Choosing your first cruise can feel overwhelming. There are so many ships, destinations, and details to figure out that you might not know where to begin. I remember planning my first cruise and feeling lost with all the options. But don’t worry—I’m here to share my best cruise tips — simple, easy cruise advice from one cruiser to another — to guide you through how to plan a cruise in seven easy steps. By the end of these first-time cruiser tips, you’ll feel confident and excited to book that dream cruise!
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1. Decide Where You Want to Go
The first step is deciding where in the world you want to cruise. You don’t need to pick exact ports right away, but you should have a general region in mind. Do you dream of sunny beaches or maybe glaciers and mountains? Narrowing down a region will make the rest of your planning much easier.
- Warm and tropical? Try the Caribbean or Mediterranean for plenty of sunshine and beaches.
- On a budget? Consider a cruise during the off-season (like a fall hurricane season Caribbean cruise) or a shorter repositioning cruise that tends to cost less.
- Amazing scenery? Head north to places like Alaska or Norway for glaciers and fjords, or explore beautiful islands like those in the South Pacific.
- Exotic culture? Cruises in Asia or South America can take you to far-off, exciting places.
- No flying? Pick a cruise that departs from a port near your home to keep things simple.
I personally can’t resist a cruise to a gorgeous beach destination. For example, I chose a cruise to Bermuda for the pink sand beaches and turquoise water, and it was absolutely worth it. My best friend joined me on that trip, and we still talk about how magical it was to stand on deck with the sea breeze and sunset around us.
That experience taught me that picking a destination you’re excited about is so important. Once you have a rough idea of where you want to go, you can move on to the next step.
2. Choose the Best Cruise Line
Now that you know your destination, it’s time to choose a cruise line. There are many cruise lines out there, and each has its own style and vibe. The best cruise line for you depends on what you’re looking for. Are you traveling with kids, as a couple, or maybe with friends? Do you prefer a casual party atmosphere or something more laid-back and luxurious?
Don’t be fooled by the names—Royal Caribbean doesn’t only sail to the Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line doesn’t just go to Norway. Most cruise lines visit many regions around the world, so focus more on the onboard experience and company culture that suits you. Some lines are geared toward families and non-stop fun, while others are known for excellent food, relaxation, or adventure.
To help you decide, here’s a quick comparison of a few popular cruise lines and what makes each unique:
| Cruise Line | What Makes It Unique |
|---|---|
| Royal Caribbean | Mega-ships with exciting activities (waterslides, zip lines), very family-friendly, and lots of entertainment. |
| MSC Cruises | European flair, modern ships, international atmosphere; often offers good kids’ deals. |
| Disney Cruise Line | Disney magic on board—character meet-and-greets, top-notch family entertainment, and excellent service. |
| Carnival Cruise Line | “Fun Ship” party vibe, budget-friendly prices, lots of casual fun and food, great for first-timers and families on a budget. |
| Princess Cruises | Relaxed, elegant atmosphere with romantic vibes, great food, and wonderful itineraries (popular for Alaska). |
| Celebrity Cruises | Modern luxury feel, stylish ships, high quality dining and service, more adult-oriented with fewer kids, and a focus on enrichment (cooking classes, wine tastings). |
| Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) | Freestyle cruising—no fixed dining times, lots of dining choices, lively ships with plenty of activities, and a good balance of family and adult entertainment. |
Each cruise line offers something special. If you’re traveling with young kids, for instance, Disney or Royal Caribbean might top your list for their family features. If you want a more upscale experience, Celebrity or Princess could be ideal. Take some time to think about what kind of atmosphere and amenities you want on the ship. Once you pick a cruise line that feels like the right match, you can get more specific and look at the ships they operate.
3. Choose the Best Cruise Ship
Cruise lines have fleets of ships, and those ships can be very different from each other. After choosing a cruise line (and a region), you’ll want to pick the ship that fits your vacation style. Some ships are gigantic floating cities, while others are smaller and cozier.
