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The World’s Best Cruise Tips, According To Experts
Sailing across the seven seas from the sparkling shores of the Caribbean to the chilly iceberg-filled waters of Antarctica, a cruise vacation is a wonderous journey filled with opulent indulgence where you’ll be waited on hand and foot with personal butlers and Michelin-starred chefs as you wake up in a new destination, every morning.
But there are always ways to enhance your cruise experience—so whether you’re looking for first-time cruise tips or seasoned secrets, here are the world’s best cruise tips, according to 34 cruise line presidents, CEOs, and experts.
1. Consult your bucket list.
Bert Hernandez, President of Silversea Cruises
Remote, bucket-list destinations such as Antarctica promise a special adventure that is sure to last long in the memory. While many guests enjoy spending two days crossing the famous Drake Passage, time-pushed travelers need not forego trips to the continent. Silversea’s Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise offering enables guests to fly directly to King George Island, reaching the destination’s pristine, icy landscapes in unique comfort and minimal time. This approach allows travelers to admire Antarctica’s extraordinary wildlife, icebergs, and glaciers in just 10 days.
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2. Consider a sporty cruise.
Anna Nash, President of Explora Journeys
A cruise isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about staying active and energizing your body and mind while discovering extraordinary destinations, too. Explora Journeys’ ships feature state-of-the-art fitness centers, offering everything from advanced gym equipment to personal training sessions. Plus, guests can join group classes such as yoga, pilates, and high-energy HIIT or take advantage of outdoor running tracks, basketball courts, and open-air workout zones with stunning ocean views. For those seeking adventure onshore, Explora Journeys also curates active and sporty excursions, including hiking, cycling, and water sports—alongside a presence at the Formula One Grand Prix De Monaco in 2025.
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3. Choose a cruise with butlers.
Cristina Levis, CEO of Crystal
Personal butler service can make all the difference on a cruise—and most luxury cruise lines like Crystal offer it as standard. To truly maximise your butler, communication is key. Share your preferences with your butler—from your favorite cocktail to your preferred temperature for your suite. A skilled butler will anticipate your needs, ensuring you’re never without your favorite beverage or a delicious canapé. Butlers can also enhance your social experience onboard—arranging intimate cocktail parties in your suite, perfect for family gatherings or entertaining new friends. Whether unpacking your luggage, making dinner reservations, or arranging shore excursions, your butler is there to personalize your experience.
4. Consider repositioning cruises.
Nirmal Saverimuttu, President of Virgin Voyages
Repositioning cruises are seasoned cruisers best kept secret—one-way voyages from one spectacular destination to another, with many exotic stops along the way, as cruise ships reposition for changing cruise seasons. At Virgin Voyages, these can be up to 16 days long onboard our adults-only ships known for offering ‘the best dining at sea’. These longer voyages inspired Richard Branson to create a “work from hammock” program with a 4-week Season Pass for those who can work remotely—and then taking it one step further with a new Annual Pass, offering year-round unlimited cruising.
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5. Choose the right cruise.
Paul Ludlow, President of P&O Cruises
Choose the right cruise, and you’ll find a vacation you’ll want to return to, year after year. Cruise ships are all different, some very large, some very small, and everything in between—some are activity-oriented, relaxed, indulgent, contemporary, and elegant—and some embrace the past while others are ahead of the curve. There are itineraries with many days at sea to explore the ship and life onboard, and there are others where you’ll wake up somewhere new almost every day. From kayaking down the fjords to cookery classes led by world-famous chefs, yoga at sunrise, and buzzing nightclubs—it’s is all out there. P&O Cruises sees itself as seafaring cupids—matching the right guest with the right ship for a successful long-term relationship.
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6. Stay healthy on your cruise.
