A cruise packs several destinations into one holiday, unpacking only once. If you have never cruised before, the choices can feel overwhelming - here is the plain-English guide we give our first-time cruisers.
Fly-cruise or sail from the UK?
Sailing from Southampton means no flights and no luggage limits, but longer sea days at each end. A fly-cruise (flying to Barcelona, Venice or Miami to join the ship) gets you to the sunshine and the interesting ports faster. For a first Mediterranean cruise, a fly-cruise usually gives the best balance.
Choosing your cabin
- Inside - no window, the cheapest way to try cruising; you are rarely in the room anyway
- Ocean view - a window but no balcony; a good middle ground
- Balcony - your own outdoor space and the most popular choice for a special trip
- Suite - more room, priority boarding and extra perks for the premium end
Popular first cruises for UK travellers
- Western Mediterranean - Barcelona, Rome, the French Riviera; warm and easy
- Norwegian fjords - dramatic scenery, sailing round-trip from Southampton
- Canary Islands - winter sun with several island stops
- Caribbean - a bucket-list fly-cruise for the colder months
What is included - and what is not
Your fare covers the cabin, main dining, buffet, entertainment and use of the ship’s facilities. Budget separately for drinks packages, speciality restaurants, shore excursions, gratuities and spa treatments. We will lay out the true all-in cost before you book, and can pre-book drinks and excursion packages at the best rates.
Related questions
Do I need to fly to go on a cruise?+
No - many cruises sail directly from Southampton, so you can cruise entirely flight-free. Fly-cruises simply get you to warmer or further-flung itineraries faster.
Are cruises suitable for families?+
Very - the big lines (MSC, Royal Caribbean, P&O) have extensive kids’ clubs, pools and family cabins. We can match you to the most family-focused ships.