For first-time passengers, the ideal cruise depends on exactly what they’re looking for.
Cruising the open seas with loved ones is an enthralling, magical experience that enables vacationers to appreciate not only their incredible destinations, but the unforgettable voyage there!
Different cruise lines offer vastly distinct experiences, with wide varieties of exciting and exotic destinations, world-class entertainment, premium accommodations and amenities, and much more.
Here are several of best cruise lines for first-time passengers:
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival is one of the world’s largest and most popular cruise lines, well regarded for its majestic ships loaded with a wide range of incredible onboard entertainment and activities.
The line offers deals and itineraries to some of the most sought-after vacation destinations on the planet, including the Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, and more—all at affordable prices. Voyages feature spectacular sights, from the vast expanses of ocean to countless colorful ports, communities, and beaches along the way.
Enjoy a vast array of shore expeditions replete with fun and exciting activities highlighting some of the most popular sights and attractions throughout the world. Explore the history and culture of Italy with an expedition through Rome, featuring all the majesty and mystery of the Vatican. Dive beneath the clear, blue waters of the Caribbean with a snorkeling adventure, or lounge on the shore and soak up some sun. Tour regional cuisines and enjoy fantastic meals in new and exciting locations.
Carnival also has plenty of extraordinary entertainment options for those wishing to stay onboard! Check out WaterWorks, its waterpark for a wet and wild time, hang out at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to kick back and relax, schedule a massage or facial treatment at the Cloud 9 Spa, or take a spin on the SkyRide—a combination of bicycling and ziplining high above the deck, with a mesmerizing panorama of the ocean.
First-time guests will be absolutely blown away by this extraordinary mix of ocean, sky, and seafaring celebrations!
When you’ve had enough fun for the day, retreat to your stateroom to recharge for your next adventure. In addition to the standard selection of cabin styles (interior, exterior, balcony, and suite), Carnival also boasts a number of specialty cabins, including: Family Harbor, with extra space and family-friendly amenities; Havana staterooms, for a more luxurious experience complete with exclusive lounge access; and Cloud 9 Spa staterooms for a relaxing stay focused on wellness and rejuvenation.
Royal Caribbean International
If you’re new to cruising and seeking a full-on resort experience, look no further than Royal Caribbean’s fleet of top-of-the-line ships featuring some of the best in-cruise comfort and entertainment. We’re talking Broadway shows and musicals, ice skating spectaculars, live music concerts, and much more!
Whether you’re planning a trip for a special occasion, or setting off on an impromptu weekend cruise, Royal Caribbean offers spectacular deals and all-inclusive options to popular U.S. ports and must-see international destinations.
The line provides a range of itineraries and activities for every type of first-time passenger.
Families can visit the Bahamas on their inaugural cruise and check out CocoCay, which Royal Caribbean visits exclusively. There’s fun attractions including ziplining, a 450-foot helium balloon ride, the largest freshwater pool in the Bahamas, and Daredevil’s Peak—North America’s tallest waterslide.
Those seeking a romantic getaway can share an intimate cruise to Fiji and enjoy incredible regional cuisine, try a couples spa or massage treatment, and walk arm in arm exploring some of the iconic natural wonders found throughout the island, including its beautiful white-sand beaches, majestic waterfalls, lush rainforests, and variety of exotic wildlife.
Rookie cruisers will also no doubt be amazed with tours of Spain, Greece, and Italy—while learning their histories and cultures. More intrepid travelers and nature lovers will be floored by the glorious, undisturbed wilderness featured on an Alaskan cruise—with expeditions such as train tours, whale watching, nature hikes, and more!
The onboard experience is just as exciting, with each ship loaded to the brim with fun entertainment for guests of all ages and interests. Dazzling stages host your favorite concerts and musicals, with show stopping performances. There are youth programs and activities for kids and teens to enjoy, as well as bars, lounges, nightlife clubs, and casinos for adults.
Royal Caribbean boasts a wide selection of spacious and comfortable cabins for various travel types and party sizes, with specialized staterooms for couples, group suits, and large family cabins—as well as Royal Suite Class and Ultimate Family Suite Class rooms for travelers craving more luxurious and extravagant stays.