Atle Brynestad, CEO of SeaDream Yacht Club
Small ship cruising offers a unique opportunity to relax, indulge, and explore the world—but staying healthy doesn’t mean compromising on luxury—in fact, the two go hand in hand. SeaDream has always believed that true luxury is about balance and choice. Staying active is easy when it’s also enjoyable—like kayaking, swimming, or paddleboarding directly from the yacht’s marina. When it comes to dining, healthy doesn’t have to mean boring as long as you choose the right cruise line. Whether following a plant-based diet or savoring a perfectly aged steak, you can savor dishes as indulgent as they are nourishing, crafted from fresh, local ingredients—because true luxury means you should never have to choose between your diet and an exceptional culinary experience.
7. Explore the world your way.
Mark Tamis, President of Seabourn
When planning a cruise, choose one that allows you to explore the world your way. Whether it’s discovering remote destinations, immersing in local cultures, or simply soaking in the sound of the ocean, the right level of freedom and individual experience can make all the difference. Seabourn’s intimate ships open the door to boutique ports and hidden gems that larger ships can’t reach—if that is what calls you. While crew members are experts at turning your ideas into unforgettable moments, from arranging private chauffeurs and in-suite parties to expert personal guides.
8. Don’t carry checked luggage.
Chris Prelog, President of Windstar Cruises
You’ll find many cruise packing tips online—but did you know, you don’t have to fly with checked luggage on your cruise? Most cruise lines and ports allow you to ship your luggage ahead, so it’s waiting for you in your suite when you arrive. You can take reassurance in knowing your luggage will never be lost, there’s no waiting by the luggage belt, and you are out of the airport and onto your ship far quicker than everyone else. There are also many cruisers traveling with just hand luggage these days and using onboard laundry services (like Windstar’s), saving time and energy and making international and domestic travel much easier. Be sure to always travel with a spare phone and glasses as a backup—but pack wisely, and you’ll make your cruising journey much simpler and more enjoyable.
9. Consider out-of-season cruises.
Rudi Schreiner, President of AmaWaterways
Consider booking trips during the “new seasons”—or out-of-season cruises. In 2025, AmaWaterways will have two ships sailing as early as February on the Rhine and Danube, and by 2026, this will expand to three ships. The growing interest in off-peak travel is making the idea of year-round river cruising more viable than ever. The end of winter is an excellent time to visit Europe, whether traveling solo, as a couple, or with family. With fewer tourists, you can explore iconic landmarks at your own pace and connect with locals more meaningfully. It’s the perfect option for those seeking a more intimate travel experience where you feel like part of the destination rather than a tourist. Off-season cruising is also a good way for experienced travelers to see familiar destinations in a different light. Whether it’s the Douro and Garonne in November or the Rhine and Danube in February and March, these times offer a fresh perspective on Europe and the added benefit of lower airfares.
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10. Consider going all-inclusive.
Ellen Bettridge, President of Uniworld
Choosing an all-inclusive cruise makes for a far more relaxing journey than thinking about bar tabs, hidden costs, or currency exchanges on your vacation. On a Uniworld cruise, you don’t have to reach for your wallet if you don’t want to, with fine dining, excursions, wine and champagne, and all gratuities included in the price of the cruise, so there are no nasty surprises. All-inclusive also doesn’t mean having to compromise on quality, experience, or genuine support of the local communities. Food and wines are sourced locally, reflecting the destinations we sail to and ensuring the ‘tourist dollar’ is distributed in the region.
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11. Go beyond household names.
Patrick Schmitter, CEO of CroisiEurope
As river cruising grows in popularity, travelers increasingly seek to explore rivers beyond the household names. While favorites like the Rhine, Seine, Danube, Rhone, Douro, and Mekong offer a fantastic mix of history, culture, and beautiful scenery, there are so many other rivers to consider that offer just as much—but are far less busy. Plus, sometimes, you may even be the only ship that operates on them. You can visit the Chateaux of the Loire Valley or the castles of Bohemia on modern paddlewheel cruises, discover the stunning Moorish architecture of Andalusia on the Guadalquivir, or experience Basque culinary traditions and heritage on the Garonne—and even enjoy a safari cruise in Southern Africa that combines a four-day cruise on Lake Kariba with a stay in a luxury lodge and land and water safaris in Chobe and the Matusadona National Park.
