Friday newsletters always feature luxury travel contests, tips, series, or news.
Today: Cruising for Beginners: What I Learned From My First Cruise
Embarking on my first cruise was both exciting and a little intimidating. To be honest, I had always been a bit reluctant about cruising. I assumed it was mostly for older travelers, with rigid schedules and not much room for adventure. How wrong I was. From the moment I stepped aboard the Seabourn Venture – known as the world’s most luxurious expedition cruise ship – my assumptions melted away. Instead of a dated or slow-paced experience, I found myself immersed in a world of elegance, discovery, and genuine excitement.
I quickly learned that cruising is not one-size-fits-all. Expedition voyages like my Seabourn cruise around Iceland are very different from traditional ocean cruises, each offering its own rhythm, atmosphere, and style of travel. Whether you are drawn to the thrill of exploring remote landscapes or prefer the vibrancy of classic port cities, there is a cruise for every kind of traveler. Here are 10 lessons I took away from my first voyage — along with practical tips for anyone preparing to set sail for the very first time.
Please share your own tips in the comments section!
1. Choose the Right Style of Cruise and Ship
One of the most important choices you will make as a first-time cruiser is the type of voyage you book. Traditional cruises typically sail well-loved routes such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or Northern Europe. These itineraries emphasize variety, culture, and entertainment. Large ships can feel like floating resorts, with multiple restaurants, theaters, pools, and even theme parks. This style of cruising suits travelers who want options at every turn, a lively social scene, and plenty of amenities at their fingertips.
By contrast, expedition cruises focus on adventure and discovery. Ships are smaller, itineraries are more flexible, and the destinations are often remote: think Antarctica, the Arctic, or the Amazon. On my Seabourn Venture voyage, every day felt like a true expedition. Instead of bustling streets and nightlife ashore, I found myself marveling at glaciers, spotting wildlife from a Zodiac, and listening to experts share their knowledge. The ship felt intimate and elegant, with service so personalized that it felt like being welcomed into a luxury hotel.
The type of ship you choose is just as important as the itinerary. Large resort-style ships are best for travelers who enjoy endless activity options and a buzzing social atmosphere. Mid-sized ships strike a balance, offering more variety than an expedition vessel but still maintaining a sense of intimacy. Small ultra-luxury cruise ships and expedition vessels, like the Seabourn Venture, emphasize personalized service, enrichment, and access to destinations that larger ships simply cannot reach.
It is also important to consider the cruise company itself, because each cruise line has its own character and philosophy. Some lines emphasize family fun and a more casual atmosphere, while others focus on refined luxury, culinary excellence, or adventure. The cruise line you choose will define not only the onboard style but also the type of fellow passengers you sail with.
Neither style of cruising is inherently better — it all comes down to personal preference. If you thrive in a buzzing environment with endless entertainment, a traditional ocean cruise may be ideal. If you crave quiet luxury, deeper immersion, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, an expedition cruise will speak to you. And once you match the cruise line and ship type to your personal taste, the experience feels perfectly tailored to your style of travel.
2. Be Realistic About the Cruise Schedule
Cruising offers the thrill of waking up in a new place each day, but it also comes with structure. On a traditional cruise, the ship docks at a set time and departs at a set time, which means your day ashore is shaped by the ship’s schedule. Sometimes this can feel restrictive if you want to linger in a museum, enjoy a long lunch, or explore at your own pace. On an expedition cruise, flexibility is even more pronounced — but in a different way. Weather, ice, or wildlife sightings often dictate the plan, so itineraries may change at the last minute. A canceled landing can be disappointing, though it often brings unexpected surprises like a rare wildlife encounter or a breathtaking detour.
For me, the fixed schedule took some adjustment, but I learned to see it as part of the experience. The rhythm of ship life — mornings spent exploring ashore, afternoons on deck, evenings gathered for dinner — gave the trip a comforting structure. As long as you accept that you are working with the ship’s timetable, not against it, the schedule becomes less a limitation and more a reassuring framework that lets you maximize every moment.
3. Think Carefully About Packing
Packing for a cruise requires balance. On my expedition voyage, I brought far too much, forgetting that the onboard expedition team itself provided high-quality gear such as waterproof jackets and boots. I quickly realized that packing light and smart makes the experience more enjoyable. For an expedition cruise, focus on layering clothing, waterproof shoes, and comfortable outdoor gear. On a traditional cruise, you may want a wider range of outfits, from casual wear for daytime to elegant evening attire for dinners and events.
In both cases, cabins, while luxurious, are more compact than hotel rooms, so overpacking can make your space feel cluttered. Packing cubes were very helpful for me, keeping everything organized and easy to access. Essentials like sunscreen, chargers, and medications should always be in your carry-on bag, since luggage can take time to arrive in your cabin. Once I had unpacked and settled in, the ship truly felt like home.
4. Understand the Onboard Lifestyle
The lifestyle on board varies greatly depending on the ship. On large, traditional cruises, you will find endless activities: shows, casinos, fitness classes, trivia, dance nights, and bars buzzing late into the evening. The energy is vibrant and social, and there is always something happening.
On smaller expedition ships like the Seabourn Venture, the pace is slower and the focus is on enrichment. Instead of shows, evenings might feature expert lectures or intimate conversations with fellow travelers. The dining is exquisite, the lounges are serene, and the atmosphere is refined. For me, this quieter pace was exactly what I needed, but I can imagine some first-time cruisers wishing for more entertainment. Both approaches have their merits — it is simply a matter of what kind of atmosphere suits you best.
