🌎 Isn't it a-boat time you tried a cruise? ⛴️

Ahoy there Traveller,

Setting sail on a cruise offers an extraordinary blend of exploration and relaxation – a chance to discover new places and get away from it all.

While cruising is no doubt transformative, we know that for for first-timers it can be daunting. So, to celebrate Cruise Week – which starts on 18th September – our cruise experts bring you their 5 favourite tips for a sensational maiden voyage...

1. Dive into your research

It goes without saying that, before booking, you should arm yourself with all the knowledge you need to plan your perfect cruise. But where to start? The Insight Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships, available in the Rough Guides Shop from 1st October, is a treasure chest of information on destinations, cruise lines, ships, onboard activities and offshore excursions.

2. Choose your cabin carefully

Opt for an outside-view cabin to soak up stunning scenery and keep tabs on the weather.

Or, if you prefer a pitch-black sleeping environment or worry about motion sickness, consider interior cabins, and aim for a central location where movement is typically less noticeable.

. 3. Join the 'secret menu' club

Cruise ships often have 'secret menus' at selected bars and restaurants (shh), featuring off-menu items that only crew or seasoned cruisers know about. These hidden delights can include special cocktails, unique desserts, or even dishes from the chef's personal repertoire. To unlock this hidden world of culinary delights, strike up a friendly conversation with the staff or ask fellow cruisers for their secret menu recommendations. It's a fun way to feel like an insider and savour some exclusive treats during your voyage.

4. Pack for comfort

Most modern cruise ships have relaxed dress codes, so leave the formal attire at home. That being said, do check the dress code for specialty cruises or transatlantic crossings, as they might require more formal attire. Whichever cruise you choose, don't forget comfortable clothing and walking shoes for shore excursions.

5. Get organised...with a shoe organiser(!)

A shoe organiser might not be the first thing that springs to mind when packing for a cruise, but it can be a game-changer for keeping your cabin neat. Hang it over the bathroom door to create a convenient storage space for small items like sunscreen, sunglasses, towel clips, and more. After all, a tidy cabin is a tidy mind!

And now for some of our favourite boat trips:

Sail across Dalmatia

Take a dip in pristine Adriatic waters, explore idyllic lagoons and inlets, and stop off at charming historic towns. It's no wonder sailing in Croatia is one of our most popular trips. Don't miss our beginner's guide to island hopping in Croatia.

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Explore Egypt on a luxurious dahabieh cruise

Sail the Nile at a leisurely pace on board a dahabieh, a traditional sailing ship. Cruise to world-famous sites as well as unknown treasures.

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Once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition

Start and end your trip in Chile and discover the Antarctica on an intimate, boutique-style expedition boat. Cruise the Drake Passage, visit Cape Horn and fly back to Punta Arenas. This is one for the bucket list.

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