12. Indulge in your passions.
David Cox, CEO of APT Travel Group
Like APT, river cruise lines across the industry are creating fresh new ways to explore the wonderous rivers of the world. There has never been a broader choice of themed cruises on the market—and every traveler can find a cruise that allows them to follow their passions. APT offers a selection of river cruises tailored for lovers of culture, history, gastronomy, adventure, and more. So make sure you explore the full range of cruises available before booking, and you’ll find the itinerary that best matches your interests.
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13. Consider a family river cruise.
Jörg Eichler, CEO of A-ROSA
A river cruise might not be the first thing that springs to mind when planning a family vacation—but it should be! If you’re an adventurous family who wants to explore multiple European cities and towns, a river cruise should be on your list. A-ROSA has actively welcomed children for a decade now and, in 2022, launched a ship designed specifically for families, A-ROSA SENA. It boasts a range of never-before-seen features on a river ship, including family cabins sleeping up to five, a dedicated Kids Club room, a children’s pool on the sundeck, and much more. Bonus tip — if you’ve got little ones, always research the best family things to do in the cities you visit and consider pre-booking key attractions such as museums, theme parks, and boat rides.
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14. Consider small ship cruises.
Graham Carter, Co-Founder at Unforgettable Travel Company
If you’re considering a cruise for the first time and aren’t sure which ship or cruise line to choose, think about the type of hotels you usually prefer. If you enjoy staying in smaller, cozier hotels, you might want to explore small-ship cruise lines for your first experience. Small-ship and yacht cruises are becoming increasingly popular, especially among first-time cruisers seeking a more personalized introduction to cruising. With fewer than 150 staterooms, these ships provide a level of service similar to what you’d expect at a boutique hotel. Smaller ships also tend to dock right in the heart of destinations, allowing you to explore charming towns and off-the-beaten-path islands where you can experience life like a local. With fewer passengers on board, you’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded travelers from around the world, often leading to meaningful connections and lifelong friendships.
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15. Sail beyond comfort zones.
Francesco Galli Zugaro, CEO at Aqua Expeditions
In 2025, venture outside your comfort zone and try a new, unexplored destination. Our ship, Aqua Mekong, gives guests exclusive once-in-a-lifetime itineraries in the remote areas of the Mekong, offering activities away from the norm—from Q&A’s with Buddhist monks to cycling around the verdant plains of the Mekong Delta, admiring one of the largest Mahayana temples in the region, witnessing the craftsmanship on Mekong’s ‘silk islands’ or exploring Phnom Peng by tuk-tuk.
16. Consider a solo river cruise.
Pam Hoffee, President of Avalon Waterways
Unless you’re an experienced solo traveler, it can sometimes be intimidating for first-timers, so traveling on a river cruise is a great fit. River cruisers offers the ultimate freedom—where you can enjoy new experiences and discover new adventures on your own. Or you’ll be welcomed by other travelers to enjoy time together on board and ashore. And don’t worry about dining—with Avalon Waterways Flex-Dining, you can dine on your own or with your newly made friends. River cruising takes away concerns like personal safety and security when traveling solo and the stress of organizing a trip. While Avalon Waterways also celebrates solo cruisers by waiving the single supplement on select departures throughout the year.
17. Do your cruise research.
Phil Hullah, CEO of Riviera Travel
Before embarking on a cruise, it’s essential to do thorough research, particularly regarding the ship’s age. Sailing on a more innovative, younger ship often means better facilities, enhanced safety features, and a more modern cruising experience. Newer ships are typically equipped with the latest technology, including modern rooms and multiple dining venues. Additionally, it’s worth checking industry accolades to ensure you’re choosing a reputable cruise line. For example, Riviera Travel was awarded the Best Value River Cruise by Which? in 2024. This type of recognition underscores the quality and reliability of the cruise line’s services, providing extra reassurance when planning those milestone trips.
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18. Sample a taster river cruise.
