From first-time nerves to complete surprise — my first cruise changed everything.
I had the most amazing experience cruising around the British Isles — my very first cruise.Until then, I had always preferred land-based travel. I also had a preconceived idea that cruising was “not for me” — something for a much older crowd. Add to that my fear of open water (and the fact that I can’t swim), and it’s fair to say cruising was never on my radar.
But when my partner suggested a cruise to celebrate a milestone birthday, I was ready to try something new. Unfortunately, he couldn’t travel in the end — so I went alone. And that turned out to be part of the adventure.
Why I Chose This Cruise
After researching different cruise lines and itineraries (one of my favourite parts of travelling), I chose a British Isles cruise on the Regal Princess.
It ticked all the boxes:
- A unique itinerary around the British Isles
- A mid-sized ship (around 3,500 passengers)
- A more traditional, premium-style experience
- Innovative Medallion Class technology
- And most importantly — the right dates
I also loved that it sailed from Southampton — no flights, no stress, just straight onboard.
Embarkation – Surprisingly Smooth
Getting to Southampton was easy — a direct train from London Waterloo followed by a short taxi ride to the port.
What really impressed me was how seamless the embarkation process was. I had expected long queues and chaos with thousands of passengers… but there were none. Everything — from luggage drop-off to boarding — was organised, efficient, and stress-free.
A great start.
Safety First & The Sailaway Moment
Before the cruise officially began, there was one important step — the muster drill.
As a first-time cruiser (and someone not entirely comfortable with open water), I took this part seriously. I watched the safety video in my cabin, checked my life jacket — and yes, even tried it on — just to be sure I knew what I was doing.
Once that was done, I headed to my assigned muster station, where a crew member checked me in using the Medallion device. Quick, efficient… and reassuring.
Then came the moment I had been waiting for — sailaway.
Because of the typical British weather (grey, wet, and cold… in August!), the sailaway party was moved indoors to the Piazza rather than the top deck. It was lively, a little cheesy, and great fun to watch — even if I wasn’t quite ready to join in just yet.
But I still wanted to see the ship leave port, so I made my way up to the deck.
And then — it happened.
The ship’s horn blasted out to the theme from The Love Boat — the loudest sound I think I’ve ever heard — and suddenly, we were moving.
My cruise had officially begun.
First Impressions of Life On Board
The ship itself was beautiful — elegant interiors, a lively atmosphere, and so much to explore. For the first couple of days, I genuinely wandered around in a bit of a daze, taking it all in.
There was everything you could imagine:
- Restaurants and cafés
- Theatre and live entertainment
- Bars, lounges, and a nightclub
- Gym, spa, and even a chapel
- Shops, cinema, and more
It felt like a floating resort.
Life On Board
There was always something happening — quizzes, live music, theatre shows, movies, dancing — you name it.
And yet, if you wanted peace and quiet, you could always find a calm corner to relax. No crowds, no pressure — just options.
What stood out most for me was how sociable everyone was. Travelling solo, I ended up meeting lots of people, swapping stories, and picking up tips from seasoned cruisers.
Food, Glorious Food
One of the highlights of cruising is the food — and it did not disappoint.
From buffet dining to à la carte and speciality restaurants, I tried a bit of everything. Let’s just say… diets don’t belong on cruises.
I personally preferred the more relaxed atmosphere of the Concerto dining room for breakfast and dinner. The buffet had plenty of choice, but I found it a little overwhelming at times.
Dressing Up & Special Moments
I loved the mix of casual and formal on board.
The Captain’s Welcome Celebration was a highlight — a chance to dress up, enjoy a glass of champagne, and feel part of something a little special.
And yes… I may have taken a photo with the Captain when he stopped by one evening. Naturally.
Was the Plus Package Worth It?
I upgraded to the Plus package, and for a first cruise, I think it was worth it.
It included drinks, Wi-Fi, and extras that made the experience smoother. That said… I definitely didn’t get through the full drinks allowance — fifteen a day is ambitious!
Exploring the Ports
I chose not to book the cruise’s organised excursions, as they felt a little pricey. Instead, I explored each destination independently — which I really enjoyed.
Links to individual destination posts
Final Thoughts
Cruising completely changed my perspective.
What I expected — something slow and not quite “me” — turned out to be relaxing, sociable, and surprisingly fun.
If you’re considering a cruise, my advice is simple:
just try it.
You might be as surprised as I was.
And yes… I’ve already put down a deposit for my next one.
My Shore Stops (Read More)
- Guernsey – St Peter’s Port
- Cobh (Cork), Ireland
- Dublin (Dun Laoghaire)
- Belfast, Northern Ireland
- (Coming soon… Scotland & France)
Good to Know
All my travels are self-funded. I write this blog as a hobby, sharing my experiences honestly and in my own way.
Will I monetise it one day? Maybe.
For now — I’m just enjoying the journey.
Cruise Tips (From My First Experience)
- Attend the Medallion introduction session
It’s worth taking a little time on embarkation day to understand how everything works — it makes the whole experience much smoother. - Watch the safety video on your cabin TV
Not only is it easier to follow, but it also unlocks your TV for general use afterwards. - Book Wi-Fi in advance
If you plan to stay connected, it’s usually cheaper to buy a package before your cruise rather than onboard. - Consider luggage tag holders
A small but useful extra — transparent holders help keep your tags secure and make luggage drop-off easier.
My first cruise in pictures
