How to Choose Your First Cruise
- FancifulRoamer
- Jun 28
- 6 min read
Cruise vacations are more popular than ever. Cruising is a great way to see multiple countries in one trip, without being exhausted by the logistics. But how do you go about cruising? There is a lot to think about, so if you don't know where to start and what to pick, read on. My guide will provide you with the basic cruise knowledge, so you'll be on your way to the best experience.
Understanding The Cruise Lines
It's difficult to know what you prefer when you've never been on a cruise vacation before. But the first thing to know is that each cruise line caters to a specific adventure.
The main competitors are Royal Caribbean, MSC, and Carnival.
Royal Caribbean is family-oriented and has a bit of everything. You can party with friends or enjoy quality time with your family. There is always entertainment available, and the service is American-style, focused on total guest satisfaction.
MSC is known for great food. The focus is not on outstanding service and entertainment; they are more laid back. Europeans are used to going on vacation for the sights, rest, and food.
Carnival is similar to Royal Caribbean, except they're known to be more fun. The Carnival cruises are lively and casual, with a strong party scene.
Disney and Virgin are niche cruise lines. Disney is, of course, family-oriented and provides exclusive experiences with Disney characters. They focus on child-friendly spaces and activities.
Virgin Cruises, on the other hand, are adult-only. They are on the fancier side, with plenty of entertainment and dance parties.
Do a little research online so you can see for yourself and read other people's reviews. Keep in mind that everything is subjective, but you get an idea of what to expect.
After you settle in on a cruise line, you have to narrow it down to a ship. The smaller ships are more affordable, but also older and with fewer things to do. The larger ships are fun, but can be overwhelming. They do tend to have better food and better entertainment options.
Desired Destinations
The destination of your cruise is just as important as the ship you choose.
The main attractions are the Mediterranean and the Caribbean. But there are cruises to anywhere, like Alaska or Southeast Asia.
Choosing the destination depends on your budget, vacation days, and proximity to your home.
Mediterranean cruises are my favorite. There is so much to do and see. You can only cruise the Mediterranean during the summer. It can be very hot, windy, and crowded.
Caribbean cruises are also popular. The main attractions are beautiful beaches and local cultures, as well as Mayan sites. The summers are very hot and humid. The winters may be rainy, and the sea water may be too cold to enjoy. But it's a good time for cultural tours and enjoying the ship.
The school is out during the summer, so all ships will have many children.
Look up the ports and see what you can experience in each of them. I fully recommend booking a shore excursion. You just show up, and everything is taken care of. The best part is that you have a guarantee that you won't miss the ship, in case the tour runs longer than expected. It is cheaper if you book an excursion from the port, but it's also riskier.
You will have to think about the duration of your cruise. If you don't want to be stuck in one place, opt for a 3-day cruise. They tend to be party cruises, but they go by fast. The best cruises are about 7 days long. You get port days to explore, then sea days to rest or do things onboard.
Setting a Budget
Booking a cruise is easy, but that's not the end of your spending for the vacation.
You initially factor in the cruise itself, flight, and transportation to and from the ship.
I recommend staying in a hotel the night before the cruise, and even the night after. You don't want to arrive the same day as your cruise starts, because if your flight is late or some other delay occurs, you'll miss your cruise.
Be aware of what the cruise includes. Most likely, you'll have to pay extra for wi-fi, drinks, and more. And the wi-fi on cruises is ridiculously expensive.
It's best to find bundles and purchase everything in advance, as you'll have a better deal than booking when you're already on the ship. This goes for internet, drinking packages, spa treatments, specialty dining, and shore excursions.
Some people like to use a travel agent. They may have deals because they're accessing group prices and perks. Compare the agent's deal with the websites. Don't feel pressured to book through the agent.
It's also easy to book yourself, keep an eye out for deals and promotions.
Keep extra funds for expenses onboard and in ports.
Cruise lines also add 'gratuities' to your bill. These are 'tips' gathered from guests and then split between all the crew for their salary. This is not in the best interest of the crew. So it's best to have cash on hand, and tip your servers, cabin attendants, and whoever else you like. You simply withdraw your gratuities by asking the front desk to do so.
Cabin Selection
Having a balcony cabin while you're at sea is a unique experience. The sea view is the perfect background for a morning coffee. The balcony is a great place for reading a book or having a glass of wine at sunset.
The interior cabin is great as well. You explore the ship all day, so you only need a place to keep your stuff and sleep.
The in-between cabins have a porthole or a window. Each option is at a cost, so it's up to you.
There are also options of suits, which come with extra amenities.
Each cruise line has an exclusive club option, which includes perks and better cabins. It's great if you can afford the splurge, as you get way more out of your cruise experience. You are on vacation, after all, you might as well be pampered.
Where your cabin is located on the ship is important. The lower the deck, the less motion you feel. If you want a quiet space, check the ship plans and don't book a cabin near an entertainment venue or under a restaurant.
If you don't mind the noise and will be out partying anyway, you have more options.
Onboard Activities and Dining Options
Check out what the cruise ship has to offer before you get there, so you can plan your days. Remember, you can do as much or as little as you wish. Don't try to attend all the trivia, for example, it becomes tiring.
Decide where you will eat and make reservations. Send out any dietary restrictions, so they can be prepared.
I recommend choosing at least one specialty dining experience. Usually, the options are sushi, steak, food pairings, and more special cuisines. The deals are worth it, as you get to have an elevated meal that would be unaffordable on land.
Think about what matters most to you. If you like a relaxing vacation, maybe choose spa treatments. If you're chasing thrills, book adventurous excursions. Leave time to sit by the pool, to do nothing.
Pre-Cruise Planning
Before you click to purchase a cruise, make sure your paperwork is in order.
Check if you need any visas, or if traveling with children, what the requirements are.
Some countries require passports to have over 6 months of validity from the time you enter the country. In the US, I know you can travel on a cruise with a birth certificate. But if something happens and you're stuck somewhere in the Caribbean, you may have some difficulties.
Make sure you have travel insurance that covers emergencies and transportation.
Don't forget that you will need transportation to and from the ship. As I said, it's best to have a hotel the night before the cruise, in case you arrive later than expected. Plan and schedule transportation in advance.
Preparing for Your Cruise
Once your booking is done, it's time to think about packing and what you'll need.
The clothes depend on your itinerary. You definitely need a few bathing suits and a jacket for the cold ship interior. For dinners, opt for casual looks, but no flip-flops. Have a bathing suit cover for when you want to pop inside for a quick lunch.
Create a packing list that you can use again, so you won't leave anything behind.
I always pack a reusable water bottle, sanitising wipes, travel toiletries, and reef-safe sunscreen. I also bring detergent strips for cleaning my bathing suit in the sink.
My best tip for packing for a vacation is to place your clothes on the bed first. Then only pack half of them.
Most cruises have a formal evening, where you can dress up. It's not mandatory, though.
Bring cash for purchases in ports and tipping.
For European cruises, bring comfortable shoes, a small bag, biodegradable sunscreen, and light clothing.
Always have extra medication and a backup credit card.
While you're on the ship, keep your phone on airplane mode. You can still use the ship wi-fi like this, but you won't be charged roaming prices for random spam messages.
I hope my guide points you in the right direction when choosing your first cruise. I have cruised on MSC and Royal Caribbean, and it's fun to see how different cruise lines do things. No matter what you choose, go with the flow and enjoy your vacation!
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