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Best First-Time Cruise Itineraries, From Expert

There are such a lot of decisions when selecting a primary cruise that the choice can really feel overwhelming.  From the Caribbean to Europe to Alaska, is there one vacation spot that might be higher for a first-timer?

Cruises are designed to be as inviting to anybody, no matter their expertise.  Nonetheless, sure areas may be a greater thought on your first crusing than one other just because there’s a facet of it that could be a good match for a beginner.

Our crew has been cruising for many years, and we have been on a number of cruises with new cruisers. In our expertise in talking with a whole bunch of cruisers, it is clear there are higher decisions for a primary Royal Caribbean cruise.

Listed below are the highest decisions for finest cruise itineraries for first-time cruisers.

A 7-night Caribbean cruise on a brand new ship

White sandy seashores, clear blue waters, and scorching temperatures are why so many individuals which have by no means cruised earlier than need to attempt a Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean dominates the Caribbean cruise market with a big selection of ships and itineraries, however I believe somebody that has by no means cruised earlier than ought to attempt a weeklong crusing on a cruise ship that was launched within the final 10 years.

Resist the temptation to e book a weekend cruise as a result of the expertise goes by too shortly to essentially get a grasp of what cruising is all about.  Likewise, do not chase a low value on an previous small ship as a result of these ships lack the number of actions and incorporates a new cruiser expects to search out on a ship.

My recommendation is to choose a cruise that goes to the Western Caribbean or Jap Caribbean for 7-nights.  You’ll go to 3 or 4 ports, every with stunning seashores and idyllic waters.

For those who’re feeling daring, attempt to discover one which visits the Southern Caribbean ports of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curacao.  

The Southern Caribbean has arguably the most effective seashores in the entire Caribbean, however you may must both go on an extended crusing or depart from a port outdoors of Florida (like San Juan, Puerto Rico).

Keep away from this cruise: Whereas Royal Caribbean advertises weekend cruises on the model new Utopia of the Seas closely in direction of people who have by no means cruised, belief me a weekend cruise is simply too quick.

You would possibly take into consideration a brief cruise out of trepidation of not liking what a cruise is all about, however consider a cruise as a floating resort reasonably than a ship. 

Plus, you may go to extra fascinating locations than The Bahamas on an extended cruise.

An Alaska glacier cruise from Seattle

There isn’t any higher technique to see Alaska than on a cruise ship, so attempt a cruise as a technique to get your ft moist.

The beauty of an Alaska cruise is it tends to be a port intensive itinerary, which implies you are docked and on land most days of the cruise.  It is a crutch for brand new cruisers who may be apprehensive about being bored on sea days.

Alaska is majestic, and the pure magnificence will seemingly seize your creativeness shortly. Due to how land-focused an Alaska cruise is, the cruise expertise turns into virtually secondary as a result of panorama round you.

Royal Caribbean’s ships crusing from Seattle provide a handy choice with loads of flight choices they usually sail on Royal Caribbean’s greater and newer ships.

Larger ships matter as a result of there’s higher leisure onboard, in addition to a greater diversity of eating places. Extra to do onboard is admittedly necessary for households with youngsters.

Keep away from this cruise: The open-jaw sailings that provide one-way cruises between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska.

These cruises might be tempting, however the logistics concerned with flying one-way is a problem. Furthermore, Royal Caribbean’s smaller ships sail these routes, which supply much less to do onboard. For somebody that has by no means cruised, I would save the smaller ships for a follow-up journey.

Ciao Italy! Cruise the Mediterranean

Just like Alaska, a cruise alongside the Mediterranean is a superb first-time cruise alternative.

When you’ll have restricted time in ports, a European cruise is an effective way to get a style of the Outdated World with out having to take care of transportation logistics, making your time in Europe that rather more satisfying.

One technique to increase your first cruise in Europe is to mix it with a land journey.  Since you may must fly in early to acclimate to the brand new time zone in addition to guarantee journey delays do not trigger you to overlook the cruise, many individuals want combining a European cruise with a land-based trip.

For instance, you might fly to London per week earlier than a cruise from Southampton, supplying you with loads of time to go to websites like Stonehenge, Windsor, and the Roman Baths.

Keep away from this cruise: In contemplating the “worst” alternative for a European cruise as a first-timer, skip a crusing that visits Northern France and Spain solely.

Within the grand scheme of European cruises, I believe a cruise that solely visits the coast of Normandy, Galicia and Basque Nation is underwhelming in comparison with virtually anyplace else on the continent.

As well as, the Bay of Biscay is infamous for tough seas.

So you continue to need a 3-night cruise? Superb, go to Royal Caribbean’s non-public island

Earlier I beneficial happening a 7-night cruise as your first cruise, however I do know a number of first-time cruisers nonetheless want to dip their toe with a brief crusing.

In that case, your finest guess is a cruise on a giant new ship that visits Good Day at CocoCay.

Royal Caribbean is well-known for providing the most effective choices for households, youngsters, and adults due to how a lot they embrace on their ships. Plus, there are methods to splurge with a collection or maintain it low cost with an inside cabin.

The benefit of selecting a weekend cruise on Utopia of the Seas or Marvel of the Seas that embrace stops in The Bahamas are the lineup of what you are able to do on land.

CocoCay is open solely to Royal Caribbean passengers, and a lot of it’s included in your cruise fare. This island is designed to be simple to navigate and a “no considering required” type of seaside day.

Opening in December 2025 is a brand new seaside membership for Royal Caribbean passengers in Nassau, Bahamas. 

Royal Seashore Membership Paradise Island may have an admission price, however it is going to be all-inclusive and one other simple button to press for an awesome first cruise.


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Ryan

Ryan O'Neill is a maritime enthusiast and writer who has a passion for studying and writing about ships and the maritime industry in general. With a deep passion for the sea and all things nautical, Ryan has a plan to unite maritime professionals to share their knowledge and truly connect Sea 2 Shore.

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