Have you ever considered what drives you to go on holiday? Is it the delicious food you can experience abroad? Is it the allure of exploring unfamiliar territory? Or is it the vast culture that can be uncovered during a holiday that the documentaries just don’t cover?
Well, whatever it is that gets you packing those bags, there’s plenty of it on a cruise holiday. In fact, there’s probably more of it on a cruise holiday because of the multiple destinations that you can visit in one trip.
We understand that a cruise holiday might sound daunting to those who’ve never holidayed with us before, but rest assured that we’re here to blow those worries out of the water and have you booking that cruise confidently by the end of the blog.
Why go on a cruise?
Why go on a cruise? Well, we’re glad you asked because we’ve got plenty of reasons!
Firstly, there’s the convenience of a cruise that allows you to enjoy the food, entertainment and amenities on board while you travel between destinations. Enjoy gourmet dining and a show, and wake up the next morning in a completely new and exciting location!
Once you’ve docked, you have the chance to explore at your leisure, and we’ve got a number of excursions available to book so that you can really make the most of your visit. If you’d rather go at your own pace, the day is yours!
Whether you want to explore the islands of the Caribbean, travel through the Mediterranean or discover the Far East, the cruise itineraries on offer are simply unrivalled. This makes it even easier to plan your perfect holiday with a hassle-free journey around some of your bucket list destinations.
When considering the breadth of destinations, activities, and services onboard, it’s no wonder that so many consider cruise holidays to be a great value-for-money proposition.
Best cruise lines for first-time cruisers
We know that whichever cruise line you choose to holiday with will offer a welcoming and friendly service, but we’ve picked out a few cruise lines that will give you a great starting point during your cruise research.
Let’s take a look at some of the top cruise providers that are excellent choices for those new to cruises.
Royal Caribbean
With more than 60 ships travelling to 800 destinations across the globe, Royal Caribbean is a great cruise to start with when researching cruise holidays. They’ve got everything from quick grab-and-go eateries and fine dining establishments on board to first-class entertainment.
As well as a range of destinations across the world, they’ve also got cruises to private islands that are exclusive to Royal Caribbean, giving you that sense of luxury that cruise holidays are known for, without breaking the bank.
If you’re after all that a cruise has to offer, Royal Caribbean has you covered with Icon of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship. On board you can expect night life to rival a big city, water slides that would slot right in at a water park, and dining that Gordon Ramsay would be delighted with.
Virgin Voyages
Virgin Voyages is ideal for newcomers to cruise holidays who are looking for an adult-only experience, ideal for couples or friends. Giving you the chance to unwind and enjoy yourself without the little ones, there is something for every traveller from fitness classes and spa treatments to their range of 20 incredible food options such as the hand-on Korean BBQ, pizzas at midnight their unique food market and even nightclubs.
What’s more, a choice of over 100 locations means that you’ll never be stuck on where to go for your next cruise holiday.
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises prides itself on providing an unforgettable cruise experience whether you’re an avid cruiser or a complete newcomer, with destination-themed activities and restaurant menus, not to mention live musical and artistic performances. Offering the chance to visit over 330 destinations, including Alaskan adventures and European exploration, Princess Cruises will be sure to give you the royal treatment.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line has itineraries across the world from Mexico to Madagascar, the Caribbean to Cape Town. Norwegian Cruise Line is the perfect choice for cruise newcomers with a freestyle approach to things like dining, with no set times or dress code, something that can be daunting for anyone inexperienced with cruises.
As well as this, Norwegian Cruise Line is known for its unique activities such as an onboard go-karting track and futuristic VR gaming zones!
MSC Cruises
With a history dating back to 1675, MSC Cruises has an illustrious history of maritime travel, leaving you in experienced hands for your first cruise holiday. Since then MSG has become Europe’s market leader for cruise holidays with competitive pricing that doesn’t compromise on luxury or sustainability.
Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly adventure or a romantic getaway, MSC can take you to some of the world’s most desirable destinations across the globe.
