Semih
Travel editor at Reisedrop · 2026-07-05
A different city each day, the ship slipping back out to sea by evening, and your suitcase unpacked just once: cruises are, quite simply, one of the easiest ways to travel. Still, for first-timers the whole thing can feel a bit murky. Cabins, routes, extras. This guide clears it up.
Which cabin is right for you?
Inside cabin: the budget option, perfect if you mainly use the cabin to sleep. Ocean view: about 25% more, but you get daylight and something to look at. Balcony cabin: for many, this is the best balance – morning coffee with the sea right there, at around 55% above the inside price. Suite: more room, priority service and often your own concierge, roughly double the inside price.
The right route for beginners
The Western Mediterranean (Barcelona, Rome, Palma) is the classic first cruise for good reason: short stretches at sea, a port every day, pleasant weather from May to October. Norway's fjords are all about natural drama in summer, the Canaries bring sun in winter, and the Middle East mixes desert & skyscrapers in the colder months.
Sea days: overlooked, and brilliant
One or two sea days a week are not wasted holiday time. Quite the opposite. They are often the best part: pool, spa, reading, onboard programme, no excursion timetable hanging over you. Routes packed with port days only can feel surprisingly tiring. In our day-by-day itinerary, sea days are easy to spot thanks to the wave symbol.
What does it really cost? The honest maths
The fare covers your cabin, full board and the onboard programme. Usually added on top are: service charge (approx. €10–12 per person/night), drinks packages (€25–45/day), shore excursions (€40–120 per port) and travel to/from the departure port. A useful rule of thumb: take the brochure price and add 30–40%, and you are close to the realistic total budget.
When should you book?
Cruises work differently from flights: early bookers (6–12 months ahead) usually get the widest cabin choice and often early-bird discounts as well. Remaining berths 4–8 weeks before departure can turn out cheap, though usually without any cabin choice. With our price alert, your dream route stays under automatic watch.
First day on board: how to ease into it
Embarkation starts from midday, and cabins are usually ready from 2 p.m. Keep the essentials in your hand luggage: ID, swimwear and medication. Your suitcase may only reach the cabin in the evening. After that, it is simple enough: do the safety drill, locate the sun deck, enjoy sailing away.
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