Tips for Your First Cruise Everything You Need to Know
Are you looking for tips for your first cruise? If so, you’re in for a treat! We’ll share a wealth of useful information and advice that will enhance your cruising experience!
Most of us dream of taking a cruise at some point in our lives, yet many hesitate, often due to misconceptions. We used to think that cruises were only for the affluent or the elderly. However, this trip opened our eyes to an entirely different world that we never knew existed!
Our first cruise experience
A few weeks ago, we received an irresistible invitation: to experience firsthand the wonders of cruising. And let me tell you, it exceeded our expectations! Now we understand why people say that once you try a cruise, you’ll want to go again and again. We even considered hiding away in our cabin on the last day, but we ultimately had to bid farewell to the Costa Neo Riviera.
This article is crafted for those who, like us, were unsure where to start when searching for cruise information. We’ve divided it into two sections: the first part will help you decide whether this type of travel suits your tastes and budget, while the second part is packed with practical tips and answers to common questions we gathered through our Instagram stories. Let's dive in!
1. The million-dollar question: Is it expensive?
While cruising isn’t the cheapest way to travel, it’s a misconception that it’s only for the wealthy. You can absolutely find budget-friendly options. Just keep in mind that you might end up with an interior cabin (which can actually mean excellent sleep quality without any light interruptions) and without the coveted all-inclusive drink package.
There are numerous websites offering great deals, especially when cruise lines need to fill unsold spots. Make sure to explore all the available cruise offers.
2. So, how much does it cost?
The cost varies significantly. During our Costa Cruise through the Greek Islands for a week (flights included), we met travelers who paid €1,800 per person, while others snagged a great deal for less than €1,000 per couple! Typically, you can expect to pay around €1,200 to €1,400 per person.
While that may seem like a lot, consider the total cost of a week-long beach vacation, including accommodation, transportation, and meals—it’s not too different.
3. Where to book?
You can book directly with the cruise lines or through travel agencies, both online and physical. However, we recommend specialized cruise websites, which compile all the market’s offers and often provide better deals than traditional agencies, like this one: Logitravel.
4. Is it worth going on a cruise?
As you might guess, we thoroughly enjoyed our cruise experience, even though we’re not your typical cruise enthusiasts. To help you decide if cruising aligns with your preferences, let’s outline some positive and negative aspects of cruising:
Positive aspects of cruising:
- Waking up in a new destination every day is utterly magical!
- You can completely disconnect and relax.
- You meet wonderful people along the way.
- Sunsets at sea are simply breathtaking.
- Countless activities ensure you won’t get bored.
- No pressure to join activities if you prefer to relax.
- With an all-inclusive drink package, the parties can be epic!
- The food is absolutely delicious.
Negative aspects:
- As tasty as the food is, you might gain a few extra pounds.
- Many port stops are short, so you won’t have time to explore deeply.
- Facilities like pools and jacuzzis can get crowded after excursions.
- Seven days might feel too short—you’ll likely want more!
With that said, let’s move on to the second part of this article, filled with everything you need to know for your first cruise experience!
Our experience
All the information that follows is based on our own experience: we cruised with Costa Cruises (on the Neo Riviera) through the Greek Islands. Here were our stops:
Great! We have our tickets ready to start the cruise. What's next? First, you need to fly to the boarding port, as that’s where the adventure begins!
Check-in process at the airport
Cruise packages typically include flights from major cities (Madrid, Barcelona, Malaga…) along with transfers. We flew from Madrid to Venice with Air Europa (fun fact: our plane had a flat tire before takeoff—what an adventure!). We departed from terminal 2, so make sure to ask someone for help, as charters have specific check-in counters hidden away.
The cruise lines provide luggage tags with your name, surname, and cabin number, which you’ll need to attach before checking in at the airport. You can use cellophane or staples to secure them (a helpful staff member assisted us with this).