Recommended cruise itineraries for beginners
Once you’ve decided on the cruise line, it’s time to decide where in the world you want to explore! With cruises covering every corner of the globe, you’ll be spoilt for choice. Here are some of the best cruise itineraries for first-time cruisers.
The Caribbean
The Caribbean is an idyllic cruise destination because of great weather, incredible scenery and unbeatable culture. Try your hand at watersports on unspoiled beaches, or sample the local delicacies. The Caribbean islands are typically a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit, and on a cruise you can see the sights of Antigua, Dominican Republic and Jamaica in one go. What’s more, if you choose a Cruise & Stay trip, you can get even more out of your trip with a stopover in Barbados, New York or Florida.
The Mediterranean
The Mediterranean is a fantastic opening to cruise holidays because to many, Europe isn’t too far and places can feel a little more familiar. From Spain to Italy, this part of the world is renowned for its weather, food and fascinating heritage. Famous landmarks and cities are abundant from the Parthenon to Sagrada Família, making the Mediterranean a fantastic way to experience all a cruise has to offer.
Norwegian Fjords
If you’re after breathtaking scenery, look no further than the Norwegian Fjords. Although not known for its amazing weather, there’s plenty on offer here that’s out of the ordinary from your typical cruise. While you’re there you can go kayaking on crystal-clear lakes or walk in the footsteps of Vikings, all while breathing some of the freshest air in the northern hemisphere. For a first-time cruiser, Scandinavia is the perfect place to try something new.
The Greek Islands
If history and culture are your thing, then the Greek islands offer an incredible proposition. With beautiful sunshine and a real passion for good food and a family feel, a cruise around the Greek Islands packs an awful lot of holiday into a small package. Wander the streets of Santorini, discover the history of Crete or marvel at the sights of Athens. A first-time cruise around Greece will certainly leave a lasting impression.
The Far East
The Far East has long been associated with excitement and opulence, giving people the chance to explore somewhere with charm and heritage. With destinations like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo and Phuket, you have the opportunity to cruise around and view the very best that the East has to offer in one holiday.
Best way to book a cruise for the first time
When booking a cruise for the first time, there are a few things to consider to ensure you’re getting the most out of your cruise! Here are a few of our top tips to get you thinking.
Choosing a cabin
On a cruise, there are a few different types of cabins so it pays to have a look before booking to see which stateroom will work best for you and your travelling party. Choose from inside staterooms for a humble space to rest your head, or indulge in a little more luxury with a larger suite. Consider whether you’d like an outdoor view or even a balcony, as this could help to narrow your search.
Budgeting
Having a budget in mind for your cruise holiday can be helpful in making sure you enjoy your trip without worrying about the cost. A lot of cruises will offer packages that include drinks and gratuities, so that once you’re on board you don’t need to worry. There’s also year-round cruise deals to take advantage of, so whatever your desired spend, you can be sure to find the right itinerary.
When to book
There are a few ways to optimise your booking to make sure you’re getting the best deal. If you’ve found the perfect itinerary early doors, don’t hesitate to get it booked as you might find it’s cheaper to book as far in advance as possible. Similarly, last minute deals are a great chance to get the cruise of your dreams for less. You could also consider when the shoulder season or off-peak is for your destination, as this could save you some money by avoiding the busiest times of year.
It’s not just the high street that has January sales aplenty, at Cruise Nation, there are plenty of deals to be had right after New Year so you’ve got a cruise holiday to look forward to.
Find the best value
Knowing when to book, where to book, and what sort of booking you choose can all affect the value of your holiday. At Cruise Nation, we offer a number of incredible packages that can help you get the most out of your trip.
Smart packages will include your flights and could even include hotel stays too, as part of a Cruise & Stay experience. This allows you to extend your holiday and enjoy that extra quality time in an exciting destination.
So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to choosing the best cruise if you’ve never done one before! Check out our unbeatable cruise deals today and see where your next adventure will take you.