If you have never been on a cruise before, you may be wondering what to expect. What is life like on board? What should you pack? What happens when you arrive at a port? And how do you get to the ship in the first place?

The good news is that cruising is easier than you might think. You unpack once, your hotel travels with you, and each day brings a new opportunity to explore. And when you travel with DeNure, we take care of many of the details along the way.

Getting to the Ship

For many first time cruisers, getting to the ship can seem like the most complicated part. Where do you go? Where do I leave my car? How do you get on board? What happens to your luggage?

With a DeNure tour and cruise, you do not have to figure it all out yourself. Depending on the tour, transportation by motorcoach or flight to and from the cruise port is included, along with boarding assistance and other tour inclusions.

Our team is there to help you get settled and make sure you know what to expect.

What Is Life Like on Board?

Think of the cruise ship as your hotel, restaurant and entertainment venue all in one.

There is plenty to do on board, but you can be as busy or as relaxed as you like. Enjoy a meal, listen to live music, watch a show, join an activity, take a swim or simply find a comfortable spot and watch the scenery go by.

There is no need to plan every minute of your day. That is part of the appeal of cruising.

See More Without Packing More

One of the biggest advantages of cruising is being able to visit several destinations during one vacation.

Your cabin stays your home while the ship takes you from one port to the next. You can wake up somewhere new without having to pack your suitcase or check into another hotel.

Many DeNure cruise tours take this a step further by combining the cruise with sightseeing, hotels and attractions before or after your sailing. You get to see even more of the destination without having to organize all the pieces yourself.

What Happens at a Port?

When the ship arrives at a port, you have a choice. You can book a shore excursion, explore independently or simply enjoy some time in the destination before returning to the ship.

Shore excursions are a popular choice for first time cruisers because they make it easy to see the highlights of a destination and return to the ship with plenty of time.

Whatever you choose, remember that the ship has a schedule. Always check the time you need to be back on board before heading out for the day.

What About Food?

Food is a big part of the cruise experience, and there are usually plenty of choices.

Most ships offer a main dining room, casual dining, buffet options and other places to grab something to eat throughout the day. Some ships also have specialty restaurants that come with an additional charge.

Many meals are included with your cruise, and your DeNure tour information will outline exactly what is included with your trip.

What Should You Pack?

One of the best things about cruising is that you only have to unpack once.

Bring comfortable shoes for walking and sightseeing, clothing suitable for the destinations you are visiting and something a little warmer for cooler evenings or air conditioned areas on board.

Your cruise documents and required identification should be kept somewhere easy to access. Dress codes vary by cruise line and by evening, so be sure to check the information provided for your particular sailing.

And do not forget to leave a little room in your suitcase. You never know what you might find along the way.

You Are Never Travelling Alone

This is where travelling with DeNure can make a real difference, especially if it is your first cruise.

You will be travelling with a group of fellow DeNure guests, along with our Tour Directors and drivers. They are there to answer questions, help with the logistics and keep things running smoothly.

Having someone familiar to turn to can make trying something new feel much more comfortable.

Your First Cruise, Made Simple

Cruising is a wonderful way to see more without constantly changing hotels. You can explore new destinations, enjoy everything the ship has to offer and have plenty of time to relax.

And you do not have to figure it all out on your own.

With DeNure, we take care of the transportation, the details and the logistics that help make your trip run smoothly. You simply unpack, settle in and enjoy the journey.

Never cruised before? Let DeNure show you how easy it can be.