Cruise like a pro: insider tips for a relaxing ocean cruise
Uncover the secrets to a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience with advice from the experts at Saga.
Saga
Uncover the secrets to a smooth and enjoyable cruise experience with advice from the experts at Saga.
Are you planning an ocean cruise? If so, you’re in luck. We’ve got insider cruising advice from the experts at Saga Cruises to help you make the most of your experience on the high seas.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned sailor, these tips will provide you with valuable insights and advice to enhance your onboard getaway.
So, get ready to set sail with our expert advice for an unforgettable cruise adventure.
Just like a boy scout, it’s important to be prepared for a cruise. One of the best ways to get ready is to familiarise yourself with the layout of the ship.
While you don’t need to memorise the deck plans, having a general sense of where everything is located can save you a lot of time during your first days on board. Knowing where the buffet restaurant is located or which deck that appealing lounge is on will make things much easier.
Taking the time to research the ship also ensures that you don’t miss out on any features. Even before boarding a Saga Cruise, you can explore the deck plans for both the Spirit of Discovery and the Spirit of Adventure from the comfort of your own home.
The same goes for any shore excursions you might like to take. Once you’ve done your research, pre-booking is definitely recommended. As Neil Cron, destination experience manager for Saga Cruises advises, “Book as soon as available to ensure you get the tours of your choice.
“In particular, our small group experiences optional tours are very popular and by definition space is limited – so book as soon as you can to secure your place.”
Mix cruise and carnival on these departures from Portsmouth.
Explore the Canary Islands, taking in vibrant capitals, sleepy ports and stunning landscapes. Extended visits to Tenerife and Madeira have been timed to coincide with the islands’ colourful carnival processions.
While there are no luggage weight restrictions on a Saga cruise, you probably don’t need to take as much as you think. Cabins come well prepared with a range of items including a hairdryer, bathrobes, slippers, toiletries, and tea- and coffee-making facilities.
Even if you’re at sea for a long period of time, you don’t have to pack an enormous wardrobe as there are self-service launderettes onboard, along with free washing powder and fabric conditioner.
If you want someone else to do the job, there are also laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning services available, which mean you can pack lighter.
What's more, if you're part of Saga’s loyalty scheme, Britannia Club, laundry service is free once you hit the Gold tier.
The joy of cruising is that once you arrive at the ship, the porter takes over and delivers your luggage to your cabin.
Discover the coastal charms of Portugal, Spain and France on this all-inclusive cruise on April 26, 2026.
You'll get the chance to explore Lisbon, Oporto, La Rochelle and Honfleur; take in the dramatic Galician coastline, the white-sand beaches of Santander and the beautiful Finistere Peninsula, in Brittany.
Joining you onboard will be actor Sean Wilson, known for his 21 years starring as Martin Platt in popular soap opera Coronation Street, to talk about his career, his passion for cheese, and to give two cheese tasting workshops.
Getting glammed up for formal nights is one of the nicest things about going on a cruise. Depending on the length of your cruise, you could have one, two or three formal nights during your holiday, and you’ll need to ensure you have the appropriate clothing.
For ladies, this could be an evening gown, cocktail dress, dress suit or elegant separates. For men, think a smart suit with a tie or a dinner jacket including a bow tie.
If formal dining isn’t your thing, don’t worry. On Saga Cruises, you’re not obliged to join in with the formal fun.
Instead, on special dining nights you can dine in The Grill or take advantage of the complimentary room service. No tuxedo required.
Join this all-inclusive cruise to Ireland on May 7, to discover the vibrant culture and natural charms of the Emerald Isle.
Highlights include visits to Galway, Cork and Killybegs in Ireland and Fowey and Falmouth in Cornwall. You'll be joined onboard by wildlife experts from ORCA, who will help give you the chance to spot whales, dolphins, seabirds and other wildlife from the deck.
Don’t be caught out by mobile roaming charges while on board. Once you leave land, your phone goes into roaming mode and if it connects to a maritime network, you can expect a charge for some networks.
The best way to prevent this is to switch your phone to airplane mode or turn off your mobile data.