Jennifer Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises
Sample a cruise by taking a short river cruise as a weekend break rather than committing to a whole week itinerary for your first sail. Riverside Luxury Cruises offers cruises as short as three nights, perfect for travelers who want a taste of the elegance and charm that river cruising provides. Plus, you can easily combine it with an extended visit on land for a cruise-and-stay vacation. You’ll enjoy the same luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and immersive excursions as longer journeys, but in a way that fits seamlessly into a busy schedule—the perfect way to explore, relax, and see if river cruising is the right fit for you.
19. Choose expedition cruises for close-up nature.
Jakob Lunøe, CEO of Albatros Expeditions
Choosing an expedition cruise gives you a front-row seat to some of the most mesmerizing landscapes and wildlife you will ever see—from secluded bays, inlets, and narrow fjords of the most remote areas in the world—to bustling penguin colonies, with Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins. Zodiacs venture into iceberg-choked waters for once-in-a-lifetime encounters with glaciers, waterfalls, and even whales rising to the surface. While this setup also means you can make spontaneous stops for wildlife sightings and shore landings—traveling in smaller groups with less environmental impact.
20. Book single cabins early.
David Gooch, CEO of Iglu Cruise
Demand for solo cabins often outstrips supply—so booking around 18 months ahead is always best. To find the best solo cabins, you can rely on Iglu Cruise’s simple online filter, one of the fastest ways to create a shortlist of available cruises that appeal to solos. Iglu Cruise has invested heavily to ensure the best prices and offers in the market for solos are shown in real time—so it’s really straightforward to make a booking decision with reliable and accurate information. As an unbiased agent, Iglu Cruise shows what’s available on lines most popular for solos—as well as pointing out where to find solo meet-ups, dedicated solo lounges (in the case of Norwegian Cruise Line), large mixed dining tables, and even single-traveler activities (look towards Oceania).
21. Go with a beverage package.
Tony Andrews, MD of cruise.co.uk
Embarking on a cruise opens up a world of relaxation, exploration, and indulgence in all kinds of delicious beverages. If you like to relax with a drink or two on vacation, you can save money by ordering a beverage package if you’re not on an all-inclusive cruise. Packages offer a neatly crafted selection of beverages to cater to various tastes and preferences. The packages may vary in the amount and variety of beverages included and where you can use them onboard—but the packages offer good value for money and have varying levels. Some include spirits, cocktails, wine, and beer, while others may only include soft beverages, specialty tea, and coffee.
22. Get to your embarkation port early.
Steve Byrne, CEO of Travel Counsellors
The timing of your arrival is essential when planning a cruise. Since many travelers do not live near ports and must fly to the embarkation city, arrive at least one day before the cruise departs. This gives you a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the city before you set sail. Port cities like Athens, Miami, and Barcelona are more than just starting points—they’re vibrant destinations filled with unique experiences, from uncovering ancient ruins to strolling through bustling markets and sampling local cuisine. Arriving early also has practical benefits—you can secure an early boarding time, avoid crowds, and settle in comfortably on the ship before your journey begins. Plus, giving yourself extra time helps avoid potential travel challenges, ensuring a smooth and stress-free start.
23. Opt for a cruise-and-stay vacation.
Phil Evans, Founder of Cruise Nation
Looking to get more out of your next cruise? Cruise-and-stay vacations allow you to explore your chosen destination for even longer and experience a once-in-a-lifetime trip. With a hotel stay included before or after your cruise, you can stay in some of the world’s most incredible places. For example, cruise around Canada and Alaska, stay in amazing destinations like Banff or Calgary, and ride the Rocky Mountaineer train. The other beauty of a cruise and stay vacation is that you can see more of the destination you’re embarking or disembarking in, which you may not get the chance to do on a cruise-only vacation. Some cruise and stay packages can even include flights, transfers, and excursions, making your trip effortless and stress-free.
