Cruise Lines

12 Best First Time Cruise Lines for Every Travel Style

Every traveler has different choice of cruising on the sea depending on their interest
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Best First Time Cruise Lines for Every Travel Style list comprise Seabourn as the Best First Time Cruise For Luxury Services. The Viking is famous for expeditions.

It is a daunting task for cruising newbies to find their match. From packing tips to choosing the best destination with limited ideas about cruising, you may miss your shot.

Every cruise line has its own specialties, which might or might not favor your traveling type. Most of them have amenities focused on young adults, while some focus on all age groups.

Are you taking a cruise for the first time ever? We have got your back with tips as per your traveling preference. Whether you choose food or entertainment, there is a cruise for you.

1. Regent Seven Seas - Best First Time Cruise For All-inclusive Service

Seven Seas Grandeur was built by the Fincantieri shipyard in Ancona, Italy.
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Regent Seven Seas provides all-inclusive facilities, including air fair, hotel package, and unlimited beverages. They also offer unlimited shore excursions.

You don't need to worry about additional costs or limit yourself to a few activities. With Regent, you can be totally carefree and enjoy the trip to the fullest.

Guests can dance to their music, have their cuisine and specialty dining all included in one booking. All of their ships offer private balconies to give you breathtaking ocean views.

Recommended Cruise: One of their most loved luxury cruises is Circle South America which sets a roundtrip from Miami through Peru. The trip has even included pre-paid gratuities.

  • Total Ships: 6
  • Headquarter: Miami, Florida
  • Founded: 1992

2. Royal Caribbean - Best First Time Cruise For A Family Vacation

Perfect Day at Coco Cay is a family-friendly island owned by the Royal Caribbean International
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First time cruise Royal Caribbean guests can do unforgettable activities for all ages. Royal Caribbean is the best first time cruise for family.

The cruise line has the best waterparks at sea where you can challenge your family member to stir up your adrenaline thrill. Their six record-breaking slides in Category 6 waterpark are famous.

Their newest member Icon of the Seas, has the first-ever family raft slides at sea named Storm Surge and Hurricane Hunter. A group of four can enjoy the slide while soaking in the ocean view together.

It has gained an outstanding reputation for its fun-filled zone of waterslides among kids.

Recommend Cruise: You can try their 7-night Perfect Day Bahamas Cruise on Oasis of the Seas which has one stop at their private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

  • Total Ships: 26
  • Headquarter: Miami, Florida
  • Founded: 1968

3. Carnival Cruise Line - Best First Time Cruise on a Budget

Carnival Cruise Line is owned by Carnival Corporation & plc
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First time cruise tips Carnival Cruise Line are seeking embarkation day discount and purchasing internal cell package.

They have the most budget-friendly cruises on older ships rather than the new ones. The facilities might differ, but the level of fun is fullest with the perfect company.

Cruising newbies can try their short itineraries and enjoy their signature amenities.

Foodies have to keep their eyes out for Happy Hour deals that offer all beverages at half price. Carnival Cruise Drink Packages are Sail Refreshed Menu and CHEERS! Beverage Program.

The cruise line has an affordable price range starting from $100 per person, varying depending on itinerary duration and destination.

Recommended Cruise: The 3-Day Bahamas from Miami on Carnival Conquest that costs only $209 per person.

  • Total Ships: 23
  • Headquarter: Doral, Florida
  • Founded: 1972

4. Norwegian Cruise Line - Best First Timer Cruise For Party Lovers

Norwegian Cruise Line parties remain a high point throughout
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Norwegian Cruise Line boasts their freestyle cruising. They have several party packages for the occasion of anniversaries and birthdays.

Get ready to pop champion and dance on the night away under the stars at sea. One of their themed-party H2Glow celebrations is rolled out fleet-wide.

If you are to cruise on Norwegian Breakaway, Getway of Prima, then make sure to jam out hit songs at their new Syd Norman’s Pour House. Shake your body at Howl at the Moon on Breakway, Epic, Getaway, and Escape.

