Best Cruises for First Timers
Setting sail on your first cruise is an exhilarating feeling. You’ll get to experience the open waters from the balcony of your ship, explore exotic new destinations, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
However, picking the right line can pose a challenge, especially if you have limited experience in the field. With our cruising expertise, we will guide you through each of the best cruise lines for first time cruisers, so you can figure out which starter cruise is the perfect fit for you.
On This Page:
- Best Overall: Royal Caribbean International
- Best for Young Families: Disney Cruise Line
- Best Premium Line for First Timers: Norwegian Cruise Line
- Best for First Time Couple Cruisers: Celebrity Cruises
- Best for First Timers on a Budget: Carnival Cruise Line
Find your first cruise:
1. Best Overall: Royal Caribbean
Why is Royal Caribbean the Best Cruise Line For First Timers?
If you’re a first time cruiser, it's important to have a wide variety of options when it comes to entertainment, dining, and activities, since you don’t know what kind of cruise experience is right for you. On board Royal Caribbean ships, guests can enjoy multiple complimentary dining venues, several pools, a number of entertainment venues, sports areas, and more. Royal Caribbean has earned its spot among the best large ship cruise lines, with many cruisers claiming that being on a Royal Caribbean ship feels like staying at a mega-resort.
Royal Caribbean is also very easily accessible, with 28 ships sailing from 15 ports all around the country. Many cruisers also appreciate the line's commitment to sustainability, with initiatives focusing on conserving water and energy, recycling waste, and serving meals with sustainably sourced ingredients.
Onboard Fun For Guests of All Ages
Royal Caribbean offers amazing cruises for active adults and children alike. On deck, you’ll find an array of thrilling amenities, including the RipCord by iFly skydiving simulator, a nine-deck high Zip Line, and the FlowRider surfing simulator.
Onboard Royal Caribbean ships, live entertainment is in abundance with Broadway hits such as “Cats” and “Mamma Mia!”, one-of-a-kind live ice skating performances, and shows at their very own AquaTheater, which features the deepest pool at sea flanked by 30-foot tall diving platforms.
If you’re traveling with children, they’ll love Royal Caribbean's top-rated on-board youth program. Adventure Ocean is a complimentary year-round youth engagement program featuring over 28,000 square feet of play spaces, video arcades, science labs, and theaters. Kids aged six months through 17 years can enjoy play areas and activities custom-tailored to their age group, with normal hours ranging from 9:00 am - 10:00 pm, and Late Night Party Zone hours from 10:00 pm - 1:00 am.**
Adult travelers will love the several 18+ venues on board such as the Solarium, a soothing open area with a pool and whirlpool hot tubs, as well as their famed Casino Royale, boasting a multitude of games including slots, poker, and blackjack.
**Adventure Ocean’s Late Night Party Zone is not included in the cruise fare. Hourly rates apply.
Best Cruises for First Timers on Royal Caribbean
If you’re searching for the best cruise to take for first timers, we’d recommend choosing the Western Caribbean & Perfect Day itinerary. This itinerary blends unique cultural experiences and idyllic relaxation, as well as a full day at the cruise line's private island CocoCay.
You’ll get to immerse yourself in the rich culture at Cozumel, Mexico, where the historic Mayan Ruins stand, or take an underwater snorkeling adventure at Roatan, Honduras. If you prefer to just unwind, both of these destinations are dotted with beautiful beaches, perfect for a day of kicking back and enjoying the sun.
This itinerary also gives you a full day at CocoCay, a private island with exhilarating water slides at Thrill Waterpark, several dining venues, and multiple swimming and lounging areas such as Oasis Lagoon, Coco Beach Club, and the all-new adults-only Hideaway Beach.
These cruises typically range from five to nine nights, perfect for a first timer to enjoy a full cruise experience without feeling overwhelmed by the duration of the cruise.
Best Cruise Tips for First Timers on Royal Caribbean
There are a few important things to know when sailing with Royal Caribbean. The cruise fares generally don’t include all expenses, so alcoholic drinks and some dining venues require separate packages. Gratuities are also not included, so you should budget for that separately.
