Useful tips

Everything you should know before choosing and setting off on a cruise – from selecting the departure port to practical advice for your time on board.

Cruise search Departure port Ship Itinerary Time of year Booking a cruise Before the trip During the cruise After the cruise

Cruise search

When choosing a cruise, we recommend focusing on four key aspects: the departure port, the ship, the itinerary and the time of year. These are usually the factors that determine whether the trip meets your expectations.

Departure port

Sometimes a cruise that looks more expensive at first glance may turn out to be the more cost-effective option once all travel expenses are added up. Before booking, it is worth checking not only the cruise price itself, but also how conveniently and at what cost you can reach the departure port. When choosing a cruise in Europe, we recommend paying attention to cities that can be reached by direct flights:

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Barcelona – an excellent choice for cruises in the western Mediterranean;

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Athens – an ideal starting point for trips around the Greek islands and the eastern Mediterranean;

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Copenhagen or Hamburg – among the most popular departure ports for Norwegian fjord cruises.

It is important to know that the cities listed in cruise descriptions do not always match the actual place where the ship is docked. For example, a cruise “from Rome” actually starts in the port of Civitavecchia, about 80 km away. In Marseille, the ship may depart either from the city centre or from a suburban terminal, so it is worth checking this in advance.

If you are planning a cruise on another continent – in the Caribbean, Alaska, Asia or Africa – we recommend arriving in the departure city at least one day earlier and arranging an overnight stay. This helps avoid stress caused by possible flight delays.

Ship

Many people first ask: “Which ship is the best?” However, the more important question is: “Which ship is best for me?”

Before choosing a ship, think about the following:

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Are you travelling alone, as a couple or with your family?

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Do you prefer active leisure or a calmer atmosphere?

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Is a wide choice of restaurants important to you?

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What budget are you planning?

The newest ships usually cost more, so if you are looking for the best value for money, it is worth considering renovated and well-maintained ships as well.

If food is important to you, choose cruise lines that offer more complimentary restaurants and a wider gastronomic selection, such as Mein Schiff, AIDA or Celebrity Cruises.

For families travelling with children

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kids’ clubs;

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water parks;

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family-friendly entertainment.

For active travellers

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go-kart tracks;

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climbing walls;

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surf simulators and zip-line tracks;

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mini-golf and sports courts;

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running tracks and even ice-skating rinks.

Itinerary

The itinerary should be chosen according to the places you dream of visiting. However, it is worth remembering that an intensive itinerary with five or six ports in one week often means:

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early mornings;

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many excursions;

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less time to rest.

That is why we often recommend cruises that include at least one or two days at sea. They are a great opportunity to sleep in, enjoy the sun deck, visit the spa, try the restaurants and make the most of everything the ship has to offer.

Also pay attention to how long the ship stays in each port. Longer stops allow you to explore cities without rushing or unnecessary stress.

Time of year

The right season can completely change your travel experience. For example:

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the Greek islands can be extremely hot in July and August;

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summer is one of the best times for the Norwegian fjords;

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autumn in the Caribbean coincides with hurricane season;

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summer in many parts of Asia comes with a higher chance of rain.

At the same time, autumn cruises in the Mediterranean often offer excellent value for money: fewer tourists, more pleasant temperatures and more attractive prices.

Booking a cruise

Before booking a cruise, it is important to clarify:

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Are mandatory gratuities included in the price?

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Are drinks, internet or other extra services included?

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Where is the selected cabin located on the ship?

Pay attention to so-called guaranteed cabins. They often cost less, but you choose only the cabin category, while the specific cabin location is assigned by the cruise line. This can be a great way to save, although the cabin you receive may sometimes have a partially obstructed view or a less convenient location.

When choosing a cabin, we recommend:

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choosing decks with other cabins both above and below;

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avoiding cabins below pools or public areas;

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choosing a cabin close to the lift, but not on the main walkways;

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if you are sensitive to motion, choosing the middle of the ship and mid-level decks.

Before the trip

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Arrive in the departure city at least one day earlier.

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Keep medication, documents, phone chargers and one change of clothes in your hand luggage.

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Download the cruise app – it will help you follow the daily programme, reserve restaurants and excursions, and keep track of your expenses.

During the cruise

Do not miss some of the most beautiful cruise moments:

🌅 Sunrises at sea

🌇 Sunsets on deck

⚓ Arrivals to and departures from ports

Every evening, review the next day’s programme and reserve the most popular shows in advance.

If you go ashore independently, we recommend returning to the ship at least one hour before departure.

And do not forget to order breakfast in your cabin at least once – morning coffee on the balcony with a sea view often becomes one of the most memorable moments of the cruise.

After the cruise

Book your next cruise 😊

Because a cruise is one of the most convenient ways to visit many places in a single trip, enjoy a relaxing holiday, admire wonderful views and wake up in a different city every morning without repacking your suitcase or changing hotels.