Expert guidance from the team at Distinctive Journeys
Everything you need to know — whether you're planning your first cruise or your fiftieth. Honest, practical advice with no sales pressure.
Cruising can feel overwhelming when you're looking at it for the first time — the terminology, the options, the sheer size of modern ships. This section covers the basics so you know exactly what to expect before you step on board.
Your cruise fare covers your accommodation (cabin), all main meals in the main dining room and buffet, most entertainment (shows, live music, deck events), and travel between ports. On most mainstream lines it also includes room service for basic items.
What's typically not included in the base fare:
Embarkation is the process of boarding the ship. You'll be given a specific check-in time (usually a 30–60 minute window in the afternoon) — try to stick to this as it helps manage queues. Arrive too early and you may be waiting outside the terminal.
The process typically runs like this:
A sea day is a full day at sea with no port stop. These are often the most relaxing days on a cruise — the ship's entertainment programme is at its busiest, the pools are lively, and there's no pressure to be anywhere. Most passengers come to love them.
A port day means the ship docks (or anchors offshore and tenders you in by small boat) at a destination. You'll typically have 6–10 hours ashore. You can:
Check the ship's scheduled all-aboard time carefully — the ship will leave without you if you're late back. Cruise line excursions are the exception; they'll wait for their own buses.
Gratuities (also called service charges) are one of the more confusing aspects of cruising, mainly because different lines handle them very differently.
Cash tips to individual crew members are always welcome on top, but entirely optional. Most people tip their cabin steward and main dining waiter if they've had exceptional service.
Dress codes vary widely between cruise lines and even between venues on the same ship. As a general guide:
Cunard has the most traditional dress code — the QM2 Grills restaurants enforce black tie on formal nights. Norwegian (NCL) and MSC are the most relaxed about dress codes in the evening. Royal Caribbean and Celebrity sit somewhere in the middle.
Modern cruise ships are very large and fitted with stabilisers — most passengers never feel significant movement, especially on Mediterranean or Caribbean itineraries in summer. However, the Bay of Biscay, the North Atlantic and Norwegian fjords in autumn/winter can produce noticeable swell.
If you're concerned about seasickness:
There are dozens of cruise lines, but they broadly sit within a handful of categories. Understanding what separates them makes it much easier to find the right fit — rather than booking the cheapest option and being disappointed.
The cruise industry broadly divides into three market tiers:
Mainstream (contemporary): Large ships, wide choice of dining and entertainment, family-friendly, competitive pricing. Think Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, P&O, Carnival. Great for first-timers and families. Food and service are solid rather than exceptional.
Premium: Smaller or medium ships, better food, more attentive service, slightly older demographic. Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Cunard. A meaningful step up in quality without the luxury price tag.
Luxury: Small ships (under 700 guests typically), butler service, exceptional cuisine, often all-inclusive (drinks, excursions, sometimes flights). Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, Viking Ocean, Azamara, Oceania. The service-to-guest ratio is far higher — you genuinely feel looked after.
UK departures (typically from Southampton, Dover, Tilbury or a regional port) remove the need to fly. They're simpler, cheaper for groups, and you can take more luggage. P&O, Cunard and Fred. Olsen specialise in this. The trade-off is that itineraries are limited to what's reachable by ship from the UK — Atlantic islands, Northern Europe, Western Mediterranean.
Fly-cruises open up the whole world — the Caribbean, Asia, Australia, the Middle East. You fly to the embarkation port (Miami, Barcelona, Dubai, Sydney) and the cruise begins from there. More complex to arrange, especially for large groups, but the itinerary variety is vastly greater.
Many people do both — a UK departure for a short summer sailing, and a fly-cruise for their main winter holiday.
Royal Caribbean leads the field for families — enormous ships with waterparks, rock climbing walls, ice rinks, dedicated teen spaces and excellent children's clubs from age 3 upwards.
Norwegian (NCL) and MSC are also strong family options, with MSC offering free cruises for under-12s in some cabin categories. Both have extensive children's clubs and family entertainment.
