First-Time Cruiser's Guide: Everything You Need to Know

What's Included in a Cruise Fare

A cruise fare covers more than you might expect. Your ticket includes accommodation, all main meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner in the main dining rooms and buffet), entertainment such as West End-style shows, live music and cinema screenings, plus access to pools, gyms and most on-board facilities. Kids' clubs are usually included too.

What is not included varies by cruise line but typically covers speciality restaurants, alcoholic drinks, spa treatments, shore excursions, Wi-Fi and gratuities. Some lines now offer all-inclusive packages that bundle drinks and tips into the fare — always check what's covered before comparing prices on our cruise search.

Choosing the Right Cabin

Your cabin choice has the biggest impact on price. Inside cabins are the most affordable and perfectly comfortable if you plan to spend most of your time out on deck or in port. Oceanview cabins add natural light through a porthole. Balcony cabins give you a private outdoor space — ideal for scenic sailings like the Norwegian Fjords. Suites offer the most space, often with butler service and priority boarding.

Mid-ship cabins on lower decks tend to feel the least motion. If you're unsure, start with a balcony cabin on a shorter sailing and see how you feel. For a deeper look, read our cabin types guide.

What to Pack

Pack layers. Even tropical itineraries can be cool at sea in the evening. Bring comfortable walking shoes for port days, flip-flops for the pool area, and smart-casual outfits for the main dining room. Most cruise lines have at least one formal night — a dark suit or cocktail dress is fine for lines like Cunard, which are more traditional.

Don't forget seasickness remedies (even if you don't usually suffer), a refillable water bottle, sunscreen, a small day bag for excursions, and any prescription medications you need. Plug adaptors are worth checking — UK ships usually have UK sockets but it varies.

Embarkation Day Tips

Arrive at the port early — check-in typically opens around midday, but getting there at the start means less queuing and more time to explore the ship before it gets busy. Complete online check-in in advance so you just need to drop bags and show your boarding pass.

Your cabin may not be ready immediately, but the buffet is usually open from embarkation. Head up for lunch, explore the decks, and attend the muster drill (it's compulsory). Your luggage will be delivered to your cabin later in the afternoon.

Life on Board

Sea days are when you really settle into the cruise lifestyle. Expect a packed programme of activities: quizzes, cooking demonstrations, dance classes, pool games, spa offers and afternoon tea. Most ships have multiple restaurants, bars, a theatre, a casino and an outdoor cinema.

You'll never be bored, but you also don't have to do everything. Many first-timers are surprised at how relaxing a sea day can be — grab a lounger, read a book, and enjoy the horizon.

Port Days

When the ship docks, you can explore independently or book an organised shore excursion. Independent exploring is usually cheaper and more flexible — a simple walking tour, local lunch and market visit is a great way to see a port city. Just keep track of the ship's departure time — it won't wait for you.

If a port is a tender port (you take a small boat from ship to shore) allow extra time. Excursion bookings through the cruise line guarantee the ship will wait, which is worth considering for complex or far-flung tours.

Tipping & Extras

Most cruise lines add a daily gratuity charge to your on-board account — typically £10–£15 per person per day. This covers your cabin steward, waiters and behind-the-scenes staff. You can adjust this at guest services, but it's standard practice.

Other extras to budget for include drinks packages, speciality dining, spa treatments, internet access and shore excursions. A rough rule of thumb is to budget 30–50% of your cruise fare for extras, though you can absolutely cruise on a tight budget by sticking to what's included.

Booking Tips

The two best times to book are early (as soon as itineraries are released, 12–18 months ahead) and late (last-minute deals 6–8 weeks before sailing). Early bookers get the best cabin choice; late bookers get the best prices, but with limited options.

Use FareTide's price drop tracker to spot when prices fall on sailings you're interested in. Compare fares across lines — for example, see how Cunard and P&O Cruises stack up in our comparison guide. And always check what's included in the fare before assuming one deal is cheaper than another.