Looking for Marella cruise tips for first-time cruisers? Who better to ask than someone who spends his working life helping Marella passengers make the most of their holidays at sea?

Scott Sanders, Cruise Director on Marella Voyager, has welcomed thousands of guests onboard during nearly four years with Marella Cruises. He has seen the things first-time cruisers often overlook, from forgetting essentials for a day ashore to missing out on activities simply because they didn’t know they were happening.

So, what does an experienced Marella Cruise Director recommend?

From putting your phone into airplane mode and taking a photo of the port map to trying something new onboard and asking the crew for advice, these are Scott’s practical Marella cruise tips for making your first cruise easier, more enjoyable and hopefully a little more memorable.

1. Don’t stick to what you already know

Scott says one of the biggest mistakes he sees is passengers sticking to their usual holiday routines rather than trying something different.

There can be a surprising amount going on onboard a Marella ship, from quizzes and dance classes to live entertainment, activities and speciality dining.

His advice is simple: be curious.

You might not normally go to a dance class, join a quiz team or book a speciality restaurant at home, but a cruise is a good opportunity to try something completely different.

As Scott puts it, some of the best holiday memories can come from stepping outside your comfort zone.

You certainly won’t be able to do everything. There is simply too much going on each day. Instead, have a look through the daily programme and pick out a few things that genuinely appeal to you, while leaving some time to simply relax.

2. Pack a small bag for days ashore

It sounds obvious, but it is surprisingly easy to walk off the ship without something you really need.

Scott recommends taking a small day bag when exploring a port, with essentials such as:

Sunscreen
Sunglasses
A refillable water bottle
Your camera or phone
Anything else you may need during the day

What you need will obviously depend on the destination and the time of year, but the principle is the same: think about what you’ll need for several hours away from the ship before you leave your cabin.

And don’t forget that you’ll have to carry whatever you take with you.

3. Put your phone into airplane mode at sea

This is one of those simple cruise tips that can potentially save you money.

Scott recommends switching your phone to airplane mode while the ship is at sea and using the ship’s Wi-Fi instead.

Your normal mobile network may connect to a maritime network when you’re offshore, and that can result in unexpected roaming charges.

The safest approach is to check what your own mobile provider includes before you cruise and understand exactly what happens when your phone connects at sea.

If in doubt, airplane mode is your friend.

4. Celebrating something? Tell the crew

Birthday? Anniversary? Big wedding anniversary? Or perhaps you’re celebrating a retirement or another special milestone?

Scott says don’t be shy about letting the crew know.

Marella’s crew deal with celebrations throughout the season and, where possible, can help make those occasions feel extra special.

Of course, there is no guarantee that every request can be accommodated, but there is no harm in mentioning your celebration.

After all, you’re on holiday. You may as well make the most of it.

5. Take a photo of the port map

This is a particularly useful little trick.

When you leave the ship, you may be given a map showing the port and surrounding area. Scott suggests taking a quick photograph of it with your phone.

That way, if you lose the paper copy during the day, you still have the information stored on your phone.

It can also be useful when you’re trying to remember where the ship is docked or where you need to return to later.

Just remember to keep an eye on the time. The ship won’t wait for late passengers.

6. Don’t be afraid to ask the crew

One of the advantages of cruising is having access to people who know the ship and its destinations extremely well.

Scott says many first-time passengers don’t realise just how much knowledge the crew have.

Not sure which restaurant to try? Wondering what to do that evening? Can’t decide which activity might suit you? Ask.

The crew know the daily programme and can often point you towards something you might otherwise have overlooked.

You don’t have to work everything out for yourself.

7. Get to know the ship before you cruise

If you’ve never cruised before, a large ship can initially feel like a maze.

Scott recommends watching an official ship tour or browsing guest videos online before you travel.

It is worth doing this before you leave home rather than waiting until you’re onboard.

Having some idea of where the restaurants, theatre, pool areas, bars and other facilities are located can make those first few hours much easier.

You don’t need to memorise the deck plan. Just getting a general feel for the ship can make a difference.

And once you’re onboard, take a little time to explore. Your first day is a good opportunity to find your favourite spots before the cruise gets into full swing.

8. Embrace the whole cruise experience

Perhaps Scott’s most important advice is also the simplest.

Don’t spend the whole cruise doing exactly what you would do at home.

Cruising gives you the opportunity to try new activities, discover different food, watch live entertainment, explore new destinations and meet people you might never otherwise have encountered.

You won’t enjoy everything, and you certainly won’t want to do everything. That’s perfectly fine.

The trick is to be open to trying something new while giving yourself plenty of time to relax too.

As Scott says, cruising is designed to make holidays easy. Prepare for the essentials, ask questions when you need help and make the most of the opportunities available to you.

The Lowdown

Scott’s tips are a good reminder that you don’t need to be an experienced cruiser to have a great time on a Marella ship.

A little preparation before you travel can prevent some common problems, particularly when it comes to mobile phone charges, days ashore and finding your way around the ship.

But perhaps the best advice is not to overthink it.

You don’t have to know exactly how cruising works before your first holiday at sea. The crew are there to help, and you’ll soon find your way around.

My advice? Have a rough plan, pack sensibly, check the daily programme and then leave some room for spontaneity. You might discover that the activity, restaurant or show you nearly skipped ends up being one of the highlights of your cruise.

Marella Cruise Director Reveals 8 Tips Every First-Time Cruiser Should Know