P&O is the most popular UK-departure family choice, with well-established kids' clubs and a reliable, familiar feel.
Disney Cruise Line is in a category of its own for families with younger children — exceptional children's entertainment, character experiences, and a magical atmosphere. Book well in advance as it sells out quickly.
Celebrity Cruises is widely considered the best premium option for couples — stylish ships, excellent food, refined atmosphere, strong cocktail culture. "Always Included" fares bundle drinks and Wi-Fi, making budgeting simpler.
Cunard offers a uniquely British, traditional experience — ballroom dancing, afternoon tea, formal nights, and a genuine sense of occasion. The QM2 transatlantic crossing is a bucket-list experience in its own right.
Viking Ocean is adults-only (18+) and completely no-casino, no-children. Beautifully designed ships, highly rated food and excursions, thoughtful cultural programming. One of the fastest-growing lines in the premium segment.
Azamara specialises in longer stays in port (including overnight and late-night stays), which suits couples who want to explore destinations properly rather than rushing back to the ship.
Your cabin choice makes a bigger difference to your holiday than almost anything else. Here's an honest breakdown of each type — and who each one actually suits.
An inside cabin has no window or porthole — four walls, a bed, bathroom and wardrobe. They're the smallest and most affordable option on the ship. They're also often surprisingly good for sleeping — the total darkness means many people sleep better in them than at home.
Best suited to: Budget-conscious travellers, those who plan to spend minimal time in their cabin, solo travellers looking to keep costs down.
Think twice if: You feel claustrophobic, need natural light in the morning, or plan to spend time relaxing in your cabin.
Ocean view (or outside) cabins have a fixed porthole or window giving you natural light and a view of the sea. They're generally a modest step up in price from inside cabins but make a noticeable difference — you can see the weather, watch the sea, and wake up to daylight.
Some ocean view cabins have obstructed views — partially blocked by lifeboats or ship equipment. These are cheaper but worth checking before booking.
Best suited to: Travellers who want light and a connection to the sea without paying for a balcony.
The most popular cabin type on modern ships. A private balcony — usually with two chairs and a small table — gives you outdoor space that's entirely your own. Having breakfast at sea on your balcony, or watching a sailaway from port, is one of cruising's genuine pleasures.
Best suited to: Most couples and adults who want their own outdoor space. A significant upgrade for sea-heavy itineraries.
Mini-suites (sometimes called Junior suites or "Club" cabins depending on the line) are a step above a standard balcony. Typically 30–40% larger, and often include:
They don't usually qualify for the full suite perks (butler, private lounge access) but offer noticeably more space and comfort at a lower price than a full suite.
Best suited to: Couples on longer sailings who want space and comfort without the full suite cost. Often the best value category on many ships.
Suites on mainstream and premium lines typically include:
On luxury lines (Regent, Seabourn, Silversea) all accommodation is technically a suite — typically a minimum of 25–30 square metres — and the full luxury package is included for everyone on board.
The phrase "6-star" is used loosely in the travel industry — there's no official rating body for cruise ships. What it generally refers to is a level of service, space and all-inclusive value that sits clearly above the premium tier.
The Berlitz Cruise Guide has rated ships formally for decades — scoring food, service, cabins and the ship itself. Top-scoring ships (typically 1,700+ points out of 2,000) include vessels from Hapag-Lloyd, Seabourn and Silversea. In trade parlance, "5-star plus" or "6-star" refers to this elite group.
In practical terms, a 6-star cruise typically means:
The most genuinely all-inclusive line — every excursion in every port included, along with unlimited drinks, all dining, butler service, business class flights from the UK, and pre-cruise hotel nights. Nothing added on top of the headline fare. Suits travellers who want complete clarity on what they're spending.
All-suite, all-inclusive (drinks, dining, butler, Wi-Fi, gratuities). Strong expedition programme for polar and remote destinations. Highly regarded food — Silversea was the first cruise line to hire a Michelin-starred chef for its main fleet.