24. Choose a cruise for birthday celebrations.
Edwina Lonsdale, MD of Mundy Cruising
If you have a big milestone coming up, it’s worth considering how you prefer to celebrate. Do you blow the whole budget on a lavish evening with a cast of hundreds? Or do you want something more leisurely and intimate? If it’s the latter, the perfect way to relax and enjoy a birthday celebration is onboard a cruise ship. Once you know the numbers, you can take expert advice on your options—when and when are key. With an idea of budget, to give you the best range of choices, start planning as early as possible—two years out is ideal. Mundy Cruising expert charter planners can present your options—a full ship charter (it doesn’t have to be for hundreds—plenty of small ships are available) or group space with private dining and special outings.
25. Book on a cruise app.
Sefton Monk, CEO of My Kind of Cruise
Planning a dream cruise used to be a time-consuming task. However, with modern technology, booking a cruise is easier than ever before. Cruise booking apps are revolutionizing how we travel, offering access to the best deals and personalized options—all at your fingertips. With My Kind of Cruise, you can check real-time availability and explore a wide range of cruises—all in one app. You can also save your loyalty cards in the app, which dynamically finds and applies the best deals as you browse sailings. Plus, you can invite friends and family to the app, making group bookings seamless. Bookings can be completed in under two minutes—and once the booking is confirmed, your friends and family will also have the cruise details in their app, allowing them to manage their reservations and payments themselves.
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26. Consider a micro-cruise.
Michele D’Agostino, Co-Founder of Secret Atlas
As African safaris run on jeeps carrying only a few people, an expedition micro-cruise offers access to remote locations only reachable by small ships—like rarely visited parts of the polar regions, all while staying away from the crowds. Cruising with just 12 guests, micro-cruises also have less impact on the environment in these regions, especially if it’s on an energy-efficient expedition vessel. With no fixed itinerary or schedule, guests do and see more due to the small group size—experiencing mind-boggling local wildlife, such as polar bears, walruses, seals, and more.
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27. Consult a cruise professional.
Julia Lo Bue-Said, CEO of The Advantage Travel Partnership
With many cruise ships and itineraries to choose from, you can seek advice from a trusted travel agent. Ensuring you travel on the right ship that meets your personal needs can make or break a cruise, and travel agents have extensive knowledge, so they can expertly match you with the perfect ship and itinerary. They also have strong relationships with cruise lines and access to the best and often exclusive deals. Booking well in advance means you won’t have to compromise on the cruise or cabin type, and it will guarantee your choices. Plus, you’ll often secure your chosen cruise at the best price and be rewarded with a range of early booking incentives. These can include cabin upgrades, onboard credit, beverage packages, and dining packages.
28. Choose your cabin wisely.
Jeremy Clubb, CEO of Antarctica Cruises
When it comes to cabin choice, some strategic ‘deck planning’ can make a huge difference to your overall comfort and enjoyment. Noise should be a key consideration—cabins near the anchor, engine room, or ship’s kitchen or lounge often come with surprise soundtracks that may not exactly align with the tranquil escape you had in mind. Any sleep deprivation can also soon put a different lens on your cruise experience. For those with limited mobility, accessibility is another factor. Some ships may only have certain accessible decks or areas, and the availability and proximity of elevators can be a game-changer. Cabin layouts also vary—some are much more suited to mobility needs than others. If you’re prone to seasickness, stability is another, and you should be aiming for midship cabins on lower decks where the ship’s motion is gentlest. Other details, like window size, balcony access, and even cabin orientation, can shape your voyage in ways operators may not highlight. That’s where a specialist agent comes in. Working with an impartial expert who knows the nuances of each ship can be invaluable in helping you choose your cabin carefully to avoid any potential pitfalls and elevate your voyage.
29. Consider a digital detox.
Santiago Dunn, CEO of Ecoventura
Although many yachts have satellite Wi-Fi, consider embarking on a digital detox and allow nature to awaken your senses. Disconnect to reconnect with the extraordinary beauty of the natural surroundings and unique wildlife—like the vibrant colors and breathtaking sunsets of the Galapagos—and take the opportunity to slow down and fully immerse yourself in this pristine environment. Opt for a small-group tour to enjoy a more personalized and intimate experience where you can unplug and discover the joy of deeper conversations with naturalists and fellow travelers. Whether you’re strolling along secluded beaches, savoring local cuisine, or diving into the tranquil underwater silence, the benefits linger long after you leave.
