When is the best time to go on a cruise?

Are you looking to embark on a cruise but unsure about the best time of year to set sail? Then you've come to the right place! Here, we'll guide you through the best times to go on a cruise to different destinations around the world.     The Mediterranean A cruise in the Mediterranean is a favourite among many cruise enthusiasts, as it often combines the best of city and beach holidays. The Mediterranean offers a wide range of cruises for couples, families, and groups, so no matter what kind of trip you’re dreaming of, there’s a cruise to suit your needs for sure. You can embark on a Mediterranean cruise for most of the year. However, many travellers enjoy the Southern European coastlines during the summer period from June to August, which is the warmest time of the year. Yet, this peak season also brings more tourists and higher prices. Additionally, the Mediterranean shines in April, May, and September, boasting milder weather, ideal for city exploration, and fewer tourists.     Northern Europe The Norwegian fjords, Iceland, or perhaps the Baltic Sea? These are just a selection of the exciting destinations you can explore in Northern Europe. Here, you can experience stunning landscapes alongside captivating history and culture. The best time of the year to go on a cruise in Northern Europe is in spring and particularly summer when the weather is mildest, and the chance of sunny weather and calm winds are best.     The Caribbean Are you dreaming of powdery white beaches, azure blue seas, and swaying palm trees while the sun warms your cheeks? Then the Caribbean is calling your name! Here, you'll encounter one dream destination after another, boasting postcard-perfect landscapes. Whether you prefer lounging in the sun, hiking through the jungle, snorkelling with colourful fish, or exploring cultural attractions, the Caribbean offers the ultimate cruise experience for both families and couples seeking the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Cruising in the Caribbean is possible year-round. However, the most popular months are from December to April, when the weather is warmest and driest—ideal for escaping the winter cold back home. During the summer, you can still expect warm and sunny weather, but be prepared for the possibility of brief, powerful rain showers and humid conditions. While cruising in the Caribbean is available year-round, the low season from June to November coincides with hurricane and storm season. This is especially noticeable in August and September when the risk is highest. If you decide to cruise in the Caribbean during hurricane season, fear not as a cruise guest, as ships always navigate around hurricanes. However, keep in mind that the ship may need to alter its route, potentially causing you to miss a scheduled stop due to weather conditions.     Asia Cruises in Asia are becoming increasingly popular – and for good reason! The adventurous, exotic, and diverse East is not just a chapter, but an entire volume. As the world's largest continent, it's nearly impossible to capture the array of attractions that Asia offers. From the iconic Great Wall of China to the pristine sandy beaches along Thailand's coast. From Japan's cherry blossom season to the majestic Taj Mahal in India and the lush jungles of Cambodia. Asia truly has it all – and more! A cruise offers a fantastic way to experience Asia, allowing you to bypass the hassle of transportation from one place to another and the need to book multiple hotels along the way. It's almost like the luxurious version of the traditional backpacking trip, which is why it's often adult couples who embark on this journey. The best time to embark on an Asian cruise depends on your destination within Asia. Many places experience a rainy season in the summer, which is why most travellers opt to visit Asia between November and March. However, you can generally expect favourable temperatures throughout the year.     Alaska Can't get enough of unique nature experiences and encountering wild animals on land, water, and in the air? Then Alaska is a must-visit destination! Here, you'll be swept away by a myriad of wonders, including snow-capped mountains, calving glaciers, wild animals, and magnificent lush landscapes. Alaska's wildlife is particularly unique - you can encounter whales, bears, and eagles, among others. Alaska is perfect for adventurous travellers who relish an active holiday filled with remarkable nature experiences. If you're considering a cruise in Alaska, you'll discover a wide range of options available from May to September, when the weather is mild and there's a high chance of sunshine. June and July stand out as the warmest months, boasting average temperatures of 16 and 17 degrees respectively, along with up to 14 hours of sunshine during the day.     Middle East The United Arab Emirates stands out among many other cruise destinations with its unique grandeur, splendour, and myriad of contrasts. From glittering metropolises to cosy markets and the scorching sun on sandbanks, the Emirates offer a blend of innovative modernity and ancient traditions, ensuring an unforgettable journey for life! The diverse opportunities in the Middle East attract both couples and families to embark on cruises here. The optimal time for a cruise in the Emirates is during the winter months, from November to March, when temperatures are most pleasant, ranging between 20 and 30 degrees. During the summer months, it's virtually impractical to embark on a cruise in the Emirates due to the extremely high temperatures, reaching around 40 degrees during both day and night.     Australia/New Zealand Are you longing for the dream trip that has a bit of everything? Then let the journey go 'Down Under.' A cruise in Australia and New Zealand offers you a genuine smorgasbord of magical travel experiences, from Australia's magnificent metropolises to New Zealand's picturesque fjords. Feel the breeze from the open sea as you explore the contrasting continent with its golden beaches, iconic cities, spectacular national parks, and unique wildlife. The seasons in Australia and New Zealand are opposite to those we know at home; however, there can be a significant difference in the weather depending on where you are. During the British summer, you can expect cooler temperatures in southern Australia, while in the north, you'll experience high sun. On the other hand, if you travel between November and March, you'll experience the peak of summer in southern Australia, while there is more rainfall in the warm north. In New Zealand, the weather is somewhat similar to what we know at home—just the opposite. Additionally, the South Island is typically a few degrees colder and receives slightly more rainfall than the North Island. Therefore, most people choose to go on a cruise in Australia and New Zealand during the British winter, in the period from December to March.     South America Finally, you can indulge in a genuine feast for the senses in versatile South America, where contrasts converge. From wild nature to modern cities, scorching heat to biting cold, from the brand new to the ancient. 'Diversity' is the defining feature of this remarkable continent, which can also be experienced from the deck of a cruise ship. South America is a vast continent with a highly varied climate, making generalisations difficult. The best time to embark on a cruise in South America depends on the specific route, but you should be prepared for weather changes during your voyage. In general, summer lasts from December to February in South America, offering the warmest weather of the year. Therefore, the optimal time for a cruise in South America is typically from November to March. If you're heading to the Galapagos Islands, the situation is slightly different as the islands are located on the Equator, making them an ideal travel destination year-round with fewer climate fluctuations. However, the warmest period is between December and May.

