The Golden Rules of Cruising: 10 Things to Know Before You Sail
As the Northern Ireland Cruise Show prepares to return to the Culloden Estate & Spa this Saturday 19 September, one of Northern Ireland’s most experienced cruise experts shares the lessons she has learned from more than 100 holidays at sea.
Sailing into the sunset more than 100 times, Sandra Corkin knows a thing or two about cruising. The Founder of Oasis Travel began her cruising journey more than 40 years ago and has since sailed across the world, from Alaska and the Caribbean to the Greek Islands, South Pacific and the rivers of Europe. While cruising has changed dramatically over those four decades, Sandra believes its biggest appeal remains simple.
“You unpack once and see the world,” says Sandra. “Every morning you can wake up somewhere new without the stress of travelling between destinations, and the standard of service, food and drink onboard can be outstanding.”
For first-time cruisers, however, the sheer choice of ships, cruise lines and itineraries can be daunting.
“I truly believe there is a cruise for almost everyone. The important thing is being matched with the right cruise operator, ship and itinerary for the way you like to holiday. We have customers who have cruised with us for more than 40 years. Many started with a Mediterranean cruise, discovered how easy and enjoyable it could be, and never looked back.”
Ahead of the Northern Ireland Cruise Show, Sandra shares her ten insider tips for getting cruising right.
1. Start with the destination, not the ship
“A good travel agent should start by asking how you like to holiday. Do you enjoy city breaks, spa escapes, lots of sightseeing or relaxing by the pool? Are you travelling as a couple or with children? The answers help determine the cruise line, ship and itinerary that will suit you.”
2. Book the balcony
For Sandra, a balcony remains one of the upgrades most worth considering.
“Modern ships are incredibly stable, so being mid-ship isn’t as important as it once was, but personally, I love having a balcony. It can make such a difference, particularly on sea days. On larger ships, I’d also look carefully at where your cabin is in relation to the areas you expect to use most.”
3. Plan ahead
Don’t wait until embarkation day to think about restaurants and excursions.
“Once you book, download your cruise operator’s app,” Sandra advises. “Look at the speciality restaurants and excursions you really want to do and reserve the popular ones early because they can fill up.”
4. Don’t automatically dismiss the drinks package
Drinks packages aren’t necessarily just about alcohol.
“Depending on the cruise line, packages can include speciality coffees, smoothies and other non-alcoholic drinks. If you’ll be buying several drinks every day, look at the figures because a package may make sense. On some river cruises, wine with dinner and other drinks may already be included, so knowing exactly what your fare covers can save you money.”
5. Pack a small carry-on for your first afternoon
Your suitcase may not reach your cabin immediately after you board, so keep a few essentials with you.
“Put swimwear, a change of clothes and anything else you might need for your first few hours into a small carry-on bag. You want your holiday to start from the moment you step onboard, rather than waiting for your luggage before you can go to the pool or enjoy lunch.”
6. Think ‘hotel smart’ when it comes to clothes
Cruising dress codes have become much more relaxed.
“Daytime is generally casual, and what you wear in the evening can depend on the ship and restaurant. There will usually be somewhere you can eat in relaxed clothing, but I would always bring something a little smarter for a special evening or speciality restaurant.”
7. Go to the shows
Even after more than 100 cruises, Sandra still makes time for the theatre.
“Cruise lines put enormous effort into entertainment and some of the productions are spectacular, much closer to a West End show than people who have never cruised might imagine. I still go to the theatre at least a couple of times on every cruise.”
8. Book the spa early
“There is something quite unique about having a spa treatment at sea and then sitting somewhere peaceful looking out over the ocean,” says Sandra.
“Treatments can be more expensive than at home, so look for packages and pre-booking offers rather than waiting until you are onboard.”
9. Travel to your departure city the day before
This is one tip Sandra strongly recommends, particularly when a flight is involved.
“If your cruise is leaving from somewhere like Barcelona or Rome, fly the day before. It takes away unnecessary stress, gives you the chance to enjoy the city and means you can start your cruise properly.
“Travelling on the morning your ship sails always carries the risk of delays, and that isn’t how anyone wants to begin their holiday.”
10. Explore the ship on day one
Some of today’s largest cruise ships are destinations in themselves.
“Give yourself time on the first day to walk around and get your bearings. We’ve heard people say they only discovered a particular area of the ship towards the end of their holiday. Finding your favourite places is part of the fun, so get to know the ship early and you’ll make much more of everything that’s available.”
Get the ship right, and the itinerary right
After more than four decades of cruising, Sandra says this remains her number one piece of advice.
“Get the ship right and get the itinerary right, and cruising can be one of the most enjoyable holidays you’ll ever take,” she says.
“Not all ships are the same and there is an incredible amount of choice. For a first-time cruiser in particular, talking about what you want from your holiday can make the difference between simply trying a cruise and discovering a way of travelling you’ll want to return to again and again.”
Oasis Travel will bring cruise lines and specialists together at the Northern Ireland Cruise Show at the Culloden Estate & Spa, Holywood, on Saturday 19 September 2026.
Open to both first-time and experienced cruisers, the event will offer expert advice, destination inspiration and the chance to explore a wide range of ships and itineraries.
Tickets are complimentary, but advance registration is required. To register, visit oasis-travel.co.uk. For more information, contact Cruise Beyond on 028 95 905090 or call into one of Oasis Travel’s branches across Northern Ireland.