However, entertainment and most onboard activities are included within the fare, so you can enjoy the onboard extravaganza without paying extra.
Browse Royal Caribbean cruises:
2. Best for Young Families: Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line is a perfect choice if you’re seeking a cruise for first time families - or if you’re just a huge Disney fan. Being on a Disney cruise feels like being in one of their famous theme parks with land-based attractions, character meet-and-greets, and a variety of themed pools and water play areas.
Disney cruises are perfect for families with young children, thanks to their exceptional youth programs and kid-friendly amenities. Kids of all ages can enjoy custom playrooms, exclusive character meets, and open areas designated for their age group.
Kid-Friendly Fun Onboard
Each Disney ship offers several themed pools and water play areas, such as AquaLab, Donald’s Pool, and the adults-only Quiet Cove Pool. If you’re traveling with younger children, head to Nemo’s Reef, a special water play area for children eight years and under.
One thing that sets Disney apart is their top-notch onboard youth program. Kids ages 3-10 can explore specialized themed playrooms like Marvel Superhero Academy and Pixie Hollow at Disney Oceaneer Club. Tweens ages 11-14 get to dance, sing, and play games at Edge, while teens ages 14-17 can kick back on their private sundeck at Vibe.**
Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Disney experience without the character meet and greets. All across the ship, you’ll get the chance to interact and take photos with your favorite Disney characters. If you want a more personal experience, reserve a seat at one of the multiple-character restaurants, where your favorite characters will come to greet you right at your table.
For evening entertainment, cruisers can enjoy live Disney performances with fan favorites such as “Disney's Aladdin - The Musical Spectacular”, “Tangled: The Musical”, and “Frozen, A Musical Spectacular”.
**Oceaneer Club is open from 9:00 am - midnight; Edge Club and Vibe run from 10:00 am - 1:00 am.
Best First Time Cruise for Families
If you’re sailing with Disney, we would recommend taking one of their three or four-night cruises out of Port Canaveral. Florida’s Port Canaveral is conveniently located near Orlando, which gives you time to explore Orlando theme parks before or after your cruise.
When choosing your itinerary look out for ones that make stops at either Castaway Cay or Lookout Cay at Lighthouse Point. Castaway Cay is Disney's private island in the Bahamas, featuring exhilarating water slides, a snorkeling lagoon, a game pavilion, and more.
Lookout Cay is Disney’s brand-new private island, with exclusive amenities like the Rush Out Gush Out family water play area, Bahamian-themed boutiques and restaurants, and Family Beach sitting alongside the stunning Eleuthera shoreline.
Disney Cruise Tips for First Timers
When sailing with Disney, it's important to note that their cruise fares are significantly higher than the budget lines. This is because their fare includes a lot more, such as room service, soft drinks, and character meet-and-greets. However, certain things are not included in the fare, such as alcohol, adults-only restaurants, and gratuities.
Plan a magical Disney cruise:
3. Best Premium Line for First Timers: Norwegian Cruise Line
For cruisers seeking a more premium experience, Norwegian Cruise Line is an excellent choice. Norwegian ships have a similar mega-resort kind of feel as Royal Caribbean, with typical ships carrying anywhere from 3,600 - 6,000 passengers depending on the ship. The difference, however, is that Norwegian caters more to adults and older children, with more sophisticated amenities that create a more luxurious atmosphere.
On a Norwegian ship, you can find an array of upscale bars, lounges, nightclubs, and themed deck parties. Adults can enjoy a variety of premium spa treatments, as well as a Vegas-style casino. Norwegian also offers an exclusive lounging area with private amenities and luxurious accommodations at The Haven.
Onboard Entertainment & Relaxation
Norwegian offers unique thrill-seeking amenities perfect for cruisers of all ages, like their one-of-a-kind Speedway, an onboard go-kart race track where you can zoom at over 40 miles per hour.
At night, Norwegians keep the energy up with their open-deck-themed festivities like H2Glow celebrations, and dance parties at the Bliss Ultra Lounge.
For those who would rather kick back and unwind, Norwegian's luxurious Mandara Spa is perfect for exactly that. The spa offers over 50 premium quality specialty treatments, including thalassotherapy at the Vitality Pool, and a Thermal Suite Lounge with ocean views.
