{"id":27836,"date":"2019-07-30T22:02:17","date_gmt":"2019-07-30T22:02:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/?p=27836"},"modified":"2021-10-28T17:20:15","modified_gmt":"2021-10-28T17:20:15","slug":"cruising-101-first-time-cruise-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.expedia.com\/stories\/cruising-101-first-time-cruise-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Cruising 101: First Time Cruise Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many people opt for a vacation at sea because of cruising’s irresistible convenience. Multiple destinations, a plethora of activities, and exceptional dining and entertainment options within minutes. You can experience it all from the same room while unpacking your suitcase only once! Although cruising is easy-breezy once you\u2019re onboard, the planning process can be somewhat overwhelming for first-timers. Here are a few first time cruise tips to help you navigate the many decisions you\u2019ll make during the planning process.<\/p>\n

1. Where should I go on my first cruise?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"The
Source: Shutterstock; Aerial view of Ocho Rios, Jamaica<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

With 35% of all cruises sailing to the Caribbean (including Mexico and The Bahamas), it\u2019s an obvious, easy, and inexpensive choice for your first cruise. Plus, most Caribbean cruises<\/a> depart from home ports around the United States so you\u2019ll have plenty of options for embarkation points within driving distance or a short flight from home. Caribbean cruises<\/a> range in length starting at just three nights which allows you to get a taste for the cruise life without sacrificing an entire week\u2019s vacation.<\/p>\n

Travelling from the Pacific Northwest? Cruises to Alaska<\/a> are becoming increasingly popular and roundtrip sailings depart from Seattle<\/a> or Vancouver, BC<\/a> between May and October. Not only is Alaska an easily accessible first cruise destination from North America, its natural wonders like glaciers and marine life are also best experienced by ship.<\/p>\n

Looking for an East Coast getaway? Cruises to Canada New England <\/a>are also a fantastic option for first-timers with approachable port cities that are easy to explore on your own.<\/p>\n

2. Which cruise line is right for me?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\"The
Source: Princess Cruises; Crown Princess<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Likely the biggest and most important decision you\u2019ll make as a first-time cruiser is choosing which cruise line is the best fit for your travel style. This can have a big impact on your vacation experience so make sure to spend some time evaluating your options.<\/p>\n

Each cruise line caters to its own niche customer by offering amenities, activities and itineraries that differentiate it from the rest. Budget, destination and travel dates will help you quickly narrow down your choices, but you\u2019ll likely still be left with a few options to ponder.<\/p>\n

When evaluating different cruise lines, here are a few first time cruise tips to consider:<\/p>\n

Travel companions<\/h3>\n
\"Family
Source: Shutterstock<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Are you looking for a romantic escape with plenty of adults-only quiet areas? Or are you bringing the kids who will want amenities designed to maximize play? What about grandma? Does she require an accessible room and ramps throughout the ship that will allow her to partake in all the fun? Consider the needs of your travel companions and which ship meets them best.<\/p>\n

Activity level<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Do you plan to spend your days lounging by the pool or running around the ship experiencing the latest onboard innovations from dawn till dusk? You can find zooming race cars, giant waterslides, and guest-controlled rollercoasters onboard today\u2019s cruise ships \u2013 decide which amenities matter most to you. If it’s all about the ship for you, you may not mind an itinerary that includes a few days at sea.<\/p>\n

Dining experiences<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\"Main
Source: Royal Caribbean International; Main Dining Room at Allure of the Seas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Do you consider yourself a foodie or is eating merely a means to fuel up for your next adventure? While it is always an option to hit the buffet, there are plenty of memorable dining experiences to be found on today\u2019s cruise ships from locally-sourced menus that change with each port, to restaurants created by celebrity chefs like Jamie Oliver on Royal Caribbean<\/a> or Emeril Lagasse on Carnival<\/a>. If food is an important part of travel for you, it’s worth looking into your onboard dining options before you book.<\/p>\n

Small vs. big ships <\/strong><\/h3>\n

Although it may seem as though all contemporary cruise vessels are \u2018mega-ships\u2019 compared to your family sailboat, there\u2019s actually a huge difference between a ship that carries 5,000 guests and a ship that holds 2,000. While the world\u2019s largest cruise ships boast some pretty incredible amenities, that\u2019s a lot of extra people onboard. That\u2019s 3,000 more people waiting in line to get on the ship, off the ship, book their shore excursions, and fill their plates at the buffet. Decide if you value big ship amenities over small ship intimacy.<\/p>\n

My articles below highlighting individual cruise lines may also be helpful in determining which cruise line is the best fit for you:<\/p>\n