First Cruise… How to Choose a Line You Will Love

Booking your first cruise feels exciting and a little overwhelming. This guide walks you through the few choices that matter most… where to sail, what ship vibe you like, and what services you need. Then we match those choices to real cruise lines and give you official links so you can confirm details before you book.

Up one level: Cruises Hub
Pillar: Best Cruise Lines by Region… Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska
Related: Best Cruise Lines for Families… Age by Age · Most Relaxing Cruise Lines… Quiet Decks, Thermal Spas

Key Takeaways

• Itinerary first, ship second. Pick your region and season, then choose the ship that fits your vibe.
• Define your must haves. Nursery care, teen lounges, quiet decks, thermal spas, or private islands.
• Short sampler or full trip. A 3 to 5 night Caribbean is gentle for first timers… a 7 night adds more time to settle in.
• Book the big stuff early. Some dining, shows, kids clubs, and spa passes have limited capacity.

Niko’s Note 🐾 Screenshot port times and all aboard times. Nothing is calmer than knowing your schedule.

Decision Flow… 5 Steps to the Right Line

1) Region Warm water starter

• Caribbean for beaches, private islands, and easy homeports.
• Mediterranean for culture dense, port heavy days.
• Alaska for scenery, wildlife, and cooler temps.

2) Vibe Do you want non stop activity or calm premium spaces

• Activity forward: water parks, big shows, late night energy.
• Calm forward: libraries, observation lounges, thermal suites.

3) Ages Any little travelers

• Babies and toddlers need nursery options and bathtubs.
• Grade schoolers want clubs and pools.
• Teens want late hours and sports.

4) Budget and cabin Value rooms or suite perks

• Inside and oceanview cabins stretch dollars.
• Suites can include lounge access or thermal perks.

5) Dates School calendars and shoulder seasons can shift price and crowd levels.

Add this as a simple decision graphic if you like. We can export a PNG flowchart from this outline anytime.

Quick Match Table… Your Priorities to Real Lines

What A First Cruise Looks Like… The Core Milestones

Before booking

• Decide your region, month, and budget.
• Check passport or ID requirements for your route.
• Skim first timer pages to preview the process: Royal First Time Cruisers: guide · Princess New to Cruising: guide · Celebrity Cruise 101: hub · Holland America Quick Tips: blog.

After booking

• Create your account in the line’s app or web portal.
• Pre book dining, shows, and activities as soon as your window opens. Royal tips: First Time Cruise Tips · NCL pre cruise hub: Prepare for Your Cruise.
• Start a packing list. Disney sample: Packing list · Princess list: Packing guide.

Embarkation day

• Arrive during your assigned window with travel documents and luggage tags attached.
• Keep a small day bag with meds, swimsuits, chargers, and travel docs.
• Expect luggage to be delivered later. Royal explains the handoff here: How to Plan a Cruise for the First Time.
• Explore the ship and grab lunch. NCL’s blog gives a good first day preview: What to Expect on Embarkation Day.

First sea day

• Try the spa, claim a quiet chair, or book a late specialty dinner.
• Take your time with deck plans and shows. Celebrity’s Cruise 101 has helpful primers: Cruise 101.

Embarkation Day Checklist

• Online check in completed and boarding passes saved. Princess app process: OceanReady.
• Luggage tags printed and attached.
• Day bag with meds, swimsuit, sunscreen, chargers, passport or ID, wallet.
• Specialty dining and spa reservations confirmed.
• Kids club registrations handled in app or onboard.
• Cabin ready plan… suitcases under bed, valuables in safe, magnets for notes if you like.

For a printable version with times and reminders, see our Embarkation Day… Quick Start Checklist: open

Sample First Timer Itineraries We Like

• Caribbean 4 nights Miami to a private island plus one more port. Gentle sea day ratio. Royal, MSC, NCL, Disney all run these.
• Mediterranean 7 nights Western loop with Barcelona or Rome embarkation. Princess, Celebrity, MSC, Costa.
• Alaska 7 nights Roundtrip Vancouver or Seattle for scenery with minimal travel days. Princess, Holland America, Celebrity.

Tip Shoulder season trips often price lower and feel calmer.

Keep Planning

• Pillar: Best Cruise Lines by Region
• Families: Best Cruise Lines for Families… Age by Age
• Relaxation: Most Relaxing Cruise Lines… Quiet Decks, Thermal Spas

FAQ

Do all lines have formal nights Dress codes vary. Many lines are smart casual most nights with a couple of elevated evenings. See your line’s app or FAQ.
Can I cruise with a baby Yes, but minimum ages apply. Disney and Royal offer nursery care on select ships. Check age policies and availability before booking.
How early should I arrive at the port Follow the arrival time in your documents. Being early does not always mean faster boarding. Some lines enforce windows.
Are spa thermal suites included Often not. Viking ocean ships include the Nordic Spa. Other lines sell day or voyage passes and quantities can be limited.

Sources and Helpful First Timer Pages

• Royal Caribbean… First Time Cruisers hub and planning guides: First time hub · How to Plan a Cruise · First Time Cruise Tips · What to Pack
• Disney Cruise Line… Know Before You Go, packing lists, and prep FAQs: Know Before You Go · Packing list · Prep FAQ
• Princess… New to Cruising and OceanReady app process: New to Cruising · OceanReady · Pre Cruise FAQ · Packing guide
• Norwegian… First Time Cruiser info and embarkation day article: First Time Cruiser · Embarkation Day · Prepare hub
• Celebrity… Cruise 101 and first time hubs: Cruise 101 hub · First time hub
• Holland America… Know Before You Go and quick tips: Know Before You Go · Quick Tips