Blog Details

Cruising from Nigeria: best cruise holidays and packages for first-timers

Top cruise itineraries, shore excursions, and how to choose a package that suits Nigerian travellers

Cruising is a fantastic way to explore multiple destinations with the ease of unpacking once. For Nigerian travellers, there are practical considerations—flight connections, visa rules, budgeting, and family-friendly options—that can shape the choice of cruise package. This guide highlights popular itineraries, shore excursions, and how to pick a cruise that fits Nigerian travellers, from family-friendly options to luxury experiences, plus tips on bundling flights with your cruise to maximize savings.

Table of contents

1. Why choose a cruise as a first-timer from Nigeria
2. Top cruise itineraries to consider
3. Family-friendly vs luxury cruises
4. Shore excursions: must-dos in popular ports
5. How to choose a package that suits Nigerian travellers
6. Bundling flights + cruise for savings
7. Practical tips for Nigerian travellers
8. Sample itineraries and budgeting quick-glance

Why choose a cruise as a first-timer from Nigeria

• Convenience: One booking covers multiple destinations with onboard logistics handled.
• Value for money: Meals, entertainment, and many activities are included.
• Safety and comfort: Shore transfers and guided tours reduce travel hassles.
• Family-friendly options: A wide range of activities catering to kids and adults.

Key considerations for Nigerian travellers:

• Flight connections to your embarkation port (often Lagos or abroad via hubs like Istanbul, Dubai, or European gateways).
• Visa requirements for cruise origin or visited countries.
• Currency, payment methods, and onboard charges (tours, specialty dining, spa).
• Luggage policies and pre/post-cruise stay options.

Top cruise itineraries to consider

Below are popular itineraries that tend to work well for first-time cruisers and Nigerian travellers. Availability varies by season and cruise line.

1) Caribbean in a Week (Eastern or Western Caribbean)

• Typical ports: San Juan, St. Maarten, St. Thomas, Nassau.
• Why it suits first-timers: Easy sea days, clear shore excursions, wide range of family-friendly activities.
• Duration options: 5–7 nights.
• Onboard vibe: Casual, with abundant dining, kids’ clubs, and entertainment.

2) Mediterranean Classics (Western or Eastern)

• Typical ports: Rome (Civitavecchia), Barcelona, Florence (Livorno), Nice, Athens.
• Why it suits first-timers: Rich history, diverse cuisines, shorter international flights from some hubs.
• Duration options: 7–10 nights.
• Onboard vibe: Elegant yet approachable; many itineraries offer English-speaking guides in ports.

3) Northern Europe and the Baltic

• Typical ports: London or Amsterdam embarkations, Copenhagen, Stockholm, St. Petersburg (visa-dependent).
• Why it suits first-timers: Scenic scenery, well-organized shore excursions, smaller ship sizes in some lines.
• Duration options: 7–12 nights.
• Onboard vibe: Polished, with structured itineraries and educational talks.

4) South-East Asia and Indian Ocean itineraries

• Typical ports: Singapore, Penang, Phuket, Sri Lanka, Dubai (as a hub).
• Why it suits first-timers: Combination of beach time and culture; warm seas and shorter flights from Middle East hubs.
• Duration options: 5–9 nights.
• Onboard vibe: Modern ships with strong wellness and culinary programs.

5) Transatlantic Crossings (for a longer intro to cruising)

• Typical pattern: Often from Europe to the Americas or vice versa.
• Why it suits first-timers: Fewer ports means more sea days to acclimate.
• Duration options: 7–14 nights.
• Onboard vibe: Leisurely pace, with ample lectures, wellness, and enrichment programs.

Family-friendly vs luxury cruises

• Family-friendly cruises
  • Features: kids’ clubs by age, family-oriented shows, splash zones, kid-friendly menus.
  • Pros: Great value for families, plenty of inclusive activities, easy supervision for parents.
  • Trade-offs: May have more kids on board; some activities require additional fees for extras.
• Luxury cruises
  • Features: smaller ships, highly personalized service, gourmet dining, exclusive excursions, higher staff-to-guest ratios.
  • Pros: Intimate experiences, premium amenities, high privacy and comfort, premium itineraries.
  • Trade-offs: Higher price point, more formal settings on some lines, may have smaller pool of activities for younger children.
• Mixed approach options
  • Family-friendly lines offering optional luxury experiences on higher-tier ships or suites.
  • Some premium cruise lines cater to multi-generational families with modular activities.

