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CRUISE YOU LOSE
How to find the hidden gems onboard a cruise ship – and the big passengers no-nos to avoid
And why the phrase 'posh' actually comes from cruise ships
Some of the UK’s top cruise experts have offered their top tips on how to make the most of your trip - and the mistakes not to make.
According to the CLIA UK, the Cruise Line International Association, around 2.2 million of Brits take a cruise holiday each year with the most popular destination being the Caribbean.
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Dave Mills, Chief Commercial Officer from Iglu.com, Europe’s largest online cruise travel agent said: "A cruise is one of the most varied, best value, most inclusive ways to holiday.
"Today’s ships are built to the highest specifications, staffed by friendly, positive crew, and designed with fun, enrichment and enjoyment in mind.
"That means everything from spas to sports, pools to parties, theatres to cabaret, workshops/classes and of course fine dining, fabulous food and a new destination almost every day you are away.
With some help from some other experts, here are our top cruise holiday hints - and debunked myths:
Read more on cruises
Too young to go on a cruise?
The idea that cruises are about burgeoning buffets, afternoon naps and old people playing bridge and shuffleboard couldn’t be further
from the truth.
Over a third of all cruise holidaymakers are now under the age of 40, with expedition cruising, spas, cutting edge gyms, music venues and healthy/contemporary dining among key cruise trends.
Skip the fancy outfits
Most read in Cruise
Daytime meals on cruise ships are informal and relaxed, while
speciality restaurants give the chance to dress up just as you would for a restaurant at home.
If the ship has a formal night, pack some bling, jackets for men, posh frocks for ladies. Just leave the family silver at home.
Discover the Ultimate Luxury with Arvia Cruise
How to find a bargain cabin
The cheapest cabin will be the interior ones, but look out for offers of upgrades, or consider the cost of a balcony cabin or the next cabin grade up.
The jump may be less than you think while the included amenities and difference to your enjoyment could be significant.
How to avoid overindulging
Cruise ships are floating temptations, reports suggest a weight gain of half a stone a week is common.
Cruise ships used to be full of buffets but these days, expect speciality restaurants, fresh food halls and street food trucks. and a much more service-based area where raw, vegan, sugar free, low carb, superfood options.
Food lovers’ cruise line Oceania Cruises’ Nikki Upshaw, Senior Vice President, Global Sales, said: "If you’re heading out for a succulent steak in the evening choose lighter dishes for lunch.
"And make the most of the onboard fitness facilities to make room for it all.
Did you know the word 'posh' comes from cruises?
The expression 'posh’ is thought to derive from the acronym for the upper classes requesting 'port out’ (left side of the ship) and 'starboard home’ (right side) on the steamships that ran between England and India by the Peninsular and Oriental (P&O) Steamship Company in the late 19th century
While most of us now bag the sunniest sunbeds, upper crust Victorians spared no expense to protect their delicate white skins from the sun’s rays - for fear of otherwise being mistaken for tanned, outdoor or manual workers.
The breezier, more sheltered left side of the ship was perfect on the outbound journey to India from England, while the right side of the ship was more protected on the return.
P&O stamped their tickets 'P.O.S.H.’ and of course charged them for the privilege.
How find out about everything onboard
Along with theatres, restaurants, spas, water parks, pools and gyms, cruise ships are bursting with fun and informative things to do.
Check the daily activities’ lists for classes, discussions, presentations and information about upcoming destinations.
Try everything from wellness and meditation to dolphin spotting or astronomy.
With 25 years of cruise experience, MSC Cruises’ Antonio Paradiso, MSC Cruises VP international sales added: "When you first step on board, a cruise ship can feel overwhelming - a maze of decks, hallways, and endless doors, it’s a destination in itself.
"It’s a good idea to set aside some time on embarkation day to take a leisurely walk around. Familiarise yourself with the dining rooms,pool deck, spa, and entertainment venues.
"You will not only avoid confusion later but also unlock the ship’s best-kept secrets.
And Fay McCormack, General Manager of Star Clippers’ UK GSA said passengers should research the stop off destinations beforehand too, adding: "Earmark a few restaurants, find the best beaches, or read up about lesser-known museums and tourist spots, as well as getting a feel for how to get around the port call."
Help for passengers with mobility impairments
Cruise ship designers have come up trumps.
Spacious corridors, automatic doors, wide elevators, gradual inclines, grab rails, adapted bathrooms, roll in showers, and wheelchair transfers between the ship, tender and pier have all been thought of, and a good cruise agent can quickly guide you to the right cruise line.
The rules on tipping
Tipping etiquette is one of the most talked about. It’s not so much a
question of `if’ you tip, as to how.
Many cruise lines keep cruise prices low, but automatically add a daily tip or percentage to guests’ onboard account for payment in advance, or before disembarkation.
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Iglu.com's top cruise picks
Best for relaxed dining without the tiara
Check out Ambassador Cruise Line’s 11-night Norwegian Fjords sailing from London Tilbury on April 6, 2025.
It’s adults only, relaxed and traditional, with a choice of five dining venues, and costs from £977pp, excluding flights.
Best for going inside out
An interior cabin on P&O’s 7-night sailing of the Canary Islands costs from £634pp, with flights, departing on February 8, 2025, or for just £90 more, enjoy the open sea from a balcony cabin.
Best for food afloat
With gifted chefs, and galleys and dining venues evoking Michelin starred restaurants, Oceania Cruises are renowned for some of the finest food at sea.
A 12-night sailing from Barcelona to Istanbul, departing on November 8, 2025, costs from £2,590pp, with flights.
Best for learning at sea
Become a nature boffin on board Hurtigruten’s Coastal Express 11-night cruise of Norway’s west coast, with daily lectures and immersions into the coastal culture.
Departs November 29, 2025, from £1,614pp, with flights.
Best for accessibility
Head for the brand-new Queen Anne from Cunard, for state-of-the-art accessibility.
Cunard’s 14-night Canary Islands cruise, calling into Portugal and Madeira, costs from £975pp, departs December 1, 2024.
Visit Iglucruise.com or call 02037 335 557
Some luxury and boutique lines have a no tipping policy but have absorbed tips into prices.
Make sure you know your cruise line’s policy before you book.
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