My First Cruise! Here's What I Thought...

Shereen Connolly
Jul 21
4 min read

I’ve always been curious about cruising. You hear so many people rave about it, don’t you? But honestly… I wasn’t sure it would be my thing. I kept wondering:

Would I feel claustrophobic, stuck on a ship with nowhere to escape?
Would I get sea sick?
Would I feel anxious being at sea at night, far away from land?
And of course... the big one for any mum, would Jax enjoy it? Would there even be enough to keep him entertained?

Turns out, I had nothing to worry about. It was absolutely brilliant!

Why I Chose MSC (And Why Norway for My First Cruise?!)

I went with MSC Cruises because they’re a brand I already know and work with through my travel business. I’ve booked lots of clients with them, and they’re known for being affordable and really family-friendly. They have kids' clubs, splash parks, family cabins, the works.

I also wanted to do something special and a bit different for my 40th birthday. The Norwegian Fjords felt like such a bucket list trip. Breathtaking scenery, fresh air, somewhere peaceful and calming (perfect for Jax) and not your typical sunshine cruise. Plus, we got a cracking deal, which is always a bonus.

First Impressions (Not What I Expected!)

Boarding was so much easier than I imagined. You leave your bags with the crew, who deliver them to your cabin for you. Security was fast, fuss-free and before we knew it, we were walking onto this huge, beautiful ship.

We had a little wander around to get our bearings. First impressions? It felt like a floating hotel. Classy but not stuffy. Fun but not too manic. I loved knowing there was an indoor pool, because Norway isn’t guaranteed sunshine even in May.

They had a brilliant sail-away party by the outside pool as we left port and it really set the expectations of a fun week.

Our ocean view cabin was far bigger and more comfortable than I expected. Not cramped at all. Cosy, clean, loads of storage. I’m fussy about space and it felt absolutely fine for the three of us.

Highlights of the Cruise

The Staff

Honestly, the staff made this trip. Everyone was so warm and friendly and they went out of their way to make Jax feel special. The kids’ club team were just incredible! They took the time to understand his needs, reassured us as parents, gave us a little phone so we could be contacted if he needed us and genuinely made it such a fun experience for him.

The Kids’ Club

If you’re a mum reading this and wondering “will my child actually enjoy this?” YES!

Jax absolutely loved it. And for me, having a little bit of breathing space knowing he was safe, happy and cared for? So grateful!

Entertainment

We loved the shows. Really high-quality productions and different every night. Just a really nice way to wind down together after busy days exploring. Our favourites were a Michael Jackson show, a really good magician/illusion show & a comedian which was great.

Pools & Facilities

Indoor and outdoor pools, a waterpark with slides, splash areas, jacuzzis, plenty of space. The indoor pool, especially, was a lifesaver when it was chilly at sea.

Dining

We quickly learned the buffet wasn’t for us. Really chaotic and unorganised, a bit too busy with Jax in tow. We stuck to the restaurants, where we had the same waiter every day (who was just lovely, remembered our names and how we liked our tea, etc.. he was great with Jax too and really made an extra effort.

Ports & Exploring

Every stop was so different, which I loved:

Haugesund – A really sweet little town, easy to explore.
Nordfjord – Absolutely stunning views; felt like being inside a postcard.
Flåm – Incredible scenery and great place for a wander
Stavanger – A really cool city, great energy, fab for shopping & eateries

We didn’t do excursions this time (budgeting and all that) but next time I definitely would. It’s given me such a taste for Norway and I’d love to go back and do more.

Challenges (Nothing Major, But Worth Sharing)

Buffet chaos - Not for us, but plenty of people seemed to love it.
Weather - While we were lucky with sunshine and temps of 18-22 degrees in May, out at sea it was still chilly. Outdoor pools weren’t really an option some days because of the wind.
Excursions - We didn’t do them this time, but it did limit how much we saw in each place. I’d recommend budgeting for at least one or two if you can.

Would I Cruise Again?

In a heartbeat. I absolutely loved it. It was such a brilliant experience for all of us. I’d definitely try other cruise lines too, just to compare, but I’ve got nothing but good things to say about MSC as a first-timer and as a family with additional needs.

If you’re on the fence, worried about seasickness (we didn’t have any!), or wondering if your little one will cope, honestly, it’s so worth trying.

Top Tips for First-Time Cruisers (Especially Norway!)

Pack layers, jumpers, and a raincoat, even in summer.
Take adapters! We assumed we wouldn’t need them and had to buy one onboard.
Book your shows on the first day, they’re popular, and you won’t want to miss them.