Every ship features a diverse array of dining options, from authentic Japanese cuisine at Izumi to the traditional, Old-World fare of Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is renowned for its incredible entertainment, diverse dining options, and easygoing atmosphere encouraging travelers to enjoy their voyage on their own terms, at their own pace.
The line boasts top destinations spanning the globe, including Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Australia, New Zealand, Northern Europe, Asia, South America, and more—yet with so many fantastic onboard activities and amenities, guests may never want to leave the ship.
Guests enjoy award-winning Broadway musicals such as “Jersey Boys,”“Kinky Boots,” “Footloose,” and more. Those feeling lucky can check out Casinos At Sea, a best-in-class gaming experience featuring slot machines and plenty of table games. Passengers seeking some high-quality TLC can get pampered with a massage or beauty treatment at the onboard spa, and relax beneath the cascading waterfalls of adults-only Spice H2O—a beach-style club guaranteed to help guests de-stress.
Sailing the high seas with the whole family? Take advantage of Norwegian’s full suite of fun, family-friendly facilities and activities! Cool off while gliding down the towering water slides of Aqua Park, or try the exhilarating challenges of ThrillPlex—with a massive race track, rock wall, augmented reality laser tag, virtual reality gaming experiences, and more!
Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising Experience features no fixed dining times, so you’ll have access to a wide selection of delectable cuisine whenever you want. Guests can enjoy a complimentary buffet and 24-hour, pub-style eateries, as well as a collection of specialty dining options with international menus and an upscale aesthetic for unique culinary experiences.
The cruise line features an extensive array of staterooms, suites, and penthouses, along with Club Balcony Suites boasting plenty of space, comfortable furnishings, and exclusive amenities such as private terraces and convertible or drop-down beds, for additional storage space.
For pure luxury, check out The Haven by Norwegian, a collection of top-of-the-line penthouses offering premium accommodations, private topside balconies, and access to exclusive services and facilities including The Haven Lounge, The Haven Restaurant, and The Haven Courtyard and Sundeck.
Norwegian enables guests to create their ideal cruise experiences—the perfect introduction for first-timers to all the splendor and excitement of cruise culture!
Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises is well known for its ultra-luxury ships and premium destinations—with itineraries to more than 900 across every continent, from the most popular ports to off-the-beaten-path locations for unforgettable vacations.
Silversea’s all-inclusive cruise packages are perfect for first-time guests, and include such amenities as 24-hour, gourmet dining and butler service, as well as complimentary, daily shore excursions. The line even offers additional perks such as complimentary drinks, promotional deals and included air fares, and transfers—for maximum value and convenience.
Its smaller ships visit more ports than many larger cruise lines. With about 700 passengers per sailing, Silversea cruises are typically a quieter, more intimate experience—an ideal choice for romantic occasions such as a honeymoon. Guests enjoy a wide variety of shore expeditions, enabling them to experience the local food, culture, and attractions.
Its Africa and Indian Ocean package offers glamorous and exotic tours featuring historical sites, incredible landscapes, stunning beaches, and a jaw-dropping safari expedition. Bask in the beauty of the Caribbean while snorkeling, hiking, kayaking, and ziplining! Silversea also offers themed and holiday cruises for special occasions.
Each ship features an array of fine dining options for delicious, diverse, and upscale culinary feasts! There are also numerous wellness and relaxation facilities, including a fully equipped fitness center, and spa, where guests can be pampered with a professional massage or beauty treatment.
Comfortable, elegant, and spacious staterooms such as the Superior Veranda Suite feature incredible amenities such as your own private balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass doors, for a truly spectacular view!
InteleTravel Will Plan Your Perfect First Cruise!
Planning a cruise can be a daunting task, especially for first-timers. Finding the right cruise line is only one part of the process. From choosing the right time to book and travel, creating the ideal itinerary for your trip, securing the perfect cruise cabin, and more—arranging the myriad factors of your voyage can be difficult.
Not if you enlist InteleTravel Advisors!
These certified travel professionals understand the best way to arrange and organize a cruise trip. They’re also available throughout your trip to provide helpful advice and support to ensure you have the best experience possible.
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