Bigger vs. Smaller Ships: Large ships (sometimes carrying 4,000-6,000 passengers) are like resorts at sea. They have tons of activities—think pools, water slides, mini-golf, and endless restaurants. Big ships are also more stable in rough seas (less rocking, which means you’re less likely to get seasick). On the other hand, they often come with a higher price tag. Small ships (maybe 2,000 passengers or fewer) offer a more intimate, laid-back experience. They might be older with fewer bells and whistles, but they can visit smaller ports that big ships can’t and often cost less.
To decide on ship size, think about what excites you most:
- If you can’t wait to enjoy the ship’s amenities (like pools, waterslides, mini-golf, etc.), a big ship will keep you busy and happy.
- If you’re more interested in the destinations and want a quieter atmosphere, a smaller ship might be perfect, as it can get you to more unique ports and feels less crowded.
I’ve had amazing experiences on both kinds. I loved the adventure and non-stop fun on a huge Royal Caribbean ship, but I also cherished the charm of a mid-sized ship where I could relax and easily find a cozy spot by the window to watch the waves. Decide which vibe you prefer. Once you have the right ship in mind, it’s time to figure out the details of when to go.
4. Select the Date for Your Cruise
Picking the right date is more important than you might think! The timing of your cruise can affect everything from the price to the weather you’ll encounter. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your travel dates:
- Weather and Season: Research the best season for your chosen destination. For instance, Caribbean cruises are fantastic in winter when it’s dry and sunny, but if you go during hurricane season (June through November), you risk storms or itinerary changes. (I once booked a cruise during peak hurricane season and, unfortunately, a hurricane canceled the trip — lesson learned!) For places like Alaska or Northern Europe, summer is the prime time (long days and warmer weather), whereas winter cruises there would be very cold and many ports are closed.
- Crowds and Holidays: If you have kids or work in education, you might be tied to school holidays. Just remember, cruises during spring break, summer vacation, or around Christmas/New Year tend to be more crowded and expensive. If you can, try to travel when most schools aren’t on break. (For example, early May or late September often have lower prices and fewer crowds.)
- How long to go: Think about how many days you want to be away. As a first-time cruiser, you might start with a 3-5 day cruise to see if you like it, or jump into a week-long cruise if you’re feeling adventurous. Make sure the length fits your schedule and budget.
- Booking in Advance vs. Last Minute: To be safe, try to book your cruise 6–12 months in advance, especially if you’re eyeing a specific cabin or traveling during peak season. If you’re very flexible, you might score a great last-minute bargain, but waiting that long can be a gamble.
Choosing the right date comes down to balancing your schedule, budget, and ideal weather. Once you have a date (or a couple of options) in mind, you can move forward and think about where you’ll stay on the ship.
5. Pick Your Cabin
Cruise ships are like floating hotels, and the “rooms” are called cabins or staterooms. Cabins mainly come in four types, and each has its pros and cons. Your cabin will be your home at sea, so let’s find one that fits your needs and budget.
| Cabin Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Inside Cabin (no window) | Usually the cheapest option, stays dark and quiet for good sleep, great if you plan to be out enjoying the ship most of the time. | No natural light or view, space can feel small or claustrophobic to some. |
| Oceanview Cabin (window) | Has a porthole or window for natural light, lets you see the ocean without going outside, still generally affordable. | Costs more than an inside cabin, the window doesn’t open (no fresh sea breeze), and usually a bit smaller than balcony cabins. |
| Balcony Cabin (veranda) | Private outdoor space to enjoy ocean views and fresh air anytime, the room is often larger, great for scenic cruises (wake up to sunrise from your own balcony!). | More expensive than inside or oceanview, and if you have young kids you’ll need to watch them on the balcony. |
| Suite (larger room) | Big and luxurious – often includes separate living area, top-notch amenities, and perks like concierge service. Plenty of space to spread out. | The price tag is much higher; suites are pricey. Also, availability can be limited since there are fewer suites on each ship. |
Think about what matters to you: Is it worth it to pay extra for a view or private balcony, or would you rather save money to spend on activities and excursions? For me, I often book an inside cabin because I’m out and about enjoying the ship and ports all day. The darkness also means I sleep like a baby! But when I cruised through scenic areas like the Norwegian fjords, I splurged on a balcony and loved having my own front-row seat to the views. No matter which cabin type you choose, it’s also smart to check the ship’s deck plan and avoid cabins in noisy spots (like directly under a nightclub or the buffet). I once ended up below the 24-hour buffet and heard chairs scraping at 2 AM — never again!