Cruise Cabin Types Explained

When it comes to booking a cruise, choosing a cabin (room) for your first cruise holiday can be a daunting task.  Firstly, you’ll need to decide on which type of cabin you’d like to book. Depending on whether you're travelling alone, as a couple, or with your family and the budget you have, the needs you have for your cabin may change.   Cabins on a cruise ship are, of course, the place where you will sleep during your cruise. If you are used to staying in hotels, you can think of your cabin in the same way you would your hotel room. Cabins on cruise ships can come in all shapes and sizes so in this blog we will talk about the basic differences between cabin types to help you decide which cabin type is right for you!   Before we break down the available types of cabins, there are common features that every cabin has onboard most cruise lines. Cabins typically will come with a bed, private bathroom, air conditioning, television, vanity area, and closet. Beyond that, the room you select may offer more amenities, but you should know that a cabin will have these basics that you do not have to be concerned about missing out on.      Inside Cabins An Inside Cabin, sometimes known as an interior cabin, is generally the cheapest and smallest cabin on a ship. As they are in the middle of the ship facing the inside, there will be no windows or natural light in the cabin. There is often a preconception that inside cabins will feel cramped, this however isn’t typically the case. You will have the same facilities that can be found in any other cabin. Inside cabins can normally accommodate 2-4 guests depending on the cabin configuration.    Pros- as an inside cabin will typically come at a cheaper price, it means you will have more spending money to spend onboard the ship and put towards shore excursions. This is the ideal base for those who love being out and about and plan to spend less time in their cabins.   Cons- these rooms are often slightly smaller, although they do still have all of the amenities you need, the lack of windows of course means that there's no natural light and makes the cabin feel smaller than it is.     Outside (Oceanview) Cabin  The next step up from an inside room is an outside cabin or Oceanview cabin. These are cabins that have a porthole or window with a view to the outside. Outside Cabins typically will be located on lower decks and as a result, the windows do not open, but whilst they don’t allow in any fresh air, they do provide some welcome natural light. The size of the window or porthole will vary from ship to ship and from cruise line to cruise line, but it is usually large enough to easily see through without being up close. Just like the inside cabins, outside cabins can normally accommodate 2-4 guests depending on the cabin configuration.   Pros- Outside cabins are still a budget-friendly option while also giving you a view and natural light. They are ideal for those who are looking to spend a little longer in their cabin during their holiday.   Cons- a downside of an outside cabin is that your view may well be obstructed, however, the cruise line will always state when this is the case.     Balcony (Veranda) Cabin Depending on which cruise line you cruise with, these can either be referred to as Balcony or Veranda Cabins. As the name suggests a balcony cabin is a cruise cabin that comes with a balcony. While on some ships this might be quite a small space, on others you'll have a veranda that's big enough for you to sit outside. Balcony Cabins are by far the most popular type of cabin, due to having private outdoor space as well as allowing fresh air into the cabin. They’re also hugely sought-after on scenic itineraries such as Alaska or the Norwegian fjords, or when sailing to bucket-list destinations such as Venice or New York! You do pay more for these cabins, but it's well worth the price if you want to make your cruise that little bit more special. Again, these can normally accommodate 2-4 guests depending on the cabin configuration.   Pros- you can enjoy the amazing sea views and the fresh sea air without having to leave your cabin. Have your morning coffee or order some room service to enjoy while looking out at the view or watching the sunset in the evening.   Cons- In some cases, the room can be smaller than the available outside cabins, as space is made for the balcony. They may also stretch the budget for some passengers as they can be 20%+ more expensive, although some deals or offers may make them more affordable.     Mini Suite Cabin Mini-Suites can be called several different things depending on the cruise line. Some cruise lines call them Club Balcony, and others may also call them Junior Suites. One way to think about a Mini-Suite is that it will be a slightly larger balcony cabin. What sets them apart will be the various perks that you benefit from throughout your cruise. These will vary depending on the cruise line again, so do check the specifics of what your chosen cruise line offers. A Mini Suite will accommodate 2-4 guests depending on the cabin configuration but will do so more comfortably than a standard balcony cabin.   Pros- More space means that you can spend more time in your room in a lot more comfort. The added benefits offered by the cruise line will also really enhance your holiday experience.     Cons- These may not be the cabin for those looking to travel on a smaller budget as depending on the sailing there may be a fair jump in price from a standard balcony.     Suite Cabin If you’re looking for a bit of luxury and privacy, a Suite Cabin will certainly be the best option for you. Choosing a Suite Cabin can feel like you’re cruising on a completely different ship, as well as enjoying more luxurious accommodation, you’ll often have your very own restaurant exclusively for Suite guests, as well as a bar and lounge to relax in. A Suite guest only sun deck or pool is also common depending on the ship, plus you’ll benefit from other perks such as butler service, priority boarding, and disembarkation, in addition to drinks packages and other promotional offers depending on which cruise line and ship you’re sailing on. Perfect examples of these exclusive suite offerings are The Haven by Norwegian Cruise Line, The Yacht Club onboard MSC Cruises, or The Retreat on Celebrity Cruises ships.   Pros- The added benefits and dedicated spaces offered by the cruise line will enhance your holiday experience. More space and enhanced service options mean that you can spend more time in your room in a lot more comfort.   Cons- These may not be the cabins for those looking to travel on a smaller budget. If you are travelling with other passengers who are not in a suite, they may not be able to visit you in the dedicated suite guest spaces.

