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Worldwide msc international, msc cruises updates covid-19 travel requirements.

London, UK – 26 September : MSC Cruises today updated its Covid-19 protocols and guidelines. For anyone departing from the UK from 1 October 2022 onboard an MSC Cruise, the requirement to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19 has changed from “required” to “recommended”.

MSC Cruises has also updated it’s Covid-19 testing requirements for anyone departing from the UK. From 1 October 2022, all fully vaccinated guests presenting a valid vaccination certificate are recommended but not required to test before embarking. For any unvaccinated guests (5 years and older), a RT-PCR or Antigen test within 48 hours prior to the ship’s departure remains mandatory. MSC Cruises is also reminding its customers that COVID-19 insurance is not mandatory but is strongly recommended.

Changes to Covid-19 travel requirements have also been applied to other embarkation ports including those in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Caribbean and others. Full details can be found at: https://www.msccruises.co.uk/health-and-safety-measures/mediterranean

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MSC Cruises: Six Drydocks for 2024

• January 23, 2024

The MSC Fantasia drydocked in October in Malta for general hotel and technical work, as well as the installation of shore power, said Emilio La Scala, president and managing director for MSC Cruises Management UK.

The company also sent the MSC Bellissima to the Huarun Dadong Dockyard in Shanghai in November.

“This was the first time that any of our fleet has gone into a drydock in China for routine maintenance and repair work,” he said. “The choice of the yard was to make best use of the ship’s deployment in the Far East and the timing is based on her drydock cycle stipulated for class renewal.”

The vessel spent two weeks in drydock, receiving a new hull coating as well as various maintenance and cabin and public area updates ahead of her debut in China in 2024.

Six for 2024

“We will have six cruise vessels going to drydock during 2024. The ships are the Armonia, Opera, Musica, Magnifica, Splendida and Grandiosa,” said La Scala.

All six are drydocking in Malta, where MSC has a stake in the facility.

“Planned work includes periodical hull maintenance and painting, machinery and electrical maintenance, refurbishment of cabins and public areas, plus tests and inspections for class renewal.”

The Musica, Magnifica and Splendida will also be retrofitted for shore power, according to La Scala.

Other efficiency upgrades are targeting LED lighting and HVAC, he said.

“ Our cruise fleet is still relatively young but it is natural that older ships require more maintenance and upgrades to maintain the highest standards,” La Scala explained.

“At times obsolete or limited availability for spare parts means there is a requirement for equipment and component upgrades and in some cases, energy efficiency improvements, such as introduction of LED lighting and other devices, as well as the upgrade of HVAC systems, are also carried out to further reduce emissions.”

Coming out of the pandemic, he said there wasn’t a long to-do list as the company took the opportunity to get work done during warm lay up periods in 2020 and 2021.

La Scala said he has a drydock plan stretching 10 years into the future, set according to classification society rules and regulations. That means ships drydock typically every two to three years or every five years depending on the ship age.

“Our internal policy ensures an average of two stops per ship every five years, although this may be adjusted according to the deployment and itineraries of individual vessels,” he said.

“We book the dry dock availability in five-year time frames because the vast majority of work that needs to be conducted cannot be done when the vessel is in operation.

“Our fundamental approach is to plan far in advance what work needs to be done. This requires detailed planning, hard work, dedication and a paramount attention to detail.”

Excerpt from the Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine Winter 2023-2024

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Cruising from Southampton with MSC Cruises (2022 Guide)

MSC Cruises’ growth in Southampton has been somewhat meteoric over the last few years.

From just offering a few summer cruises back in 2017-8, to now offering all-year-round voyages from their own new cruise terminal, there is something on offer for every cruiser on a variety of different MSC ships.

IMPORTANT: Please stick to your embarkation times – this helps the flow of passengers through the terminal and onto the ship. Ignoring embarkation times leads to large queues and increased wait times.