They have a staggering variety of Broadway musicals to buzzworthy original shows. If your cruise is on Epic, you are going to party at the Cavern Club where once Beatles performed.

Norwegian Escape is one of the Top Party Cruises: Best Cruise Ships For Partying. The ship is famed for Latin light-themed parties and the coolest drinking options.

Recommended Cruise: 12-Day Transatlantic Cruise from Miami on Norwegian Breakaway. The itinerary has a free open bar and specialty dining that sail through the Atlantic Ocean with only 3 stops.

  • Total Ships: 18
  • Headquarter: Miami, Florida
  • Founded: 1996

5. Seabourn - Best First Time Cruise For Luxury Services

The Seabourn pool surrounded by an expansive sundeck with chaise lounges
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First time cruise what to expect? You can expect a digital room key which can also be used as a credit card during the first time cruise.

Seabourn offers ultra-luxurious cruises at sea on their small-size ships. Their ships can carry between 458 and 600 guests each through most hidden gems and must-see cities worldwide.

Their award-winning crew numbering nearly as many as guests, make it the most hospitable cruise. Lavish oceanfront suites with private verandas and Mandarin Oriental spa treatments are some most luxurious amenities.

Seabourn has cutting-edge technical solutions used, and one of them is an automated embarkation process with their applicated called mBark.

You will get products from Molton Brown for showering and Champagne on embarkation day. Penthouse and Premium Suites guests can are treated with optional soothing background music.

Recommended Cruise: The 7-Day Greek & Turkish Treasures on Seabourn Encore can get you the most grandeur experience.

  • Total Ships: 6
  • Headquarter: Seattle, Washington
  • Founded: 1986

6. Cunard Line - Best First Time Cruise for Solo Traveler

Cunard Line has short and long itineraries for their adult only cruises
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Solo cruise travel is a fascinating idea to feed your wanderlust. Cunard Line provides solo cruises with 24-hour room service.

They reserve a table separately for the travelers at the main restaurant. But if you are interested in making new friends, then you can join others as well.

Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth have nine midship single-occupancy cabins, and Queen Mary 2 has 15 ocean-view single-occupancy cabins. Queen Mary 2 is a pet friendly cruise.

With a variety of onboard entertainment, guests always get a chance to interact with new people. Group activities like dance classes and team quizzes can help bond with holidaymakers.

Party along the beats at G32 or play Casino, but you have plenty of options not to be alone. So don't worry about being missed out in the crowd.

Recommended Cruise: The 14-Nights Mediterranean highlights on Queen Mary 2 makes a round trip from Southampton. Hurry up! Make your solo statement reservation now.

  • Total Ships: 6
  • Headquarter: Carnival House, Southampton
  • Founded: 1986

7. Viking Cruises - Best First Time Cruise For Expedition Seeker

Viking Cruises has variety of expedition cruises sailing to Alaska and Antarctica
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First time cruise essentials include a passport for international travel. When it comes to expedition cruises, it is always about Vikings.

The cruise line has three subdivisions Viking Viking Ocean Cruises, River Cruises, and Viking Expeditions. It has two new Polar Class vessels: the Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris for expedition division.

Passengers can pre-book and purchase shore excursions available on Polar Region cruises.

Adventure-seeking travelers can witness icy alleys and marine life in Antarctica through November and March. Great Lakes itineraries are sailed through April and September.

Recommended Cruise: 13-Day Antarctic Explorer from Buenos Aires, you to the adventure along the Antarctic peninsula. Its costs start at $11,995 per person.

  • Total Ships: 14
  • Headquarter: Basel, Switzerland
  • Founded: 1997

8. Celebrity Cruises - Best First Time Cruise After Retiring

Celebrity Millennium docked in Alaska harbour in May 2023
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First time cruise guide is to use a cruise packing list to ensure everything is packed. They have health protocols and an enhanced medical center.

Celebrity Cruises have discounts for guests aged 55 or over for chosen itineraries. But they assure to give a hassle-free experience.

The discounts will be flashed once you add your birthdate in the system for reservation. You can celebrate the end of a long and fruitful career by watching ocean views.

