New to cruising and need advice

I’ve never been on a cruise before but really want to try one. Normally, I just use sites like Skyscanner to book flights, but I don’t even know where to start when it comes to cruises. Is there a website that works like Skyscanner but for cruises? Should I figure out my route first, set a budget, or decide on how long I want to go?

I’m looking for something affordable and not too fancy. I’m in the UK but happy to fly anywhere in Europe to get started.

Any tips or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Edit: I’ll be traveling with my girlfriend, so we’d be booking a cabin for two.

This is what the original post said for reference:

u/Dry-Cookie2656

I’ve never been on a cruise before but really want to try one. Normally, I just use sites like Skyscanner to book flights, but I don’t even know where to start when it comes to cruises. Is there a website that works like Skyscanner but for cruises? Should I figure out my route first, set a budget, or decide on how long I want to go?

I’m looking for something affordable and not too fancy. I’m in the UK but happy to fly anywhere in Europe to get started.

Any tips or advice would be much appreciated. Thanks!

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Check out Cruise Critic. It’s a good place to start filtering for the kind of cruise you want.

Yan said:
Check out Cruise Critic. It’s a good place to start filtering for the kind of cruise you want.

Cruise Critic also has a section with message boards where you can see what others are saying about their experiences.

YouTube can also be really helpful. There are a lot of great cruise reviews out there. Gary Bembridge is based in the UK and does detailed, balanced reviews. You might also like Mer Sails Solo, even if you’re not traveling alone.

I’d recommend Cruiseplum. You can search for cruises from specific ports and for specific dates. It’s handy if your schedule is tight.

Just keep in mind that most cruise prices are listed per person for double occupancy. If you’re traveling alone, you might end up paying close to double. Some cruise lines have solo cabins, but they’re usually still pricier than splitting a room.

@Paxton
I’ll be traveling with my girlfriend, so we’ll always be booking a cabin together. Thanks for pointing that out, though!

Cruise prices don’t change as frequently as flight prices, but the time of year can make a big difference. During winter, you’ll mostly find European lines operating in Europe. In the summer, you’ll see a mix of American and European cruise lines.

Some of the pricing you see might not apply directly to you because UK consumer laws can affect prices and booking rules. If you’re checking out US-based sites like Vacations to Go, keep that in mind.

If you’re in Great Britain, there are lots of cruises departing from Southampton. You could consider Norwegian fjord cruises, Iceland cruises, Baltic cruises, or similar routes. Princess and Norwegian Cruise Line both have websites where you can filter options by departure port and other details.

Try www.vacationstogo.com. They have info on last-minute deals and cruise options.

Check out YouTube videos about the cruise lines you’re interested in. It’s a great way to get a feel for what they’re like.

MSC Cruises has good prices and beautiful ships. They also tend to have decent rates for solo travelers if that ever applies to you.

I’d suggest starting with a local cruise to get a feel for it. For example, we took an MSC cruise from Southampton that stopped in Hamburg, Zeebrugge, Normandy, and “Paris.” It wasn’t a tropical getaway, but it was a fun adventure for us (we’re from Massachusetts, USA).

Think of it like staying in a hotel that takes you to a new place every day. You can decide what you enjoy about cruise life and plan your next trip accordingly.

Bonus: Hearing little kids speak fluent French was adorable. Just be aware that there might be more smokers than you’re used to, especially on European cruises.

For pricing, Vacations to Go is helpful.

For general info, Cruise Critic can explain the differences between cruise lines and destinations. If anything’s unclear, you can always ask here for more advice.

I use Cruise Mapper to see what cruises are available during specific dates or from certain ports. From there, I dig deeper into options. Right now is “wave season,” so there are good promotions. If you’re okay with non-refundable rates, you can find even better deals.