Cruising 101: What First-Timers Need to Know

If you’ve ever dreamed of unpacking once and waking up in a new destination every morning, a cruise might be calling your name. For first-timers, though, the idea can feel a little overwhelming. How do you choose the right ship? Will you get seasick? What do you actually do on board? The good news is with a little know-how, cruising is one of the most stress-free ways to travel. Here’s what you need to know before you climb aboard.

Choosing the Right Cruise

Not all cruises are created equal. Some are short tasters, perfect if you just want to dip a toe in the water — literally. Others take you across the Tasman, around the South Pacific, or even on grand world voyages. Ocean cruises are the most familiar option, ranging from smaller boutique ships to massive floating resorts with thousands of passengers. River cruises, on the other hand, are slower paced, with fewer guests and more intimate stops at inland towns and cities. When deciding which cruise to book, think about length — a three-night sampler feels very different to a month-long journey. Destination is key too: do you want tropical beaches, cultural cities, or wilderness coastlines? Budget matters, as fares vary widely, and what’s included makes a difference. Some cruises are fully all-inclusive (meals, drinks, excursions), while others charge extras for specialty dining or activities. Style is another factor: some ships are luxury sanctuaries with champagne on tap; others are family-friendly with waterslides and kids’ clubs. Smaller ships tend to offer quieter, more personalised service, while larger ones deliver endless options for dining and entertainment. If it feels like a lot to weigh up, you don’t have to do it alone. A good travel agent will help match your style, budget, and expectations to the right cruise. Brian at GrownUps Holidays is an expert at navigating the options, especially for complex itineraries.

Cabins and Comfort

Your cabin will be your home away from home, so choose carefully. The main types are inside cabins (no windows, lowest price — cosy but can feel dark), oceanview cabins (a window or porthole, usually with natural light but no balcony), balcony cabins (private outdoor space, perfect for morning coffee or sunset views), and suites (larger, with extra perks and services). Location matters too. Midship and lower decks usually feel more stable if you’re worried about seasickness, while higher decks may be closer to pools and entertainment but can be busier.

Life Onboard

Think of a cruise ship as a floating town. Dining is a highlight: you’ll find everything from buffets to elegant multi-course dinners. Many ships also offer specialty restaurants for an extra fee, if you feel like splashing out. Beyond food, the entertainment is endless — Broadway-style shows, comedy, live music, dance classes, enrichment lectures, pools, gyms, and spas. Some ships even have climbing walls or ice-skating rinks. Dress codes vary: most of the time it’s casual, though some evenings are set aside for a little extra polish. The beauty of a cruise is you can be as busy or as relaxed as you like. Whether you want to lie in the sun with a book or pack your days with activities, it’s your choice.

Shore Excursions

Ports of call are the heart of a cruise, and you’ll usually have two options. First, you can book through the cruise line. These tours are convenient, easy, and the ship will wait if your group returns late. This guarantee generally only applies if you’ve booked directly with the cruise company. The second option is to go independent. Independent tours are often cheaper and sometimes more flexible, especially if you want a smaller group or a customised experience. The downside is popular tours can sell out, and if you’re late, the ship won’t wait. A balanced approach works best: research ports in advance, pick ship excursions for peace of mind on complex outings, and go independent when you want something different.

Practical Know-How

A little preparation goes a long way. When packing, bring a small day bag, comfortable shoes for walking tours, swimwear, and a light jacket for breezy decks. A seasickness remedy (wristbands, tablets, or patches) is handy just in case. Don’t forget a universal power adapter. Tech tips: ship Wi-Fi can be expensive and patchy, so many travellers wait until they’re in port to check messages. Safety is also part of cruising — every voyage begins with a muster drill, so you know what to do in an emergency. Pay attention, even though most passengers treat it like a formality. Money matters too: cruise ships use a cashless system, with everything charged to your onboard account. Some fares include gratuities and drinks packages; others don’t, so check what applies before you book.

First-Time Worries

Most of the common concerns have easy solutions. Seasickness is less of an issue on modern ships with stabilisers, and remedies are readily available. Picking a midship cabin also helps. Getting lost is common at first, but you’ll be surprised how quickly you get your bearings onboard. Deck maps and helpful crew are everywhere. Crowds can be managed with a little planning — avoid peak times at buffets or pools and seek out quiet corners like libraries or observation lounges. Remember, every seasoned cruiser was a beginner once.

Setting Sail

Cruising offers something rare in travel: a blend of relaxation and discovery with almost no logistics to juggle. You unpack once, wake up somewhere new each day, and let someone else handle the details. For many first-timers, one cruise is all it takes to get hooked. So if you’ve been hesitating, why not explore your options? With the right planning — and perhaps a little guidance from Brian at GrownUps Holidays — your first cruise could be the beginning of many more horizons.