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Cruise for first timers
Cruise for first timers

18 Best Cruise Lines for First-Time Cruisers

If you are a first-time cruiser, then check out this list of cruise lines for first-timers.

By Cruise Booking Team

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Cruising is considered to be one of the eccentric ways to travel in the industry. Cruise travel is associated with high-ceiling, lavish interiors, on-deck pools, open-air cinema, water rides, and other extravaganzas. Sailing is more of a lifestyle than a travel experience. First-timers ought to get befuddled, given the extensive options of cruise lines and destinations in the industry. The all-inclusive reputation of cruises is all the more reason to set out for a majestic destination on the high seas. Avid First time Cruisers who want to try out waterways as a mode of transport are guaranteed to be impressed by the unmatched oomph on the ship along the way.

List of 18 Recommended Cruise Lines for first-time cruisers

1. Disney Cruise Line for Kids and Families

Imagine cruising on a mini version of Disneyland! Disney cruise line has a patent for family cruises in the industry. The family-oriented cruise creates a bubble of joy with Disney-themed designs and amenities to keep the cruisers amused. Snuggle up with your favorite Disney characters on the vessel, like Goofy, Pooh, Cinderella, and many more. Decorated nurseries equipped with toys and other baby products are also available onboard. Savour delicacies at top restaurants with fairy tale décor, and draw yourself a luxurious bath in the bathtub in your stateroom.

Also, Read: How to save money on the Disney cruise line?

2. Royal Caribbean International for Driving Innovation At Sea

Royal Caribbean ship
Photo by DaniDap at Pixabay

Royal Caribbean International is not just a brand but a way of living. The guests are enthralled by the premium services onboard. The ships boast adventure sports equipment onboard, pools, bars, pubs, and several other amenities for adults. The entire vibe of Royal Caribbean is more adult-centric than family-oriented, with the party lifestyle and on-deck sports. Drink a mocktail, try out your luck at the casino, and dance the night away on Royal Caribbean!

3. Silversea Cruises for Luxury on the Mainstream Line

Hop aboard with Silversea Cruises if luxury is your priority. The upscale cruise ships attract a mature crowd with their all-inclusive pricing that allows you to evade unexpected pricing. Go fine dining by the sea with the view of the horizon. The pace of activities is more relaxing and relatively slow as compared to mainstream entertainment cruises.

Also, Read: what is the average cost of a Silversea cruise?

4. Oceania Cruises for World Tours

Image of a white cruise ship in the middle of the sea with white clouds and blue sky
Photo by Artem Kulinych at Pexels

Persons intrigued by the making of exotic dishes and gourmet cuisines must get on board with Oceania Cruises. The food served at the restaurants onboard speaks volumes for its culinary arts. Revered chefs such as the French chef Jacques Pepin are in charge of the culinary endeavors onboard. The line is famous for its lobsters and Asian-style food.

5. Carnival Cruise Line for Budget-Friendly Cruising

Carnival Cruise Line appeals to a wide spectrum of guests who want to sail on a budget. Their ships sail to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Mexico for a fun-filled vacation. You will find itineraries as short and cheap as you want. Although reasonable, the uncompromising service is what attracts the customers. With maximum ports in the US, carnival travels to 11 different states.

6. Holland America Line for Shorter Getaways To World Tours

Go solo with Holland America Line, which hosts glamorous parties for singles and couples. Cruisers will always have things to do on their vacation. Mingle with your fellow cruises and make unforgettable memories in the seas. On the brighter side, the line is also queer-friendly and sets you up with a partner of your preference. The services onboard are undoubtedly spick and span, considering their long-term existence in the industry.

7. Norwegian Cruise Line for Freestyle Cruising

Norwegian jade Cruise Ship in Venice Cruise
Photo by wasi1370 at Pixabay

Norwegian Cruise Line is packed with entertainment shows. Be it music, comedy, theatre, or dance, each performance has its own charm on its vessels. Musicals like Rock of Ages, Footloose, and Kinky Boots are among the most popular ones on their cruises. Tap your feet and sway to the Latin beats during Burn The Floor. There are plenty of diners, bars, discos, and even a bowling area for entertainment.

8. Princess Cruises for Luxury Travel and Exceptional Customer Service

This slow-paced cruise line allows you to enjoy your journey at your own pace. Sailing on Princess Cruises is truly a rejuvenating experience as it lives up to its tagline, “Come Back New.” The onboard amenities of the ships are designed to pamper the guests in all manners. You can book a spa and relax in the ambient parlors or even sign up for a yoga class.

9. Cunard Line To Experience Victorian Cruising

Cunard Line is the closest you will come to Victorian cruising if you have passionately been fantasizing about sailing on the Titanic. The aesthetic oozes British features with sophisticated interiors. This is a line for ladies and foppish dandies who wish to immerse themselves in Shakespeare's works. The cruise line’s Transatlantic itineraries are sure to leave the guests mesmerized with beauty as they sail with elegance.

10. Viking River Cruises To Explore Medieval Towns on Riverbanks

River cruising is the most leisurely way to sail through the narrow waters and explore the intricacies of a destination. Viking River Cruises is known for its destination-centric itineraries that enable you to explore the place in and out. A total of 60 vessels of the line sail through the waterways of Europe, Egypt, Russia, and Asia. Scandinavian interiors and the specialized treatment by the crew are known to impress travelers.

11. Celebrity Cruises for the LGBTQ Community

We can say that Celebrity Cruises is perhaps the most LGBTQ-friendly cruise line. On cruise ships, you can always find out that they go above and beyond to make their guests happy and comfortable and let them enjoy their cruise vacation. Not only that, but this cruise line has also announced that people in this community can perform same-sex marriages onboard their cruise ships by the Caption in the year 2017. Thus, whether you want to hop on celebrity cruise ships for your vacation, honeymoon, or your wedding, you’ll never be disappointed.