5. Excursions Are the Highlight
No matter the type of cruise, excursions are what transform a trip from simply pleasant to unforgettable. On traditional cruises, excursions might include guided city tours, culinary classes, or cultural performances. These can be excellent ways to see highlights efficiently, though they sometimes feel a bit tourist-oriented. On expedition cruises, excursions are far more immersive and often involve adventure: hiking across tundra, kayaking near icebergs, or stepping onto a beach where penguins outnumber people.
The reality is that you cannot do it all. On both types of cruises, some excursions sell out quickly, and on expedition voyages, weather can change plans. While this may be frustrating, it is also part of the magic. Some of my most memorable moments came not from the planned itinerary, but from unexpected surprises, like spotting whales from the deck or enjoying an unplanned Zodiac ride through drifting sea ice.
6. You Are Not Obliged to Join Every Excursion
One of the pleasant discoveries I made was that you don’t have to participate in every excursion. While excursions are often the highlight of a cruise, you are free to spend your time however you wish. On some occasions, I chose to stay on board and skip the excursion, enjoying the peace aboard while most of the ship’s guests were away. Reading a book in a quiet lounge or enjoying a leisurely treatment in the spa can be just as rewarding as joining a tour ashore.
If you decide to disembark, you also don’t have to follow an organized excursion. You can explore independently, have a coffee in a local café, or simply take a walk around the port town — as long as you are back on board by the designated time. This freedom gives you flexibility and makes the cruise feel less rigid. It was a good reminder that the experience is yours to shape, and there is no “right” or “wrong” way to enjoy your time in port.
7. Embrace Solo Cruising
As someone who traveled alone, I discovered that solo cruising is an incredible experience. At first, I worried about whether I would feel alone, but I quickly realized that cruising is one of the easiest ways to meet people. The open-seating dining arrangements, small group excursions, and welcoming atmosphere made it effortless to connect with fellow travelers. Conversations often flowed naturally, and friendships formed quickly.
At the same time, solo cruising gave me the freedom to set my own pace. I could join in when I felt sociable or enjoy complete independence when I wanted quiet time. I never felt out of place, and in fact, several other solo travelers were on board, each with their own story. Cruising solo taught me that traveling alone can be just as enriching as traveling with company — perhaps even more so.
8. Find Serenity at Sea
Cruising also offers something many of us crave in today’s busy world: serenity. On an expedition ship with fewer than 300 passengers, there were moments when it felt like I had the ocean to myself. Standing on deck with nothing but sky and sea around me was profoundly calming. Even on larger traditional ships, you can still find quiet corners: a peaceful balcony, an observation lounge, or a deserted stretch of deck at sunrise.
The gentle motion of the ship, the sound of the waves, and the rhythm of days spent between sea and shore create a sense of balance that is hard to find elsewhere. For me, this serenity became one of the most treasured aspects of the journey. Cruising is not just about the places you visit, but also about the rare chance to slow down and simply be.
9. Be Prepared for the Age Demographic
One honest observation from my first cruise is that the age demographic can vary significantly depending on the type of cruise you choose. On the Seabourn Venture, which caters to luxury expedition travelers, most of the guests were older, well-traveled, and financially comfortable. At first, I wondered if I would feel out of place, but I quickly came to see it as an advantage. Many of my fellow passengers were fascinating, with incredible travel stories and life experiences to share. Conversations at dinner often felt like mini-masterclasses in history, culture, and adventure.
That said, it is worth setting expectations. Luxury and expedition cruises tend to attract a more mature crowd who value enrichment, fine dining, and comfort over late-night parties or nonstop activities. If you are looking for a younger demographic or a more energetic atmosphere, you may prefer a larger mainstream cruise line, which usually attracts a broader mix of families, young couples, and multi-generational groups. Some cruise companies also offer themed voyages or itineraries tailored specifically to solo travelers, wellness enthusiasts, or even food and wine lovers, which can shape the social dynamic onboard.
The takeaway is that the age of your fellow passengers is not really a drawback, but rather part of the personality of each cruise line. By matching the company and itinerary to your own interests, you will find yourself among like-minded travelers — whether they are seasoned adventurers with decades of stories or younger explorers seeking their first taste of life at sea.
10. Disconnect and Slow Down
In our hyper-connected world, it is rare to step away from constant emails and notifications. Cruising offers that opportunity. While Wi-Fi is usually available, it can be patchy or expensive, particularly on remote expedition routes. Instead of seeing this as a frustration, I began to appreciate it as a gift. Without the distractions of my phone, I found myself more present, more observant, and more engaged with the journey itself.
Instead of scrolling, I spent time gazing out at the Arctic landscapes, sipping coffee while watching seabirds, or simply enjoying conversations with fellow passengers. This digital detox, even if temporary, reminded me how restorative it can be to slow down and live fully in the moment.
Final Thoughts: My First Cruise, But Not My Last
My first cruise aboard the Seabourn Venture was a revelation. It showed me the magic of expedition cruising, the balance between structure and freedom, and the many small joys of life at sea. I discovered that you do not have to join every excursion, that solo cruising is not only possible but rewarding, and that serenity can be found in the simple act of watching the ocean roll by. I also learned that cruising comes with limitations, such as fixed schedules and an older demographic, but these are small trade-offs compared to the richness of the experience.
Whether you are drawn to the adventure of an expedition voyage or the vibrancy of a traditional ocean cruise, your first time at sea will likely be unforgettable. Cruising is not just about reaching destinations — it is about discovering a new rhythm of travel, one that blends comfort, exploration, and reflection in a way that no other journey can.
For me, the Seabourn Venture was not just my first cruise — it was the beginning of a new love affair with the sea. And I hope it will not be my last.
Bon voyage!
*** Follow me on Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter) or Facebook for a daily moment of travel inspiration ***
