Cruise Line for First-time Cruisers: It can be difficult to select the finest cruise line when you are a first-time cruisers. Most people begin by examining all of the leading cruise lines; however, the best way to enjoy your first cruise is to hunt for cruise lines that offer the specific experiences you want.
In search of a romantic retreat? Wishing to take the kids on a cruise as a treat? Perhaps you’d prefer the greatest cruise lines reserved for adults. Which cruise lines are the greatest for First-time cruisers?
We’ve got crucial information to help you decide, whether you want to embark on an expedition cruise right away or just try out a quick three-night journey. The top 11 cruise lines for first-time cruisers of all travel preferences are shown below.
Arranging your very own cruise can seem like a daunting task. There are countless options, ranging from luxurious yachts in the Mediterranean to river cruises in Asia and exploration ships in Antarctica, to “party boats” on “cruises to nowhere.” You should carefully consider your travel preferences and the kind of cruise you want, taking into account your financial situation, the location of departure, and the duration of the trip.
So how can you determine whether the personality of a cruise line aligns with your needs? You might consult a travel agent, or you could just peruse our comprehensive list of the top cruise lines for first-time passengers.
1. P&O Cruises
Ideal for: Cost
Although P&O does impose additional fees for certain items, including burgers and poolside ice cream, it has significantly improved in other areas recently with clever renovations, fresh menus, celebrity chef restaurants, and an ever-growing selection of itineraries. With departures from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Fremantle, and Adelaide, most Australians may take a cruise without having to pay for their airfare. There are frequently excellent bargains because of the necessity of consistently filling so many cabins, especially during the off-season (May to September). Low-season cruises often have special discounts, with twin share costs as low as $100 per day.
There aren’t any brand-new ships in the fleet; even the newest, the Pacific Explorer, was once a Princess Cruises vessel. However, major renovations on Explorer, Aria, and Dawn have resulted in some gorgeous new areas, including brand-new Asian and Italian restaurants where eating is included in the cruise ticket. The old-fashioned buffet has given way to the Pantry food hall model, and Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill is a well-liked spot to celebrate special occasions with a three-course banquet priced reasonably at $59 per person. The least expensive seven-course degustation at sea is Pacific Explorer’s Taste of Salt, which comes in at $99 per person. The $20 high tea is a fantastic deal as well. You won’t be let down if you anticipate a 3.5-star encounter rather than a 5-star one.
2. Royal Caribbean International
Ideal for: Parents of teenagers and tweens
This cruise line is so amazing for First-time Cruisers, high-tech features than any other company at sea, which makes it the perfect choice for teenagers and thrill-seekers. A few years back, Royal Caribbean brought rock-climbing walls to the world. Since then, the company has added ice skating rinks, surf simulators, bumper cars, skydiving tunnels, and glass domes that carry guests high above the waves on crane-like arms. If they fit the necessary height standards, tweens can also experience these exhilarating attractions. While Voyager of the Seas features an ice rink and a surfing machine, Australia-based Ovation of the Seas features bumper cars, skydiving, and the North Star observation capsule. There are also unique teen hangouts and burger joints in the vein of a diner.
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Runner-up: Teenagers adore the fastest and steepest slide on Carnival Cruise Line cruises, which are located on their ships. Along with burgers, tacos, and BBQ appetizers to gorge on, tweens may enjoy a private yellow Twister waterslide and watch movies on a large screen by the pool.
3. Carnival Cruise Line
Ideal for: Families with Small Children
One of the greatest cruise lines for anyone taking their first trip is Carnival Cruise Line. With so many different food options, entertainment options, and activities, Carnival Cruise Line has something for everyone. Their ships are full of entertaining elements that will add magic to your maiden trip. Because its ships have something to offer everyone, Carnival is referred to as the “fun cruise line.” Carnival provides something for every type of cruiser, including events for families, late-night parties, and leisurely getaways.
Carnival’s affordable cruise prices are another factor that makes them the top choice. A cruise holiday isn’t inexpensive, as you have probably already discovered if you have started your research. You might not want to spend too much on your first cruise, just in case you decide it’s not for you.
In the business, Carnival Cruise Line offers some of the lowest fares. Additionally, they don’t overdo upsells, in contrast to a lot of cruise lines. You will be granted complimentary entry to the adult-only Serenity retreat, Guy’s Burger Joint, and the Punchliner Comedy Club show.
They also provide a wide range of three- to five-day itineraries. In this manner, you can experiment with a new kind of travel without devoting an excessive amount of valuable holiday time. One of the best options for first-time cruisers is the Carnival Cruise Line because of its relaxed atmosphere, wide range of activities, and affordable prices.
4. Princess Cruises
Ideal for: Unwinding
This large ship cruise line has a large following and has over 20 vessels in its fleet. It’s the original Love Boat line, founded in the mid-1960s (the TV show’s ship was named Pacific Princess). With six of the Princess ships headquartered in Australia, there are many different itinerary options. It is regarded as the best cruise line in New Zealand for First-time Cruisers and has increased the variety of its shore excursions. Princess also offers a yearly world cruise that leaves from Sydney and Auckland, which is quite convenient for the inhabitants.