After a golden year of hard home, seniors may want the best experience to relax and recharge. Some amenities like 24-hour room service and various dining options make it easier for passengers.

The concept of retiring on a cruise ship and leaving land has recently become a trend. People can book back-to-back or long itineraries.

Recommended Cruise: The 9-Nights Italian Riviera & Franceon Celebrity Reflection sails through European coastal countries.

  • Total Ships: 16
  • Headquarter: Miami, Florida
  • Founded: 1988

9. American Cruise Lines - Best First Time Cruise On River

American Pride docked in Richland in October 2022
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American Cruise Lines has a jaw-dropping array of destinations along the Columbia, Mississippi, and Snake Rivers. They sail through 35 itineraries through 33 states.

Their riverboats can carry 100 to 400 passengers at a time. They also have traditional paddle-wheelers to explore the Ohio and Tennessee rivers. 

Aboard the riverboats, you will enjoy the enchanting beauty of landscapes and river gorges. Passengers might also witness waterfalls if they sail through the Columbia River Gorge.

American Cruise Line is among the top Tennessee River Cruises.

Recommended Cruise: The 8-Day Music Cities Cruise on American Melody itinerary embarks on a journey from Memphis to Nashville. It travels through the Mississippi River, Ohio River, and Cumberland River.

  • Total Ships: 17
  • Headquarter: Guilford, Connecticut
  • Founded: 1991

10. Oceania Cruises - Best First Time Cruise For Foodies

The cruise line has Guild of Professional English trained Butlers
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Oceania Cruises provides the finest cuisine at sea. The cruise line has bagged several dining awards, including Best Onboard Dining 2018 by TravelAge West.

They have a Bon Appetit Culinary Center equipped with 9 cooking stations where foodies can get hands-on experience.

Oceania’s executive culinary director Master Chef Jacques Pepin, gives us a taste that melts in our mouths. Their main restaurant Grand Dining Room serves continental cuisine.

The menu has mouth-watering appetizers, including Sturgeon caviar, soups, main courses, and Jacques Pepin's signature dishes. Their tasting menus range from $75 to $295.

Some famous dining are Toscana, Red Ginger, Polo Grill, and Grand Dining Room. You can also savor items from their A la Carte breakfast menu.

Recommended Cruise: The 19 days one-way from Hamburg to Oslo on Oceania Maina sails through 5 ports.

  • Total Ships: 17
  • Headquarter: Guilford, Connecticut
  • Founded: 1991

11. Virgin Voyages - Best First Time Cruise For Young Adults Meetups

The pool side area  the Gym and Tonic bar and the MyBeast upper-body strength bars
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Prior research about cruise ships and port of call locations is among the most useful first cruise tips. Virgin Voyages has adult-only entertainment.

How about getting inked at sea? They have the first ever Tattoo Shop at Sea named Squid Ink. 

From bustling nightlife to laughing at comedy acts, you can pamper yourself. You will also enjoy their Mexican-themed cocktail bar dispensing mezcal.

Cruisers can join the free morning yoga classes and stretch sessions and exercise in their outdoor workout areas. They also have a 24-hour eatery.

Recommended Cruise: You can go on their 5-Night Mayan Sol itinerary on Scarlet Lady.

  • Total Ships: 4
  • Headquarter: Plantation, Florida
  • Founded: 2014

12. Princess Cruises - Best First Time Cruise To Escape With Long Itinerary

Majestic Princess pictured in ocean water hued in pinkish sky
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Princess Cruises offers world voyage roundtrips. They recently announced their newest cruise with a 116-day World tour through 26 countries and 6 continents.

With an array of shore excursions, it takes you through ancient Romans and 27 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Long itineraries have several benefits, and one of them is that passengers can have specialty dining dishes four times a day.

The cruise line has one of the best cruise ships inside cabins. That makes your worldwide tour comfortable 

Recommended Cruise: The 111 Days World Cruise on Island Princess is a Los Angeles roundtrip.

  • Total Ships: 15
  • Headquarter: Santa Clarita, California
  • Founded: 1965