How long should a first time cruise be?


How long should a first time cruise be? What's the ideal cruise length for a first-timer? A week or so is the sweet spot for most first-time cruisers, which will offer three to six ports.


Is there a lot to do on a cruise?

A 7-day cruise will typically have one or two sea days when the ship is at sea sailing between two distant ports. During port days there are shore excursions you can take to visit places or do activities like museums, shopping, beach, outdoor sports or even you can go on your own.


Is a cruise fun alone?

A solo cruise travel is a great idea because cruises can be both isolating and very social; you can relax and have alone time in your cabin or at the spa, while having opportunities to mingle with people at one of the many shows and events on board.


How long is the average cruise trip?

The average cruise sailings range from five to 14 nights. Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Virgin Voyages, Holland America Line and MSC Cruises are among the lines offering short sailings.


Can you leave the ship during a cruise?

Cruisers who've booked ship-sponsored shore excursions, suite guests, those who are upper-tier loyalty program members (meaning they've cruised with the line many times before) and those who've paid for priority debarkation are the first people allowed to leave the ship.


What do you do on the first day of your cruise?

What to Do on the First Day of Your Cruise
  1. “First Thing's First” Activities. Take care of some housekeeping right away as your trip gets underway. ...
  2. Make Your Bookings. When you booked your cruise, you already narrowed down your itinerary. ...
  3. Explore the Ship. ...
  4. Explore Your Dining Options.


Can you go on a cruise for 5 days?

There are some great cruises available to book throughout the year, with five-day options that fit a variety of tastes, destinations, and schedules.


What would happen during the first day of embarkation in a cruise?

Embarkation day for your cruise vacation is an exciting day. You get to board the ship and check into your stateroom. You'll likely have a glass of Champagne or other drink in your hand within moments of boarding, activating vacation mode.


Is there a lot of walking on a cruise ship?

Even if you simply work at an office or at home most of the week, the transition to walking throughout the day on just the ship alone can be much more than you are typically used to. On average, most cruise ships offer passengers the opportunity to walk several miles each day.


Can you go straight to your room on a cruise?

Many first-time cruisers don't realize that they won't be able to go directly to their staterooms upon boarding. Pass the time while you wait for your room to be ready and for the ship to set sail by enjoying lunch on the Lido Deck of the ship. This is a great way to make sure you aren't starving by dinner time!


Do you get breakfast on last morning of a cruise?

Feeding Yourself on Debarkation Day Even though you're leaving the ship, you're still entitled to breakfast onboard. These are your options: Eat in a Dining Room You'll be assigned to the same dining room you had dinner in on the last night of your cruise.


What is the riskiest part of a cruise ship?

The 5 Most Dangerous Parts of a Ship for Passengers
  • Watertight Doors. Never try to outrun a closing watertight door. ...
  • Wet/Slippery Surfaces. ...
  • Ferries & Lifeboats. ...
  • Dining Facilities & Fast-Spreading Illnesses. ...
  • Balconies. ...
  • Talking to a Florida Cruise Ship Injury Attorney.


What time of year should you not take a cruise?

Storms in August and October have a moderate risk of developing into hurricanes while September has the highest risk of all. For these reasons, September is the worst month of the year to take a cruise.


Do you dress up for dinner on cruises?

Jeans and baseball caps are not allowed in the restaurants for dinner. On informal nights, jackets (ties optional) for men are recommended, while women can opt for dresses or pantsuits. Tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits for men and gowns or cocktail dresses for women are suggested for formal nights.


How do you not spend a lot of money on a cruise?

Here are seven ways to avoid spending any extra money once you've boarded your cruise ship.
  1. Just drink water, juice, and coffee. ...
  2. Replace a paid shore excursion with self-guided tours. ...
  3. Stay on the ship. ...
  4. Get the most out of included places to eat. ...
  5. Do your homework during the packing process. ...
  6. Save money on laundry.


Do you eat the first day on a cruise?

Getting on your ship means a lot of choices on how to begin your vacation, but many guests elect to start things off with lunch. Embarkation usually begins in the late morning to early afternoon, so lunch is the first opportunity to sit down for a bite to eat.


Can you go on a 4 day cruise?

Whatever your challenge is that's stopping you from taking a vacation, we have a solution. Sail away for a short two, three, or four day vacation on a cruise. It's affordable, won't cut into your workload and planning a short cruise makes you the hero of your family.