Decided to sail away on your first cruise holiday? Let us help you choose which region you should cruise to with our quiz to determine which location suits your travel personality best. We’re also passing over our advice for first-time cruisers about what you need to consider before parting with your hard-earned cash.
The excitement of booking your first cruise
Whether you’ve always wanted to explore the world by sea but never had the time or money to book a cruise before now, or you’re taking the plunge based on glowing family and friend recommendations, discovering the endless options when you start researching your first cruise can be incredibly exciting. From luxurious cabin options to incredible entertainment schedules and onboard activities, not to mention the different destinations and shore excursions available, planning all the elements of your perfect cruise is part of the fun itself.
Things to think about before booking a cruise
With all that excitement, it’s easy to get swept away in booking a cruise that might not really tick all your boxes. This is why it’s super important to have a think about your must-haves and preferences during the planning stages of your cruise.
Before you get anything pencilled in, consider how long you’d like to go for, the style of cruise that suits you best and who your ideal travel companion would be. Our advice below can help you get started…
Who to go on a cruise with
You and the people you plan to travel with should be on the same page about how you’d like to spend your time on the cruise. Or, if you plan to travel together but spend some time on your own, they should be happy to do the same. Everyone is different when it comes to holidays, but picking a suitable travel companion can be an important decision.
It’s also worth choosing a cruise ship and itinerary based on the number of choices available if you’ll be going with a group who all want different things. Cruise ships tend to cater to the masses, which can be really handy when one half of the group wants to relax, and the other half prefers being on the go all the time.
How long to go on a cruise for?
Cruises can vary from just a couple of days to multiple months, which is why it can be tough to lock in a decision on duration. For first-time cruisers, it might be best to start off with a shorter duration. This way, you can ease into this style of holiday and find out whether it works for you without blindly investing your time and money into a longer cruise.
Combining your cruise with a hotel stay either before or after could be a good way to extend your stay without committing to a longer cruise itself. We’re sure you’ll love your time onboard whichever cruise liner, but it’s always good to have a backup plan just in case.
What style of cruise holiday are you looking for?
Think about the style of cruise that suits your wants and needs for a holiday. Do you want an action-packed holiday? Would you prefer something more relaxing? Does a city break hit the mark? Or do you only feel like you’re on holiday when you’re by the beach? Consider all your preferences and factor this into your research.
Where to go on your first cruise
One of the biggest decisions to make is where to go on your cruise. Will it be a mini cruise around Northern Europe, a transatlantic sailing to the States or a round-trip stopping in the most popular destinations in Southeast Asia? The world is literally at your feet when you choose to cruise, so allow us to break down your choices based on some of the most popular destinations for first-time cruisers.
We’ve put together a fun quiz to help you discover the perfect destination for your first ever cruise. From the Mediterranean to the Caribbean, this can help you narrow down your search based on your holiday preferences.
Take our quiz!
Your quiz results
Got your results? Find out more about your perfect cruise destination and how Cruise Nation can help you book your ideal itinerary below…
Orlando
Home to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios and perfect for families, Orlando is the best choice of destination for those who never want the fun and excitement to stop. Experience the thrills of one of the world’s most renowned theme parks while making one-of-a-kind memories to last a lifetime. An Orlando Cruise and Stay package is the best way to experience everything Orlando has to offer, especially if you want to pack in even more of the famous attractions. We can even add on theme park tickets at a discounted, additional cost.
The Caribbean
A cruise around the Caribbean Islands is a match for any holidaymaker who values solitude, sunshine and a slower pace. In this part of the world, you’ll find incredible local food, a vibrant music scene, and breathtaking beaches stretching for miles without another person in sight. What’s not to love? From Aruba to Barbados, you can simply enjoy the endless days of sunshine or get involved in low-key activities like snorkelling and hiking.
By booking a Caribbean Cruise and Stay package, you could even combine your Caribbean cruise with a stay in popular US cities like New York, Miami and New Orleans.
The Greek Islands
Those who want glorious sunshine mixed with rich culture, incredible food and plenty of history are sure to enjoy a cruise to the Greek Islands. Spend your days exploring the museums, monuments and churches in the towns and cities, then relax in the evenings at a beachfront bar as the sun melts away over the sea. The best bit? You can pick one of the many islands, including Kos, Kefalonia and Rhodes, for a hotel stay before or after your perfect cruise. Simply book a Greek Islands Cruise and Stay package with us.
Alaska
If your holiday preferences are a match with Alaska, you’re clearly a holidaymaker who goes for something a little different. While you’ll be trading off warm weather for a chillier climate, it’s worth it for the truly unique scenery and wildlife in this part of the world. Sailing between ports like Anchorage and Juneau, you could easily get lost in the beauty of the waterfalls, glaciers, mountain regions and charming towns, which contrast with the bustling metropolitan cities. You also have the option to book an Alaskan Cruise and Stay holiday, allowing you to spend a few nights soaking in cities like Seattle and Vancouver before or after your cruise embarks.
Norwegian Fjords
If the Norwegian Fjords is your perfect first-time cruise destination, you probably have an affinity for nature walks and exploration. Filled with beautiful national parks and postcard-perfect alpine-style mountains, simply sailing through the Fjords is an experience in itself, and that’s before you even take a step off the cruise ship. It’s all about the unique experiences here, so grab the opportunity to see the midnight sun, hike to the mountain peaks and kayak on the waters.
The Mediterranean
Oozing with charming cities, beautiful beachfronts and vibrant market towns, the Mediterranean is a crowd favourite for good reason. And even if you’ve been before, experiencing the Med from the comfort of a cruise ship could be the holiday you’ve always dreamed of.
Plus, with so many great beaches and city spots in the Med, including Naples, Chania and Alcudia, it would be a shame not to indulge in a longer stay with a Mediterranean Cruise and Stay package.
Check out our best Cruise and Stay packages to destinations all around the world suitable for any budget. Not only are these perfect for first-time cruisers, but they’re also a great way to immerse yourself in one place for longer.
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