Which Cruise Line Is Best for First Timers?

By Alice Nichols

If you’re planning your first cruise vacation, you might be overwhelmed by the number of cruise lines and ships out there. It can be tough to figure out which one is the best fit for you, especially if you don’t know what to look for. To help make your decision easier, we’ve put together a guide on which cruise line is best for first-timers.

What to Look For

Before we dive into our recommendations, let’s go over some things you should consider when choosing a cruise line.

Price: Cruises can range from budget-friendly to luxury, so it’s important to figure out how much you’re willing to spend.

Itinerary: Make sure the ship visits destinations that interest you.

Ship Size: Do you want a smaller ship with fewer amenities or a larger ship with more activities?

Cruise Length: Do you want a short three-day trip or a longer two-week getaway?

With those factors in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best cruise lines for first-timers.

Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean is one of the most popular cruise lines and for good reason. They have something for everyone, from families with young children to solo travelers.

Their ships are packed with activities like rock climbing walls, zip lines, and ice skating rinks. They also have Broadway-style shows and plenty of dining options. Royal Caribbean is great if you’re looking for an action-packed vacation.

Carnival

Carnival is another popular choice for first-time cruisers. They’re known for their fun atmosphere and affordable prices.

Carnival’s ships have plenty of activities like water parks, mini-golf courses, and casinos. The dining options are more casual than other cruise lines, but there’s still plenty of variety. If you’re looking for a lively vacation, Carnival is a great option.

Disney Cruise Line

If you’re traveling with young children, Disney Cruise Line is the way to go. Their ships are designed with families in mind and have activities for kids of all ages.

There are character meet and greets, Broadway-style shows, and deck parties. The dining options are also top-notch with rotational dining where you get to experience different restaurants each night. Disney Cruise Line is on the pricier side, but the quality of the experience is worth it.

Norwegian

Norwegian is a great option if you’re looking for flexibility. They have a “Freestyle Cruising” concept which means you can dine whenever you want and wear whatever you want to dinner.

Norwegian’s ships have plenty of activities like water slides, ropes courses, and mini-golf courses. Norwegian is great if you’re looking for a laid-back vacation.

Conclusion

Choosing a cruise line can be overwhelming but hopefully, this guide has helped make your decision easier. Royal Caribbean is great for action-packed vacations while Carnival is perfect for those looking for a fun atmosphere at an affordable price.

Disney Cruise Line is designed with families in mind and Norwegian offers flexibility with their “Freestyle Cruising” concept. No matter which cruise line you choose, we’re sure you’ll have an unforgettable vacation!