Booking Your First Cruise: How To Choose a Cruise Line

There are few things more exciting than booking your first cruise, but there can also be uncertainty for those new to cruising. What are the best cruises for first-timers? Which cruise lines and destinations are best? In this guide, we’ll provide all the information you need to ensure your first cruise is perfect.

What Cruise Line is Best for First-time Cruisers?

When it comes to cruising, there are plenty of cruise line options, so many that it can be a little bit overwhelming. When booking your first cruise, our top tip is to consider your priorities, as this will help you determine the correct choice of cruise line.

Best for Departing From the UK

Many first-time cruisers want to set sail from the UK, keeping their initial experience of hitting the oceans as simple and accessible as possible. Highly acclaimed for its modern ships and British hospitality, P&O Cruises is often considered the best cruise line for sailing from the UK, offering itineraries around the world, from long voyages to Asia and the Far East to sun-soaked trips to the Mediterranean. 

Another favourite is Fred. Olsen Cruises. Its smaller ships attract a loyal following, providing an excellent option for anyone looking to visit exclusive ports across Europe, the Americas, Australasia, and more without needing to fly.

Best for Families

If you’re planning to journey across the seas on an unforgettable family holiday, there are several options for the best first-time cruise line. Norwegian Cruise Line, for example, offers havens of activity, providing kids with endless fun while mum and dad rest easy knowing that they’re not spending a fortune. If you’re planning your first cruise to the Caribbean or any other top destination, NCL is definitely worth a look!

Another must for families is Royal Caribbean, creators of the largest cruise ships at sea. Featuring waterslides, dodgems, ice-skating and trampoline parks, its ships bring adrenaline-fuelled adventures to the seven seas.

Best for Classic Cruising

When cruising for the first time, guests often seek the traditional experience. A standout in this regard is Cunard, which offers classic cruising with contemporary home comforts and modern cuisine. A transatlantic crossing on board the Queen Mary 2 remains one of the most iconic journeys on earth, its seven-night cruises to New York harking back to the golden era of travel.

Another connoisseur of classic cruising is Princess Cruises, renowned for offering some of the finest itineraries in the industry. Recognised across the industry as one of the best Alaskan cruise providers, Princess’s approach is leisurely yet refined, offering delightful food for first-timers seeking a classic cruise experience to top destinations.

Best for Adventure

First-time cruisers can often be drawn to the spirit of adventure associated with seafaring, and some cruise lines centre their philosophy around this. Operating in the world’s most adventurous regions, Hurtigruten is unbeatable when it comes to experiencing Norway, Svalbard, and Antarctica in the most authentic way possible. Its incredibly knowledgeable expedition teams will accompany you on extraordinary voyages to see amazing sights like the Northern Lights, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Best for Wellbeing

Want your first cruise to be one of indulgent relaxation and reinvigoration? When it comes to travelling the world in blissful serenity, Celebrity Cruises ticks a lot of boxes. From its AquaClass cabin – a spa-themed accommodation featuring enhanced amenities such as a spa shower and aromatherapy diffusers – to an expansive menu of healthy room service options, Celebrity helps guests be their best selves.

For those seeking a rejuvenating cruise, few options top the modern Scandinavian style and port-intensive itineraries of Viking. Its Nordic spa is a comprehensive space of calm, allowing guests to soak in the thalassotherapy pool or hot tub, lounge on ceramic lounge chairs, and unwind in the first snow grotto at sea.

Best for Ultra-Luxury

Craving a cruise that delivers complete extravagance? Ultra-luxury cruises are the future, and some cruise lines are already specialising in them. As one of the biggest luxury cruise operators, Silversea combines the escapism everyone desires from a cruise with a degree of luxury only possible aboard its fleet of small, elegant ships. Inclusive from the moment guests step on board, Silversea energises guests with gourmet dining, relaxes them with diving spa treatments, and makes them feel special with personal butler service. 

If you define luxury as getting everything you paid for and more, Regent Seven Seas Cruises could be perfect for your first cruise. Incorporating everything from drinks and tips to unlimited excursions, Regent Seven Seas’ small ships are spacious and glamorous, with lots of polished marble, crystal chandeliers and even a Picasso or two dotted around to establish an incredible aura of opulence and quality.

What Are the Best Cruises for First-Time Cruisers?

Determining the best first-time cruise destination comes down to identifying what you want from your cruising experience. Here are a few of our top recommendations for different first-time cruiser tastes:

• Fun in the Sun: For hot days on the beach and poolside evenings, great picks include favourites like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the Canary Islands.
• Adventure of a Lifetime: Destinations that satisfy the thrill of exploration include Canada, Far East Asia, and Central America. 
• A Cruise Like No Other: Make your first cruise a unique one with exotic destinations like Mexico, Australasia, and the Pacific Islands.
• Sailing from the UK: Cruises sailing from familiar shores regularly explore Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords, and the British Isles.

Discover Your Perfect Cruise Getaway with Bolsover Cruise Club

Get ready to book your next cruise getaway with all of the major cruise lines available here at Bolsover Cruise Club. If you need help booking a cruise, please don’t hesitate to contact us. One of our Cruise Experts will be happy to assist you.