhouses and Italian trattorias to sushi bars, tapas venues, and chef‑led tasting menus. These offer a more intimate or themed experience and often require a small cover charge. They’re popular, so it’s worth booking ahead, especially on sea days or formal nights.
Buffets, cafés, poolside grills, and grab‑and‑go venues add even more choice, meaning you can be as casual or as indulgent as you like. Whether you prefer a set routine or complete flexibility, cruise dining is designed to fit around your holiday and not the other way around.
4. Are cruises just for older travellers?
Not at all! today’s cruise ships cater to every style of holidaymaker. Resort‑style ships offer a huge range of activities, from waterparks, zip lines and surf simulators to Broadway‑style shows, themed restaurants and vibrant nightlife. They’re perfect for families, couples and anyone who loves a lively, modern holiday with plenty to do.
On the other end of the spectrum, traditional ships focus on classic cruising: elegant lounges, enrichment talks, live music, afternoon tea and a calmer, more refined atmosphere. These ships appeal to travellers who prefer a relaxed pace and a more timeless onboard experience.
There truly is a cruise style for everyone. It’s all about choosing the ship that matches the way you like to holiday.
5. What cabin type should I choose?
Cruise ships offer a range of cabin types to suit different budgets and travel styles.
Interior cabins are the best value which are ideal if you plan to spend most of your time exploring the ship and destinations.
Ocean‑view cabins add natural light and are great for scenic itineraries.
Balcony cabins are a popular upgrade, giving you your own private outdoor space to enjoy sunrise coffees, sail‑aways, and those unforgettable views in places like the Norwegian Fjords or Alaska.
For extra space and added perks, suites offer a more luxurious experience. Depending on the cruise line, this can include priority boarding, exclusive dining venues, concierge service, larger living areas, and spacious balconies. Suites are perfect for special occasions, longer voyages, or anyone who wants a more premium, relaxed onboard experience.
6. How formal are evenings onboard?
Most cruises are relaxed and smart‑casual, with the occasional dress‑up night. If you enjoy a more traditional, elegant atmosphere, lines like Cunard, Princess, and Holland America Line offer classic formal evenings. Prefer something more laid‑back? P&O Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Virgin Voyages keep things casual with no pressure to dress up.
7. What happens on sea days?
Sea days are often a highlight of the cruise with a chance to slow down, explore the ship, and enjoy everything onboard without rushing to the next port. Most ships offer a full programme of activities throughout the day, from enrichment talks, live music, and cooking demos to fitness classes, spa sessions, and creative workshops.
If you prefer a quieter pace, there are plenty of calm spaces to unwind: lounges with panoramic views, adults‑only retreats, libraries, and sun decks perfect for reading or simply watching the ocean drift by. Pools, hot tubs, cafés, and bars give you even more ways to relax.
For families, sea days are packed with entertainment - kids’ clubs, games, sports courts, and themed activities keep younger travellers busy and happy.
Whether you want to be active, social, or completely chilled, sea days are designed to let you enjoy the ship at your own pace. Many guests end up loving them just as much as the ports.
8. Do I need to book excursions?
You can explore independently or book organised excursions and it all depends on your confidence, interests, and the destination. Cruise‑line excursions offer the biggest peace of mind: they’re well‑organised, easy to join, and most importantly, if a ship‑run excursion is delayed, the ship will wait for you. That reassurance alone makes them a popular choice, especially in ports where travel times are longer or logistics are more complex.
Independent tours can be more personalised and sometimes better value, but they require a little more planning and awareness of timings. They’re ideal for guests who prefer flexibility or want something more bespoke.
For bucket‑list destinations, wildlife experiences, or ports with limited capacity, excursions can sell out quickly, therefore booking early is wise. Whether you choose a ship‑run tour or explore on your own, the key is picking the option that matches your comfort level and the type of experience you want from each port.
9. How do drinks packages work?
Most cruise lines offer a range of drinks packages so you can tailor your holiday to your preferences. These typically include options for soft drinks, speciality coffees, cocktails, wines, or full all‑inclusive bundles.
For example, Royal Caribbean offers everything from a Refreshment Package (soft drinks, mocktails, coffees) to a Deluxe Beverage Package covering cocktails, wines, and premium coffees. P&O Cruises has a simple tiered system, while Norwegian Cruise Line often includes a drinks package in its promotions.
On the premium end, Celebrity Cruises includes drinks in many of its “All Included” fares, covering a wide selection of wines, beers, spirits, and speciality coffees.
For travellers who prefer a fully inclusive experience, luxury cruise lines such as Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises include almost everything as standard including drinks, Wi‑Fi, gratuities, speciality dining, and even many excursions. This creates a seamless, worry‑free holiday where you can simply relax and enjoy the experience without thinking about the bill.
Whether a package is worth it depends on your habits and some guests prefer pay‑as‑you‑go, while others enjoy the convenience of knowing everything is covered upfront. I help clients choose the most cost‑effective option for their style of holiday.
10. How far in advance should I book?
For the best choice of cabins, dates, and pricing, booking early is almost always the smartest approach. Popular destinations such as the Mediterranean in summer, the Norwegian Fjords, school‑holiday sailings, and small‑ship or expedition cruises can fill up quickly, especially if you want a balcony or suite.
Cruise lines often release their lowest fares and best promotions when itineraries first go on sale, so early bookers usually benefit from better prices, more cabin choice, and added‑value perks like drinks, Wi‑Fi, or onboard credit. As cabins sell, prices typically rise.
Last‑minute deals do exist, but they’re never guaranteed and usually come with limited cabin options, fixed dates, and fewer flight choices (if a fly-cruise). They work best for flexible travellers who don’t mind compromising.
Ready to plan your first cruise?
Your first sailing should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With personal guidance, honest advice, and support from the moment you enquire to the moment you return home, I make the whole process simple and enjoyable. If you’re thinking about your first cruise, I’d love to help you find the perfect one.
I’m Rich Rochester, a travel specialist and franchise owner with GoCruise & Travel. As a CLIA Ambassador and ABTA/ATOL‑protected member, I bring decades of first‑hand experience across more than 40 cruises on 15 different lines. My role is to make travel personal, matching the right journey to each client’s style, whether that’s a family holiday, a luxury escape, or an expedition adventure.
📧 rich.rochester@gocruiseandtravel.co.uk
📞 01489 661199
Explore all my links and travel resources HERE
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