Introduction to MSC Cruises UK

MSC Cruises operates from the Port of Southampton for its voyages. During the ‘Return to Cruising’ in 2021, MSC offered multiple embarkation ports additional to Southampton – these included Liverpool and Greenock (Glasgow).

In 2022 MSC Cruises will again offer a packed cruise programme with their flagship, MSC Virtuosa .

All cruises will depart from Southampton and whilst open to other nationalities this time around, embarkation will only be at the Port of Southampton and specifically, at their brand new cruise terminal – the Horizon Cruise Terminal .

In this guide, we will cover how the cruise terminal works and the embarkation and disembarkation procedures for sailing with MSC Cruises from Southampton.

MSC Cruises Southampton FAQ

What cruise terminal does msc use in southampton.

MSC Cruises sails from the Horizon Terminal in Southampton , located at Dock Gate 10 located off West Quay Road.

Where does MSC sail to from Southampton?

During the Spring/Summer, MSC Cruises sail multiple itineraries from Southampton. Including 7 and 12-night voyages to Norway, Canaries, Northern Europe and the Mediterranean. In the Winter, MSC Cruises offer weekly roundtrip voyages from Southampton to Northern Europe.

Where can I park my car when sailing with MSC from Southampton?

You can park your car directly at the Horizon Cruise Terminal. A 2-minute walk to the cruise terminal before you board the ship.

What Covid-19 requirements are there when sailing with MSC from Southampton?

MSC Cruises UK has the latest requirements for passengers sailing from Southampton at this link . The section for UK-based cruisers sailing from Southampton is labelled: Covid-19: Measures to embark for UK Residents & Non-Schengen Countries

Which MSC cruise ships sail from Southampton?

During the Spring/Summer of 2022, MSC Virtuosa will sail from Southampton. For Winter 2022/23, MSC Preziosa will offer weekly voyages. In Spring/Summer 2023 MSC Grandiosa will offer 2-14 night voyages.

How much luggage can I take?

The benefit of cruising is generally fewer limits on luggage. However, you will need to make sure that each bag/case is under 23KG – this is so that the people handling them can do so safely. Whilst the maximum cases are meant to be four per cabin, you can usually take one or two more if you are going on a much longer voyage – especially for repositioning or a world cruise.

Which cruise terminal does MSC Virtuosa sail from?

The Horizon Cruise Terminal – Dock Gate 10, Southern Road leads to Herbert Walker Avenue, where the car park and terminal are located.

Horizon Terminal Southampton

Located at Dock Gate 10, Southern Road is the new Horizon Cruise Terminal – a joint partnership between MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line.

This is the main terminal for MSC Cruise departures – it is signposted as ‘Dock Gate 10’ or ‘Horizon Cruise Terminal’ on West Quay Road, Southampton. The postcode for your sat nav is SO15 1HG.

Horizon Cruise Terminal offers short stay and long stay parking. Drop-off facilities by car or taxi are also available at the port.

The short stay and long stay car park are both signposted and port staff are on hand to guide you to the correct car park or drop-off. You must book long-stay parking before arrival.

Taxis are available from just outside the front of the cruise terminal.

MSC Cruises Parking in Southampton

MSC Cruises have their own parking in the Port of Southampton at the Horizon Cruise Terminal which is located on Southern Road, Southampton (SO15 1HG).

• The parking is safe, secure and located on the Port of Southampton property
• You take your keys with you after parking
• The car park is locked after all passengers have arrived and the ship has set sail – it is monitored by CCTV and the port
• Parking for Back to Back voyages is available
• Blue Badge parking spaces are located nearer the front for easier terminal access
• Luggage trolleys are on hand
• Arrive anytime before your cruise ticket boarding time

Simply book your parking online for your cruise and then print out the parking voucher you are emailed.

When you drive to the port, follow directions to Dock Gate 10 and Horizon Cruise Terminal (SO15 1HG) – simply put the parking voucher on your dashboard and you will be directed by the car park staff to exactly where you park.