One thing that sets Norwegian apart is The Haven, an exclusive access, resort-style lounging area. The Haven has a luxurious yacht-like feel, with private venues not available to other cruisers such as The Haven Restaurant and The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck, and exclusive offers such as a cocktail party with ship officers, and specialty L’Occitane bathroom products.
Best First Cruise with Norwegian
If it’s your first time taking a Norwegian cruise, we would recommend opting for their Panama Canal cruises. The warm climate and longer length of these cruises allow you to fully enjoy all of the amenities offered on a Norwegian ship while adding a touch of cultural immersion to your shore excursions. Norwegian’s Panama Canal itineraries are great for older adults seeking a blend of cultural enrichment and relaxation.
Some of these itineraries also include a day at Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island featuring an array of pools, beaches, dining venues, and more. This little island is perfect for unwinding in the sun, with calming amenities like Cabanas on the Cay, or the Underwater Snorkel Garden, perfect for novice snorkelers looking for a calm adventure.
Norwegian Cruise Line Tips for First Timers
Norwegian fare includes entertainment venues, onboard activities, and all main dining venues. If you want to eat at specialty dining venues, those will incur a charge.
Sail with Norwegian Cruise Line:
4. Best First Time Cruises for Couples: Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises creates an atmosphere akin to a high-end, modern resort on the water. Their ships feature open-air spaces dotted with exotic fauna, several gourmet dining venues, and specialty in-room amenities, elevating every aspect of your cruise.
Each ship is designed to mirror an upscale couples resort, with a max capacity of under 3,000 passengers to offer a more intimate and personal experience. Celebrity also offers more extended cruises, typically eight nights and above, compared to rival lines, perfect for couples seeking a more immersive and rejuvenating journey.
Rest, Relaxation, and Romance Onboard
Celebrity curates a calming and upscale ambiance with luxurious amenities catered to couples. The Spa is a perfect place to unwind with your partner, with a wide selection of specialty couples massages, Eastern and holistic healing treatments, Turkish baths and saunas, facials, and medspa treatments.
If you’d like a more exclusive venue, check out The Solarium, an adults-only retreat featuring a covered pool, jacuzzi, and a bar. This area is great for older couples seeking a serene escape complemented by a simple yet elegant environment.
One of Celebrity’s most unique venues is Eden, a three-story sensory immersion venue boasting live performances, an open-air kitchen, a café, a bar, and a specialty restaurant.
Celebrity also offers an array of upscale dining venues. You’ll have a wide selection of restaurants all included in your fare such as Cyprus, offering lavish Mediterranean seafood dishes, or Normandie, serving contemporary French cuisine.
Best First Time Cruise for Couples
For couples seeking a romantic and immersive experience, Celebrity’s weeklong Alaska cruises are perfect for you. These cruises let couples enjoy all onboard amenities available while allowing ample time to explore the beautiful state of Alaska.
Alaska offers a uniquely intimate ambiance, with stops like Juneau, where you can get up close and experience the vast beauty of the Mendenhall Glacier, or Skagway, where you can take a scenic helicopter ride, followed by dog sledding across the Denver Glacier.
Alaska is also a great place to see the northern lights, a rare and beautiful natural phenomenon that can only be seen in a few locations around the world.
Related: The Best Alaska Cruises for Couples
Best Cruise Tips for First Timers on Celebrity
When cruising with Celebrity, your room selection will determine what kind of package you get. Some rooms include drinks, Wi-Fi, and tips, while others are “Cruise Only” fares. AquaClass staterooms will get you access to exclusive amenities like the Blu Restaurant and complimentary spa treatments at the SEA Thermal Suite and Persian Garden.
During the month of June, Celebrity hosts a fleet-wide Pride Party at Sea featuring LGBTQ+ programming and themed parties in honor of pride month. Check out some of the activities they offer at #GetOnBoard with Celebrity.
