Cruising 101

Insider tips for a seamless first cruise, with expert advice on cruise lines, onboard experiences & more.

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Best Cruise Lines for First Timers

Not every cruise line is the same, so choosing the right one for your first trip is key to an amazing experience. Give one of our friendly and knowledgeable cruise specialists a call; their passion is to help you find the perfect fit for your cruise! In the meantime, here are some of our recommendations for first-time cruisers.

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The Biggest, Boldest Ships at Sea.

New to cruising? Start big. Royal Caribbean offers an unbeatable first-time experience on the world’s most iconic ships — including the brand-new Icon of the Seas, the largest cruise ship ever built. With everything from waterparks and surf simulators to Central Park-inspired neighborhoods, these ships are destinations in themselves.

Why first-time cruisers love Royal: It’s adventure made easy. One price covers your meals, entertainment, accommodations, and even access to Royal’s private island in The Bahamas — Perfect Day at CocoCay. With sailings from convenient U.S. ports and flexible trip lengths, planning your first cruise has never been simpler.

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Modern Style. Effortless Cruising.

Sleek ships, included perks, and a resort-like vibe make it easy to relax, explore, and cruise in modern style.

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Classic Elegance at Sea.

White-glove service, formal evenings, and timeless ocean liners create a one-of-a-kind way to travel in elegance.

Cruise Freely. No Rules.

No schedules, no dress codes — just the freedom to cruise your way with more choices included.

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Cruising, Reinvented for Adults.

All-inclusive, adults-only, and refreshingly different — Virgin delivers a bold new take on cruising.

Cruising is the Best Travel Value

Every vacation is an opportunity to recharge and choosing the right travel style can make all the difference. Resort and hotel stays offer flexibility and the chance to immerse yourself in local culture at your own pace. However, they often require careful planning to organize accommodations, meals and transportation—which can add to your workload and budget.

Cruising, on the other hand, combines convenience and value into one seamless package. With accommodations, meals and entertainment included upfront, along with a thoughtfully planned itinerary, you can skip the logistics and focus on enjoying your time away.