The arrival
Upon arriving in Venice, Costa Cruises staff collected our luggage and delivered it directly to our cabin, so no need to worry about that. After leaving the airport, you’ll find Costa employees directing you to the bus heading to the ship. They’re impossible to miss—an anti-dummy system!
Checkout is equally straightforward: the information provided in the daily navigator will guide you through the process.
Check-in process on the cruise
This process is quick and easy. Make sure to have your passport and cruise documentation handy, as staff will register you. You might encounter a line since, of course, you won’t be the only one boarding!
After checking in, you’ll board and take possession of your floating home. Your luggage will be waiting at your cabin door, alongside additional useful documentation about the ship and its procedures.
What is the cabin like?
Many might argue that cabins are small, but we found ours to be surprisingly spacious (especially the bathroom!). The space is well-utilized, featuring a double bed (super comfortable), drawers, wardrobes (plenty of space), a desk, minibar, TV, safe, and a bathroom complete with amenities (shampoo, after-sun lotion…). If you're fortunate enough to get an exterior cabin with a balcony, congratulations! Just note that it varies by ship; in our case, only the cabins at the back had balconies, while the side cabins simply had windows.
Don’t worry about getting lost—the ship may be large, but it’s user-friendly, and you’ll always find staff willing to assist.
On your first day, you’ll find something crucial in your cabin: the card that will become your best friend for the next few days.
What is the Costa card?
This card should always be with you! It serves as your identification when boarding and disembarking the ship, as a payment method (you’ll need to link it to your credit card at information points within the first 48 hours), and if you have a drink package, you’ll need to show it every time you order.
Emergency drill on a cruise
By law, an emergency drill must be conducted, and all passengers are required to participate. It usually occurs on the first day of sailing, and the time will be indicated in the daily navigator. The procedure is simple: when the alarm sounds, put on your life jacket and head to your designated meeting point, marked with a letter on your jacket and cruise card. These meeting points are located on the ship’s lower decks, where lifeboats are situated. This process takes about 20 minutes.
What is the disembarkation process like?
To visit different cities, you will, of course, need to disembark. How does it work? Simply follow the staff’s instructions and don’t forget your cruise card and passport. In our case, we always disembarked from deck 4. You’ll go through an identity check onboard and possibly another at the terminal, which is a very quick process.
On the return, security checks are stricter, with your belongings screened and you passing through a metal detector. This may vary by port; for instance, in Venice, it was more thorough than in Rhodes, where there wasn’t even a terminal building. Before boarding the ship, you'll go through another check with your card. In summary: don’t worry about a thing, just follow instructions and keep your Costa card close!
Can excursions be done independently?
Absolutely! In fact, we highly recommend it. The excursions organized by the cruise line can be quite pricey. If you don’t want to do all the legwork yourself (keep in mind that there’s tons of information available online), a middle ground is to book tours with local companies online or once you arrive at the port.
Many options allow you to visit key attractions while saving money: for example, we saw other cruisers teaming up to share taxis, and we rented a scooter in Rhodes to explore the island at our own pace. With a little research, you can organize your visits and save a good amount of cash!
Should I book excursions or not?
The only port where we booked an ‘excursion’ was in Santorini, but it was more of a transport package. We’ll cover this in the Santorini article, but we paid €15 per person through a local agency while the cruise ship charged over €60 for a similar excursion.
We also learned that those who book excursions through the cruise line get priority when disembarking. We didn’t even mind not being the first to get off the ship, except in places where disembarking is done offshore and you must take smaller boats to reach the land. In our case in Santorini, we did that, but in other locations, disembarking was quick.
Are the ports close to the cities?
On our route (Venice, Split, Corfu, Santorini, Heraklion, and Rhodes), we walked to all locations except Corfu (where we took a bus to the center for €1.70) and Santorini (where we disembarked on small boats to reach Thira). In every other port, we strolled. There’s always an option for public transport—don’t waste money on bus fares offered by the cruise line (for example, in Corfu, a bus ticket sold for €8 could be done for €1.70).