30. Look for guest expert sailings.
Aldo Macchiavello, CEO of Delfin Amazon Cruises
When planning a cruise, consider looking for an itinerary that offers more than just the standard experience. Some cruise lines, like Delfin Amazon Cruises, feature guest experts like Dr. Joanna Alfaro—a leading researcher involving guests in citizen scientists’ work. Having a specialist onboard not only provides unique insights into the local wildlife, conservation, and ecosystems, but also allows you to engage directly with the expert, ask questions, and get a deeper understanding of the region.
31. Choose a cruise line prioritizing sustainability.
Sophie Galvagnon, CEO of Selar
When choosing a cruise experience, seek companies prioritizing sustainability. Cruise lines like Selar harness renewable energy sources such as wind and solar, drastically reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This approach not only minimizes environmental impact but also enhances the experience. Designed to be smaller for greater sustainability, these ships carry fewer passengers, creating a more intimate atmosphere where the sound of waves and the rustle of sails replace engine noise and odors. Sustainability also means giving back. For example, Selar’s ship goes beyond tourism by supporting scientific research and environmental initiatives at a local level. They provide logistical aid to researchers in remote stations and actively contribute to cleanup efforts, such as collecting plastic waste on beaches. Sustainable cruising offers more than unforgettable memories—travelers become part of a broader mission to protect fragile ecosystems.
32. Ask as many questions as possible.
Rob Barlow, Owner of Hebrides Cruises
Curiosity is the key to an unforgettable cruising experience—the more questions, the better the experience. So ask all and everything, whether that’s before booking your cruise or while onboard. At Hebrides Cruises, by asking about specific wildlife, like when and where to see puffins or cetaceans, or sharing your dream bucket list, you’ll be guided to the perfect itinerary to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Onboard, there’s real magic in the conversations that take place every day and in the curiosity of guests. A dedicated wildlife guide and experienced skipper are always eager to share their extensive knowledge about the unique landscapes, diverse wildlife, Hebridean heritage, and stories of the West Coast waters. Each evening, during dinner with the Skipper and Wildlife Guide, the stories flow, questions spark discussions, and the true tales of the Hebrides unfold.
33. Embrace hyper-personalisation.
Steve Ebsworth, CEO of Rascal Voyages
In 2025, cruisers are seeking experiences tailored uniquely to them—whether it’s enjoying a favorite playlist while watching the sunset, diving with a marine species they’ve always dreamed of seeing, or taking a trip with a crew you’ll end up knowing by name (and learning which of their grandmothers has the tastiest local chutney recipe). Rascal Voyages specializes in curating these one-of-a-kind moments, from bespoke birdwatching itineraries to private culinary adventures and even helping guests track pygmy seahorses. As the demand for truly personalized travel grows, we believe the ability to craft extraordinary, tailor-made journeys will define the future of luxury cruising.
34. Research status match programmes.
Petra Hajdu-Pasztor, CEO of ClicknCruise
An often-overlooked opportunity to get the most bang for your buck when booking a cruise is researching status matches between cruise lines. An even lesser-known tip is to see if your hotel or credit card offers status matching. It’s specific to each cruise line and not something all cruise lines offer, but a quick online search will lead you to where you can submit a status match request. An increasing number of card providers also have travel sections within the cardholder members portal to access discount cruise prices. If you’re using a good travel agent, it’s worth mentioning what card you plan to use for payment when booking. Benefits can include everything from exclusive prices to priority boarding, laundry services, spa discounts, premium Wifi, access to private areas of the ships, and even being invited to the exclusive Captains Welcome Drinks.
So, from exotic bucket lists to our expert advice on how to make use of your butler, take note of our encyclopedia of cruise tips.