By Joanna Doherty, of Not Just Travel, Huddersfield
If you’ve never been on a cruise, you probably have questions: Will I get seasick? Are the cabins tiny? Do I have to dress up every night? Let me take you on my first family cruise and answer them all.
Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or just dipping a toe in the water (pardon the pun!) cruising is one of the fastest-growing ways to travel – and it’s easy to see why.
Imagine waking up to a brand-new destination each morning, enjoying incredible service, fabulous food and drinks, spa treatments, entertainment for all ages, and endless activities.
There’s also so much choice – from ship size to destinations, with sailings ranging from two nights to world voyages.
Although I’ve visited several ships in a work capacity, I recently went on my first family cruise with ages ranging from 19 to 81.
We sailed to Norway and the Fjords on P&O Iona from Southampton. A big bonus was a complimentary coach down to the port – no airport stress, and our luggage appeared in our cabins shortly after boarding.
Iona is large by cruising standards – 5,200 guests and 1,800 crew – but stunning, with 15 decks of bars, restaurants, entertainment venues and pools.
We booked a combination of inside cabins and a balcony cabin at the back of the ship. Even the inside cabins felt surprisingly spacious and comfortable.
The balcony cabin, though, gave us jaw-dropping views of the scenery and the ship’s wake – a treat for first-time cruisers.
One of the first questions people often ask is whether you feel the ship moving. On Iona, the sway was barely noticeable, thanks to stabilisers, and even those prone to seasickness can take simple remedies like wristbands or medication. We all found it incredibly relaxing once we settled in.
Another concern is the dress code. Contrary to some expectations, most cruises mix casual dining with one or two “smart” evenings.
We enjoyed meals comfortably in holiday clothes, though it was nice to have a few smarter outfits for formal dinners.
As for extra costs, premium drinks, speciality dining and excursions are optional but the majority of food, entertainment and activities are included in your fare.
Planning ahead helps you enjoy a luxurious experience without feeling “fleeced.”
The highlight for me was waking early to sail through the fjords to Olden.
Sitting on the balcony, taking in the serene scenery, cold clean air and rising sun over the mountains, I couldn’t help but marvel at how incredible Iona must have looked to people in the small villages we passed. It was a peaceful, unforgettable moment.
We also visited Stavanger, Haugesund and Kristiansand – each charming in its own way – and even went on an exhilarating RIB ride around the coast into the rather choppy North Sea.
If you’re considering a cruise, the choices can feel overwhelming: large or small ship, cabin type, best destinations for the time of year.
I have some fantastic cruise blogs on my website to help you plan the perfect trip— Inspiration | BLOG —and I’m always happy to answer questions or offer reassurance.
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