New to Cruising Tips, Questions & Advice

This is a 3-part series on my Norwegian fjords cruise adventure. Check out the other two posts in the series: Cruising the Norwegian Fjords and Bergen Cruise Port Guide. In this post, I answer questions from the WoW community on taking my first cruise. There are also some “new to cruising” tips for setting sail on your first cruise. All aboard!

What’s the best way to choose the right cruise?

With many cruise companies offering different things, choosing the right cruise can quickly become overwhelming. My top tip? Speak to a cruise specialist who will match you with the right ship, itinerary and cruising style.

Cruise lines may be popular in some things than others. For instance, Fred. Olsen has many round-trip cruises with UK departures from Southampton, Liverpool, Newcastle, Dover and Edinburgh. This is handy for UK cruisers who want to avoid flying. Royal Caribbean is great for spectacular on-board activities including flowriders, escape rooms and ziplines, ideal for families and multi-generational travel. Azamara offers port-intensive days and some overnights for those who want immersive destination experiences. Voyages to Antiquity is mainly for travellers keen to delve into the history, culture and wonders of the ancient world. With the “Finest Cuisine at Sea”, Oceania is one for the foodies. Those seeking a high-end luxury experience may consider lines such as Silversea, Crystal and Seabourn.

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA)

CLIA is the world’s leading cruise industry trade association. There is a ton of useful information on their website to help you get started. It is also a good place to find a cruise-selling travel agent near you.

BEST MEAL
Tucking into a melt-in-your-mouth steak in view of the cascading Furebergfossen Waterfall while sailing through Muarangerfjord. 

BEST EXCURSION
Scenic tour on the troll train through postcard-ready Eidfjord, before an encounter with majestic Vøringsfossen Waterfall.

BEST ON-BOARD EXPERIENCE
A rollicking chat with two women in their 70s on relationships, divorce and solo travel (see below for more). There was also a fascinating guest lecture where I learned that Bluetooth’s seemingly odd name has nothing to do with blue or teeth – and everything to do with the Vikings.

Is there enough time at ports?

It depends on what you want to do. We had a full day in Bergen, Norway’s second city (8.30am to 10:30pm), and a shorter one in Eidfjord (8:30-4:30pm). This was enough time to experience a distinct sense of place. Ironically, I had to cut my day short in Bergen after not feeling well halfway through. It is unlike me to not milk the time to the fullest, but I had to listen to my body.

Whatever type of trip you’re on, self-care is important.

In general, a cruise is a great value way to see more places within a short frame of time. However, if you want extended periods ashore, consider a line like Azamara which offers longer stays and more overnights.

What surprised you the most?

Seasickness. The choppy North Sea is something I underestimated as a first time cruiser. I felt heavy-headed at times, but laying down for a bit helped.

When you visit a country you fall in love with real experiences, people and so on. Do you miss this intangible, soul-building part of travelling if you’re on a cruise?

If you’re open to conversations with the crew and other passengers, there can be many enriching moments. In port, you can explore your new destination for other experiences. Best of both worlds, I would say.

Opportunities to connect exist everywhere.

One of my favourite on-board conversations happened with two women in their 70s. Over lunch, we spoke about relationships, divorce and solo travel. One had been married twice and split up with her second husband on their honeymoon cruise trip. “He changed completely on me. I wasn’t having it, love.”

The other woman – never married – had been travelling solo since 2002. “At our age, we don’t have time for anyone faffing about. We’d rather go on our own!” They were by turns philosophical and bemused about the various twists in life and love, yet they both twinkled with the glow of “no regrets”. What I loved most about them was their air of curiosity in the world. They had stayed open to new horizons.

Eventually, we navigated to yours truly’s blog, Wonders of Wanders. Do you know what my new “aunties” said? “Make sure you mention us!” Here I am, doing just that!

To travel is to experience people, places and moments in genuine ways.

Connections are all around us if only we’ll open ourselves to them.

I hope you found this a helpful starter to planning your first cruise. If you have more questions, do let me know.