For first time cruisers, choosing your first cruise can make or break whether you love this holiday style. If you decide to go down the travel agent route, they’ll give you a list of questions to determine the cruise line, fit for the destination.
But there are many other factors to consider for your first cruise: the cabin, the itinerary, the shore excursions, and even the additional packages.
Lucky for you, we’ve put together a handy guide to ensure your first cruise goes without any hiccups.
As the cruise industry has grown, so have the offerings. There is something to suit everyone’s taste – whether you’re travelling with the kids, grandma, and grandpa, if you’re on a budget, or if you want something super opulent.
Make sure you do your research – whether it be speaking to friends or family members who have cruised or speaking to a travel agent to navigate through the options.
When first time cruisers do their research, make sure you understand the demographics of each cruise line, during the year as well as the itinerary. It comes as no surprise that, for obvious reasons, during the school holidays, you’ll find more kids sailing.
If you are looking for a destination-specific cruise, like if you want to explore the Arctic or Antarctica, then it is also important to pick the right cruise line for your budget, and the differences between each line.
But perhaps if seasickness and the number of people are issues, consider taking a river cruise where you are always close to land and these ships won’t have more than 180 people onboard.
Find out more information in our guide to first-time cruisers.
First Time Cruisers Tips
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Popular Destinations
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French Polynesia
Countries don’t come much more beautiful than French Polynesia. Sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, more than 4,000 kilometres from the nearest continent, the archipelago is made up of 118 islands, the most famous of which are Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea. French Polynesia is a dreamy world of lush volcanic mountains, silky…
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Fremantle
Established by British in 1829, port of Fremantle is one of Australia’s best-preserved colonial port cities with a wealth of convict-era public buildings, Victorian villas and imposing boulevards. Just 20kms from the state capital of Perth, this atmospheric old port is much more easygoing. Apart from the famous fishing harbor, still the best place for…
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Fiji Islands
Australia’s favourite resort destination in the South Pacific, Fiji is also a stellar cruise spot. Both Suva and Nadi offer lively markets, bars and restaurants and a taste of island life, but the real action happens on the outer islands. If your ship doesn’t call at any smaller ports, organise a day trip to head…
Recommended Cruise Lines for First-Time Cruisers
Read Reviews from First-Time Cruisers
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Azamara Journey cruise review
The service was first class and with very friendly staff to complement the experience. The balcony cabin was well maintained and had all the facilities required for the cruise.
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Radiance of the Seas cruise review
This is the most comfortable and passenger friendly ship we have cruised on. Great service, happy staff and so many things to see and do; there is never enough hours in the day.
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Norwegian Sun cruise review
The Norwegian Sun boasted excellent cabins, meal variety, restaurant choices, bars, sports facilities and entertainment and a proper promenade deck.
