Author: cruiseoracle

Boarding day—it’s the moment the countdown ends and your holiday officially begins. But let’s be honest: it can also be the part that causes the most stress if you're not prepared.From long queues and forgotten documents to delayed luggage and confusion at the terminal, boarding day can throw up a few surprises. But with a little prep (and a few insider tricks), you can breeze through the process and be poolside with a drink in hand before you know it.Here are my top tips for making cruise embarkation day as smooth—and speedy—as possible.✅ 1. Check In Online As Soon As…

Travelling solo can be one of the most rewarding experiences—but it can also come with a few worries: safety, boredom, awkward dinners alone, and the hassle of planning every little detail. That’s where cruising comes in. A cruise isn’t just a vacation; for solo travellers, it can be the ultimate way to explore the world with ease, comfort, and community. Here’s why cruising is hands-down one of the best ways to travel solo: 1. You Get the Best of Both Worlds—Freedom and Structure Cruising gives you total freedom to explore on your own terms, but also provides structure so you…

Cruise lines love loyal guests—and they’re happy to reward them. One of the most underused perks in cruising is the onboard future cruise booking program, where passengers can reserve their next sailing while still enjoying their current one. But is it worth it?Let’s explore the pros, cons, and how to make the most of this often-overlooked opportunity.✅ The Pros of Booking Your Cruise Onboard1. Exclusive Onboard OffersMost cruise lines offer special incentives if you book onboard. These can include:Reduced deposits (often as low as £50-£100 per person)Bonus onboard credit for your next sailingDiscounts or locked-in pricingFree upgrades (occasionally offered for…

Cruising doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, with a bit of planning and a few clever strategies, you can enjoy an unforgettable cruise holiday without overspending. From booking tips to onboard savings, here’s how to cruise smart—and stay within your budget. 1. Be Flexible With Dates and Destinations Cruise fares can vary drastically depending on the time of year and destination. Sailing during the shoulder season (just before or after peak times) often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and great weather. Top Tip: Use price alerts and tools like Cruise Critic or VacationsToGo to track deals. Bonus Tip: Repositioning cruises and…

When it comes to cruising, most itineraries hit the big names: Barcelona, Venice, Santorini, Nassau. All gorgeous. All busy.But beyond the tourist favourites lies a world of lesser-known ports — filled with character, culture, and far fewer crowds. These are the hidden gems: the ports that feel like a secret, even as you step off the gangway.Here are five underrated cruise ports you’ll want on your radar. 1. Kotor, Montenegro A Medieval Escape with Fjord-Like ViewsSailing into Kotor is a moment. Towering mountains rise around a bay that looks more Scandinavian than Mediterranean. Once docked, you’ll enter a perfectly preserved…

Booking your first cruise is exciting — the thought of waking up in a new destination, endless buffets, and watching the sunset from your balcony is the stuff of travel dreams. But with so many cruise lines, ships, itineraries, and extras to choose from, it can also feel a little overwhelming.Here’s a detailed breakdown of the key decisions you need to make before clicking that “book now” button — so your first cruise ends up being everything you hoped for (and more!). 1. Cruise Line Vibe: What Kind of Holiday Are You After? Not all cruise lines are created equal.…

There’s a kind of morning that only exists on a cruise ship.It’s not rushed. It’s not filled with pings, alerts, or traffic noise. It doesn’t start with coffee gulped down while checking emails, or that weary glance at a jammed calendar. It starts with stillness — and the sea.When I cruise, my one of my favourite times of day is the early morning.Before the ship fully wakes up. Before the corridors echo with footsteps and the buffet lines start to build. There’s a moment — relax — where everything feels weightless. I usually wake naturally, no alarm needed. I love…