We’re here for every trip, every time, everywhere. For smooth sailing, our helpful guide offers everything you need to know before you embark.
When sailing from a city outside of the UK you might need to make further arrangements, including transportation such as flights, inter-city transfers or even accommodation pre- or post-cruise. Your cruise guide will be able to advise on any travel extras which will help to make your trip as smooth as possible.
Adapting to your new surroundings can take time, so definitely get plenty of rest whilst onboard. Be sure to pack anything you might need before you go. Rest assured that bigger cruise ships may be likely to rock less, which can help to minimise the effects of being at sea.
The most standard cruise duration is seven to 14 nights. If you want to truly see more of the world, then a world cruise is for you. These cruises can sail over 100 days, but if you can’t commit to that length of time, you can pick a 20- or 40-day segment of the cruise and meet people boarding from many different destinations.
Experience life on your own floating island. Larger ships are known for sailing to popular destinations like Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples, and Barcelona. Choose from a range of onboard activities, sample delicious cuisine for dinner, and relax in the pools and spas.
Are you a lover of the undiscovered? Smaller ships can cruise to niche destinations, and often theme their entire journey around the destinations visited. Enjoy cheese and wine tasting whilst sailing to Cannes or get ready to be swept away by the gleaming lights of St. Tropez as you sip Champagne.
Adventuring on dry land is exciting – but make sure you’re well prepared! Choose to book your activity beforehand or pick one while on the cruise. Try and stick to one excursion per day, as getting on and off the ship can take time.
Travel relaxed. Book your transfers well enough in advance to counter in checking-in time, just like you would for a flight. Sometimes your cruise port can be quite far from the centre of your departure city, so this is worth checking ahead of time. Book your transfers here.
Some cruises offer main drinks and most meals with your cruise experience, but this isn’t always the case. Most cruise lines offer special packages which can be bundled together with your cruise fare at the time of booking. Ask your cruise guide for the best options onboard. Often, for a small premium, you can go all-inclusive, so you’ll feel secure that most food and drink is covered whilst you’re onboard.
Tips aren’t always included onboard, so it’s best to check whether you'll be expected to tip separately. Consider buying a cruise package that covers all three elements (drinks, dining, and tips), so you can relax and enjoy your experience even more.
Booking cruises further in advance (even up to two years) can reduce the price. November to January is the cruise line Black Friday period - so choose that time to look out for offers, discounts and giveaways.
Don’t forget, you can also get 50% off the second passenger with our buy one, get one half off cruise offer. Find out more here.
RCI Cruises and Tours also offers you the chance to use your trading power to reduce the price of holidays with the world’s leading cruise lines. Use just 7 trading power, plus the regular RCI exchange fee, to save on sailings with the world’s leading lines. Plus, you can use more trading power to access even bigger savings! Your friends and family can also enjoy your member saving too, with up to four cabins available to book on the same sailing, without using any more trading power.
RCI Cruises and Tours offers you the chance to use your trading power to reduce the price of holidays with the world’s leading cruise lines.
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