Image credit: Saga
Are you planning an upcoming 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 cruise getaway.
So, get ready to set sail with our expert advice and tips for an unforgettable cruise adventure.
Just like a 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 do. 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 means 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.
Escape the cold weather with this 14-night cruise, departing from Portsmouth on 19 February, 2026.
Take in varied landscapes, charming capital cities and warm starry nights. Extended time in port mean you'll make the most of Tenerife, Lanzarote, La Palma, Gran Canaria and Madeira.
Getting glammed up for formal nights is one of the nicest things about going on a cruise. Dependent 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.
Get into the festive mood with this 18-night cruise departing Portsmouth on 29 November 2025.
Take in the twinkling lights and tempting treats at Christmas markets in Germany, Denmark and Norway. Then head heading further north into the Arctic Circle to experience the atmospheric polar night with a chance to witness the Aurora Borealis - Northern Lights.
And if that isn't enough of a treat, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will also be on board to talk about their skating career and share their insider stories.
Don’t be caught out by mobile roaming charges while on board. Once you’ve left 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 switch 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 as soon as you board, connect to that and 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.
Enjoy the celestial delights on Saga's 14-night cruise departing Portsmouth on 5 January 2026.
Experience the clear star-studded nights and extended time ashore on La Palma, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Madeira.
And you'll be joined on board by radio presenter and PopMaster host Ken Bruce.
You may want to pack some cash or foreign currency for your shore excursions, but while you’re on a Saga ocean cruise, everything 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.
Saga's 14-night cruise to the Canary Islands departs Portsmouth on 21 January 2026.
Go island hopping in the warm sunshine, discovering landscapes and historic towns. Then back on board you'll be joined by celebrity dancer Pasha Kovalev.
Pasha performed on Strictly Come Dancing for eight series and is now a star of the stage. Enjoy hearing his stories about his career and then step onto the dance floor for a special dance masterclass.
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 are 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 leisurely explore the port and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Click below for your chance to sail through Germany on board Saga’s stunning new ship, Spirit of the Moselle, worth £2,519pp.
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!
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