Virgin Cruises specialist Lucy Southerton has shared a key tip for those taking their first cruise and the usual faux pas many make. The 28 year old, who imparts her cruising knowledge on her YouTube channel ‘Cruising as Crew’, points out that first-time cruisers often slip up when picking out their initial sailing adventure.
Lucy suggests avoiding cruises with an excess of sea days, stating: “Ideally you want two sea days max, and ideally not consecutive.”
She explains this is because new cruisers won’t know if they are suited to life at sea until they experience it.
Lucy also warns about the potential downside of too many days at sea possibly souring the cruising experience for newcomers. She believes in the importance of discovering different ports, encouraging this consideration in vacation planning.
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Admitting that endless days traversing oceans isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, she says, “There are those people who want to spend 15 days at sea, reading their book, having no internet access, and there are some people who will say ‘I can’t think of anything worse than that’.”, reports the Mirror.
Another notable oversight by beginner cruisers, highlighted by Lucy, is underestimating the value of travel insurance. While delay disrupts any holiday plans, as reported by the Express, a hold-up en route to a cruise can mean missing the ship entirely—a far bigger inconvenience than a late resort check-in.
Travel expert Lucy has issued a stark warning for those setting sail on a cruise holiday, stressing the importance of punctuality: “travel insurance is a nonnegotiable in my opinion when it comes to booking a cruise.”
She also offers sage advice for cruise newbies, recommending they choose well-established destinations. “I would urge you to stick to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Alaska,” she advises.
“These are well-trodden routes. All of the towns and cities that your cruise ship will be stopping at are geared up for cruises… the tour guides in those cities are used to taking cruise passengers on tour. They know the drill. This means you can just relax into it a little bit more.”
For those plotting their maiden voyage, Lucy’s channel is brimming with tips, from picking the right cruise line to choosing the perfect cabin. Her insights come hot on the heels of another travel guru’s cautionary words to prospective cruisers this year.
Remember, even the most seasoned sea travellers say that bringing the wrong gear or leaving essentials behind can make or break your cruise experience, so heed the advice of those who’ve navigated these waters before.
Luxury cruise holidays may offer an abundance of amenities, but cabin storage can be surprisingly limited, making a savvy packing strategy essential. Not only does this ensure convenience, but it also prepares you for varying climates, onboard activities, and unforeseen circumstances.
A seasoned cruiser on the r/cruise subreddit advised: “Pack all the travel essentials you need, like tums, pepto, aspirin, toothpaste, mouthwash, etc. Anything they sell is going to be expensive.”