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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Royal Caribbean Crown and Anchor Society Cruise Loyalty Program
RCL’s Crown and Anchor Society program is available to cruisers after their first Royal Caribbean cruise of three nights or longer. Like RCL’s sister brands, program is based on a point system. Members receive a point for every night sailed, with guests receiving double the number of points in suites. Benefits start even at the…
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Princess Cruises Captain’s Circle Cruise Loyalty Program
The line’s four-tier program is for past passengers. Based on the number of sailings as well as the days cruised. All passengers receive one credit for each cruise taken and double credits for cruises booked in a suite and above or solo travellers occupying a cabin alone. Perks include free internet credits, priority tender service,…
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Norwegian Cruise Line Latitudes Rewards Cruise Loyalty Program
The six-tier system is available to all passengers after their first cruise. Based on point a system, members earn points according to every cruise night travelled with the line. Members get more points if they book in The Haven or suites. Perks include invitation to member-only cocktail parties, complimentary dinner and bottle of wine at…
