Facing Fears – Guests Who Took the Plunge on Their First Cruise
Friday, 31 October 2025
For many, the idea of a cruise is exciting – but also a little daunting. What if you get seasick? What if life on board feels overwhelming? And what if cruising just isn’t for you?
As part of The Cruise: Fun-Loving Brits at Sea, we met guests who had never cruised before and arrived with a mix of nerves and anticipation. Graham & Lewis (a father-and-son duo), Sarah & Shin (a couple travelling together for the first time), and James & Damien (married but brand-new to cruising) all admitted to feeling a little apprehensive.
By the end of their voyages, those fears had melted away, replaced by laughter, joy, and the discovery that cruising wasn’t just for other people – it was for them too.
Here are their stories.
Graham & Lewis – A Father–Son First at Sea
For Graham & Lewis, from Hull, the cruise was their very first holiday together. Father Graham was eager to try something new, but son Lewis admitted he was nervous.
“I was nervous about the open sea but didn’t want to let Dad down. Friends laughed – it was so out of character for me!”
Those first jitters soon eased once they found their rhythm on board. For Lewis, the gym became a sanctuary.
“The gym at sunrise followed by the sauna – it felt like a floating spa.”
Together, they discovered activities they never expected to enjoy.
“We went to a quiz and thought we’d be rubbish, but it was actually fun – we laughed the whole way through.”
The cruise gave them more than just entertainment – it gave them time.
“We don’t normally get this much time together at home. Here, it was just us, enjoying each other’s company.”
And the destinations? Bilbao was their favourite.
“Bilbao had so much character – we’d go back in a heartbeat.”
For Graham & Lewis, what began as a leap into the unknown became a holiday that strengthened their bond.
Sarah & Shin – A New Chapter Together
Sarah & Shin joined Ambition as a couple who had never cruised together before. Shin was the experienced one, having sailed in the past, while Sarah was a complete novice.
“We’d never been together on a ship before. Shin’s a cruiser, but for me it was brand new – we couldn’t wait.”
Their favourite space became the walking deck.
“The walking deck was our thing – fresh air, ocean views, and time to stroll together.”
Sarah admitted she was nervous about what sea days would be like.
“I thought I might get bored, but I never did. There was always something happening.”
One highlight was trying the dance class.
“We laughed so much in dance class – neither of us are dancers, but it didn’t matter. It was about giving it a go.”
Shin especially loved returning to Gibraltar.
“It was so special for me – I hadn’t been back for years. Sharing that with Sarah made it even more meaningful.”
Food also stood out – especially Lupino’s restaurant.
“Dinner at Lupinos was delicious – and it felt like such a lovely tribute to Michelle Lupino.”
Looking back, Sarah reflected on how the cruise changed her view.
“I was nervous about feeling confined, but actually it was freeing. You could do as much or as little as you liked.”
James & Damien – Discovering a New Way to Travel
Married couple James & Damien, from Essex, were complete first-timers when they boarded Ambience.
“We’d never cruised before, so it felt like a whole new adventure.”
Like Graham & Lewis, they admitted to pre-cruise nerves.
“We honestly didn’t know what to expect – would we enjoy it, would we get seasick, would we feel stuck on board?”
Those fears quickly disappeared.
“As soon as we stepped into our cabin and explored the ship, it just felt right. Everything was so organised and welcoming – we could relax straight away.”
They loved how easy it was to explore multiple destinations.
“We couldn’t believe how simple it was – no airports, no packing and unpacking. We just woke up somewhere new.”
Their dining highlight was formal night.
“The Baked Alaska Parade – wow. It was like dinner and theatre combined. Everyone clapped, the waiters smiled, and it was just brilliant fun.”
Evenings in The Palladium became another favourite.
“The shows were West End standard – we were blown away. Every night felt different.”
And the biggest surprise? How much they loved life at sea.
“We thought it might feel restrictive, but it was the opposite – it was freeing. We could do as much or as little as we wanted.”
By the end, they were converts.
“It couldn’t have been easier. We’re hooked – we’ll definitely be cruising again.”
Common Threads – From Fear to Fun
Though their stories are different, Graham & Lewis, Sarah & Shin, and James & Damien all began their cruises with a flicker of doubt. Nervousness about the sea. Worries about feeling confined. Questions about whether cruising would really be for them.
By the time they returned home, every one of them had fallen in love with life at sea. They laughed at their fears, discovered new favourites, and made memories that will last forever.
Their advice to others?
“Stop thinking and just do it – you won’t regret it.” (Graham & Lewis)
“Don’t overthink it – there’s something for everyone.” (Sarah & Shin)
“Don’t overpack – you’ll spend more time enjoying ship life than in your cabin.” (James & Damien)
Why Cruise with Ambassador?
For these first-time cruisers, Ambassador made the difference. With no-fly convenience, a warm and welcoming atmosphere, and thoughtfully planned itineraries, their nerves soon gave way to joy.
Cruising isn’t just about where you go – it’s about the way it makes you feel. Whether you’re travelling with family, as a couple, or with friends, Ambassador offers the warmest welcome at sea and the chance to turn doubts into discoveries.
