"I've never cruised before - where do I start?"

I suspect that many hold back from cruising just because it is different. They know what certain types of vacations look like, but cruising, not so much. All inclusive resorts - no problem. Camping vacation - done that. But getting on a ship and moving from place to place - that is scary. It doesn’t have to be, but for many it is. Let’s break down the first few steps.

What type of vacation do you want?

Before choosing a cruise line or ship, before choosing an itinerary, before choosing your room type, you first need to know what you want out of your vacation. Is exploring ancient ruins or historical sites important to you? Are you just looking for a wide variety of beaches? Do you scuba (had to throw that in there)? Or are you hoping for a giant party boat hotel which you will seldom leave?

Now, there are ships and itineraries which can satisfy most of these wants, but know what is important to you first. If your primary focus is sun and sand, with maybe a little history thrown in, that will be a different trip and mostly history with a little beach. It could mean a different side of the planet (Caribbean cruises can include Mayan ruins, or a Mediterranean cruise could include an island like Mykonos with its beaches).

Another “self knowledge” point - what are you looking for when it comes to food? I have had friends book the cheapest cruise they could find, and then come back complaining about the food. If you are a ‘foodie’, cruises can be amazing, but not every cruise has great food.

Short version - be honest with yourself about what you want from your vacation. Then you will be in a position to pick the best cruise.

Budget

A general truth in life is that you get what you pay for. Now, from time to time you can find epic deals, especially in the age of the internet. Cultivating a good relationship with an experienced travel agent can also help.

Although there is a lot of variability within cruise lines, there is a general order to the cruise lines. Carnival, Norwegian, and Holland America are generally at the less expensive end of the price range. The Italian owned lines Costa and MSC are also at the more affordable end of the spectrum. Royal Caribbean often has deals available, and many love their cruises, especially on the huge Oasis Class ships.

As you move into the ‘premium’ level you have Princess, Celebrity, Azamara and Cunard. Each has their strong points, and their loyal fans. Disney is also in this general range, although a little more expensive. Still, those who sail with Disney are often fans for life. One of my best friends, who has little patience for children, still swears by Disney cruises.

Then there are the higher end cruise lines -Oceania, Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea. The ships are generally a little smaller, but the service is legendary. They are generally all-inclusive, which makes up for the initial sticker shock when booking.

As big as it looks here, the Celebrity Summit is actually one of their smaller ships.

Time

How long is your vacation? So many cruises are a week long, and for your first cruise, that is what I would recommend. I prefer a longer cruise, but if you have any doubts, one week is enough to get a sense of what cruising is like.

If you are confident you will like cruising, consider a 10 or 11 night cruise. This will allow you to see a greater variety of ports, and also more time to enjoy the ships amenities.

Next time on the cruise blog

How to choose an itinerary. What ports should I go to? Is it really worth going to Athens for only 10 hours?

Want more info on individual cruise ports? Check out our inexpensive guides: