Welcome to MonTataneTour (MTT) and your page “Beginner cruise guide – Complete guide.”
I’m Sarah (aka Miss Tatane 😛), a cruise enthusiast for over 15 years. Through this guide, I share my real-life experiences and practical tips to help you discover the world of cruising especially if it’s your very first time onboard!
Don’t forget to add us to your favorites if you’re planning an upcoming cruise! Our MTT website (your go-to cruise guide) is updated every week with new articles and fresh destinations from our latest adventures.
Enjoy your reading, have an amazing cruise… and above all: make the most of it! ONE LIFE!!!
Beginner cruise guide
Complete guide
Dreaming about taking your first cruise but feeling both excited and nervous? Wondering what to expect or how to get started? Don’t worry! On my pages, I always explain how to make the most of each port stop, how to get out of the terminals, and which buses or shuttles to take to reach the city center. Here, I’ll cover the basics: how to choose, book, and fully enjoy your cruise. Follow me — you’ll fall in love with this travel style, just like I did!
Why go on a cruise?
Going on a cruise is more than just a vacation — it’s a real break from everyday life. On board, you let go of chores, errands, and stress. Time slows down, worries fade (well… at least until you get back 😅). It’s a floating bubble of happiness where you can completely unwind.
Everything on a cruise ship is designed for your comfort — the service, the kindness of the crew, the smiles, the food, the entertainment… Everything is there so you only have one mission: enjoy yourself. It’s hard to explain — you just have to experience it. Once you do, you’ll understand why so many people become cruise addicts.
Whether you love being active, sunbathing, relaxing, or partying, you’ll always find something to love on board. Between meals, shows, excursions, and relaxation time, the days go by fast. Boredom? Doesn’t exist here.
And one of the best parts of cruising is the chance to discover a new country every day. One morning you’re in Italy, the next in Spain, then Greece… all without ever packing your bags again. That’s the magic of cruising: you explore, enjoy, and sleep in the same comfy bed every night!
MTT origins
Before my first cruises, I mostly traveled close to home. Today, thanks to the sea, I’ve explored Europe, the Caribbean, the Fjords, and even North America. Cruises have literally opened the world to me.
After almost 10 years sharing my experiences on MonTataneTour, I’ve helped thousands of cruisers travel smarter and cheaper. My goal? To help you avoid tourist traps, save money, and inspire you to live your own sea adventure. Everything I write is real — tested, lived, and approved on board.
So, explore, get informed, and take advantage of my travel hacks and port guides. You’ll see — a cruise is much more than a trip: it’s a relaxing, human, and magical experience. And who knows… maybe one day we’ll meet on deck 😉.
Thank you for reading, following, and sharing this love for the sea. Fair winds and happy cruising!
All-inclusive cruise or not?
Beginner cruise guide
When you book your first cruise, the big question is: is it really all-inclusive? Don’t worry — you’re not the only one wondering! Here’s everything you need to know, clearly explained and tested at sea.
What’s included
You already get a lot! Enjoy varied meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, even snacks), shows and daily activities, pools, jacuzzis, and gyms — all the comfort of the ship. You can stay entertained all week without spending an extra dollar if you want.
You definitely won’t go hungry: breakfast until 11 a.m., buffets all day, and a formal dinner at night. And if you like to stay active, there’s plenty: mini-golf, basketball, fitness room, ping-pong, jogging track, pools, and sun loungers to relax. Don’t forget the shows, games, nightclubs, and plenty of activities for those who can’t sit still.
What’s not included
Of course, not everything is free. Specialty restaurants (Asian, Mexican, seafood, etc.), drinks without a package, excursions sold on board (often very expensive), photos, casino, spa, laundry service, movie theater, or Wi-Fi — all come with an extra cost.
When it comes to excursions, I always say: don’t rush to book those sold by the cruise line — they can cost up to 70% more! On my port pages, I explain how to get off the ship on your own, what to do for free or cheap, and how to enjoy each destination without overspending.
In short: a cruise is almost all-inclusive. If you’re smart about it, you can have a dream week without breaking your budget. And if you want a little extra comfort, there are plenty of upgrades — but nothing mandatory. It’s up to you to choose your sailing style!
How to book a cruise (at the best price!)
Beginner cruise guide
Booking a cruise isn’t rocket science, but there are a few tricks to know if you don’t want to overpay. Whether you’re a first-timer or already hooked on cruising, here’s my honest, sea-tested beginner’s guide.
👉 Where to book? You’ve got three main options:
| Booking option | Advantages and Tips |
|---|---|
| Directly with the cruise line (MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean…) | Quick and easy, but often more expensive than third-party sellers. |
| Through a trusted travel agency | Get help choosing the right cruise and benefit from exclusive promotions or perks. |
| Coming soon on Mon Tatane Tour | You’ll get a 5–8% discount — perfect for saving money on your cruise or onboard activities. |
Check back on my website regularly so you don’t miss this offer. Those few extra percent can mean saving hundreds of dollars, especially for families.
So, how much does a cruise cost? It depends on several factors:
Prices observed by MonTataneTour and key factors
| Cruise duration – Inside cabin | Average price per person (by MonTataneTour) |
|---|---|
| 5 days in the Mediterranean | €400 |
| 7 days in the Caribbean | €1,000 |
| 14 days in Asia or North America | €1,000–€1,200 |
| Cabin type | Price / Extra cost |
|---|---|
| Inside Cabin | Base price + €150 |
| Balcony Cabin | +€250 compared to an inside cabin |
But don’t just trust the listed prices! You can often find amazing deals by booking early, traveling in the low season, or during weekdays. If you’re flexible with dates and destinations, you’ll snag real bargains.