Shore excursions: must-dos in popular ports

• Caribbean: snorkel with turtles, cathedral or fort tours, rainforest zip-lining.
• Mediterranean: historic city tours, wine tastings, olive oil or pasta-making experiences.
• Northern Europe: fjord cruises, castle excursions, local music and food experiences.
• Southeast Asia: island hopping, cooking classes, temple visits.
• Tips:
  • Book excursions early to secure slots and preferred guides.
  • Check accessibility and fitness levels for all family members.
  • Consider ship-sponsored vs. independent excursions for reliability and pricing.

How to choose a package that suits Nigerian travellers

• Define your starting point and destination(s): Are you seeking a single region or multiple ports?
• Balance of inclusions: Look for packages that include meals, basic onboard activities, and select excursions; be aware of high-cost add-ons.
• Itinerary pace and ship size: For first-timers, mid-sized ships with smoother itineraries and plentiful seating areas can be easier to manage.
• Visa and entry considerations: Some itineraries involve multiple countries with varied visa requirements; choose routes with simpler entry rules if possible.
• Budget and value: Compare total weekly costs, including port fees, gratuities, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi if needed.
• Post-cruise options: If you want a city stay before or after the cruise, ensure the package offers or can coordinate pre/post-cruise arrangements.
• Family needs: If traveling with children, prioritize family-friendly ships and port experiences that suit different ages.
• Cancellation and refund policies: Flexible fare options can be worth the extra cost for first-timers who want security.

Bundling flights + cruise for savings

• Why bundle? Bundling can unlock discounts, simplified logistics, and coordinated schedules to minimize layovers.
• How to approach bundling:
  • Start with the cruise line’s flight package if available; compare to reputable travel agencies offering air + cruise bundles.
  • Align flight arrival times with port check-in windows to avoid long layovers or missed embarkations.
  • Consider pre/post-cruise hotel packages to reduce airport fatigue and provide buffer time for jet lag.
  • Check for ancillary costs: checked bags, seat selection, and transit visas if needed.
• Nigeria-specific tips:
  • Look for itineraries that depart from international hubs with good connectivity from Lagos (e.g., via Istanbul, Dubai, Amsterdam, London).
  • Consider flights with reasonable layovers to manage long travel days and potential delays.
  • Ensure your passport validity and visa requirements align with both the flight origin and destination ports.
• Budgeting approach:
  • Estimate baseline cruise fare per person, then add estimated flight costs, pre/post hotel nights, visas, and excursions.
  • Use early-bird or promotional fares for both cruise and flights where possible.
  • Set a flexible date window to capture best-value itineraries.

Practical tips for Nigerian travellers

• Documentation: Ensure passports are valid for the entire trip, with any required visas obtained in advance. Print and digital copies of passports, cruise documents, and travel itineraries.
• Payments: International bookings often require cards with international transaction capability or alternative methods (e-wallets, bank transfers via trusted agents).
• Connectivity: Check Wi-Fi packages on the ship or download offline maps and translation apps for ports.
• Health and safety: Carry basic medications, and check travel health advisories for destinations; ensure travel insurance covers medical expenses abroad.
• Currency and expenses: Most onboard expenses can be charged to your account; track extras to avoid surprises at the end of the cruise.
• Luggage and packing: Pack light but versatile clothing, suitable footwear for excursions, and appropriate formal wear if your itinerary includes formal dinners.
• Onboard culture: Familiarize yourself with tipping practices (gratuities) and dining etiquette on the ship.

Sample itineraries and budgeting quick-glance

• Itinerary A (7 nights, Caribbean): Cruise fare from $600–$1,200 per person + flights from Lagos to hub + pre-cruise hotel (2 nights). Estimated total: $1,200–$2,000 per person.
• Itinerary B (7 nights, Mediterranean): Cruise fare from $900–$2,000 per person + international flights + pre/post stay. Estimated total: $2,000–$3,500 per person.
• Itinerary C (10 nights, Northern Europe): Cruise fare from $1,000–$2,500 per person + flights + pre/post stay. Estimated total: $2,500–$5,000 per person.

Note: Prices vary by season, ship, and availability. Always verify current rates and inclusions.

Closing thoughts

Cruising from Nigeria offers a practical, enjoyable pathway to see multiple destinations with family-friendly options and opportunities to indulge in luxury experiences if desired. By selecting itineraries that align with your comfort level, prioritizing family needs, and smartly bundling flights with your cruise, you can maximize value while minimizing stress.