What are the best cruises for first-time cruisers?

Once you start cruising, it isn’t easy to stop. You have been warned! Stepping foot on your first cruise is such a special moment, from the first sail away with the ship’s horn tooting you off the dock to the incredible range of destinations. And it's all at surprisingly low prices – seriously, try and recreate the equivalent experience of a cruise with flights, hotels and restaurants costed in and you’ll see what we mean.

What makes a cruise ‘the best’?

At World of Cruising, our team of experts curate ‘best for…’ guides rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach. We look at what cruise lines stand out for each destination we review and each type of traveller, finding those subtle, if-you-know-you-know details so we can tailor our recommendations.

At a glance

• There are both adult-only and family-friendly cruise lines to choose from
• No-fly cruises are available for those who want to sail straight from the UK
• You can choose between sailing the high seas or picturesque rivers on your first cruise
• You’ll find both megaships that rival extravagant resorts and small vessels with the vibe of a boutique hotel

Best for couples: Celebrity Cruises

If you’re looking for an elegant escape for just you and your partner, then Celebrity Cruises has the perfect range of ships and itineraries for you. The quality of service onboard steps up a notch from the family-focused lines, and the décor around the ship focuses on enhancing the revitalising and relaxing feel of being at sea. You wouldn’t look out of place in a light linen suit with a glass of bubbly, gazing pensively at the sunset.

Browse offers: Celebrity Cruises

Best for families: Disney Cruise Line

Do the kids always beg to go to Disney World, but you want to go island hopping in Greece? Disney Cruise Line makes everyone’s wishes come true. With all your favourite characters and special themed parties and shows throughout the cruise, a Disney Cruise Line sailing is an excellent way to introduce the family to cruising. There’s plenty for the adults to enjoy, too, from Star Wars-themed bars to top-quality food – we’re not talking park food here. This is multi-generational cruising at its finest.

Browse offers: Disney Cruise Line

Best for a no-fly cruise from the UK: P&O Cruises

We’re blessed in the UK to have so many fabulous voyages departing from our own shores – no need to fly. P&O Cruises leads the way with cruise holidays for Brits, with year-round sailings from Southampton. You can sail to the Mediterranean, north to the Baltic or south to the Canary Islands without having to weigh your luggage even once. Onboard, the P&O experience is well-matched to us Brits, so you’ll feel at home as you explore the world.

Browse offers:P&O Cruises

Best for luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

If you’re accustomed to holidays in top five-star hotels around the world, then one thing you’ll notice on many cruise lines is that the cabin is much smaller onboard a ship than your typical land-based hotel suite… well, not if you sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. This luxury cruise line presents the largest staterooms at sea, and their ‘every luxury included’ philosophy ensures that your experience onboard and in port is well-curated and polished throughout.

Browse offers:Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best for river cruises: Viking Cruises

Viking reigns supreme over the waterways of Europe and offers an excellent way to explore the continent’s inland waterways, especially the magnificent Danube and mesmerising Rhine. River cruises run at a different pace from ocean cruises, with a little bit more sailing during the daytime to maximise the scenic sightseeing. You’ll visit smaller destinations with a more authentically local feel. And if you love your Viking river cruise, then you can also explore the oceans with the line’s sister fleet of ocean ships.

Browse offers: Viking Cruises

Best for adults-only: Virgin Voyages

It’s funny, there’s a group of people who swear they’ll never cruise. Why? We have no idea! They usually have no idea either… it’s just something they say. But there’s a cruise line for them, too. Without a doubt, Virgin Voyages can convert even the most hardened landlubber into a shipmate with their adult-only cruises. Virgin Voyages delivers that classic Virgin attitude full whack, with drag shows, an onboard tattoo parlour and trendier-than-trendy foodie hangouts all over the ship.

Browse offers:Virgin Voyages

Best for a resort at sea: Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean is known for making jaws drop and eyes leak with joy. With a focus on out-of-this-world entertainment (day and night), the ship itself is the destination. Think of a Royal Caribbean cruise as a resort at sea… but this is a resort on steroids. Las Vegas looks on with envy. It's great fun for the whole family, full of memories for a lifetime – this is cruising in full colour.

Browse offers: Royal Caribbean International

Find out more about what to expect from your first cruise.