Intimate ships (250–600 guests), relaxed but impeccably attentive service, open bar throughout. Thomas Keller restaurant partnership on newer ships. Seabourn is frequently cited for the warmth of its service — staff remember your name on day one.
No casinos, no children, no nickel-and-diming. Beer and wine with lunch and dinner included. Strong cultural programming and destination focus. Consistently near the top of satisfaction surveys. More accessible in price than Regent/Silversea — a good entry point to luxury cruising.
Distinguishes itself through destination immersion — longer port stays, late nights and overnight stays are standard. Mid-size ships (~690 guests), country-club casual atmosphere. Drinks included with most fares. Strong Mediterranean and Asia programmes.
Famous for its food — the culinary programme is widely considered the best in the non-ultra-luxury sector. No children's clubs. Smaller to mid-size ships. Good for food lovers and destination-focused travellers who want quality without the ultra-luxury price tag.
For the right traveller, absolutely — and the "extra cost" is often not as large as it appears once you add up what you'd spend anyway.
On a mainstream cruise, a couple might realistically spend per day on top of the base fare:
That's potentially £200–£400/day on top of the base fare. A luxury all-inclusive fare that looks expensive upfront may represent genuine value when everything is genuinely included.
Several mainstream cruise lines now offer a private, keycard-access premium enclave within a larger ship — giving you a near-luxury experience at a fraction of the cost of a dedicated luxury line. Here's what each one actually delivers.
That depends almost entirely on how you use the ship. If your holiday consists of exploring ports all day and joining the main entertainment in the evenings, the premium area adds relatively little — you're only using it at night.
If you value having a genuinely quiet, uncrowded space to relax — especially on sea days — or if you appreciate the butler and concierge removing friction from your holiday, the premium can absolutely be worthwhile.
A rough calculation: MSC Yacht Club or NCL Haven typically adds 40–80% to the cabin cost. Against that, consider: premium drinks included, priority everything, a private pool that never has a sunlounger war, and a restaurant where you can always get a table.
Drinks packages are one of the more confusing areas of cruise booking. Pricing changes frequently and packages vary significantly in what they cover. This is a general guide — always confirm current pricing when booking.
| Cruise Line | Package Name(s) | What's Covered | Price Guide | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| P&O Cruises | Classic / Premier | Classic: wines, beers, spirits to ~£6.95/drink, soft drinks, hot drinks. Premier: extends to ~£9.95/drink. | From ~£35–£55 pp/day | Gratuities already included in UK fares. Packages must cover the full voyage. |
| Royal Caribbean | Deluxe Beverage Package | All cocktails, spirits, wines by the glass, beers, premium coffees, bottled water, soft drinks and juices. Soda-only package available separately. | ~$65–$85 pp/day | All adults in same cabin must purchase. Buy before sailing — pre-cruise pricing is almost always lower. Gratuities charged separately. |
| Norwegian (NCL) | Free At Sea / Premium Plus | Free At Sea (often promotional): house spirits, beers, wines, non-alcoholic up to $15/drink. Premium Plus adds higher-end spirits and premium wine labels. | Free At Sea often included as a promotion. Premium Plus ~$35–$50 pp/day upgrade. | Free At Sea is one of the better-value promotions in cruising. Check what version is current at time of booking. All adults in cabin must take the same package. |
| MSC Cruises | Easy / Classic / Premium Extra | Easy: soft drinks, water, basic beer and house wine. Classic: adds spirits and cocktails. Premium Extra: top-shelf spirits and premium cocktails. Yacht Club: fully inclusive for all guests. | Easy ~£20 · Classic ~£35 · Premium Extra ~£48 pp/day | All adults in cabin must take the same package level. Yacht Club guests are fully inclusive without needing a separate package. |
| Celebrity Cruises | Classic / Premium Beverage | Classic: wines, beers, spirits to $9/drink, premium coffees, soft drinks. Premium: extends to $17/drink, top-shelf spirits, premium wine labels. | Frequently included in "Always Included" fares. Standalone ~$65–$95 pp/day. | Always Included fares bundle Classic package, Wi-Fi and gratuities — usually better value than buying separately. The Retreat suite guests receive Premium package. |