Plan a romantic Celebrity cruise:
5. Best Cruise for First Timers on a Budget: Carnival Cruise Line
If you’re seeking a cruise line with a starter cruise festive, bustling atmosphere, then Carnival Cruise Line is right for you. Each ship offers a variety of on-deck activities, live shows, and various dining options with high-quality food. Carnival lives up to its name, boasting a variety of exciting activities from the first roller coaster at sea to its giant outdoor seaside theater.
Carnival is among the best cruise lines for first timers on a budget, thanks to their fares being among the lowest out of North American cruise lines. Carnival offers cheap sailings out of Florida from as low as $164 a person, as well as trips from California from $214 a person. Included in the fare is access to a variety of dining venues, such as Shaquille O'Neal's Big Chicken and Guy Fieri’s restaurant Guy's Burger Joint. Their fleet comprises 25 ships sailing from 21 worldwide ports, so it's very easy to find a cruise departing from close to you.
Onboard Fun Included in the Fare
On every Carnival ship, you’ll have access to a multitude of delightful activities, all included in the price of your cruise.
If you want some fun in the sun, head over to WaterWorks, which features thrilling water attractions like the Twister Waterslide, Drainpipe Swirling Water Slide, and the PowerDrencher water bucket. If sports are more your style, head over to SportSquare, where you can test your limits at the above-deck ropes course, or enjoy a competitive game of basketball, foosball, ping-pong, or billiards.
For young adults seeking a thrill, Carnival offers one-of-a-kind, heart-pumping activities. Pedal high above deck on a suspended bike with SkyRide, or marvel at 360 ocean views while zooming by your fellow cruise-goers on Bolt: Ultimate Sea Coaster, the first-ever roller coaster at sea.
When it comes to evening entertainment, Carnival has got you covered. Everyone can enjoy outdoor cinema at Carnival's Seaside Theater, as well as audience interactive performances like “Family Feud Live”. Carnival offers some of the best party cruises for young adults thanks to its array of nightclubs, bars, and parties. They also boast one of the biggest casinos at sea featuring roulette, craps, poker, blackjack, slots, and more, making Carnival one of the funnest cruises for adults.
Best Itinerary for First Time Cruisers on Carnival
If you’re looking for a great first time cruise experience, opt for one of Carnival's three to five-night sailings to the Bahamas, Mexico, or the Caribbean. These itineraries are perfect for enjoying all there is to enjoy on a Carnival cruise ship, while also having time to explore your destination.
The Bahamas and the Caribbean are the perfect places to kick back and relax on an idyllic, stunning beach, with ample opportunities for snorkeling and diving. Mexico offers more chances for cultural immersion, with stops at popular ports like Cozumel, featuring historic Mayan Ruins, or Ensenada, boasting the grand Guadalupe Valley.
If you’re sailing from the East Coast, be sure to pick an itinerary featuring a stop at Half Moon Cay, Carnival’s very own private island. Voted the best private island by Porthole Cruise Magazine, this Bahamian gem features exhilarating activities like beachside horseback riding, stingray snorkel adventures, and a tropical kayak trek.
Carnival Cruise Tips for First Timers
It’s important to note that sodas, alcohol, and mocktails are not included in the fare, and will incur an additional charge. The dress code on Carnival is casual, however for cruises of six nights or longer, the ship will host one or two Elegant Nights, where cruisers dress up in cocktail or club attire and enjoy an evening of upscale activities.
Book an affordable Carnival cruise:
Set Sail With Cruisebound
Now that you know which cruise line is right for you, book today with Cruisebound. Our website makes booking quick and easy, so you can spend more time enjoying your first cruise on the line that's right for you. Book and save with Cruisebound today.
FAQs:
Q: What is the best cruise line for first time cruisers?
A: Royal Caribbean offers the best cruises for beginners.
Q: What is the best cruise for first time young adults?
A: The best cruises for young adults taking a first time cruise is Carnival, because of its exciting, party-like atmosphere and affordable prices.
Q: What is the best cruise line for young couples taking a first cruise?
A: The best cruises for young couples is Celebrity, thanks to their unique array of romantic amenities onboard.
Q: What is the best cruise ship for first time cruisers?
A: The best cruise for 1st timers is aboard any Royal Caribbean ship since they offer a wide variety of activities, dining options, and entertainment on board.
