Jayestravellingadventures

I have been on a lot of cruises all different lengths, so when I often get the question, “How long should my first cruise be?”. This can all depend on what itinerary you are wanting to do for your first cruise. This is a very important thing to consider when booking your first cruise.

Cruise lengths are always important when booking the all important cruise. I still check cruise lengths when I book a cruise as it can imply more sea days to days in port.

Being able to ultimately relax and soak up the on board life will depend on your cruise length. It will take some time for you to get the layout of the ship, as well as enjoy any activities or treatments onboard without having the feeling of being rushed. The overall price can change depending on the length too.

Cruise lengths

1-5 Nights

Advantages =

With my job I get 4 days off, so booking a 3 night cruise means I don’t need to book any annual leave off. This would be great for anyone else with limited time off, or family commitments at home. Being a cheaper cruise, it isn’t as much of a financial gamble. Most short cruises from the UK travel to; Belgium, France, Amsterdam, The British Isle and more.

Disadvantages =

Shorter cruises don’t offer a good value for money, for example; parking at Southampton isn’t included, drinks packages are also not available. They are often more busy due to being over bank holidays or weekends. When I was on a 5 night Amsterdam cruise in May, there was a stag do on board, they weren’t an issue and P&O had hired some additional security. You might feel that just as you are settled its time to disembark the ship and head home.

7 Nights

Advantages =

7 nights can offer you more variety in destinations, including the option of a fly cruise to the canaries. There will be more sea days as well as port days to allow you to get the true feel of cruising, it will also give you time to take part in onboard activities. You wont feel rushed or bored. 7nighst can also mean better value for money as you will be offered parking at Southampton or a coach to port as well as, the important drinks package. When booking outside of the school holidays, it can be less busy and be more of a personal experience. This is a more popular choice for first time cruisers.

Disadvantages =

You might have the worry that you cant get off the ship on sea days and feel trapped onboard. It will cost more than a 1 to 5 night cruise and you might spend more onboard due to the additional number of sea days.

10+ Nights

Advantages =

Choosing a cruise which is 10 or more nights means that you will get to see more destinations without the addition of airport stresses. There are fly cruise options for 14nights available. You will have the opportunity to relax for much longer and soak in the true experience of cruising. I would offer this cruise for those who are more familiar with cruises. When I first started cruising with my family at the age of 4, we always went on 14night cruises round the Mediterranean. These were perfect for us but may be different for other families who isn’t as familiar.

Disadvantages =

Being on a longer cruise does mean that you will have more sea days, so for some this may mean you might be overwhelmed. I always advise to do a lot of research prior to booking your cruise to make sure it is best suited to you. Cruise lines all operate differently with some offering activities morning through to night, and some with activities on specific days. Choosing the wrong ones could result in being board on the ship or not enjoying your holiday. With longer holidays they do increase in value, so it will be a lot of money to gamble with for a first cruise.

Benefits of choosing a shorter cruise

Affordable =

Shorter cruises are less expensive and can be as little as £300/£400 when departing from the UK. You are either left wanting more at the end of the cruise or grateful to be back on land.

Commitment =

Shorter cruises mean you can test the waters without committing to over a week on board.

Time off =

Having only a few nights on board means that you can fit your holiday around work or school schedules without any trouble.

Always consider when booking

Destination =

Specific destinations will need more time off for example, Scandinavian cruises and Caribbean cruises may need a longer.

Budget =

Longer cruises may mean that you get better value for money per night in comparison to shorter cruises. Some cruise lines offer cruises at great value which start at one port and ends at a different port. This will be left as your responsibility to organise a way to get back once disembarked.

Time off =

To try to avoid any stress or rushing back once your holiday is finished, always try to book a cruise which fits in your allotted schedule. With P&O cruises I am always home by 12pm latest.

Company =

If you are travelling with first time cruisers or children, it is important you always keep in mind their likes and dislikes. If someone doesn’t like flying you wouldn’t book a fly cruise for their first time.

When choosing a longer cruise

Booking a longer cruise would work if you are confident that you will enjoy the cruise. You may have sailed on other ships and have an idea of what a cruise is like. Cruise lines offer all types of itineraries and different ports, so you might change cruise lines to visit your dream destinations at a time which suits you. If you want to visit the Mediterranean but don’t like flying, then a cruise might be the only option for you. A cruise is like an all inclusive resort, you don’t even need to get off at ports you wouldn’t want to visit.

If you are not worried about the cost or time onboard, then I would defiantly recommend a 7 night cruise. This will allow you to fully explore the ship and attend activities onboard, also you can explore interesting destinations you wouldn’t normally fly too, and it is the right amount of time to grasp whether cruising is for you.

REMEMBER; not every cruise line suits everyone!!

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