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.

14 good tips for your first cruise

Have you booked your first cruise holiday? Congratulations! Many amazing experiences await you and there's an imminent "danger" that you'll become addicted to it. You've been warned! But before you set off on your first cruise, it can feel a little overwhelming to get your head round everything. Don't worry, we've all been there. In this post, we'll help you with some of the considerations you should make - both before and during your first cruise.   Please arrive the day before your cruise If you're flying to your cruise departure destination, you may want to arrive a day or two in advance. For one thing, your flight may be suddenly delayed or cancelled, which unfortunately causes many travellers to miss their cruise every year. By having an overnight stay or two prior to your cruise, you can set off on your holiday with peace of mind, knowing that you have time to spare in case something goes wrong. Secondly, it allows you to experience the city you're sailing from as part of your holiday. Many cruises start in great cities like Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Rome), New York or Miami - and you'd be foolish not to take the opportunity to explore such an exciting, vibrant and adventurous city.     Book your return journey with plenty of time to disembark Have you planned your return journey based on a specific arrival time written in your itinerary? Then you should be aware that the time stated is the expected time that the ship is in harbour - and NOT the time when you can necessarily disembark! Most often, it will take at least an hour from the stated time, and you should also take into account that it can take time to get off the ship with your luggage when many people are disembarking at once. So if you're flying home from your cruise, you should also make sure you have plenty of time to get to the airport, if you're not also taking a day or two in the arrival city after the cruise.   Book activities on board the ship from home Once your cruise is booked, you can start looking forward to it. But why not also start planning your days on board? "Can't it wait until I'm on the ship?" you might be thinking. And yes, it can. But especially on the big ships, it's a good idea to book a seat for the different shows from home, so you're sure to get a seat for exactly the show you want.   Research (and book) excursions in the different destinations from home Whether you choose to book excursions with the cruise line or explore on your own, it's a good idea to prepare as much as possible for your destinations from home. It can all be overwhelming when you're on your first cruise, and if you haven't researched the destinations at home and prepared for the days ashore, you could end up not experiencing much - and that would be a shame! Especially on your first cruise, it can be nice to book excursions directly with the cruise line, so you don't have to decide on much other than taking in all the exciting impressions. TIP: Some excursions are very popular and sell out quickly. Therefore, it's a good idea to book them in advance to make sure you get a seat. However, not all excursions can be booked from home, so you should book these first when you board.     Keep the dress code in check Oh, the word "dress code" can send a chill down the spine of many. If you've never been on a cruise before, you might be under the impression that the other guests show up in their finest clothes every night - but don't worry. The vast majority of cruises are pretty low-key when it comes to dress code, and it's entirely up to the individual how much you want to make a fuss about it. BUT that said, there is often a specific dress code for each evening that the cruise line encourages you to follow. This could be casual, formal or white night, for example. Check the individual dress codes in your pre-cruise itinerary and read up on what each one means. A good rule of thumb is to dress as you would if you were going to a nice restaurant at home - then you're good to go!   Get a handle on what to bring in your suitcase Speaking of dress code... Packing for your first cruise can be a bit of a brain-teaser. How many outfits should I bring? How many shoes? And what about the towels and hairdryer? We've all been there. But don't stress - we've compiled our best packing tips for you here, along with a packing list to help you avoid stuffing your suitcase with unnecessary items. You're welcome!   Pack a large carry-on Once you've got your suitcase sorted, it's time for your hand luggage, and here you may want to pack a slightly larger bag than you might normally do when travelling with a suitcase. When you arrive at the cruise terminal, you'll need to check in your suitcase, and often it won't be delivered to your cabin until several hours after you've boarded the ship. Therefore, it can be nice to have an extra set of clothes, swimwear, sunscreen or other essentials you'll need during your first hours on the ship in your hand luggage.       Print your travel documents from home Before you set off on your cruise adventure, you'll need to complete your online check-in from home, and it's always a good idea to print out both your travel documents and luggage tags. Although many cruise lines are becoming more electronic and you can have your boarding pass in their app, sometimes internet coverage can be spotty in the cruise terminal - and the last thing you want to stress about at this point is whether you'll be allowed to board the ship. So do yourself (and the cruise terminal staff) the favour of carrying your travel documents with you in paper form just in case. ...and REMEMBER to keep them packed easily accessible in your hand luggage along with your passport!   Download the cruise line's app on your mobile It can be a good idea to download the cruise line's app from home. Here you can typically see an overview of your journey, the daily activities and dress codes, read about the ship and much more! And, with several cruise lines, you can use the app's chat function to get in touch with your fellow travellers when you're out at sea with mobile data turned off - really smart if you're travelling in a larger group in particular.   Drinks package or not? You've probably heard of the infamous hydration packs - maybe you've heard some say they're a necessity, while others will say they're a waste of money. Whether or not you should buy a drink pack is very different from person to person. So how do you know if a drink package is right for you? Do your homework and research the prices of different drink packages and what they include. Keep in mind that most soft drinks like soda often also require a drink package, while juice, milk, iced tea, coffee and tea are usually included. If you need help assessing whether you should purchase a drinks package, you can always talk to our skilled travel consultants.     What's the deal with tips? This may come as a surprise to new cruise travellers! Even if you've paid one price for your cruise, you still need to make room in your budget for gratuities, which are a fixed daily amount that varies from line to line and is typically charged directly to the credit card you registered during your online check-in. This way, you don't have to worry about tips during your holiday, and instead of just paying your waiter or cleaning staff, the money is distributed among all the staff on board who help make your holiday amazing. TIP: Make it as easy as possible on yourself and prepay your gratuities along with your trip before your cruise, so you don't have to worry about it on the way.   Pay extra attention to time when you are ashore This is hopefully self-explanatory, but getting back to the ship on time is very important. You don't want to be left standing on the dock after the ship has sailed off to its next destination. Therefore, you should always check - and double-check - what time you need to be back, and preferably be back extra early to be on the safe side. Most of the time, the latest time you need to be back on the ship will be in the daily programme, which you either receive in your cabin or can see in the app. If you're travelling across time zones, however, it can immediately become more challenging. To avoid confusion about what time it is when travelling across time zones, you have what's called "ship time". With ship time, you set one time zone (typically the one you start your cruise in) that the ship follows even if you enter a new time zone. If you're unsure what time it is while travelling, you can always check the cruise line's app or the phone in your cabin, which tracks ship time.   Use the first day to get an overview of the ship Cruise ships are big. I mean, huge! Even the smaller ships will surprise you in terms of size, so boarding a cruise ship for the first time can be overwhelming - and it can be hard to find your way around at first. Spend a few hours on your first day exploring the ship and its many decks, and you'll have a much better overview of the facilities for the rest of your holiday.     Read the daily itinerary while on board The daily programme is like a menu of activities on board the ship, which you receive in your cabin or can view in the app with information about the following day. Especially on the big ships, there are SO many activities to do every single day that it can be almost impossible to figure out where and when everything is happening - unless you've read the daily programme. Whether you want to go to karaoke night, yoga, an auction, a music quiz or something else, the travel programme is your go-to guide filled with useful information about the day ahead. Please note that some cruise lines only have the itinerary in the app, but if you want to have a physical copy, you can pick it up in Guest Relations on the ship.   We hope this blog post has given you a little insight into what to expect and how to make the most of your first cruise. We hope you enjoy it!