Is water included?
Yes and no. Here’s the deal: on the ship, there were three restaurants: a buffet with a water and ice dispenser (free), another with waitstaff where drinks are charged (a liter and a half of water costs €3.50), and a more upscale restaurant where everything is for purchase (we didn’t go there!). So, if you don’t have a drink package, you won’t have to pay for water.
Note: technically, you’re not allowed to refill plastic bottles from the dispenser (though we saw people doing it). This is a hygiene issue; they suggested using a plastic cup to refill your bottle instead.
Traveling alone—what should I do?
If you couldn’t convince anyone to join you, don’t worry! There’s a website, Solteros Viajeros, that connects solo travelers to make friends and, importantly, reduce costs. As you know, traveling solo often means paying a hefty single supplement. This service pairs you with other solo travelers, saving you a bundle (and potentially making new friends).
If you’re traveling with company, keep an eye on the same website: they often offer packages that are more attractive and much cheaper than those offered by the cruise line, with discounts reaching up to 80% just before departure.
What can I do while sailing?
Eat. And I'm not joking! If you don’t want to be mistaken for a buoy and risk being thrown overboard, you can also enjoy the sun, the bar, the pool, or the hot tubs. You can walk around the ship (it’s huge, even though our Neo Riviera is one of the smaller Costa ships), shop (yes, there are some stores), dance (you wouldn’t believe the dance parties happening), read, write, take naps, watch TV, or even go to the theater! Plus, the ship's entertainment crew organizes activities throughout the day. You won’t have a dull moment!
Is there a lot of older people? Will I feel out of place?
The stereotype of the elderly cruiser is a thing of the past! Sure, there were retirees (and they were quite lively), but there were also families, couples, and groups of young friends. People of all ages and backgrounds were aboard, so you won’t have any issues finding others who share your interests and passions.
If this concern has been holding you back from booking your first cruise, rest assured!
Are the restaurants paid?
As we mentioned earlier, there was one paid restaurant, another where you only pay for drinks, and a completely free buffet. Additionally, there’s a pizzeria and a burger joint that charge at night (but are free at lunchtime). We usually opted for the buffet for lunch and the restaurant for dinner (with paid drinks), but some guests stuck with the buffet and spent nothing. For dinner in the restaurant, there are set seating times (this is not the case for the buffet or lunch restaurant). You can find your assigned time on your Costa card.
Can I change my dining time?
Yes! We did this ourselves: there are two dining times (8:00 PM and 10:30 PM). We were originally assigned the latter and decided to move it up without any issues. Just speak with the maitre d’ on the first night, and they will note the change. You’ll be informed of your new time the following day in your cabin.
Additionally, you’ll have an assigned table, which can be for two, four, or more people! Our first table seated eight, while the second seated four. We believe these can also be changed, or at least discussed with the maitre d’.
Is the buffet always full? Will it run out?
You won’t go hungry, that’s for sure! There was only one day when we decided to dine at the restaurant because the buffet was genuinely packed. That said, with a little patience, someone would have surely vacated their table—but we’re more about hunger than patience! To avoid crowds, aim to arrive when it first opens.
The buffet is excellent; there were usually four pasta options, two types of meat, two types of fish, sides, cheeses, cold cuts, a multitude of salads, and oh-so-many desserts. Really tasty and varied, although predominantly Italian cuisine. And we can’t complain about that—bring it on!
What are the tips for?
This is an interesting point. Initially, it could be a bit frustrating: in Spain (and Italy), we aren’t accustomed to tipping culture, and since we’re already paying for a service, we don’t understand why we need to provide an extra. However, after spending a week with over 500 crew members (we didn’t meet all of them, of course), we realized that they work incredibly hard and truly deserve it! Tips are charged directly to your linked credit card at a rate of €10 per day per person.
Does the ship move a lot?