If your roaming is left on, even if you’re not using your device, you could be charged extra, as apps can still be running in the background without you realising.
Luckily Saga Cruises come with free Wi-Fi in your cabin and around the ship, so connect to that as soon as you board to ensure you don’t come home to some very surprising costs.
Horst Pint, hotel operations director for Saga Cruises says that texting on board is generally nice and cheap as it’s part of the Wi-Fi deal. “The best communication to people at home is via WhatsApp, either using our Wi-Fi or when you’re in port, using a local mobile signal.”
Do be aware that Wi-Fi can sometimes be a bit patchy due to the nature of ocean cruising, so on some days you’ll get better connectivity than others.
If you are planning on using your tablet to watch films or read books, then make sure you download everything before you board.
That way if you hit patchy Wi-Fi areas, you’ll still be able to enjoy that film or book.
There is still time to save in Saga's cruise sale!
For a limited time only, enjoy unmissable offers on a selection of all‑inclusive cruises aboard Spirit of Discovery and Spirit of Adventure.
You may want to pack some cash or foreign currency for your shore excursions, but while you’re on a Saga ocean cruise, everything on board is pretty much included.
Indulge in unlimited selected drinks throughout your voyage, available at all the bars, lounges, and restaurants.
You’ll have the opportunity to dine in some of the finest restaurants on board, including Nepalese dining at Khukuri House on Spirit of Adventure and the French brasserie La Vie en Rose on Spirit of Discovery.
To make the most of your culinary adventure, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead and reserve a table at your preferred restaurant.
As soon as you board, get the lay of the land and make those reservations so you don’t miss out.
And here's the best part – both ships operate a convenient cashless system.
Simply use your cabin key card to make purchases during your cruise, and you can settle the bill at the end of your holiday with a credit or debit card. It’s hassle-free and ensures a seamless experience.
Don’t forget to keep an eye out for special sales happening in the onboard shop during certain voyages. You might just snag some fantastic discounts on select items of stock.
Join Captain Franko Papic aboard Spirit of Discovery on this all-inclusive cruise to Croatia on 10 March 2026, visiting Split, Opatija, Rijeka, Krk and Dubrovnik.
The 26-night cruise has been designed by Captain Franko, taking him back to his homeland for a once-in-a-lifetime experience for everyone on board.
Pacing yourself on a cruise is important, especially if it’s your first time.
There’s so much to do on cruise ships and in the ports that it can be overwhelming if you dive right in. Take your time to explore the ship and try out different restaurants and activities.
If your cruise is long enough, it’s also a good idea to choose a day to stay on the ship when a port call doesn’t interest you as much.
Some activities might be closed, but the ship will generally be quieter, giving you the chance to explore at your own pace, enjoy a peaceful lunch, and maybe even take advantage of discounted spa treatments or other cheaper and less crowded activities.
Exploring the ports is such an integral part of a cruise but if you find your feet are getting weary, Saga Cruises offer e-bikes to help you zip around the local towns.
Pre-booking is essential though. This can be done on the ship – just make sure you give enough notice.
If you haven’t booked any shore excursions for a specific day, just wait for an hour or so until the initial rush to leave the ship calms down.
You’ll still have ample time to explore the port in a leisurely fashion and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Your chance to win a 14-day tour around the Rockies and Vancouver for two, worth more than £8,800.
T&C’s apply.
Step aboard our boutique sister ships in 2025 and experience award-winning all-inclusive luxury, with a nationwide return chauffeur service included in the price. Plus, keep an eye out for our brand-new TV advert!
Ancient palaces, crystal-clear seas and undiscovered budget beaches – our travel experts share the best travel destinations for 2026.
Our guide to the most remarkable places to visit in Africa, the continent of contrasts.
.jpg?la=en&h=760&w=1730&hash=3900F1F9D5EBD1961A7DFC7B29B5BA1A)
Holidays can boost your brain power, help you live longer and even relieve pain - the surprising and proven health benefits of holidays.
Autumn on Europe’s rivers is always spectacular. We’ve got the best cruises to try in 2025.
We help you beat the airlines at their own game with the cabin bag weight and size limits for the UK's seven most popular carriers.