Here are 9 things to book before going on your first cruise

You’ve booked your first cruise, and while it’s tempting to put your feet up and start the countdown, the job’s not over yet. Now comes a slew of pre-sail arrangements, more so for those travelling as a family, and (very likely) embarking from an international port. 

I booked a Virgin Voyage 7-day cruise from Athens to Split, Croatia, Dubrovnik, and Mykonos in May for an adult family of four. It was our third time on the voyage, the best on the seas in my opinion as almost everything is included within the set price such as Wi-Fi, tips, and speciality dining. After going on multiple other ships, I found that this is a rarity, and so my family are dedicated Virgin Voyage sailors now (note: we’ve not been sponsored to say this – genuine statement!)

Coordinating four different people coming in from different destinations, here’s what I had to book prior to going on the cruise to ensure a smooth and successful vacation. This checklist applies to most international cruises, as it’s a procedure I have followed on multiple occasions.

Things to book before going on your first cruise

1. Book your flights

I was heading back to the same port as the year prior, so I flew Wizz Air again. May is peak season, and prices were sky-high, so we went for a budget carrier. This was by no means cheap. To get the best price for all of us, I set a tracking number for my desired flights and booked them when they were at their lowest (at least on the date I booked them in January). 

I was allowed one small carry-on item free of charge and managed to squeeze a lot into my AWAY backpack, including my laptop, clothes and toiletries. I gave anything bigger to Mum, who had Wizz Priority, meaning she could bring an extra trolley bag. 

2. Book your airport transfer

Three of us were travelling from East London, so we took the tube to London Bridge, and from there took the Gatwick Express to the airport. I booked these in advance online, saving 10% for three people’s return. The journey time was around 30 to 45 minutes each way, depending on stops, and there was decent Wi-Fi on the train, so I could pop open my laptop and write this. Plus, it’s very regular, departing about every six minutes or so.

You can also take it via London Victoria, which has trains with the snazzy red seats.

3. Book a lounge (for those who need to rest)

I used to have Priority Pass, which was okay, except the rest of my travel party never had it so we were separated. I found it easier to book on a case-by-case basis. At Gatwick South Terminal, mum and I checked into No1 Lounge so she could rest, have a light lunch, and wait while the others shopped. It had a lovely runway view and was much calmer than being out in the terminal, queuing for Pret a Manger.

There are No1 Lounges in Heathrow and Luton too, and I’d probably do it again if I had someone older travelling with me.

4. Book a Blacklane

Due to the parents’ mobility issues, we used Blacklane to and from Athens Airport and the hotel at Piraeus before the cruise. It’s a luxury chauffeur service, but worth every euro, considering the last time we took a public taxi we were ripped off, paying more for a not-so-comfy ride. 

Blacklane’s chauffeur tracks the flight and will wait up to an hour at no extra charge so you can take time collecting bags. Just look for a smartly dressed driver at the gate with your name on a tablet and you’re whisked through like a VIP into a luxury vehicle. I really, really recommend this services, and it’s available in over 50 countries.

5. Book any pre-cruise accommodation

The golden rule of sailing: NEVER risk landing on the day of sail. You must arrive a day prior. 

We used booking.com to find an affordable hotel right by the port: the Pireaus Port Hotel was £65 per night which was great value because we needed multiple rooms and the flexibility of free cancellation as someone in the family (not to name names!) is the indecisive type and I worried they’d want to switch to something fancier – thankfully, they didn’t!

Our baby boomer parents are getting more spontaneous—23% of them are even interested in high-octane adventures now—and I feel like it’s up to us millennials to pre-plan everything in advance to ensure their big ideas actually happen. That means arriving a whole day early.

During cruise season, hotels near the port get booked up fast on the day before departure, so I recommend getting this done around three months in advance to lock in the best rooms and rates.

6. Book ‘Shore Thing’ excursions

Virgin’s excursions are extremely popular, and in the past, we’ve booked them too late and missed out on the things we really wanted to do. Don’t wait till boarding to make a Shore Thing booking. Do it as soon as it opens in the App (this year ours opened in March for a May sailing).

What I like about the ship excursions is that you don’t have to think about logistics. You’re picked up right at the dock and driven to whatever it is you’ve signed up for. You also don’t have to think about arriving late or the ship leaving without you. It costs more but comes with peace of mind.

7. Book independent excursions

Of course, we wanted to save a bit of money too. A Shore Thing at every port can add up. So we scoured GetYourGuide for a family deal through the app I always use when I travel. I ended up selecting Kotor Speedboat Tour to Blue Cave and Our Lady of the Rocks, which was super easy to reach (Kotor is small!) and lasted about three hours, so there was plenty of time to explore the city after we were done. It included life vests, and diving masks as you can actually jump into the Blue Cave waters, though I skipped this as we arrived on a chilly day. Definitely check the app when on a cruise for a wider variety of excursions.

8. Book a photographer

On the last Virgin Voyage we did around Greece, I noticed pretty much everyone was having a photoshoot by the church domes, and this year, we decided to do the same.

It was in Dubrovnik that we enlisted a Flytographer, a local expert in getting us the perfect family snaps. Ours met us in Old Town and directed us to scenic corners away from the crowds. She also had everything edited and zipped up over to us within a couple of days. Our photos were magazine-worthy.

If you’re on a Virgin Voyage to a beautiful coast and want a professional photographer, definitely book it at least two months in advance. Everyone else will have the same idea closer to the time.

9. Book your speciality dining

Other cruise ships charge for speciality dining, but Virgin doesn’t, which is a huge part of why we sail with them. Our favourite is Gunbae, the Korean barbecue restaurant, and Razzle Dazzle, a casual, plant-forward restaurant. You can book them when you board the ship, but sea days are especially busy as everyone is on board, so book way ahead of arrival. 

As soon as booking is available on the app, make a beeline for any sea day meals. At ports, you can be more flexible, since you may want to dine local or may be unsure of what time you’ll return for dinner. 

Find out more about Virgin Voyages

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