If you’ve never cruised before, planning your first sailing can feel like you’re choosing from an endless buffet - exciting, but also kind of intimidating. With so many cruise lines, itineraries, and destinations to choose from, how do you know where to start?
By redtag.caJune 17, 2025 Posted in:CruisesTravel Inspiration
Relax - we’ve got you. Here’s your first-time cruiser guide to choosing the perfect itinerary, the right cruise line, and making the most of every port along the way.
Pick Your Destination First
Before anything else, think about where you want to go. The Caribbean? Mediterranean? Alaska? Each region offers a totally different vibe.
- Caribbean cruises are perfect for first-timers. You’ll visit sun-soaked islands like St. Lucia, Jamaica, and the Bahamas, with lots of beach time, snorkelling, and shopping.
- Mediterranean cruises are ideal if you want to explore Europe with ease. Think Rome, Barcelona, Mykonos, and beyond - history, culture, and coastal charm included.
- Alaska cruises offer epic views, glaciers, and wildlife. Expect rugged beauty, whale watching, and cozy ship vibes.
Start with your dream destination, and the rest will fall into place.
Match the Cruise Line to Your Travel Style
Cruise lines each have their own personality. Here's a quick cheat sheet for first-timers:
- Royal Caribbean: Big ships, big thrills - great for families and adventure lovers.
- Celebrity Cruises: A step up in style - modern, upscale, perfect for couples and foodies.
- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Laid-back with flexible dining - ideal for casual travellers.
- MSC Cruises: Euro flair meets affordability - great value with lots of international flavour.
- Princess Cruises: Classic and calm - great for mature travellers and scenic routes like Alaska.
- Carnival Cruise Line: Fun, festive, and affordable. Great for families, friend groups, and first-timers. If you're looking for a "fun ship" experience, this is it.
Understand Cruise Itineraries
Not all cruises are created equal. Some itineraries are port-intensive (lots of stops, short sailing time), while others are sea-day-heavy (more time relaxing on board). First-timers usually love a balance - enough shore time to explore, but enough ship time to enjoy all the onboard perks.
Popular options:
- 7-night Caribbean cruises: Typically include 3 - 4 ports like Cozumel, Grand Cayman, or St. Maarten, plus a few sea days.
- Mediterranean sailings: Often visit a new port every day - Venice, Santorini, Dubrovnik, and more.
- Short getaways (3–5 nights): Perfect to test the waters with stops in places like Nassau or Key West.
Plan for Ports & Excursions
Each port is a chance to discover something new - just make sure to pace yourself. Cruise lines offer pre-booked excursions for everything from catamaran sails to guided city tours, or you can explore independently.
Not sure? Start with 1–2 booked excursions and wing the rest.
Bonus Tip: Embarkation Ports Matter
Think about where your cruise starts and ends. Many Caribbean cruises depart from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, or Orlando. Mediterranean cruises often begin in Rome, Athens, or Barcelona. Factor in flights, pre-cruise hotels, and travel time when making your choice.
Final Boarding Call
Your first cruise should be easy, exciting, and unforgettable. Let your dream destination guide your choice, pick a cruise line that fits your vibe, and build an itinerary that mixes adventure and downtime.
Need help choosing? The travel pros at redtag.ca are here to match you with the perfect sailing - and score you the best deal while we’re at it.
Now go ahead and start planning. That ocean breeze isn’t going to chase itself.
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