There are luggage trolleys on hand to take your luggage to the terminal and baggage drop-off area.

Cruise car parking can be booked directly via AB Parking .

MSC Cruises Covid-19 Requirements from Southampton

The requirements for passengers embarking MSC Cruises in Southampton are updated frequently and the only place you should be looking for official updates is on the official website – but make sure you are reading the correct section for you and your voyage.

• MSC Cruises Health & Safety Measures page
• Make sure you read the section labelled: COVID-19: MEASURES TO EMBARK FOR UK RESIDENTS & NON SCHENGEN COUNTRIES

Breakdown summary at this time ( 6th August 2022 )

• NEW: All passengers aged 12 or over must be fully vaccinated OR read other requirements
• Boosters are recommended, but not required.
• A lab-certified negative Covid-19 test is required for boarding (Ages 2+) – this must be taken no more than 48 hours before your boarding time. Example: Embarkation time of 11am Saturday – test must not be taken any earlier than Thursday 11am.
• Please read the MSC Cruises Health & Safety Measures page for the full details.

MSC Cruises Embarkation in Southampton

After arriving at Horizon Cruise Terminal (whether by car, taxi or other means) you will need to drop off your luggage – this is usually just your case(s) that you would usually check-in if you were flying. Hand luggage and suit carriers can be taken inside the terminal (or anything else, as long as you can carry it through the terminal, security and onboard the ship without help).

Baggage drop-off

Make sure you print out the luggage labels that are on the PDF that MSC Cruises sends you when you have ‘checked in’ online (your travel agent may send them if you didn’t book direct) – you can print out as many labels as you wish. Just attach them to your case before you hand them over to baggage drop-off. If you lose a label, forget one or need an extra one – just ask – you can get one at the baggage drop-off area.

Make sure your check-in luggage doesn’t weigh more than 23KG per case/bag – this is for the health and safety of the baggage handlers and the crew on board who will deliver your luggage to outside your cabin door for you.

Note: Do not put your passport in your check-in luggage – you need it next!

Initial Check-in

( Important: Since April 2022 the rules have changed regarding face masks in the terminal – they are not mandatory anymore)

At check-in, you’ll be asked to show your passport, cruise ticket, MSC health form (which is in your cruise ticket), Covid-19 test result and vaccination/proof of recovery certificates (if applicable).

You can show digital insurance/vaccination proof if needed on your phone – however, some people have said that reception in the terminal isn’t great – so feel to print out them beforehand, or save screenshots on your phone (make sure they are clear!)

Cruise ship security is much like airport security – apart from there is no limit on liquids (ie toiletries, etc) – MSC’s policy is not to bring drinks or food onboar d, but of course, you can bring some snacks/drinks for yourself or your children whilst you are boarding without issue.

Everything will go through the x-ray machine and you will walk through an x-ray scanner – belts, watches, etc will be placed in a tray via the machine.

Covid-19 Testing (no longer conducted at the port)

Important: Since late April 2022 – Covid-19 testing at the port is no longer conducted. However, you must still have a valid negative Covid-19 test that was taken within 48-hours of your embarkation time.

After security, you head up the escalator to the waiting area. A brief check of your paperwork follows (cruise ticket).

You will be assigned a group number (sticker or piece of paper) which you will need after the final check-in – this will be your waiting area number.

Final Check-in

After arriving in this area, you go to the long check-in desk at the rear of the cruise terminal. Here, a customer relations agent will take your cruise ticket and passport from you briefly, only to check. They may also ask to see your insurance details and take a copy of your vaccination history too.

They will ask to take a photo of you – this photo will be uploaded to the ship and used to confirm your purchases in shops on board and allow you entry to/from the ship.

You will then be handed your cruise card – this states which deck and cabin you are located on and also your dining time. Additionally, it will also be a different colour card based on the MSC Voyager Club status you have. Initial first-time passengers are blue cards.

