Going on a cruise for the first time? Know 10 beginner-friendly travel hacks and mistakes to avoid on board
There's a first time for everything, from catching your first flight to planning that epic road trip. But cruising is a completely unique adventure. So much of the cinematic fantasy expectations rest on your maiden voyage; sipping mimosas with the sea breeze in your hair, watching the golden horizon at sunset, gourmet meals by the balcony, or stargazing from the deck. Media, especially movies and Instagram reels, spare no expense in making cruises look dreamy and romantic. While it's natural to feel giddy about your first cruise, being well-informed is the first step to avoiding rookie missteps. But we have got you covered, so that you set sail smoothly.
Akansha Agarwal, co-founder and CMO of Int2Cruises, Asia's cruise-first OTA, shared with HT Lifestyle what it takes to ensure your first cruise becomes a core memory, listing out the essential hacks and mistakes to avoid.
Elaborating on how cruise travel is growing in India, she said, 'Cruise travel from India is still emerging but growing fast. Outbound travel is booming, and cruising is finally being seen as a viable, even desirable, vacation style. With the Cruise Bharat Mission aiming for 2.5 million passengers annually by 2029, cruising is no longer niche; it's booming. With newer ships, better itineraries, and growing accessibility, Indian travellers are discovering the ease and excitement of cruise holidays.'
Akansha shared a detailed guide, covering 5 beginner hacks and 5 mistakes to avoid when planning your first cruise, so you can sail stress-free:
First, decide who you are travelling with and what kind of holiday you want. Because in many ways, the ship is the destination. Modern cruise lines offer ships tailored to different travel moods and styles.
Cruising has a reputation for being expensive, but that's not true. It is actually more cost-effective than many land-based holidays. Base fares can start as low as Rs. 6,500 per person per night, including accommodation, meals, shows, entertainment, and activities.
ALSO READ: Trip finally out of group chat? 6 smart hacks and 4 mistakes every Gen Z planning gateway with friends should know
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
39 minutes ago
- India.com
SpiceJet Asked To Pay Rs 25,000 To Senior Citizen For Issuing Wrong Ticket
Mumbai: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Mumbai (Suburban) has directed budget airline SpiceJet to pay Rs 25,000 to a senior citizen for issuing incorrect flight tickets, causing him mental stress and financial loss. The incident took place in December 2020, when the senior citizen from Ghatkopar had booked a round-trip ticket from Mumbai to Darbhanga with SpiceJet. While his onward journey went as planned, the return flight was cancelled due to bad weather. Acknowledging the urgency of the passenger's situation -- he had to attend a PhD online exam in Mumbai on December 8 -- the airline arranged an alternate route via Patna and Kolkata. However, the replacement booking turned out to be flawed. The connecting flight from Kolkata to Mumbai was scheduled to depart before the passenger would even arrive in Kolkata from Patna. This mistake left him stranded in Patna, forcing him to purchase a new ticket for the next day using his own money. As a result, he also missed his important online examination. The senior citizen later approached the consumer forum, accusing the airline of negligence and deficiency in service. He demanded a refund of Rs 14,577 along with Rs 2 lakh for mental agony and Rs 25,000 for legal expenses. SpiceJet responded by stating that the flight was cancelled due to bad weather, which was beyond their control, and that they had refunded the ticket fare through the booking agent. They also said they had issued the alternate flight ticket free of cost. While the consumer commission accepted that the flight cancellation was not the airline's fault, it pointed out that the issuance of an incorrect ticket was a clear act of negligence. Although the airline later reimbursed the complainant, the commission said this did not excuse the initial error. The commission also remarked that the passenger could have avoided further trouble by carefully checking the ticket at the time of issuance. Despite this, it concluded that the airline was at fault for causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience. In its final order passed on June 17, the commission directed SpiceJet to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation for mental agony and Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses.