Moreover, this cruise line is also famous for its luxury and is known as a premium cruise line. Here, you can get everything from live entertainment to multi-cuisine food, bars, drinks, parties, and much more. One of the main reasons people love to travel with a celebrity cruise line is its crew, which is very friendly and accommodating. So, if you’re a first-timer and looking for a cruise vacation and a cruise line that offers premium luxury, consider a celebrity cruise line.

12. MSC Cruises for Experiencing Innovative Italian Culture

Image of Cruises Shipping MSC Magnifica
Photo by wasi1370 at Pixabay

If you want to experience the Italian culture and atmosphere, consider the MSC cruises. It is often one of the most affordable cruise lines that attracts a lot of families from across the world, including young individuals. Their ships are more sustainable and innovative, with incredibly beautiful designs and a resort feeling. It offers several entertaining options, including water slides, zip lines, ropes courses, and gorgeous pools on the top decks.

Even if you’re on a tight budget, MSC is for you. Currently, it has 20 ships in its fleet and sails across the world, covering destinations like Europe, Egypt, the Caribbean, Bahamas, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and many more. In short words, you can explore all small and unique ports no matter where you want to go!

13. Virgin Voyages for Some Adult-Only Experience

Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, the Scarlet Lady, a cruise ship operated by Virgin Voyages Cruise Line
Photo by petertt at Depositphotos

For every couple, spending quality time together is not easy with kids, but on Virgin Voyages, it is possible. This is the only cruise line that offers an adult-only experience to its guests, making their cruise vacation a perfect couple’s getaway. Don’t get them wrong – they also love kids. Still, their concept is to give adults some space and privacy from their daily lives, which involves their errands and parental duties.

There are many adult-friendly activities that you can enjoy onboard, including romantic dinner dates, relaxing and rejuvenating in the spa, and adding a splash of romance to your vacation. Moreover, the cruise line believes that sometimes the absence of your kids makes your heart grow loving. In fact, you can say that these ships are your playgrounds for your inner child.

14. Azamara Cruises Is an Upscale but Not Quite Luxury

An upscale cruise line that focuses on big destinations and a lot of charms. Just like its tagline, “Stay Longer, Experience More,” Azamara Cruises offers itineraries that stay overnight in smaller, less-traveled ports in more than 70 countries. Not only that but there are also many reasons why Azamara might be the cruise line for you. The reasons are longer cruise itineraries, warm and friendly ambiance, notable dining experience, best deck parties at sea, more inclusive fares, and fully geared with adult activities.

Moreover, every year, it features maiden ports, including numerous other unusual and exotic destinations.

15. Regent Seven Seas Cruises - the Premier All-Inclusive Luxury Line

The Regent Seven Seas Cruise line is a world-class cruise line
Photo by ArvidO at Pixabay

Regent Seven Seas Cruises has six ships in its fleet, and all vessels receive high marks for their all-inclusive approach and luxury service commitment. It gives ample personal space, with many lounges, social spaces, and incredible restaurants providing multiple cuisines. Not only that, but the ship also has some excellent spa and wellness facilities, a blissful atmosphere, quality services, and professional fitness experts for quality training and guidance.

Experience the award-winning and intuitive service that comes with impressive food, complimentary amenities, all-balcony suites, and much more for your journeys around the world.

16. Celestyal Cruises for Destination Focus Itinerary

The majestic Crystal Cruise on the island of Rhodes was a memorable experience
Photo by Bennian at Depositphotos

Celestyal Cruises offers itineraries for up to 14 nights. It is a Greek-owned and operated cruise line offering a Greek atmosphere. Not only that, it is also offering Greek menu items, bands, wines, and many such things that are inspired by Greek culture. Apart from the Greek atmosphere, it will take you to exotic destinations like the Greek Isles, Cyprus, Turkey, Egypt, Israel, and the Mediterranean.

This mid-size cruise ship has everything you need in amenities, such as a pool, jacuzzi, promenade deck, spa, fitness center, casino, and several gifting shops on board, which are tax-free. However, remember that this cruise line is not for you if you want ultra-luxury; it’s a normal cruise line with extravagant service and a perfect atmosphere.

Also, Read: How much does a cruise cost?

17. Seabourn Cruises for Upscale Cruise Vacations with Smaller Ships

Seabourn Cruise Line tops in upscale cruise vacations with its small ships. It has an almost one-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio. It incorporates luxurious pampering from décor to entertainment to health and fitness. It also offers a private club atmosphere to its guests. For example, guests can make dinner reservations in advance to order popcorn and drinks for the afternoon movie.

So whether you want to sail to the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, this cruise line can take you anywhere and to hidden ports of the world on their small ships. However, you can try their fixed itinerary of the Mediterranean in summer and the Caribbean in winter. Also, remember that the all-inclusive package doesn’t include the excursions, and your dress code should also be notched up. You can wear your resort-style casual clothes during the daytime or on outings and dress up in the evenings in some formal or casual wear.

18. Viking Ocean Cruises – the Thinking Person Cruise

Yes, you read it right. Viking Ocean Cruises is recognized as the Thinking Person Cruise because of its ocean itineraries, which are specially designed to let their guests not only explore the destinations but also allow them to go through its traditions, history, culture, cuisines, and customs.

Embark upon the vacation of your lifetime and trust these cruise lines to liven up your journey with top-notch amenities and fun activities.

Tags: cruise lines
Header Image by lsantilli at Freepik

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