My tips to save money:
- Compare prices between cruise lines before booking.
- Book early (or occasionally, last minute — if you’re adventurous).
- Avoid school vacation periods if possible.
- Skip “luxury” cabins if you’ll spend most of your time outside anyway.
In short: booking a cruise is easy when you know where to look. And soon, with Mon Tatane Tour, you’ll enjoy exclusive discounts — hassle-free. So, ready to set sail?
Fear of seasickness
Beginner cruise guide
This is the number one question, especially from first-timers: “Does the ship move a lot? Am I going to get sick?”
Take a deep breath seasickness on modern ships is mostly a myth!
Size makes all the difference
Forget the image of a small sailboat rocking back and forth. Today’s cruise ships (MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean…) are floating cities hundreds of meters long.
They’re equipped with massive gyroscopic stabilizers that act like giant counterweights, keeping the ship incredibly steady.
Miss Tatane’s take: Honestly, when you’re inside the ship, you almost forget you’re at sea. At worst, you might feel a light vibration or gentle rocking — perfect for sleeping. To really feel the movement, you’d have to go to the front deck, and even there, it’s minimal.
The real anti-nausea tip
If you happen to sail through rough seas (which is rare in the Mediterranean!), here’s what to do:
The free remedy on board: head straight to Guest Services! Most cruise lines offer seasickness medication (usually antihistamines) — and it’s free. No need to buy it beforehand at ridiculous prices.
Another key point: avoid getting sick or, like in the picture, ending up with your blood pressure checked onboard. I don’t know what your numbers will be, but your wallet might suffer — a doctor visit can cost around €150.
Medical care onboard is very expensive. Sometimes it’s better to get treated during a port stop. But again, don’t worry —
Your comfort zone: If you’re sensitive, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship and on a lower deck (but not too low, to avoid engine noise!). That’s where the motion is least noticeable.
Fear of confinement (the real concern)
Another beginner worry: feeling trapped or bored.
Boredom: Impossible! Between shows, pools, the gym, casino, buffets, and excursions, you’ll run out of time before you run out of things to do.
The crowd: Yes, there are lots of people, but the ships are so big that it rarely feels overcrowded.
Bottom line: Don’t let an old, unfounded fear ruin your first cruise. Once you experience waking up in a new country without ever repacking your suitcase, you’ll be hooked. Go for it — it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure!
First day onboard – Check-in
Beginner cruise guide
The ship is huge, but don’t worry — you won’t be lost for long! The first day is very well organized to make your boarding and check-in smooth and stress-free.
| Topic | Info & Tips |
|---|---|
| Keycard | Your golden ticket: cabin key, onboard ID for ports, and your payment card on the ship. Always keep it with you — it’s linked to your credit card or any cash you’ve deposited. |
| Ship Map | Every elevator, hallway, and cabin area displays a map with decks, restaurants, pools, and more. Check it out so you never get lost. |
| Mobile App | Download the cruise line’s app before departure (MSC, Costa, Royal Caribbean…). You can view daily programs, track your spending, and even chat with other passengers. |
Check-in day – What do I do now?
Beginner cruise guide
After completing check-in at the port and passing security, there’s no need to stress. The ship is waiting for you! Your first mission: pick up your keycard!
| Topic | Info & Tips |
|---|---|
| Head to Your Cabin (Priority: the Keycard) | These days, your keycard (that famous “magic card” in the photo!) is waiting for you right on your cabin door handle. No rush — if you’d rather explore the ship first, you can! Once you’ve picked up your card, do whatever you feel like. Luggage: If you’re lucky, your suitcases will already be placed outside your cabin (not inside). If not, don’t panic — they’ll arrive a bit later. |
| First-Day Fun (Total Blast!) | You can eat, explore the ship, go to the pool, join dance classes, or play games — just one thing: ❌ don’t look for the shops yet! ❌ Did you know? Cruise lines aren’t allowed to open duty-free stores while the ship is still docked. They open about an hour after departure. No worries though — there’s so much to do that shopping will be the last thing on your mind. You’ll probably make new friends at the bar or pool within the first hour! Enjoy! |
Dinner – How it works
Beginner cruise guide
Dinner is one of the highlights of any cruise. Unlike the buffet (where you eat whenever you like), the main dining room follows a few simple rules worth knowing.
| Topic | Info & Tips |
|---|---|
| Assigned Dining | You’ll have the same table, restaurant, and waiter for the whole cruise. Your waiter quickly learns your preferences. Typical times: first seating 6:30–7:00 PM, second seating 8:30–9:00 PM. You can request a change at Guest Services on the first day. |
| Flexible Dining | You can dine anytime during the dinner hours. No fixed table — you’ll be seated by the host. It’s flexible but can mean waiting during peak hours. The menu changes nightly. |
| Buffet | Casual option for maximum freedom. Usually open longer than the main dining room. |
That’s about it!
If you want to learn more, check out the complete cruise guide just below.
I tried to give you a quick summary I hope I answered most of your questions! Don’t forget to add this site to your favorites: no spam, no newsletters cluttering your inbox.
And when you set sail, think of me and Mon Tatane Tour!
Wishing you an amazing cruise – take care of yourself, and remember: ONE LIFE 🌍
Beginner cruise guide
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MTT wishes you the most wonderful visit to Tunis la Goulette