No. In fact, we felt more motion on land than at sea! We only encountered a bit of rough water one day, and some passengers felt unwell. Personally, I (Lety) felt fine, while Rober, who’s a bit more sensitive to motion, took a Dramamine and was good to go. So, just in case, bring some Dramamine with you (and if the sea gets rough, you could even start a black market for these pills!). Just kidding… or maybe not!
Is there a doctor on board?
Yes, there’s a doctor available onboard, but if you’re just dealing with a cold, it’s best not to visit, as it’s neither free nor cheap.
How should I dress?
This aspect gave us a bit of a headache before departure. What about formal nights, informal nights, white parties, etc.? In the end, it was hassle-free! Some guests followed the dress code (each night, you receive a daily navigator with the next day’s program, including suggested attire for dinner), while others wore whatever they liked. So, no stress! Bring comfortable clothes for excursions, a couple of semi-formal outfits for dinner, and casual attire for the rest (ladies can typically manage with dresses, while gentlemen should stick to jeans, shirts, or polos).
Is it safe to go on a cruise?
After the tragic incident with the Costa Concordia, there’s no joking around with safety! Before setting sail, an emergency drill is conducted where all procedures are explained. However, rest assured, there’s only one Captain Schettino, and following the accident, stricter safety regulations were implemented.
Typical prices on a cruise
We’ll share some photos with typical drink prices, so if you’re curious about cocktail, coffee, beer, or wine prices on a cruise, stay tuned!
Is it worth paying for the drink package?
We didn’t buy it, and we somewhat regretted it. Oh, how we would have loved to enjoy a mojito (or two or three) at sunset. Or a strawberry daiquiri. And a cosmopolitan. And a beer. Well, I’ll stop before I sound like Barney from The Simpsons! We regret not getting it, but now that it’s over, we’re happy to have saved €400!
If you decide to go for the package, know that it costs around €30 per day per person in the cabin (and both people must purchase it—no sharing). That’s about €60 per day for the cabin. It’s not cheap, but if you’re someone who enjoys a coffee after each meal, wine with dinner, and a couple of cocktails at the bar, it’s worth it!
You can check out all the packages, what they include, and their prices here.
How do I purchase the drink package?
You can buy it online before the cruise or at any bar on the ship using your Costa card. Simple!
Can I bring alcohol onboard?
We didn’t try it, but we read that bringing alcoholic beverages onboard is prohibited (if you do, they’ll be inspected and returned on the last day). However, bringing non-alcoholic drinks (water, soda) is generally fine. Just don’t go overboard; a couple of cans of soda should suffice!
Is there Wi-Fi on the ship?
Yes, there is Wi-Fi, but it’s not free. We purchased a social media package, which allowed unlimited access to some social networks but not to the internet or email. It cost us €19 for the seven days, plus a fixed €3 service fee. There were limited data packages (ranging from 250 MB to 3 GB) that cost between €23 and €90. If you can find Wi-Fi at each port, and you’re not a fan of social media, it might be best not to buy a package. And if you are, follow us!
Do I need to bring towels from home?
No, there are towels available in the bathrooms, and you can request them to be changed daily if you wish. Additionally, there are two pool towels in your cabin, which you can take ashore if you fancy a swim at a beach. These can also be exchanged daily. Just be careful not to lose them, or you’ll be charged €30 per towel!
Is the cabin cleaned?
Yes, often too much! They clean twice a day, so we typically put up the ‘do not disturb’ sign in the afternoons—having our beds made twice a day is a bit much!
That concludes our comprehensive guide for first-time cruisers. Do you have more questions? Leave us a comment, and we’ll be delighted to help!
By the way, we’ve shared all our doubts and questions prior to boarding, but now that we’re back, we’ll be publishing our travel diary for the cruise through the Greek Islands soon (what a journey!).
If you need more info or tips for your first cruise, feel free to drop a comment, and we’d love to assist!
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