Why you won't get seasick on a cruise

The thought of being trapped at sea on a rocking ship can give most people a nervous twitch - but fear not! It's not at all typical to experience seasickness on a cruise. We give you the answer to why right here... Why don't I get seasick on a cruise? You may have travelled on a ferry or sailing ship and found yourself hanging over the edge in a cold sweat, pale as a sheet, and you may dread going on a cruise for the same reason. Let's say it once and for all - there's no comparison! Cruise ships are huge! Therefore, it takes an enormous amount of force for it to move off course or start rocking. In fact, on most ships, you can't even feel it move at all. If you take the Oslo ferry as a comparison, some of the smallest cruise ships are over twice the size, while the largest ships are almost seven times the size. In addition, most ships are equipped with giant stabilisers that stick out of the side of the ship like giant fins, which counteract wave action and help keep the ship stable, even in rough weather. Last but not least, shipping companies know that holiday time is a time for wellness, not nausea. That's why they constantly monitor the weather conditions on the sailing route so they can navigate around bad weather. In fact, it is quite common for ships to change course along the way, especially in the Caribbean during hurricane season.  In the unfortunate event of an accident... Although very few people get seasick on cruises, it's still good to be prepared, so we've put together 10 tips on what to do if you get seasick. ⛴   Ask at reception It is always possible to get seasickness pills free of charge at the ship's reception. It is also possible to buy them from home or in the terminal. Here it is also possible to buy various types of seasickness medication in the form of chewing gum, lollipops or acupressure bracelets. The ship's reception is always free of charge. ⛴   Sit still or lie down When experiencing seasickness, avoid moving around the ship as much as possible. Instead, find a bed or chair where you can lie down. By doing this, your brain's balance centre will rest more than if you were standing up. The imbalance between your vision and inner ear is therefore not as severe. ⛴   Try to sleep The best thing you can do when you experience seasickness is to give your body peace and rest, for example by taking a nap. ⛴   Do not read books, newspapers, etc. It's a bad idea to read or watch films if you experience symptoms of seasickness. Instead, look up so your body gets a better sense between what you're seeing and what's moving. ⛴   Focus on a specific point It can be good to focus on a stationary object, such as something on land or on the horizon. ⛴   Avoid dehydration By drinking plenty of water, you avoid becoming dehydrated. For some people, drinking fizzy drinks also has a positive effect, as sugar can alleviate severe dehydration. ⛴ Eat light Avoid heavy or spicy foods and eat light meals instead. Preferably salted biscuits or crisps, as this helps to restore the salt balance. It is also recommended that you avoid smoking and alcohol, as this will only worsen the condition. ⛴   Get fresh air It s a good idea to get some fresh air. Also preferably towards the centre of the ship, as this is where it tilts the least. ⛴   Focus on your breath If you feel really bad, it can be good to focus on your breathing. Breathe slowly. ⛴   Tell your loved ones If you notice that you are starting to feel unwell, remember to tell the people you are travelling with so that they are aware of it and can help you if you need it. Have a good trip!