I'm a Cruise Director for Marella Cruises and these are my top tips for first time cruisers

September 22, 2026

Marella Cruises

Scott Sanders, Cruise Director from Marella Cruises, TUI's UK cruise line, has revealed his top tips for first time cruise passengers make so they can get the most out of a holiday at sea.

Having welcomed thousands of guests onboard over for nearly four years in his role, Marella Cruises' Scott Sanders on Marella Voyager says many passengers miss out on experiences, arrive unprepared for days ashore or overlook simple tricks that can make their cruise holiday even smoother.

"One of the biggest mistakes I see is guests sticking to what they know and not trying something new," he said. "Whether it's a dance class, a quiz, a speciality restaurant or one of our West End-style shows, some of the best holiday memories come from stepping outside your comfort zone."

According to Scott, modern cruises offer far more than many people expect.

"There's so much happening onboard every day that it's impossible to do everything," he explained. "My advice is to be curious. Try something you've never done before because you might discover a new hobby or favourite experience."

Another common mistake happens before guests have even stepped ashore.

"People often forget the essentials when they head into port," he said. "Pack the essentials; a small day bag, sunscreen, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle and a camera can make a huge difference when you're exploring."

Technology is another area where passengers can accidentally run up unnecessary costs.

"I always remind guests to switch their phones to airplane mode when we're at sea and use the onboard Wi-Fi instead," he said. "It's one of the simplest tips but it can save people from unexpected roaming charges when they get home."

Scott also encourages guests to make staff aware of any special occasions.

"If you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary or another milestone, let us know," he said. "We love helping guests mark those special moments and making their holiday even more memorable."

When it comes to exploring destinations, he recommends having a backup plan before leaving the ship.

"One simple trick is taking a photo of the port map on your phone," he explained. "If you misplace the paper copy during the day, you'll still have all the information you need to find your way around."

For first-time cruisers, he's keen to remind guests that help is never far away.

"A lot of people don't realise how much local knowledge and onboard expertise the crew have onboard," he said. "If you're unsure what to do, where to eat or which activities to choose, just ask us. We know the programme inside out and can point you towards something that's perfect for you."

His final piece of advice is to familiarise yourself with the ship before embarking.

"Many guests spend their first day trying to work out where everything is," he said. "Watching an official ship tour or browsing guest videos online before your cruise can help you get your bearings before you even step onboard."

Summing up his advice, Scott believes the best cruises are enjoyed by those who embrace the experience.

"Cruising is designed to make holidays easy," he said. "Prepare for the essentials, be open to trying new things and don't be afraid to ask questions. That's the best way to make the most of every moment onboard."

Marella Cruises offers its customers all-inclusive as standard with all flights, transfers, tips and service charges included in the price so customers can enjoy an unrivalled level of service.

Marella Cruises is part of TUI Group. It is the third largest cruise line in the UK. As of 1 June 2023, there are five ships in the Marella Cruises fleet, Marella Discovery, Marella Discovery 2, Marella Explorer, Marella Explorer 2 and the newest ship to the fleet, Marella Voyager. Marella Cruises offers its customers all-inclusive as standard with all tips and service charges included, customers enjoy an unrivalled level of service and award-winning entertainment. Marella Cruises has also received accolades in Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended for onboard service since 2019.