Yesterday it was Italy, today it’s Malta, and in a couple of days it will be Spain. Yet I don’t need to pack my suitcase again, find another hotel or think about where to have dinner. My hotel travels with me... Here is how to choose your first cruise: an itinerary, ship, cabin and travel budget that suit you.
That’s exactly why so many people love cruises. But before your first trip, a hundred questions come up. Which cruise line should you choose? Will you get bored on board? Do you need a balcony? What’s included in the price? Which itinerary will you actually enjoy?
Where to start when choosing your first cruise
My advice is to start with something simple: picture how you want to spend your holiday. Exploring cities from morning to evening? Relaxing by the pool? Travelling with children? Enjoying a week as a couple, with lovely dinners and sunsets at sea? Your answer makes a big difference.
For your first experience, I would suggest considering a cruise of around seven nights. It’s a sensible starting point: enough time to settle in, experience life on board and visit several places. A shorter cruise of two or three nights can also work, especially if the departure port is nearby. But it may feel rushed: just as you’ve found your favourite café and figured out your way around the ship, it’s already time to pack.
Which itinerary should you choose for your first cruise?
If you live in Europe, take a look at the Mediterranean. Italy, France, Spain, Malta or the Greek islands — choose an itinerary featuring places you genuinely want to visit. For your first cruise, an easy journey to a convenient departure port can be more valuable than an exotic destination involving a long flight and several connections.
The list of cities in an advertisement is only the beginning. Check arrival and departure times: there’s a big difference between a full day in port and a stop lasting just a few hours. Also consider where the port is located. For example, “Rome” on a cruise itinerary means a call at Civitavecchia: you still need to travel to Rome itself. Part of your time ashore will be spent getting there and back.
You don’t necessarily need an itinerary with a different port every day. A day at sea can be a lovely part of your holiday: enjoy a leisurely breakfast, stroll around the decks, relax by the pool and finally make the most of the ship you chose. If you leave every morning and return just in time for dinner, you’ll have very little time to enjoy the ship itself.
Read MSC’s guide to Civitavecchia.
How to choose a cruise ship
Choose the ship to suit you, too. If you’re travelling with children, look at activities for their age group, family cabin layouts and entertainment. For a holiday as a couple, quieter areas, restaurants and evening entertainment may matter more. And if you mainly want the ship to be a comfortable base between sightseeing trips, you don’t necessarily need to pay extra for a huge range of attractions.
The biggest and newest ship won’t always be the best choice. Some people love the scale of a floating city; others prefer a ship that’s easier to find their way around. Ships can differ considerably even within the same cruise line. So look at the specific ship and read recent reviews, especially from travellers whose holiday expectations are similar to yours.
Which cabin should you choose: inside, oceanview or balcony?
The next question is your cabin. An inside cabin, without a window, can suit travellers who plan to spend most of their time on deck or ashore. It’s a way to save money, but think honestly about whether you’ll feel comfortable without natural daylight.
An oceanview cabin lets you see the sea and what’s happening outside. A balcony gives you a little outdoor space of your own: step outside with your morning coffee, watch the ship arrive in port or sit together in the evening. If those moments matter to you and the extra cost fits your budget, a balcony can make your first cruise even more enjoyable. But it isn’t essential for a great cruise.
Look beyond the cabin category and check its location on the deck plan. What’s directly above and below it? Is there a nightclub or another noisy area nearby? Is the view obstructed? Sometimes a well-positioned cabin matters more than upgrading to a more expensive category. If the offer lets the cruise line assign your cabin, check how much choice you’ll have.
What is included in a cruise fare, and what costs extra?
The price deserves just as much attention as the photographs. Accommodation and meals in the included main dining venues usually form the basis of the fare, but that doesn’t mean everything on board is free. Drinks, certain restaurants, internet access, excursions and other services may cost extra or be included in your chosen package. You should also check service charges, often referred to as gratuities, in the terms of the specific offer.
Compare the total cost of the holiday: the cruise, mandatory charges, travel to the port, a hotel if needed, any packages you want and spending ashore. A cheaper cabin doesn’t always mean a cheaper holiday. Choose a drinks package according to your habits: some people find it convenient, while others are better off paying for drinks individually.
How to prepare for embarkation and time ashore
Plan the start of your trip. If you need to fly to the departure port, I recommend arriving the day before whenever possible. A night in the departure city gives you extra time and helps you begin your holiday calmly. Check your boarding time in your booking documents: the ship’s departure time is not the deadline for arriving at the terminal. Also check the travel document requirements for the entire itinerary, taking your nationality into account.
You don’t have to try to see everything ashore. Sometimes a stroll through the old town and lunch overlooking the sea are more enjoyable than rushing around five attractions. Choose an excursion or explore independently, depending on the distances, your interests and the time available in port. Above all, plan your return around the all-aboard time announced on the ship, allowing a comfortable margin. ⏰
Check NCL embarkation guidance.
Which cruise is right for a beginner?
So, which cruise should a beginner choose? Our starting point is around a week in the Mediterranean, a convenient departure port, several stops that interest you, time to relax on board and a cabin that suits your habits and budget. But if you live in the USA or the Netherlands, your first cruise may be better starting from a port closer to home. Then tailor the choice to you: a first cruise doesn’t have to be the same for a family with children, a couple and someone dreaming of the fjords.
A well-chosen cruise is one where you enjoy both the destinations and the journey itself.
Let us help you choose your first cruise
At IBG Travel, we’ll be happy to help you choose: we’ll find the right itinerary, ship and cabin, explain what’s included in the price and help you prepare for your trip. And we’ll stay in touch throughout your journey!
Would you like to check current Norwegian Cruise Line offers? Contact us and we will confirm the conditions and final price for your chosen cruise. Help me choose my first cruise.
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Norwegian Cruise Line cruises · MSC cruises
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Photos: Norwegian Cruise Line. Supplied by IBG Travel.