Great amenities are available on the larger ships in the fleet, such as multiple swimming pools, multiple major dining rooms, outstanding specialized restaurants, outdoor movie screens, and entertaining entertainment. Hot offers and extras like balcony cabin upgrades are frequently given out. Long, indulgent dinners at Curtis Stone’s Share or the excellent Crown Grill steakhouse are available, as is free room service (which isn’t available on other Australian ships). You can also find a quiet spot in The Sanctuary or the adults-only pool nearby, enjoy happy hour at the Wheelhouse Bar, or just kick back with popcorn and blankets in the outdoor cinema.
5. Holland America Line
Ideal for: Experienced Tourers
Holland America, a seasoned cruise line that has been operating since 1873, has a lot to offer, including teak wrap-around promenade decks, specialized movie theaters, elegant afternoon teas, and culinary training offered at the Culinary Arts School. Formerly classified as mid-size (carrying fewer than 2000 passengers), the fleet of 15 ships currently includes the Nieuw Statendam, which can accommodate 2,666 passengers. The Explorations Cafe, which has excellent coffee and a library, is one of the best public areas on a ship with elegant yet tasteful decor. On the line’s longer itineraries—which include yearly summertime trips to Australia—and its off-season cruises, passengers are often older. During the school vacations, families can be expected to travel on cruises through the Caribbean and Alaska.
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Holland America has a devoted fan base and is anything but stuffy, even though it tends to appeal to an older audience. There’s B.B., great live music, and exciting nights at the piano bar. Most ships have King’s Blues Club. When Australians join in, the fun factor always increases.
6. Cruise & Maritimes Voyages
Ideal for: Individuals and lone travelers
For lone travelers who prefer classic ocean sailing on smaller ships, CMV is a great option because of its welcoming atmosphere and attentive, friendly service. The UK-based company offers six ships, the most notable of which is the Vasco da Gama, located in Australia and the focal point of the firm’s Australasian deployment. Vasco do Gama, which features 40 dedicated single cabins, is a cruise ship with homeports in Adelaide and Fremantle as well as Auckland, Sydney, and Singapore. There are 150 twin cabins on Columbus and Magellan reserved for solo occupancy, at a nominal 25% surcharge over twin sharing rates. A calendar of events for single travelers is available on sailings lasting six nights or more. This includes a welcoming cocktail party and get-togethers where guests can network with other like-minded travelers.
7. Norwegian Cruise Line
Ideal for: People who enjoy entertainment
Norwegian ships feature live music, comedy and improv shows, musical revues, and special guest performances. However, the line’s newest ships, the Norwegian Escape, Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Breakaway, and Norwegian Getaway, are truly remarkable. The line draws inspiration from classics from the land; Broadway musicals like as Rock of Ages, After Midnight, or Million Dollar Quartet, as well as blues bands and dueling pianists, are available to cruisers. The dinner performance Cirque Dreams further transforms meals into theatrical productions. You won’t get bored when traveling if there are lots of bars, discos, bowling alleys, and Wiis available. On Norwegian Jewel, Australians may take in the exciting song-and-dance show Band on the Run and the daring aerial feats of Le Cirque Bijou.
8. Oceania Cruises
Ideal for: Gourmets
With its three newer ships, Marina, Riviera, and Sirena, all of which are included in the cruise cost, Oceania Cruises has the best selection of specialty restaurants. These include the Italian eatery Toscana, the steakhouse Polo Grill, Red Ginger, which serves Thai, Vietnamese, and Japanese food, and Jacques, a renowned French restaurant where Jacques Pepin, a well-known French chef and TV personality, created the dishes.
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Runner-up: Celebrity is notable for its extensive menu offerings (including French, Italian, Asian, and more) in exquisitely designed restaurants. On the Australian-based Celebrity Solstice, there are ten dining options available, including the opulent Luminae, which is reserved for passengers staying in suites, and Blu, a spa-inspired restaurant that is only open to those in AquaClass cabins. The major dining rooms and complementary buffet are also lovely options for people on a budget.
9. Viking
Ideal for: Lovebirds
Viking is the perfect option if you want to ensure that sweet deck walks won’t be marred by the pitter patter of tiny feet. No guest under the age of eighteen is allowed on the line’s chic and modern adults-only ocean (and river) cruise ships. Every cabin has a balcony where you can enjoy the sunset over incredibly beautiful locations like Santorini, Venice, and Bora Bora. With wine and specialty dining included in the fare, couples may look into one other’s eyes at dinnertime every night without having to worry about the total cost.
10. Cunard Line
Ideal for: those seeking enrichment
Cunard exudes culture, as do its three Queens. Celebrities including NASA astronauts, arctic explorers, and specialists in journalism, politics, climate change, and national security are among the guests invited to join the cruise line’s enrichment program. Indulge in cultural activities such as reading clubs, ballroom dancing, West End-style theater (in a box seat, no less), a planetarium (exclusive to Queen Mary 2), and acting classes with members of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Along with this, travelers can use Ancestry.com specialists to help them trace their family tree.