Sometimes, you are given the option to register a credit or debit card here – but you can actually do this on board and have 48 hours from embarkation to do this at one of the many automated machines around the ship (more details about those in your cabin).

You then sit at the numbered waiting area until your group is announced to board the ship.

There are free refreshments (bottles of water) handed out by the MSC crew if you wish and also toilets available.

Boarding the ship

When your group is called you head to the doors at the rear of the waiting area which is signposted – your cruise card will be checked and you follow the signs to the ship. The walk can be quite lengthy as the gangway is a series of ramps to allow wheelchair/mobility access. However, there is no rush and you can enjoy views of your ship as you walk along them.

As you approach the ship you’ll cross one final gangway onto the ship and you will need only your cruise card from here. A member of the ship’s security team will ask for your card which they will scan and they will check your photo (just taken) matches you – you are then free to enter the ship.

On arrival, you will find a number of MSC crew waiting to greet you – they can help direct you to lifts and/or your cabin if you need help. Generally, cabins are not ready until around 12:30-1pm PM on the day of embarkation.

You are free to use any of the bars, restaurants or other facilities on the ship from the moment you board!

MSC Cruises Back to Back sailings from Southampton

If you are booked on a back to back cruise on the same ship with MSC Cruises you will need to visit the Guest Relations desk during your first cruise and confirm the procedure with them.

Generally, you will be required on the day of your second cruise to visit Guest Relations and settle your bill for your first cruise and they will re-check you in without you needing to leave the ship (this is only applicable in Southampton – other ports, such as Miami may differ) – this is usually done between 9-10am.

They will take a copy of your passport and vaccination record again and issue you a new cruise card for the second cruise duration (and take a new photo of you).

You will then need to visit the Medical Centre for a free Covid-19 LFT test which they will do for you – Guest Relations will phone ahead and confirm it is free and the result will be told to you and uploaded to the system so that the ship knows you are Covid-19 clear.

Other than that, everything else continues as normal – one thing to note is if you have an existing internet package is that it does not run out until midnight on your last day (your first day on your next cruise) – so you will need to use the same login information until midnight.

If you are parking at the Horizon Cruise Terminal for a Back to Back cruise – let them know when you arrive, you will be directed to park in a slightly different area (of the same car park) so that your car isn’t left in the way when everyone leaves from the first cruise!

MSC Cruises Disembarkation in Southampton

Disembarkation is very easy with the Horizon Cruise Terminal.

As standard practice on all cruises, the luggage that you do not wish to carry off will be collected from outside your cabin by around 1am on the last night of your voyage. You will be given labels to put on your luggage on the final day and you can visit Guest Relations if you need any more.

Depending on your MSC Voyager status or your MSC Cruise Experience (Bella, Fantastica, etc) you will be assigned a disembarkation time and a place to meet for this.

Simply follow the instructions on the letter in your cabin and make sure that your cruise balance is ZERO . If you are even in credit by 0.50 GBP/0.50 EUR you will be denied leaving the ship until you collect the balance from Guest Relations! Visit there before you leave the ship!

MSC Cruises UK Facebook Group

We hope you have found this guide useful – if you want to ask a question about MSC Cruises in the UK or any of their ships – we run the largest network of MSC Cruises Facebook Groups with thousands of helpful past cruisers in them.

The groups are unofficial but offer advice on each ship, itineraries and tips and tricks for getting the best out of your MSC Cruise. Each group is dedicated to a specific ship or speciality and you’ll find many trip reports, photos and videos to enjoy before your voyage!

• MSC Cruises UK Forum
• MSC Virtuosa Forum
• MSC Grandiosa Forum
• MSC Preziosa Forum
• MSC Yacht Club Forum

You’ll find links to all the other MSC Cruises groups we run in any of those groups!

Also read: MSC Virtuosa Southampton Cruises

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CRUISE DEALS

Cruise to unbeatable savings with our best cruise offers.

