FIRST-TIME CRUISERS
Choosing the Right Cruise: Tips for First-Time Cruisers
Pick the Cruise That Fits You — Not Just the One With the Flashiest Ship or Lowest Fare.
Your first cruise should feel exciting, not confusing. With hundreds of ships, itineraries, cabin categories and fare options, it is easy to wonder where to begin.
The easiest approach is to start with the experience you want, then narrow the choices by destination, ship style, budget, cruise length and cabin preference.
How Should a First-Time Cruiser Choose a Cruise?
Decide what kind of vacation you want, set a realistic total budget, choose a destination and cruise length, compare the personalities of different ships and cruise lines, study the itinerary and pick a cabin that fits how you travel.
MEET THE PERSON BEHIND THE ADVICE
Meet Captain Chuck
Chuck Lund is the founder of America’s Best Cruises and a retired Captain with over 35 years of experience taking care of his guests. He brings the same attention to planning, communication and detail to helping first-time cruisers replace uncertainty with the excitement they should be feeling about their first voyage.
His goal is simple: listen first, then narrow the choices around the way you actually want to travel. The biggest ship, lowest advertised fare or most famous cruise line is not automatically the right answer. Your comfort level, budget, destination interests, preferred pace and cabin needs matter far more. A first cruise should feel like it was chosen for you — not like you were talked into someone else’s idea of the perfect vacation.
“I treat every guest like family because that's what these trips are all about.”
WATCH
Navigating the Ship: A Guide for First-Time Cruisers
A cruise ship can feel enormous the first time you step aboard. This video helps new cruisers understand the ship experience and feel more comfortable finding their way around.
Your first cruise becomes much easier once the ship stops feeling unfamiliar.
TIP 1
Start With the Vacation You Actually Want
Before comparing ships, ask yourself what would make the trip feel successful.
Relaxation
Look for comfortable spaces, sea days, easy dining and an itinerary that does not feel rushed.
Adventure
Choose ports and shore experiences that give you plenty to explore beyond the ship.
Entertainment
Focus on ships known for shows, activities, nightlife and lots of choices throughout the day.
Connection
For couples, families or groups, prioritize spaces and dining options that make spending time together easy.
TIP 2
Set the Total Trip Budget
A cruise fare is only one piece of the vacation. Transportation to the port, gratuities, excursions and optional onboard spending can all affect the final cost.
Budget for the Whole Trip
- Cruise fare
- Taxes and required charges
- Gratuities or service charges
- Flights, parking or transfers
- Hotel if needed before the cruise
- Shore excursions
- Optional drinks, Wi-Fi and dining
TIP 3
Choose a Destination That Excites You
Sun & Beaches
A classic choice for travelers who want warm weather, easygoing ports and plenty of time near the water.
Scenery & Wildlife
A strong choice for travelers who care more about dramatic landscapes and destination experiences.
History & Culture
A good fit for travelers who want sightseeing-rich port days and a wide variety of destinations.
Shorter Getaway
Often a convenient way for a new cruiser to try the experience without committing to a longer vacation.
TIP 4
Think Carefully About Cruise Length
Easy First Taste
A shorter sailing can be a comfortable introduction if you are unsure how you will feel about cruising.
More Time to Settle In
A week gives you time to learn the ship, enjoy several ports and still have room to relax.
More Immersive
A longer voyage can be wonderful when the itinerary itself is a major part of the vacation.
Do Not Ignore Them
Sea days can be some of the most relaxing parts of the trip, especially when the ship has plenty to do.
TIP 5
Match the Ship to Your Personality
Two ships visiting the same ports can create completely different vacations.
Lots of Attractions
Great for travelers who enjoy choices, activities and an energetic atmosphere.
More Breathing Room
Better for travelers who care more about dining, views and quiet time than nonstop entertainment.
Something for Everyone
Youth programs, pools and broad entertainment can make family travel easier.
Comfort & Service
Some travelers prefer a more refined atmosphere, smaller crowds or additional service.
TIP 6
Study the Itinerary, Not Just the Ship
The ports and sea-day pattern shape the rhythm of the vacation.
A beautiful ship may still be the wrong choice if the itinerary feels too rushed or the destinations do not interest you.
Look at the Details
- Number of sea days
- Time in each port
- Early-morning arrivals
- Back-to-back port days
- Distance from the port to attractions
- Excursion options that interest you
TIP 7
Choose the Cabin for How You Will Use It
Budget First
A practical option if you expect to spend most of your time enjoying the ship and ports.
Natural Light
A middle choice for travelers who want a window without paying for private outdoor space.
Private Outdoor Space
Ideal for travelers who value quiet coffee, ocean views and private relaxation.
More Room
Worth considering when extra space, upgraded amenities or premium service matters to you.
TIP 8
Pay Attention to Cabin Location
Check What Is Above
Public decks can create more activity or noise than passenger-only decks.
Check What Is Below
Lounges, theaters and other busy spaces may matter to light sleepers.
Think About Walking
Large ships can involve a lot of distance between your cabin and favorite venues.
Consider Motion
Travelers who are sensitive to movement may prefer a location closer to the middle of the ship and lower passenger decks.
TIP 9
Understand What the Fare Includes
Included vs. Specialty
Most ships include several dining options while others may cost extra.
Know the Package Rules
Drink inclusions vary by cruise line, fare type and promotion.
Check the Details
Internet access may be included, discounted or sold separately depending on the booking.
Include Them in the Budget
Understand how gratuities or service charges are handled before comparing total prices.
TIP 10
Make Embarkation Day Easy on Yourself
Your first few hours onboard are much more enjoyable when the basics are already organized.
Keep required documents and essential items with you, know where to complete check-in and give yourself time to learn the ship before trying to do everything at once.
Carry With You
- Required travel documents
- Boarding information
- Essential medications
- Phone and charger
- Valuables
- Anything you may need before checked luggage arrives
TIP 11
Do Not Try to Do Everything
First-time cruisers often feel pressure to see every show, try every restaurant, visit every venue and book every excursion. You do not need to.
Leave room for coffee on deck, an unplanned lunch, a quiet afternoon and the simple pleasure of watching the ocean go by. Those moments are part of cruising too.
THE RIGHT FIRST CRUISE
Choose for Fit, Not for Hype
There is no single best cruise for every first-time traveler. A giant activity-filled ship may be perfect for one person while a smaller, quieter ship is exactly what someone else wants.
When the destination, ship, budget and pace match your travel style, the first cruise becomes much easier to enjoy.
The right first cruise is the one that makes you wonder why you waited so long to try cruising.
READY FOR YOUR FIRST CRUISE?
Let Captain Chuck Help Narrow the Choices
America’s Best Cruises can help you compare ships, destinations, cabins and total trip value so your first cruise starts with a choice that truly fits the way you want to travel.
