The World’s Best Cruise Tips, According To Experts

From first time cruise tips to seasoned secrets, here are the world's best cruise tips and cruise hacks, according to 34 cruise line presidents and experts.
Jayson Bechtelar · 3 days ago · 6 minutes read


Unveiling the Secrets of an Unforgettable Cruise

1. Embark on an Adventure of a Lifetime

Indulge in bucket-list destinations like Antarctica, where Silversea's Antarctica Bridge fly-cruise offers an unparalleled opportunity to reach pristine landscapes in comfort.

2. Unleash Your Athletic Spirit

Explora Journeys promises a fusion of luxury cruising with a focus on active living, offering state-of-the-art fitness centers, group classes, and outdoor workout zones, complemented by curated active shore excursions.

3. The Art of Butlers

Elevate your experience with personal butler service, a hallmark of luxury cruise lines like Crystal. They will masterfully anticipate your needs, tailoring to your preferences and creating a personalized haven onboard.

4. Discover the Repositioning Journey

Explore hidden gems and exotic ports on repositioning cruises, allowing you to soak in the beauty of slowly sailing from one captivating destination to another.

5. The Perfect Ship for Every Soul

Choose a cruise ship that resonates with your travel style, whether it's an intimate boutique or a grand vessel with countless amenities. P&O Cruises offers a diverse fleet to match every preference and aspiration.

6. Venture Off the Beaten Path

With smaller ships like Azamara Onward, you can access hidden ports and connect with local cultures. Uncover authentic experiences and create memories that will last a lifetime.

7. Balance Luxury and Well-being

SeaDream embodies the mantra of "balance and choice." Stay active with kayaking, swimming, or paddleboarding, while indulging in culinary delights crafted from fresh, local ingredients.

8. Explore the World As You Desire

Seabourn's intimate ships and expert crew cater to your every whim. Whether it's discovering remote destinations or basking in the tranquility of the open sea, the experience is truly tailored to your wishes.

9. Travel Light with Ease

Avoid checked luggage hassles by shipping it directly to your suite. With most cruise lines offering this service, you can start your journey worry-free.

10. Embrace Off-Season Adventures

Explore Europe's enchanting rivers and landmarks during off-seasons with AmaWaterways, offering a unique perspective with fewer crowds and affordable airfares.

11. The All-Inclusive Indulgence

Experience the ease and tranquility of all-inclusive cruises with Uniworld River Cruises. Enjoy gourmet dining, excursions, and gratuities without any hidden surprises.

12. Explore Beyond Household Names

Venture beyond the familiar rivers of Europe and discover hidden gems with CroisiEurope. From the castles of Bohemia to the Moorish architecture of Andalusia, there's a world of wonders awaiting exploration.

13. Indulge Your Passions

APT offers themed river cruises tailored to specific interests. Whether you're passionate about history, gastronomy, or adventure, find a cruise that ignites your soul.

14. Family River Cruising

A-ROSA caters to adventurous families with its specially designed ships. Experience family cabins, a dedicated Kids Club room, a children's pool, and thoughtfully planned excursions that cater to young travelers.

15. Embrace Small Ship Charm

For first-timers or those seeking a more intimate experience, consider a small-ship or yacht cruise. Enjoy personalized service and the opportunity to delve deeper into the heart of charming towns and offbeat islands.

16. Sail Beyond Comfort Zones

Venture into uncharted territories with Aqua Expeditions, unveiling hidden gems like witnessing a Buddhist monk Q&A session, cycling through Mekong Delta plains, exploring "silk islands," or Tuk-tuk tours in Phnom Peng.

17. Solo River Cruising

Enjoy the freedom and companionship of solo river cruising with Avalon Waterways. Their Flex-Dining allows you to dine with your newfound friends or enjoy solitary moments. The absence of single supplements enhances the accessibility of this experience.

18. The Power of Research

Thoroughly research the ship you're considering, paying attention to its age and facilities. Industry accolades, like the Best Value River Cruise award given to Riviera Travel, can provide further reassurance.

19. Sample the River Cruise Experience

Try a short river cruise as a weekend getaway with Riverside Luxury Cruises. This is a great way to test the waters without committing to a full week-long itinerary.

20. Expedition Cruises for Nature Enthusiasts

Embark on an expedition cruise with Gentoo Penguins, where you'll encounter awe-inspiring landscapes, witness glaciers and waterfalls, and may even observe whales breaching the surface.

21. Secure Single Cabins Early

Plan ahead and book solo cabins around 18 months in advance. Iglu Cruise offers real-time availability and unbiased guidance to help you find the best options.

22. Enjoy the Convenience of Beverage Packages

Indulge in a variety of beverages while saving money with a beverage package. Packages come in various levels and cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

23. Arrive Early at the Embarkation Port

Give yourself ample time before your cruise to immerse in the local culture and explore the embarkation city. This also allows for early boarding and a smooth start to your journey.

24. Explore Cruise-and-Stay Vacations

Extend your adventure with a cruise-and-stay vacation. Explore destinations like Canada and Alaska while also experiencing land-based attractions with Rocky Mountaineer train rides or city excursions.

25. Birthday Celebrations At Sea

Commemorate special birthdays on a luxurious cruise. Mundy Cruising can help you charter a ship or organize group space with private dining and unique excursions, creating an unforgettable celebration.

26. Book with Ease Using a Cruise App

Simplify your booking process with a cruise app like My Kind of Cruise. Check availability, compare options, and even invite friends and family to join your journey.

27. Experience Micro-Cruises

Discover remote and exclusive destinations with micro-cruises, which offer access to areas reachable only by small ships. Secret Atlas provides personalized expeditions with small group sizes and a commitment to environmental sustainability.

28. The Wisdom of Travel Agents

Seek guidance from trusted travel agents who possess extensive knowledge of cruise itineraries and ships. They can match you with the perfect option and secure exclusive deals.

29. Choose Your Cabin Wisely

Consider factors like noise levels, accessibility, and window size when selecting your cabin. A specialist agent can help you navigate these nuances and avoid potential pitfalls.

30. Embrace a Digital Detox

Disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature on cruises with Ecoventura. Engage with their expert naturalists, fellow travelers, and the pristine surroundings with a heightened sense of awareness.

31. Seek Guest Experts

Enrich your cruise experience by seeking itineraries featuring guest experts like Dr. Joanna Alfaro from Delfin Amazon Cruises. Gain unique insights into wildlife, conservation, and local ecosystems, fostering a deeper understanding of the region.

32. Support Sustainable Cruise Companies

Choose cruise lines like Selar that prioritize sustainability through renewable energy sources, smaller ship sizes, and involvement in local environmental initiatives. Support companies that not only offer memorable experiences but also contribute to the preservation of fragile ecosystems.

33. Ask Questions, Unlock Magic

Engage with Hebrides Cruises and ask questions about wildlife sightings, bucket-list adventures, and local heritage. Their experienced wildlife guide and skipper are eager to share their knowledge and guide you to a truly extraordinary journey.

34. Hyper-Personalized Experiences

Customize your cruise with Rascal Voyages to create a tailor-made adventure. From bespoke birdwatching itineraries to private culinary experiences, they specialize in crafting unique moments that resonate with your specific passions.

35. Optimize Your Status Match Benefits

Maximize your cruise experience by researching status match programs. Certain credit cards also offer status matching, potentially unlocking premium amenities and exclusive perks.