6. Decide Who to Book With
You know where you want to go, on which cruise line, ship, date, and even your preferred cabin. The next step is booking your cruise. The big question is: do you book directly with the cruise line, or do you use a travel agent? There’s no wrong answer, but here are some points to consider:
- Booking Directly: You can book straight from the cruise line’s website or by calling them. This is pretty straightforward if you already know exactly what you want. However, the price you see is usually the standard price — cruise lines typically don’t give big discounts for booking direct. You might like booking direct if you enjoy handling all the details yourself online.
- Using a Travel Agent: Travel agents (especially ones who specialize in cruises) can often get you a better deal or extra perks. They sometimes have access to lower rates or group discounts that aren’t available to the general public. A good agent can also give you personalized advice (great for first-timers) and take care of any special requests. Plus, if any issues come up (like you need to change a passenger or a sailing gets canceled), having an agent can be a lifesaver. In my experience, I’ve almost always gotten a bonus perk like onboard credit or an upgrade by using a travel agent.
For many first-time cruisers, I recommend using a travel agent for that added guidance. I know it can feel old-school to call someone instead of clicking a button, but when I was new to cruising, talking with a knowledgeable agent helped me avoid mistakes (and saved me money). However, if you love doing all the research and booking online yourself, just double-check everything before you hit that “Book” button.
7. Find the Best Deals
Who doesn’t love getting a great deal, right? Cruising can be surprisingly affordable if you know where to look and are a bit flexible. Over the years, I’ve become a bit of a cruise bargain-hunter, and I love finding ways to save money on my trips. Here are some of my personal tips for finding the best cruise deals:
- Sign Up for Newsletters: Get on the email lists for cruise lines and cruise travel agencies. They often send out limited-time sales, promo codes, or special rates. I’ve snagged incredible discounts just by clicking on an email deal right when it came out.
- Book Early or Very Late: Booking far in advance can lock in early booking bonuses (like free drink packages or onboard credit). On the flip side, if your schedule is open and you can travel on short notice, last-minute cruise deals can be amazing. Just have a backup plan in case your dream cruise sells out.
- Travel Off-Season: If you cruise during off-peak times (for example, Caribbean in the late summer or fall, or Europe in shoulder seasons like October), prices can drop significantly. My cheapest cruises have been when others are less willing to travel — yet I still had a fantastic time.
Even using just a couple of these strategies can land you a fantastic price. A friend of mine was shocked at how affordable my Bermuda cruise was — we simply booked during a sale and scored a great deal. Trust me, it feels awesome knowing you got the best price possible for your vacation.
Conclusion: Ready to Set Sail!
You’ve got a solid game plan for choosing a cruise now. We covered everything from picking a destination and cruise line to finding a great deal. Planning your first cruise is part of the fun, and it gets much easier when you tackle it one step at a time. I hope my tips and personal stories have made the process a bit clearer for you. Now you know how to plan a cruise that’s perfect for you.
All that’s left is to pack your bags, hop onboard, and enjoy an amazing adventure at sea. Trust me, there’s nothing like that first glimpse of the open ocean from a cruise ship’s deck. Bon voyage and happy cruising!