To help you make your choice we’ve put together this beginner’s guide to cruising, with ideas for first-time cruises and cruise tips for beginners. Read on to discover invaluable travel tips to make your maiden voyage truly unforgettable.

Why a cruise is a great holiday option

If you’re looking for a memorable holiday, a cruise really does have it all. The chance to see wonderful places? Check. Amazing amenities and entertainment? Check. Excellent food and drink? Check. The opportunity to really relax and get away from it all? Check. So if you’ve not been on a cruise before, we guarantee after your first one you’ll be hooked!

We know it can feel overwhelming when you’re new to this type of travel and searching for the best cruises for beginners. This handy guide to choosing the right cruise line for you lists all the factors you need to consider when booking your first cruise, such as who you’re travelling with, how much you want to spend and where you want to travel from. It’s a great starting point and will help you narrow down destinations and cruise lines for your all-important first cruise.

Best cruises for first-timers

Our maiden voyage recommendations? Keep your first cruise simple. Rather than throwing yourself into a 33-night trip that docks in a dazzling array of ports, beginner-friendly cruise itineraries are those that last between 7 and 14 nights. These offer the perfect introduction to life at sea, giving a flavour of what cruising can offer you.

Choosing a smaller ship for your first cruise, such as Ambassador Cruise Line or Regent Seven Seas Cruises, is also something worth considering, so you’re not too overwhelmed by numbers of fellow passengers. But don’t worry about missing out on top-notch amenities for first-time travellers, as these cruise lines’ smaller ships still offer welcoming cruise atmospheres with the fantastic onboard facilities that make cruising such a fun experience.

Another cruise travel for beginners tip is opting for a river cruise, such as one with AmaWaterways. With smaller vessels compared with ocean-going ships, plus shorter journey times, river journeys are a lovely introduction to the world of cruising. (And as a bonus, the risk of seasickness is greatly reduced on river cruises.)

When it comes to must-see destinations for first-time cruisers, there are some classic scenic cruise destinations for beginners. These include a voyage along Norway’s stunning coastline, a trip around the Mediterranean, a cruise along the French and Northern Spanish coasts, or a Scandinavian cruise. And don’t forget destinations closer to home: British Isles cruises are a wonderful way to see your home country in a new light.

If you’re looking for more inspiration, Fred. Olsen has put together a selection of cruises that are good for first timers.

Cruise confidence tips for first-time travellers

• As a cruise is different to other types of holidays, there are certain things you need to consider when booking your first cruise. Make sure you have the right clothes for all the destinations you’re going to. This is especially important if you’re sailing somewhere with extreme weather, such as the Antarctic. Do your research before you pack – as once you’re at sea the chances to buy forgotten items will be significantly reduced!
• As some cruise lines have dress codes for the evening, make sure you’ve included clothes that work with this. You’ll also need to think about clothes and kit for onboard activities such as swimming or yoga. And finally, remember that you won’t have a huge amount of room in your cabin, so don’t overpack and end up with clothes spilling everywhere!
• Research exactly what is and isn’t included in your fare. Some cruise lines are all-inclusive, while others charge additional fees for dining in certain restaurants or using onboard activities such as a spa. Check in advance which shore excursions are included, too – it would put a dampener on your holiday to discover that the one activity you really want to do is actually out of your budget.
• Tipping and gratuities are another area that varies among cruise lines. Some include tips and gratuities, whereas for others you’ll need to budget for this.
• Choose the location of your cabin wisely. If you’re a light sleeper, avoid booking a cabin near noisy areas such as nightclubs. If you’re prone to seasickness, opt for a cabin in the middle of a lower deck. Consider whether it’s worth paying extra for a window or balcony – this will be more important if you’re going on a longer cruise or one where having an outside view will really enhance it, such as a cruise that travels down a coastline.

Want to book your first cruise for less? Sign up to Cruise Collective for free today and access a fantastic range of deals across some of the world’s best cruise lines.