Hans India
an hour ago
- Hans India
SpiceJet asked to pay Rs 25,000 to senior citizen for issuing wrong ticket
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Mumbai (Suburban) has directed budget airline SpiceJet to pay Rs 25,000 to a senior citizen for issuing incorrect flight tickets, causing him mental stress and financial loss. The incident took place in December 2020, when the senior citizen from Ghatkopar had booked a round-trip ticket from Mumbai to Darbhanga with SpiceJet. While his onward journey went as planned, the return flight was cancelled due to bad weather. Acknowledging the urgency of the passenger's situation -- he had to attend a PhD online exam in Mumbai on December 8 -- the airline arranged an alternate route via Patna and Kolkata. However, the replacement booking turned out to be flawed. The connecting flight from Kolkata to Mumbai was scheduled to depart before the passenger would even arrive in Kolkata from Patna. This mistake left him stranded in Patna, forcing him to purchase a new ticket for the next day using his own money. As a result, he also missed his important online examination. The senior citizen later approached the consumer forum, accusing the airline of negligence and deficiency in service. He demanded a refund of Rs 14,577 along with Rs 2 lakh for mental agony and Rs 25,000 for legal expenses. SpiceJet responded by stating that the flight was cancelled due to bad weather, which was beyond their control, and that they had refunded the ticket fare through the booking agent. They also said they had issued the alternate flight ticket free of cost. While the consumer commission accepted that the flight cancellation was not the airline's fault, it pointed out that the issuance of an incorrect ticket was a clear act of negligence. Although the airline later reimbursed the complainant, the commission said this did not excuse the initial error. The commission also remarked that the passenger could have avoided further trouble by carefully checking the ticket at the time of issuance. Despite this, it concluded that the airline was at fault for causing unnecessary stress and inconvenience. In its final order passed on June 17, the commission directed SpiceJet to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation for mental agony and Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses.
India Today
2 hours ago
- India Today
Rape, terror: US updates travel advisory for India, asks women not to travel alone
The US Department of State has issued a Level 2 advisory to American citizens and workers living in India, asking them to "exercise increased caution", claiming that the country is witnessing a surge in rape, violence and terrorism incidents of late. The Trump administration has also asked women not to travel alone and be extra alert while at any tourist sites and other increased caution in India due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have increased risk. Violent crime and terrorism occur in India. Rape is one of the fastest growing crimes in India. Violent crimes, including sexual assault, happen at tourist sites and other locations," the advisory, which was reissued on June 16 after periodic review with updates to entry/exit requirements, of terrorism, the advisory asked US citizens to avoid travelling to tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls and government facilities, claiming they are vulnerable to terror attacks. The update in the US travel advisory to India comes nearly two months after Pakistan-based terrorists opened fire on tourists, killing 25 of them in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam on April 2."Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir: Do not travel to this area (except for visits to the eastern Ladakh region and its capital, Leh) due to terrorism and civil unrest," the State Department attacks and violent civil unrest are possible. Violence happens sporadically in this area and is common along the Line of Control (LOC) between India and Pakistan. Violence also occurs in tourist spots in the Kashmir Valley: Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Pahalgam. The Indian government does not allow foreign tourists to visit certain areas along the LOC," it citizens were also warned about potential armed conflict between India and Pakistan, and were advised not to travel to areas near the international women to exercise the utmost caution, the notification said that the US government has limited ability to provide emergency services to US citizens in rural State Department specifically talked about the Naxal threat, saying, "Maoist extremist groups, or Naxalites, are active in a large area of India that spans from eastern Maharashtra and northern Telangana through western West Bengal". It included Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Meghalaya and Odisha in the list of states which are affected by those who decide to travel to India in the coming days, the advisory urged them to not carry a satellite phone or a GPS device. "Possessing a satellite phone or GPS device is illegal in India and may result in a penalty of $200,000 or jail time of up to three years. Do not travel alone, especially if you are a woman".advertisementAdditionally, US nationals in India were instructed to review their travel plans and stay vigilant about their surroundings at all times, while also ensuring travel ATTACKS CENTREThe Congress seized the opportunity to attack the Centre, calling the advisory a "shock" and an "embarrassment" for the government."US Travel Advisory Shocks India! The June 2025 update warns women not to travel alone in India due to surging rape, violence, and terrorism risks. Is this the collapse of PM's "safe India" narrative? A global embarrassment for @narendramodi and @BJP4India," the Karnataka Congress wrote on Watch