Get ready for an extraordinary journey exploring the stunning Mediterranean , the vibrant Caribbean , the exotic Emirates , or the bewitching  Northern Europe . With our cruise offers, your dream holiday is just a few clicks away! Set sail from Southampton or opt for our flight-inclusive package that takes you directly from your home to the wonders of the world.

Browse our wide selection of cruise deals 2024 and 2025, find the perfect itinerary and book now!

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LATEST CRUISE DEALS FROM UK

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Special Cruise Discounts

useful tips for booking cruise deals

There is always a good reason to treat yourself to a cruise holiday : discovering charming destinations, sailing between fascinating cultures, being captivated by horizons, cities and sites of stunning beauty all while enjoying the unrivaled comfort of MSC Cruises. The reason to travel is even more compelling when you can seize the opportunity to set sail taking advantage of the best cruise offers, from last-minute cruise deals  to all-inclusive cruises and cruise packages such as Fly Cruise and Stay and Cruise.

In this short guide you will go through all the essential information to help you booking your cruise deal in 2024 or 2025. Whether you are searching for the finest cruise offer to set sail with your friends for a fun and adventurous holiday or create unforgettable moments with your family and loved ones, here you will find all the useful tips to book the best cruise deal perfectly tailored for you.

When is the best time to get a cruise deal?

Whenever you're ready to embark on a cruise, enticing offers and savings are waiting for you . Each season paints its own unique set of colors and feelings with stunning destinations ready to be embraced and savored in the unparalleled comfort of MSC Cruises. And to fully immerse yourself in these experiences, simply let yourself be inspired by a wide array of cruise specials and browse our summer cruises , autumn cruises , winter cruises  and Spring cruises . Whether it's a vibrant spring, a sun-soaked summer, a golden autumn, or a fairytale winter, amazing cruise deals await your voyage.

Have you defined a precise month for your forthcoming cruise holiday? Then don't miss the opportunity to browse our monthly cruise deals and take a moment to explore our selection of January cruises , February cruises , March Cruises , April Cruises , May Cruises , June cruises , July cruises , August cruises , September cruises , October cruises , November cruises  and December cruises  with unmissable Christmas cruise deals . If you haven't planned any travel yet but you suddenly feel the urge to leave for a new adventure at the earliest opportunity, last-minute cruise deals are the perfect solution for you. Any time of year is perfect to take advantage of a great cruise deal!

How to find the best cruise offers?

If you are wondering how to find the best cruise specials, you are in the right place. The MSC Cruises website is constantly updated with the best cruise offers of the moment, from all-inclusive cruises to last-minute cruise deals including cruise discounts and promotions .

On our website you will not only find the latest cruise deals , but also a place where you can easily book your next cruise holiday. We have made sure your cruise planning to be amusing and inspiring, just as if you were already on board enjoying your journey! Based on your selected destination, you'll be able to view all the cruise deals available for the spots you'd like to explore. All it takes is picking your desired travel frame and departure port and be inspired by MSC’s cruise offers.

Where will our cruise deals take you?

Still unsure where MSC's cruise specials will take you? Look through all the available cruise destinations  and learn more about our itineraries. Wherever you choose to sail, exceptional cruise offers are within your reach. Indulge in the irresistible charm of the world's most captivating cities and popular seaside destinations sailing with our Mediterranean cruises . Let yourself be captivated by wonderful beaches and volcanic landscapes with a Canary Islands and Madeira cruise . If you crave the soothing embrace of tranquil tropical relaxation enjoying your favourite cocktail in the shade of a palm tree, choose from our wide array of Caribbean cruises . For enthusiasts of awe-inspiring nature and fascinating adventures among the wildest places on earth, our Northern Europe cruises  or South Africa cruises  promise journeys filled with indelible memories.

Immerse yourself in the enchanting allure of our Emirates cruises  as they transport you to the realm of futuristic splendor in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Explore the wonders of the United States and Canada through North America Cruises  or let yourself be swept away by the rhythmic beats of samba or tango with South America Cruises . Alternatively, discover the Land of the Rising Sun culture and wonders, with our Far East cruises . The dreamiest destinations are just a click away with MSC’s cruise deals!

