Imagine you're about to set foot on your first cruise. Are you excited about an adventure exploring the world from the open seas? Are you apprehensive about the ins and outs of what a cruise journey actually looks like?

Whether you know exactly what to expect or have images of queues, rushing, and antiquated decor flashing before your eyes, switching up your usual getaways for a first-time cruise can be daunting.

So we asked first time cruiser Di Marsh, who recently ventured on Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Balmoral, some questions about her experience and anything that surprised her as someone who has never travelled by sea before. From the dining to the friendships, Di tells all about her time on board (and the myths that got busted along the way).

As a first time cruiser, did you have any apprehensions before setting sail? 

Absolutely. Before setting sail, I expected cruising to feel a bit like group travel, but with a few thousand companions! I had visions of eating en masse and queueing for just about everything, and I’ll admit… I don’t queue well! I like to holiday my own way, so I was worried I might find it all a bit overwhelming and too structured. I was also slightly apprehensive about being one of the youngest onboard, as I’d assumed most guests would be from my parents’ generation. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The whole experience felt far more relaxed and personal than I expected, and rather than feeling out of place, I came home having made lots of new friends! 

Once you were onboard, what made you feel relaxed and in holiday-mode? 

I’m someone who likes to be organised, especially when visiting multiple places in one trip, so I’ll admit I felt a little panicky beforehand about how it would all work. But the moment I realised I could explore multiple destinations completely hassle-free without constantly unpacking, repacking, or navigating logistics…I had my light bulb moment and relaxed almost instantly.

Having what felt like a floating hotel with me at all times was genuinely magical, and I can honestly say it made me feel more relaxed than I’ve ever been on holiday. Everything was taken care of, which meant I could simply switch off and enjoy it. And then there were all the extras, the swimming pools, exercise classes, activities, evening entertainment… the list goes on. There was always something to do, but never any pressure, which made it feel like the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.

What were your first impressions when you stepped aboard the Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' Balmoral?

A real wow moment, everything was shining, even the crew…we were met with welcoming smiles, everyone called us by name from the outset and we felt properly looked after.  I’d like to say that we were special, but we weren't, watching the other guests arrive and move around the ship…this is clearly the Fred. Olsen way. They are a family business (we heard about this when we sailed up past the family home!) and seem to go the extra mile to make their guests feel part of that family.

What detail made the ship feel most like a “home away from home”?

It was the incredibly laid-back vibe and…if I’m honest, the impressive selection of puzzles! There’s nothing quite like settling in with a jigsaw on a quiet sea day, soaking in the ocean views. Plus, the library area was perfectly positioned near the bar, so having a puzzle in front of me and a glass of rosé in hand made it feel just like home.

What detail made the journey feel especially luxurious?

Hands down, it had to be the service. From the very beginning, it felt effortless and incredibly personal — from the porter meeting us in the car park and accompanying us on the short bus ride to check-in, to having our own waiter each evening at dinner. What really stood out was the attention to detail. The staff somehow always remembered our names, what wine we’d enjoyed the evening before, and nothing ever felt too much trouble and my travel companion even ended up with two main courses one night because he simply couldn’t decide!

But the moment that really stayed with me was returning to my cabin on the first evening. I’d hastily emptied out my jewellery and left a tangled mess of necklaces behind, only to come back and find them carefully untangled and laid out neatly. Honestly, my mum wouldn’t even have done that back in the day! Those thoughtful little touches made the whole experience feel genuinely luxurious.

What was your most peaceful moment on board? 

Sea days, jigsaw, rose…need i say more?

Which port stood out the most to you, and why?

Oslo, without a doubt. Not only is it a beautiful city with so much to see, but the arrival itself made it feel really special. We literally woke up, looked out of the window, and there we were, right in the heart of the city.  Stepping off the ship couldn’t have been easier. The hop-on, hop-off bus tour was right there at the port, so there was no faffing around trying to navigate public transport or work out where to go first. It meant we could make the most of our time and really enjoy seeing the sights.

An added bonus to the simplicity was having time to hop off in the centre, explore at our own pace, and then meander back to the ship along the shoreline passing plenty of trolls along the way! Oslo felt incredibly accessible, relaxed, and a perfect introduction to Norway.

Are there any moments from your voyage that you still think about today?

Are you kidding me? I think about the afternoon tea every single day! And I tell everyone about it whenever I get the chance as without question, it’s got to be the best afternoon tea at sea.

From the crystallised sugar sticks and impeccable cakes to the white-glove service, every detail felt so special. I love treating myself to an afternoon tea and have been to many a famed establishment over the years, so I don’t say this lightly… but none of them come close to the one on Fred. Olsen. It was one of those moments that felt genuinely memorable and clearly one I still haven’t stopped thinking about!

If you could sum up your first cruise experience in a few words, what would you say?

I can’t wait to get on board again! 

Set sail on your next adventure with Cruise Collective

If you're thinking of a cruise for your next escape, get ready for iconic destinations, ocean views, and a surprisingly luxurious life on board.

Plus, as a member of Cruise Collective enjoy exclusive discounts on a range of world-class cruises, including up to £200 on board credit with Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines.