Cruise Holidays Guide: Packing Essentials, Best Destinations and First-Time Tips

A cruise is one of the easiest ways to see more of the world while only unpacking once. Whether you are sailing from Southampton, island-hopping through Croatia, chasing sunshine in the Caribbean or trying cruising for the first time, the right planning makes all the difference. This guide brings together practical cruise advice, destination inspiration and accessibility tips to help you choose, pack and sail with confidence.

Packing essentials

Packing for a cruise is different from packing for a standard holiday because you need clothes for the ship, shore excursions, changing climates and occasional dress codes. Start with the essentials: passport or ID, cruise documents, travel insurance, medication, phone charger, payment cards, swimwear, sun cream, comfortable walking shoes and a light layer for air-conditioned areas on board.

A small day bag is especially useful on embarkation day and in port. Keep your passport, cruise card, medication, sunscreen, water bottle, swimwear, phone and local currency close to hand, as checked luggage may not arrive at your cabin immediately.

• Clothing: casual daywear, swimwear, smart-casual outfits, one formal or dressier outfit, layers and comfortable shoes.

• Health and comfort: medication, seasickness tablets or bands, sunscreen, after-sun, basic first aid and hand sanitiser.

• Cabin organisation: packing cubes, magnetic hooks, a laundry bag and a reusable water bottle.

• What to leave at home: irons, candles, bulky items you will not use and anything prohibited by your cruise line.

Well packed and organised suitcase

Best cruise destinations

The best cruise destination depends on what kind of holiday you want.

For culture, food and history, the Mediterranean is hard to beat, with ports such as Barcelona, Rome, Santorini, Dubrovnik and Venice offering a rich mix of cities, coastlines and ancient sites.

For beaches and warm weather, the Caribbean is ideal. Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua, Jamaica and the Bahamas are popular for snorkelling, relaxed island days, rum tastings, waterfalls and family-friendly excursions.

If you prefer dramatic landscapes, consider Alaska, Norway, Iceland or the Arctic, where fjords, glaciers, wildlife and long daylight hours create unforgettable scenery.

Asia is perfect for travellers who want a blend of modern cities, temples, beaches and vibrant food culture. Itineraries may include Singapore, Vietnam, Japan and Thailand, often combining sightseeing with relaxing days at sea.

Accessible cruising

Modern cruise ships are increasingly designed with accessibility in mind, with adapted cabins, lifts, ramps, accessible dining areas and trained staff. If you have mobility, sensory, dietary or medical requirements, it is best to discuss them before booking so the ship, cabin and itinerary suit your needs.

Pay particular attention to shore excursions. Some ports use tenders rather than gangways, and smaller ships may involve steps, narrow walkways or uneven quaysides. Booking accessible excursions through the cruise line can provide extra reassurance, especially where timing and transport back to the ship are important.

As a Mobility Cruise Specialist, BGB World Travel can help coordinate suitable cabins, equipment requests and cruise line support, making the planning process smoother for travellers who need extra assistance.

Accessible passenger on cruise ship

Croatia cruising guide

Croatia is one of Europe’s most rewarding cruise regions, thanks to its island-dotted coastline, historic walled cities, clear Adriatic waters and relaxed harbour towns. Large ships often call at Dubrovnik, Split or Zadar, while smaller vessels can explore islands and quieter ports at a slower pace.

Highlights include Dubrovnik’s city walls, Split’s Roman heritage, Hvar’s nightlife and wine, Brač’s beaches, Vis’s scenery, Mljet’s national park and Korčula’s old town, traditions and links to Marco Polo. Rovinj, on the Istrian Peninsula, is a quieter gem with cobbled streets, colourful buildings, seafood restaurants and views from the Church of St Euphemia.

The Croatia cruise season usually runs from spring to early autumn. June offers warm weather and good swimming conditions, while September is often ideal for warm seas, fewer crowds and local food festivals. Smaller ships can feel more intimate and flexible, but they may not have lifts, so mobility requirements should be checked carefully before booking.

Tips for first-time cruisers

If it is your first cruise, start by choosing the right ship as well as the right itinerary. Think about whether you want family facilities, quiet luxury, nightlife, accessible features, adventure excursions or a more relaxed small-ship atmosphere.

• Book early: popular cabins and itineraries sell quickly, and early booking can improve choice and value.

• Arrive early: if flying to the embarkation port, consider arriving the day before to reduce stress.

• Know what is included: check drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, speciality dining and excursion costs before you sail.

• Plan excursions: book key tours in advance, especially in popular ports or where accessibility is important.

• Use the ship’s app: it can help with dining times, entertainment, daily schedules and onboard messages.

• Keep essentials with you: medication, documents and valuables should go in your hand luggage, not checked bags.

Finally, do not try to do everything. Cruises offer a huge choice of shows, restaurants, activities and excursions, but the best trips leave space to relax, wander the decks, enjoy the view and wake up somewhere new.

Ready to plan your cruise?

Whether you are dreaming of the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Croatia, Alaska or a no-fly cruise from Southampton, expert advice can help match you with the right ship, cabin and itinerary. For personalised cruise planning, contact BGB World Travel and start turning your next voyage into an unforgettable holiday.