Table Of Content
- Which Cruise Line Should I Sail? The Definitive Guide for 2024
- Wear Sandals With Thick Tread Around the Ship
- Don’t Expect to Drink the Alcohol Bought in Port
- Save Hundreds By Sailing Off-Season
- Viking: Best First Cruise for River Cruises
- Windstar Cruises: Best first cruise for foodies
- The best overall cruise line for first-time cruisers:
As with most luxury lines, the Seabourn dress code is a notch up from the mainstream ships. Although recognized for its enormous mega-ships, Royal Caribbean’s fleet of 26 ships includes seven modest-sized ships for first-time cruisers who prefer to start small and work their way up. All their ships feature multiple dining options, some of which are included in the cruise fare while others require an additional charge. The advancements in cruise ships have grown in leaps and bounds.
Which Cruise Line Should I Sail? The Definitive Guide for 2024
Some phone companies have cruise-specific plans you can buy in advance of a voyage. I just put my phone in airplane mode the moment I step on board a ship and never switch it back on. I then turn on the phone's Wi-Fi, buy a Wi-Fi package and do all my calling, texting and internet surfing over Wi-Fi.
Wear Sandals With Thick Tread Around the Ship
However, remember that this cruise line is not for you if you want ultra-luxury; it’s a normal cruise line with extravagant service and a perfect atmosphere. Carnival Cruise Line appeals to a wide spectrum of guests who want to sail on a budget. Their ships sail to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico for a fun-filled vacation. Although reasonable, the uncompromising service is what attracts the customers.
Don’t Expect to Drink the Alcohol Bought in Port
Best for transatlantic cruisesWhy we rate it If you’re going to cross the Atlantic, a bucket-list entry for many, you’ll want a ship that’s built for the job. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 is the only scheduled transatlantic service, sailing regularly between Southampton and New York. There won’t be a dull moment, although many find the seven-day crossing to be a welcome break to sit back, relax and leave the world behind.
If you only follow one piece of advice in this story, it should be this one. It is the only way to ensure you won't miss your ship — something that happens to cruisers more often than you would think. As for gratuities, those can be paid in advance through the hub app, while fine dining gratuities are paid onboard.
AffordabilityAn issue that many first-time cruise passengers face is the cost of taking their trip. It’s not to say that cruising is expensive; it’s actually extremely affordable for what you get — especially when compared to the price of a traditional vacation. Meanwhile, there are lots of cruise lines all competing for your business.
That’s why we have rounded up some tips and advice on selecting the best first-time cruise for those people that have never taken a cruise before. The tips below should help you figure out the best cruise for your specific situation so that your first cruise is also your best. They also have programs for each age group, including the Splash Academy (3 to 12) and Entourage (13 to 17). As for the Guppies Program (6 months to 4), parents are required to stay with their child and enjoy the amenities together.
Best Itineraries for Your First Cruise
This Cruise Line Just Returned to Asia for the First Time in 3 Years — and It's Sailing to 11 Countries - Travel + Leisure
This Cruise Line Just Returned to Asia for the First Time in 3 Years — and It's Sailing to 11 Countries.
Posted: Fri, 20 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
For first-time passengers, the ideal cruise depends on exactly what they’re looking for. The dining experience is crafted to enhance your cultural immersion. Viking uses locally sourced ingredients and menus inspired by the destinations you visit to immerse you in the experience further. The cruise line encourages guests to dive deep into their destinations’ history, cuisine, and culture. The accommodations aboard Silversea ships are nothing short of spectacular.
The best overall cruise line for first-time cruisers:
Selecting the right cruise line is crucial; it’s not just about the destination but the journey itself. Every cabin is equipped with the same basic amenities as all other standard cabins, albeit in far less square footage. You will have a private ensuite bathroom, television, storage, and comfortable bed. Parents can rest easy knowing their children are being well taken care of (and possibly having even more fun than them) while enjoying a drink or adults-only dinner. They also have some of the best entertainment at sea, including ice skating shows, Broadway-style musicals, and high diving acrobatic spectaculars.
Finally, with high daily prices, you usually have to drink 7-10 drinks each and every day you are on the cruise to come out ahead. When you go through check-in, you’ll receive the key to your room. (Check-in online ahead of time? It may be in a sealed envelope at your cabin door.) This “key” is actually like a credit card that you’ll slide into your cabin door to unlock it. It’s also linked to your shipboard account, and you’ll use your room key just like a credit card to charge items to your account.
They’ll need to know a special handshake and code in order to get in. Princess Cruises is known for being the best cruise line for the whole family, from baby to grandma. And let the grandparents join in on the fun through educational excursions partnered with Discovery and Animal Planet, as well as splash zones, backyard games and yes, a kid-friendly bar with sweet mocktails. The cruise line also has their very own mascot, Stanley, who spends his time all over the ship to play games, take photos and interact with guests. From Norway, Greece or Rome, MSC is the best cruise line for families that want to take their young explorers out to the open sea—and this one has a ton of amenities to keep them busy in the meantime. Whether you want to try your hand at zip lining or prefer staying on the ground and playing bowling, grab yourself a MSC Fun Pass to try out these activities throughout your trip.
The line sets a standard, ensuring first-time cruisers are comfortable and elegant. What sets Silversea apart as the pinnacle of first-time luxury cruising is its unwavering commitment to personal service. With one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios at sea, Silversea anticipates your every need. Crew members know you by name and offer unparalleled personalized attention. Virgin Voyages’s Bar Tab is different from a traditional drink package. The Bar Tab is a pre-paid drink card that’s topped up by the cruise line.
Carnival cruise discounts are quite easy to discover and financing options are available. Since the ports will vary, it’s a better idea to look for cruises with excursions that sound the best to you. Your time in ports is limited; most stops are only 8-10 hours before the ship moves on again. To get the most out of your time, it’s a good idea to look for excursions that offer up unique experiences while also helping you navigate an unfamiliar port. These excursions can include everything from just hanging out on a beach to trips to historic spots like Chichen Itza to extreme adventures like parasailing. They have both specialty (where kids under 12 can eat for free) and a complimentary buffet where even the pickiest eater of the fam will find something to enjoy.