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When cruises are cheaper than trains and planes

P lanes, trains and automobiles may be the obvious and often most cost-effective ways to get from A to B but, surprisingly, cruise ships can be, too.

Repositioning sailings are the unsung bargains of the cruise world, where canny travellers can often pick up voyages at vastly reduced rates – and give more orthodox forms of transport a run for their money.

The key to finding such a deal comes from studying cruise schedules for sailings – some of which may be just one or two nights – that go directly from one place to another. 

While low-cost flights are generally accepted as the cheapest way to travel internationally, global airfares are on the rise – and by the time you pile on charges for luggage, food and drink and the cost of travelling from the airport to the city centre – where cruise ships invariably dock – taking the sea-going route can emerge as the unlikely winner (and you’ll arrive in considerably more style).

It can even work for travelling to different parts of the UK, though options tend to be restricted to Fred Olsen Cruise Lines when it repositions ships on overnight voyages between the likes of Southampton and Newcastle, Rosyth or other ports further north. 

Italy to Spain from £54

For city-hopping stays in and around Europe, MSC Cruises is the one to watch, as it enables customers to book many of its Mediterranean cruises on a port-to-port basis, rather than taking the entire voyage.

For instance, travellers can book one-nighters between Genoa and Barcelona or Genoa and Marseilles for as little as £54pp, while an overnight sailing between Valencia and Marseilles is £72pp, with these prices obviously including meals. The £54 figure is based on an October 11 departure. For a flight from Genoa to Barcelona on the same date, Skyscanner (skyscanner.net) quotes a service with ITA Airways for £111.99pp, including luggage.

Tony Andrews, the managing director of travel agency cruise.co.uk, says: “MSC doesn’t talk about this enough, as these one-nighters are a great way for people to have a city-break-style experience with a cruise as part of it. It’s a really interesting way to do it.”

The leisurely way to cross the pond

Transatlantic crossings are another potential area to pick up a sea-going bargain, but it’s a question of waiting until the price is right, as rates continually fluctuate.

Many lines offer transatlantic repositionings in spring and autumn, while Cunard runs the only regular crossings between Southampton and New York on its liner Queen Mary 2.

On one occasion some years ago, when prices dropped to just a few hundred pounds, I was sailing from Southampton on the QM2 and met a passenger who had opted to do the same purely because the rates were so much cheaper than flying and he wasn’t in a rush (the crossing takes a week).

Cunard’s prices have since risen overall, but there are still reduced rates on some departures that make this tactic worth pursuing if you fancy a more leisurely way to cross the pond.

Alison Earnshaw, the managing director of online agencies Cruise 118 and Six Star Cruises, says that when rates drop to £600 or £700, taking the ocean route becomes more cost-effective as transatlantic flights have become so expensive.

Another plus is the lack of luggage restrictions, because on cruises you can famously take as much as will fit in your cabin.

“We’ve had people booking to sail to see family in the States with lots of luggage that they’re taking out for them, and then flying back lighter,” she explains. “Alternatively, we’ve had customers who’ve flown to New York for the shopping and sail back as they can bring as much as they want.”

Swap Blighty for Barbados – for £1,129

The Caribbean is another region that comes up trumps for value, with P&O Cruises offering a two-week repositioning voyage from Southampton to Barbados (with stops in Antigua, St Kitts and St Lucia) from £1,129. This price is for an October 18 departure, and includes the flight back to Britain. 

A return fare to Barbados with British Airways (including luggage) during the same period is £733pp. Inter-island flights with Caribbean Airlines (caribbean-airlines.com) between Barbados and other islands in this itinerary amount to approximately £714pp. Add in hotel stays and it’s clear just how much you can save by taking to the water. 

