What you need to know if you're going on a cruise for the first time

I had already made some miles on lakes and at sea, but that was usually on an eleven-meter sailboat. Oh, and I almost forgot the fast ship from Rhodes to Simi, which rolled like crazy on the waves on the way back (not my favorite trip at sea), but a cruise was new. And it was not only my first time, but also that of the gi-gan-ti-sche Norwegian Encore from NCL. We did it a bit together.

The journey went from Bremerhaven to Southampton, through the German Bight (which is known to sailors as quite rough), over the North Sea and through the channel. We cast off a bit earlier because a petit peu low-pressure area was coming our way (storm!). But there are things you need to know before you go ‘embarking’ for the first time (that's cruise talk for going sailing). And quite a few of my prejudices were debunked.

1. Spend money on a sea view
Really, this is the best investment when booking a vacation at sea. The view never gets boring, you don't have to push at the railing when you dock somewhere, and with a bit of luck (I had that with my large balcony) you have a private terrace with a sunbed.

2. You can just get off the ship yourself
Of course, you can book an excursion, but just get off the ship yourself and don't follow the route that the rest is taking. This way, you see a completely different side of a city or island. Just keep an eye on the fact that the ship isn't waiting for you; they only do that for excursions booked through the cruise company itself, so I would be back well in time.

3. The Norwegian Encore has a Moldavi wine bar
I'm just saying, in case you need an extra reason to book a cruise. Have a glass of Spellbound if you can appreciate a Chardonnay and like the full, rich kind.

4. Bring a jacket for the evenings
Not because it gets cold, but because people tend to dress up a bit in the evenings. I saw the most powerful outfits, from lots of sequins to feathers and men reaching for a jacket. So if you think high heels are out of place: they are far from it.

5. Seasickness
It was a bit rough on the North Sea during my trip, but a cruise ship (never say boat, they get angry) has stabilizers that ensure it rides like a house. You do feel a bit of swell, but for us it was minimal. But if you are prone to the issue (which can happen to anyone), look for a cruise in the Mediterranean or the Caribbean in winter, where the waters are a bit calmer.

6. Go to the bow if allowed
On the TV, we saw the bridge cam, and if you are sailing yourself, you want to experience that a bit. So we opened door after door after door, and nowhere did it say we had to stop until we were at the bow. With about forty knots of wind through the Strait of Calais and a huge cruise ship to look up at, this was one of the coolest moments on board.

7. All the choices in the world
A guacamole made at the table at the Mexican, a steak tartare at Le Bistro, a freak shake at Coco, a mojito with ginger (incredibly good) at the mojito bar, a rich Chardonnay at the wine bar... And this was just the food. I got a massage in the spa, watched a Broadway production in the theater, and you could even go karting on the roof or read in the library. You just choose what you like to do.

8. NCL is anti-plastic
They are the first among cruises to ban plastic bottles. There are no plastic straws to be found on board, and the laundry and trash go into recycled paper bags. Anything you leave on the balcony is removed to ensure nothing ends up in the sea. And excursions are done by large bus and not by dozens of minivans to reduce emissions. This way, they are trying to gradually reduce their footprint.

9. Passion for everything
Literally, because your personal card is really your life on the ship. So make sure you always carry it with you. By the way, don't be surprised if the bill is a bit higher than expected, because service charges are applied on board.

10. Book, book, book
Get a package for your drinks (honestly, you will absolutely get your money's worth) and book your excursions in advance (if you want to do them). On board your ship, there are all kinds of cruise experts who know this and do it nicely in advance, which means you miss the boat (ha-ha-ha).

Now there are apparently cruises going to Alaska, which seems like something for the next one, but if you are more tropical-minded, that can also be arranged.

Image: The Norwegian Encore