'I just went on a cruise for the first time, and it was nothing like I expected.'

I just went on my first-ever cruise. And what an experience it was! Before embarking on the adventure, I of course had my pre-conceived notions.

Aren't cruises just for older people?

Do you even get to leave the boat?

Is it actually good value?

All very good questions, and ones I wanted to find the answers to myself when P&O offered me and my boyfriend the chance to take their four-day voyage to Moreton Island Tangalooma.

There were highs and lows, and overall I learned a great deal about cruising — particularly why so many people absolutely love it and swear it's the perfect no-stress holiday choice.

Watch: The highlights from my P&O Cruise. Post continues below.

There isn't a cruise guest 'archetype'. 

When you think of cruising, what stereotypically comes to mind? If I had asked myself this question before going on my first cruise, I would have had two answers — older people and families with young kids.

I was half right. But I was pretty ignorant to just how universal the love is for cruising amongst all Aussies, regardless of age, socioeconomic background or ethnicity.

There were young adults excited to get into the teeming cocktail offerings, kids and tweens enjoying the youth clubs and pools, parents with their infants, likely on their first family holiday. And as for the older adults, it was certainly not just people above the age of 65. The variety was amazing to see, everyone onboard keen to make the most of their four-night sail-away experience.

Bingo is popular. Like, really popular.

Okay, I had an inkling that cruise-goers would probably love a bit of bingo. But I didn't realise just how overwhelming that passion for the game is.

I attended two different bingo games in the ship's marquee hall, and I couldn't believe the sheer number of people in attendance, of all different ages and genders — you name it, they were there to play.

Many of the adults had a shared end goal: to giggle at the host's occasional sexual innuendo jokes about certain numbers, and to potentially win some money.

Now, bingo isn't an included activity, there is an added cost. But for those on board that I spoke with, it was an extra fee that was well worth it for a bit of fun. And the prizes up for grabs were impressive. On the ship's final game for the voyage, the jackpot was at $8,500. It went to a very bingo-savvy older woman in the back row.

I could play Bingo all day. Image: Supplied.

Your off-ship itinerary is in the hands of the weather gods.

Now to answer one of the big questions I had from the outset: do you even get to leave the boat?

Well, sometimes... no.

Ultimately, that's a risk in the world of cruising. It's probably a rare occurrence, particularly if you were to book a cruise in a nice-weather season, but it's something to be aware of. This is what happened during our cruise, unfortunately — due to bad weather, our ship was unable to dock and disembark in Moreton Island, so our four-day voyage was on the ship only.

Would we have loved to get off and explore? Of course! But given the situation, all the guests made the most of the situation and took full advantage of all the ship's facilities and activities, of which there were plenty. We enjoyed some delicious food, treated ourselves to mocktails and cocktails, had a massage, relaxed in the ship's various lounge parlours, and even listened to some jazz music in the 'Blue Room'.

Left: The view from my balcony — the fresh air was a godsend. Right: The view from the upper deck, as the sun showed up shortly after a bout of rain. Image: Supplied.

Remember to pack sea sickness tablets.

I was already well prepped, so props to myself there. But it's a good idea to go to your local chemist or speak to your doctor beforehand about sea sickness tablets that will work best for you.

This is especially important if you're a first-time cruiser, or if the weather for your voyage is looking a bit rocky. Fortunately, there is a medical office onboard, and they are fully stocked and well equipped to assist any passengers who forgot to BYO.

Guests go hard and live large (and you should too!).

It was awesome to see just how much fun everyone was having.

There were the shows — Blanc de Blanc was a standout, and had the whole audience absolutely raving afterwards. Melbourne comedians Sweeney Preston and Ethan Cavanagh's In Pour Taste: A Comedy Wine Tasting Experience was also hilarious and a must-do activity onboard.

Add on the various singing performances always happening in the various lobbies, the entertainment team's activities like trivia, the kids' club, and more and you'll always find something to do on board. 

Never say 'boat' when referring to cruising. It's always 'ship'.

I accidentally uttered the word 'boat' while having a conversation with a lovely woman in the sauna onboard. I soon learned I was extremely wrong.

It's always ship. Never boat. Learn quicker than I did. Hehe.

The nightlife was next level, and the fun guests were having was palpable. Image: Supplied.

Find your favourite food options quick smart.

The included restaurants were very good, but I have to give a special shout-out to the Italian restaurant Angelo's, which did a great tiramisu, lasagne, and spaghetti and meatballs. Dragon Lady's spicy fried eggplant and their mango and coconut pudding pot also deserve a special mention. 

The service and waitstaff at every single eatery we visited were also some of the nicest and most hard-working hospitality staff I've seen. The buffet option on board was good for those who wanted something no-fuss, especially ideal for families and those who were on-the-go.

I also discovered that there are fancier food options available, though they do come at an added cost.

Some of the food highlights... yum. Image: Supplied.

Luke's Burger Bar was an absolute standout for my boyfriend and I (we went every day for lunch). I also loved getting a scoop or two of ice cream from the kiosk. Luke's Bar and Grill had an outstanding menu too, if you're looking for a special  dinner during your P&O cruise, or if celebrating something special.

For a classic and comforting feed though, the inclusive Italian restaurant was the perfect spot.

Let go of any cynicism and embrace the joy.

Like any travel experience, there are pros and cons to cruising. But one thing I loved experiencing was how much others were also enjoying themselves, and seeing just how many people on board were having the absolute time of their lives.

There was that lovely lady in the sauna who explained that this voyage was her third for the year, and she had another four lined up. 

A couple in the line for Bingo were on their 'engagement-moon' and raving about the delicious dinners they'd had at Luke's Bar and Grill every night. They had been saving up for this very occasion and were keen to splash out.

The towel animals in our room brought SO MUCH JOY. Image: Supplied.

There were the young adults living large in the nightclub, the families who had hired limousines to drive them to the port ahead of departure, the groups of elderly friends relaxing and having coffees in the ship's atrium.

Then there were the kids. The pure joy on their faces as they played in the myriad of pools, or indulged in ice cream cones on the upper deck was really sweet to see.

Cruising may not be for everyone, and there are those who would turn their nose up at the thought of going on a cruise. What I would say to them is to leave any cynicism at the dock, jump aboard and try it out for yourself. Because you never know — it might just end up being your ideal (very convenient and affordable) getaway.

In early 2025 P&O's Pacific Adventure, along with Pacific Encounter, will be integrating into the Carnival Fleet, becoming Carnival Adventure and Carnival Encounter. While sailing under new names, both ships will continue to offer the same great holiday experience. Voyages from now until 2026 are available to book via pocruises.com.au.

What are your thoughts on cruising? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below.

Mamamia travelled a guest of P&O Cruises. All opinions in this article are the author's own.

Feature Image: Supplied.