Cruises for first timers offer a fun way to make your vacation dreams come true. As a first-time cruiser, you’ll find many activities, from exciting adventure to a peaceful atmosphere. Picking the right cruise line is important because different cruise lines have special amenities for everyone.
“Carnival Cruise Line is the best first-time cruise for budget travelers. Norwegian Cruise Line is ideal for solo cruisers. Disney Cruise Line offers the best first cruise for families. If you’re looking for luxury, Silversea Cruises is the best luxury cruise for first-timers. Windstar Cruises is perfect for foodies, and Royal Caribbean is the best overall first-time cruise line.”
For many people, making this decision can be hard, but focusing on the details will help you have a great trip. In this article, we highlight 6 Best Cruises For First Timers travelers.
6 Best Cruises For First Timers
1: Windstar Cruises
If you want your first cruise to focus on amazing food and dining, consider Windstar Cruises. They offer two types of vessels: three small cruise ships and three motorized sailing yachts.
Most of the specialty restaurants are included in the cruise fare, with only a few dishes costing extra. The food quality is excellent, crafted by chefs associated with the James Beard Foundation and served by a professional waitstaff.
“Trips to Tahiti and the Caribbean also offer a beach picnic on an island. Onboard the ship, guests enjoy a shopping-with-the-chef adventure in some ports, featuring local items like olive oils from Greece and cheese from Sicily. The chef and crew ensure a delightful experience, from the buffet to deck barbeques.”
Windstar Cruises Best For Foodies
Windstar works with the James Beard Foundation to make culinary cruises special. On board, top chefs cook amazing meals that delight your tastebuds.
Guests can join cooking classes with these culinary stars and go on market tours to taste local foods. This partnership makes Windstar cruises a fantastic food experience.
2: Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises offers a luxury cruising experience with many luxury touches, perfect for cruises for first-timers. From the airport, first-timers are greeted with car service and transported to the cruise port or hotel if they arrive early.
The program includes seamless cruise arrangements and butler service for every suite. The only extra costs could be spa treatments, high-end drinks, or private shore excursions.
Best Choice for a First Luxury Cruise with Silversea
Silversea offers a luxurious Alaska cruise with exciting itineraries. The cruise line provides seven-night one-way routes or 14-night round-trip itineraries. In the capital city of Juneau, you can take a helicopter ride to see glaciers or enjoy seaplane adventures.
In Skagway, a historic Gold Rush town, you can go on group hikes and wildlife watching trips. You can also explore the area on bikes or kayak routes. These fun excursions are part of the luxury cruise fare. Silversea makes sure every trip is special and memorable.
3: Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line offers a magical cruising experience for all ages with plenty of amenities. The base cruise fares cover a variety of entertainment, including character experiences, movies, and shows. Kiddos can enjoy special kids’ hangouts and pools, while grownups have their own respite areas.
The ship’s restaurants, room service, and soft drinks ensure everyone is well-fed and happy. Beaches on Disney’s island stops add extra fun. The fleet’s bathrooms and tubs are designed for comfort, and launderettes offer convenience. Disney’s service and special touches make every trip full of magic.
Disney Cruise Line for Families
Disney Cruise Line offers three and four night itineraries from Port Canaveral, perfect for families looking to combine cruising with a visit to Orlando’s famous theme parks. A highlight of the trip is a stop at Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island, giving the whole gang a beach day to relax and play.
4: Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers a cruise experience for all ages, perfect for family travel. The line’s fleet of ships provides endless activities.
Kids enjoy waterparks and kids clubs, while children and adults can participate in various games and sports. The ideal pace ensures everyone enjoys the refreshing breeze and on-board fun.
Consider ships such as Voyager-class, Freedom-class, Quantum-class, or Oasis-class for features like ice rinks, bumper cars, and water slides.
First Cruise Experience with Royal Caribbean
“Royal Caribbean offers Caribbean cruises to destinations like St. Maarten, St. Thomas, and Jamaica. From Florida, sail on Harmony, Oasis of the Seas, Symphony, or Wonder ships on Eastern and Western routes.”
5: Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is a leader in the solo cruising market, offering one of the best experiences for singles and solo travelers. Their fleet of ships features studio cabins designed specifically for solos, providing access to a private lounge area.
The line offers a range of itineraries across the globe, ensuring there is much to see and do. In your cabin, enjoy a cup of coffee from the selection provided.
Norwegian Cruise Line for Solo Cruisers
Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruising through Belgium, the British Isles, Germany, Greenland, and Iceland, giving travelers a stress-free way to explore diverse cities.
On a cruise ship, you can visit each port with ease and enjoy various excursion options without the usual travel stress.
6: Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line offers great value with cruise fares starting as low as $50 per person. This line provides lots of entertainment, food, and drink choices.
Enjoy alcohol, soda, and meals at various restaurants. You can spend a lot or a little on extra-fee cabins and suites, which cater to all budgets, while spa treatments and shore excursions add luxury.
Additional costs include staff gratuities, port fees, and taxes, making the costs clear. Their itineraries take you to top cruising hotspots, ensuring a memorable trip.
Carnival Cruise Line for Budget Travelers
Enjoy a cruise for three to five nights to the Bahamas, Mexico, or the Caribbean from a nearby port. This gives plenty of time to explore the ship and visit one or two ports without spending too much money.
Choosing a cruise that stops at Half Moon Cay or Grand Turk can save money because access to the beach and some activities there is free, unlike other destinations where you usually have to pay for excursions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Many Days Should Your First Cruise Be?
Shorter cruises offer advantages like reduced costs overall, with many first-time cruisers finding that a one-week voyage is often the ideal choice
How Do I Book A Cruise For The First Time?
Visit the official website of your chosen cruise line and make a booking directly. Alternatively, contact one of their specialists to discuss your vacation options. However, if this is your first cruise experience, it might be beneficial to consider using a travel agent.