First time on board? All your questions answered

If you’re about to head off on your first ever cruise, here’s everything you need to know for a fabulous experience.

By Sue Bryant

Cruising can seem mysterious for someone thinking of dipping a toe in the water for the first time – although be warned, it’s addictive. To help you prepare, here are answers to some of the questions most frequently asked by first-time cruisers.

What is it like on board?

Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure, Saga’s two ocean-going ships, are contemporary but classic in design. Imagine a comfortable, stylish boutique hotel with light-filled lounges, cosy bars, a beautiful pool deck that conjures up images of the British seaside and five top-class restaurants. Not to mention a serene spa, a state-of-the-art theatre, an impressively stocked library and an art gallery.

Will I feel crowded or trapped?

Unlikely! Saga’s ocean cruisers have a wonderful sense of space; every cabin, for example, has a private balcony. You can enjoy an expansive deck, whether you want to relax by the pool or gaze out at the waves from the wraparound promenade deck. There’s always somewhere peaceful for those seeking solitude; a cosy corner of the library, or an armchair with ocean views in the sunlit Britannia Lounge, high up on the Lido Deck.

With five places to eat, you’ll never feel confined in the evenings. And with no more than 987 guests onboard and carefully staggered shore excursion times, there are no queues to get on and off the ship.

What can I do on sea days?

On days when the ship is sailing and there’s no port of call, there’s a packed schedule of activities, from bridge sessions to yoga, wine tasting, lectures from renowned guest speakers, music recitals and art classes.

You can do as much or as little as you like. Take a fitness class or book a massage or a facial in the spa. Make new friends over trivia quizzes. Or simply relax on deck by the pool, perhaps enjoying a cocktail or an ice cream.

All activities and events are listed in the Today daily programme, which is delivered to your cabin and available on the cabin TV.

What are the shore excursions like?

Saga offers a range of imaginative shore excursions in every port, ranging from walking tours and panoramic coach tours to more active experiences, including whale watching, hiking, dog sledding, visits to archaeological sites and wine tasting. Of course, there's no obligation to join any of the tours; you're welcome to do your own thing in port. And if the ship is docked some distance from the centre, a complimentary shuttle service is provided.

If you're travelling solo and want to enjoy your time ashore with a companion, the crew onboard can arrange for you to buddy up with other single travellers.

Is there a strict dress code?

Saga’s ocean cruises have an easy-to-follow dress code. After 6pm, the dress code most days is elegant casual; no jeans, T shirts or shorts – but no need for men to wear jacket and tie.

Dressing up on the formal nights is all part of the fun. There will be one formal night on cruises from four to seven nights and two on cruises from eight to 11 nights. This means an evening gown or cocktail dress or elegant separates for ladies, and a smart suit and tie or black tie for men.

If you really don’t want to dress up, you can dine in The Grill, the more informal restaurant on board, or have a night 'in' with room service and perhaps a movie on your cabin TV.

What do I need to pack?

It’s more a question of what you don’t need, as we’ve thought of everything. In your cabin, there’s a hairdryer, toiletries, fresh fruit, tea and coffee making facilities, bathrobes and slippers. You won’t need a plug adaptor as Saga’s two ocean-going ships have British sockets, as well as USB ports and 115v shaving sockets.

Do I have to sit at the same table every night for dinner?

Not at all. The Grand Dining Room on our ocean-going ships is open seating apart from the first night, when you’ll be allocated a table for convenience. After that, you can ask to sit where you like and with whom you like. The same applies in The Grill, which is more informal and is always open seating.

To dine in our speciality restaurants, which are included in your cruise fare, you need to make a reservation once you’re on board. Either present yourself at the restaurant, or call from your cabin phone to choose your time and date.

Do I have to tip the crew?

On Saga’s cruises, river and ocean, all crew gratuities are covered, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

I’m travelling solo. Will I be the only one?

Absolutely not! Saga is known for its welcoming approach to solo travellers. On Spirit of Adventure and Spirit of Discovery, some 20% of the cabins are for solo travellers – and they’re just as lovely as the double cabins, with private balconies.

On board, you’ll find hosted solos’ coffee mornings, evening drinks and hosted tables at dinner. You can join other single travellers to head ashore, too. There’s no pressure – but equally, you don’t need to feel lonely.

Is cruising expensive?

Cruising with Saga is exceptionally good value. Yes, you’ll pay more upfront for your holiday than you would with a mass market cruise line, but so much is included. Drinks, all meals, including the speciality dining restaurants, a spacious balcony cabin, crew tips, room service, a choice of excursions, a chauffeured car to the port and even travel insurance are covered. The same applies to our river cruises.

Quality wines are poured with lunch and dinner but if you're celebrating a special occasion or simply know your wines and would like to try something different, just ask your waiter for the wine list. You'll find the premium wines reasonably priced – and anything you buy will simply be added to your on-board account.

Budgeting for your cruise is easy – and there will be no strain on your credit card at the end of the voyage.

What is a river cruise like?

On our river ships, you’ll find a spacious lounge with panoramic views, an elegant restaurant, a gym and on the sun deck, which runs the length of the ship, a hot tub and loungers, perfect for watching the glorious scenery drift by with a glass of wine in hand.

There are no formal nights but most people enjoy dressing up for the welcome reception and the captain’s dinner. Like our ocean cruise ships, river ships are also open seating; just let the maitre d’ know whether you’d like to share a table with friends, meet new people or enjoy a quiet meal for two.

And for solo travellers, each of our river ships, Spirit of the Danube, Spirit of the Rhine and Spirit of the Moselle, has 12 cabins put aside.

What if it’s not for me?

We’re convinced that all our guests will love their first Saga cruise, but if you’re a first timer and you really decide that cruising is not for you, our Love It First Time guarantee means that you will get a refund if your concerns can’t be addressed to your satisfaction within the first 72 hours of your holiday (48 hours on shorter cruises).

Discover ocean and river cruises with Saga.