Going global

Miles Morgan, the founder of Miles Morgan Travel, cited world cruises as another option for good-value deals, when cruise companies carve itineraries into segments if they haven’t been selling well, enabling customers to buy legs such as Sydney to Singapore.

“You need to look at sailings a few months in advance, as this is when they tend to be carved up,” he says. “So look now for autumn sailings and at Christmas for the spring. There might be nothing going or you might do well.”

I soon found a 17-night sector of a world cruise on Cunard’s Queen Victoria, departing Singapore on March 26 and arriving in Cape Town on April 12. It calls at Sri Lanka, Mauritius and Port Elizabeth in South Africa. From £1,099pp, not including flights, it works out at £64pp a night – about the same as a Travelodge. 

Flights for the same routing between Singapore and Cape Town for the same time period via Skyscanner amount to approximately £1,150pp, including luggage. Another win for the cruise. 

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NEWS... BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT

The one thing cruise ship passengers do that drives crew mad

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Cruise ships have their own set of rules , and a holiday at sea isn’t like your average getaway.

Lucy Southerton, 28, from  Birmingham , has been working on cruise liners for the past nine years, meaning she knows all the tips and tricks to get the most from your time aboard .

On her YouTube channel, Cruising as Crew , she shares her knowledge to ensure first-time passengers avoid common pitfalls – and the mistake cruise newbies make most can end up ruining your break.

According to Lucy, ‘treating a cruise like an all-inclusive holiday’ is the main faux pas she notices at work.

She said: ‘If some people have solely done all-inclusive holidays, they make the mistake of thinking a cruise vacation is very similar to that.

‘So a lot of people do not budget for extra expenses while they are on board because they have the misconception that most things will be free.’

The crew member says that although things like buffet meals will be included in the price of your trip, dining at certain restaurants on board or going on excursions often costs extra.

Forgetting to factor this into a budget can ‘really ruin people’s vacation’, Lucy says, as they have to miss out on things they perhaps looked forward to.

Gratuities are a big deal on a cruise too, so it’s recommended to set aside some cash to tip staff at the end of your holiday.

She said: ‘With a lot of cruises, you get hit with the gratuity bill at the end, which I have also seen a lot of people not budget for.’

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Alongside this, Lucy claims first-time ‘cruisers’ can struggle with the tight timings ships have to adhere to and miss their departure after a stop.

She said: ‘They get off at the port, go off and explore by themselves, which is part of the fun – but what they don’t allow for is time to get back. It obviously makes things very difficult for the cruise line and it is just an all-around mess.

‘So, when you’re on a cruise, it is very different from a hotel that is going to stay stationary. You absolutely have to make it a priority to get back to the ship on time and ask crew members what the traffic is like at each port if you’re getting a taxi to a certain destination.’

Her next warning is around travel insurance, which is particularly vital to get at the time of booking because cruises can get cancelled or flights to your starting destination can be delayed.

Lucy said: ‘Unlike a land holiday, where if your flight is eight hours late and the hotel stays where it is, the cruise ship moves so if your flight is eight hours delayed that’s going to mean you’ll miss it.

‘You absolutely have to get travel insurance as soon as you book the cruise.’

Overbooking excursions is another no-no, so try to balance ‘some exciting days but some relaxing days’ when planning out your itinerary to avoid ending up exhausted.

Lucy also advises pre-booking activities or excursions rather than leaving it to the last minute, ensuring you pack essentials (including medication), researching ports ahead of time, and listening carefully to safety briefings so you’re prepared for emergencies.

And, last but not least, she urges first-timers to always consider where their cabin is – particularly if they might be prone to seasickness.

She says: ‘You want to be in the centre of the ship. You don’t want to be in the back, you definitely don’t want to be in the front, because that’s where you’re going to feel the movement the most.

‘So when you book a cabin, make sure it is in the centre of the ship, and make sure the cabin you book is surrounded by other cabins.’

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Lucy adds: ‘The cheaper cabins will have a restaurant or a gym above them and it’s going to be noisy, so cabin location is really important.’

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