| Princess Cruises | Plus Package / Premier Package | Plus ($60/day): drinks to $15/glass, Wi-Fi, gratuities and crew appreciation. Premier ($80/day): adds premium desserts, speciality dining credits, photo package. | $60 or $80 pp/day inclusive of gratuities and Wi-Fi | With gratuities and Wi-Fi bundled, Plus represents strong value. Premier is worthwhile if you use speciality restaurants regularly. |
| Cunard | Various optional packages | Wine with meals, full beverage, or premium packages available. Exact packages vary by voyage. Pay-as-you-go is common and works well on Cunard. | Typically £30–£55 pp/day where available | Cunard's clientele tends to prefer pay-as-you-go. Queens Grill and Princess Grill guests receive complimentary Champagne and canapés regardless of package. |
Work out how much you'd realistically spend on drinks per day and compare it to the package cost. A couple who share a bottle of wine at dinner, have a cocktail each before, and a coffee in the morning are likely spending £40–£60/day without a package. In that range, most Classic/Standard packages are roughly break-even to slightly beneficial.
Packages tend to be clearly worthwhile if you:
Packages are probably not worth it if you:
Shore excursions are one of the areas where people spend the most — and where there's the most room to either get excellent value or waste significant money.
Cruise line excursions cost significantly more than independent alternatives — often 30–60% more for the same experience. However, they offer one crucial guarantee: if the excursion runs late for any reason, the ship will wait for you. This protection has real value in unfamiliar ports or on complex trips.
Independent exploration gives you more flexibility, lower cost and often a better experience — a private taxi driver who knows the area, a family-run restaurant instead of a tourist lunch stop. The risk is entirely on you to be back at the ship on time.
A sensible approach: book cruise line excursions for high-risk ports (tender ports, tight schedules, unreliable local infrastructure) and explore independently in easy, walkable or well-connected ports.
Several reputable companies specialise in "cruise-friendly" excursions that cater specifically to cruise passengers — they know ship schedules, guarantee return by all-aboard time (or provide refunds if they cause you to miss the ship), and are often significantly cheaper than cruise line tours.
Some ports are genuinely best visited via the ship's programme — not because independent exploration is impossible, but because the logistics are complex enough that the peace of mind is worth the extra cost:
The small things that make a cruise holiday run more smoothly — and a few mistakes worth avoiding.
Standard annual travel insurance often does not cover cruises adequately. Policies frequently cap or exclude medical evacuation costs — which at sea can be extremely high (helicopter evacuation from mid-ocean is very expensive).
Look for cruise insurance that specifically covers:
Almost all modern cruise ships operate as cashless environments. Your cruise card is linked to a credit or debit card (or a cash deposit), and everything you purchase on board is charged to your account and settled at the end of the cruise.
Every major cruise line now has a smartphone app, and on newer ships it's the primary way to navigate the ship, book restaurants, see the daily programme and message other guests. Download it before you sail — app stores can be slow on ship Wi-Fi.
Cruise ship Wi-Fi has improved dramatically since lines began partnering with Starlink (SpaceX's satellite internet). On ships with Starlink, speeds are comparable to a reasonable home broadband connection and video calls work reliably. On older satellite systems, speeds are slower and latency is noticeable.
Wi-Fi is typically charged separately ($20–$30/day per device) or bundled with premium packages (Princess Plus, Celebrity Always Included, NCL's Free At Sea promotions). Luxury lines include Wi-Fi in the fare.
We've been arranging cruises for over twenty years. If you can't find the answer here, call us or drop us a message and we'll give you an honest, straightforward answer — with no pressure to book.