Set Sail With Confidence
Everything a first-time cruiser needs to book and enjoy the voyage of a lifetime — from choosing the right ship to stepping ashore in beautiful ports around the world.
Updated 9/10/26
New to Cruising
Never Cruised before?
Planning your first cruise can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Not sure which cruise line is right for you? Confused by cruise cabin categories? Worried about hidden cruise costs and what's actually included in your fare? Wondering what to expect when you arrive at the cruise port or step aboard for the first time? Cruising for Newbies provides practical cruise tips, beginner's guides, cruise planning advice, and helpful information for first-time cruisers—so you can choose the right cruise, know what to expect, avoid common mistakes, and set sail with confidence.
Your first cruise
What's Included With Your Fare!
Not sure where to start? You're in good company, every one was a first time cruiser once! One of the biggest questions for any first-time cruiser is, "What's actually included in the price of my cruise?" While inclusions vary by cruise line and ship, your cruise fare typically covers many of the essentials you'll enjoy throughout your vacation. From meals and entertainment to swimming pools and onboard activities, understanding what's included can help you compare cruises, plan your budget, and avoid unexpected expenses.
Staterooms and Suites
Your stateroom is your home away from home while you're on a cruise, and choosing the right cabin can make a big difference in your overall experience. Cruise ships offer several stateroom and suite options, including interior cabins, oceanview rooms, balcony staterooms, and spacious suites, with features and amenities that vary by cruise line and ship. For first-time cruisers, understanding the differences between cruise cabin categories, locations, sizes, and amenities can help you choose a comfortable stateroom that fits your travel style and budget.
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Main Dining Room
Your cruise fare typically includes meals in the ship's main dining room, giving you the opportunity to enjoy a variety of breakfast, lunch, and dinner options without paying an additional charge. Main dining rooms often feature multiple courses, changing menus, and a wide selection of appetizers, entrées, and desserts. For first-time cruisers, understanding how cruise ship dining works can help you make the most of your included meals while knowing when specialty restaurants may cost extra.
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Buffet Dining
Most cruise ships offer a complimentary buffet as part of your cruise fare, providing a casual and convenient option for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks. Buffets typically offer a wide variety of foods, making them a popular choice when you want a quick meal or don't want to follow a formal dining schedule. For first-time cruisers, the buffet is one of the easiest ways to enjoy included meals while exploring everything your cruise ship has to offer.
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Pools
Swimming pools, whirlpools, and many pool-deck amenities are typically included in your cruise fare, giving you plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy the ship while you're at sea. Depending on the cruise line and ship, you may find multiple pools, splash areas, or adults-only pool areas. For many first-time cruisers, the pool deck becomes one of the easiest places to unwind, enjoy the sunshine, and experience life at sea without spending extra money.
On-Board Activities
One of the biggest advantages of a cruise vacation is the number of activities included in your fare. Depending on the cruise line and ship, you may be able to enjoy fitness centers, trivia, games, dance classes, sports, deck activities, demonstrations, and other scheduled events at no additional cost. With so many included cruise activities, first-time cruisers can experience the ship and stay entertained without constantly adding to their vacation budget.
Entertainment
A variety of basic onboard entertainment is generally included in your cruise fare, so you can enjoy shows, live music, performances, movies, comedy, and other scheduled activities without purchasing a separate ticket. Entertainment options vary by cruise line and ship, but there's usually something happening throughout the day and evening. Knowing what's included can help first-time cruisers plan their time onboard without assuming every activity or experience comes with an additional charge.
What's Often Not Included!
While your cruise fare covers many of the essentials, there are several expenses that are often not included in the standard cruise price. First-time cruisers should plan their budget for extras such as Wi-Fi packages, alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, shore excursions, spa services, gratuities, and transportation to and from the cruise port. These additional cruise costs can vary significantly depending on the cruise line, ship, itinerary, and personal preferences. Understanding what's included—and what's not included—in your cruise fare before you book can help you avoid unexpected charges and create a more accurate budget for your first cruise vacation.
Before Booking Your First Cruise
Information you need to know!
Here's some good news for first time cruisers: vacations should be easy, and cruising might just be the easiest vacation you'll ever take. Our Beginner's Guide and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) pages are here to guide you through everything that you will need to know from your first search to setting sail.
Let's Get Started
Choosing your first cruise vacation, review destinations, ship sizes, cabins, and duration compared to your travel style and budget.
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Booking Your First Cruise
Learn when to book your first cruise, what the standard fare includes, how to select a cabin and it's ammenitities, and how embarkation day unfolds.
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Beyond the Fare
Discover additional fare options that can be included on your cruise, upscale dining options, WiFi, drink packages, shore excursions, gratuities and tipping customs, and how disembarkation works.
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Docs, Insurance, Onboard
Before booking your first cruise, review the required travel documents (ID, passports, Visas), optional cruise travel insurance and things such as spending while onboard.
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What to Pack
What should I pack for my first cruise? Learn what is not allowed to bring onboard? Will I need formal wear during my cruise? Should I bring cash with me?
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Enjoy Your First Cruise
Onboard, the fun never really stops. Spend your morning at the spa or soaking up sun by the pool, your evening enjoying live music and Broadway-style shows, and your days in port exploring with guided shore excursions.
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Embarkation, Disembark
Embarkation Day - the most exciting part of any cruise, make it stress free. Disembarking - understand the process, ensure your final morning is calm and organized.
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New to Solo cruising?
We break down what to expect — from meeting fellow travelers onboard to understanding the single supplement, so you can budget with confidence.
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Frequently Asked Questions
As a first time cruiser, if you still have questions then we have answers. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for answers to questions that many first-time cruisers have.
Learn moreThe Cruise Industry
Meet the World's Great Cruise Lines
From lively mainstream mega-ships to intimate all-inclusive luxury vessels, the cruise industry offers a voyage for every experienced or first time cruiser. Understanding the three main categories — mainstream, premium, and luxury — is the first step to finding your perfect fit.
- Mainstream: Carnival, Costa, MSC, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean — affordable, family-friendly, packed with activities.
- Premium: Celebrity, Holland America, Princess, Virgin Voyages — refined service, superb cuisine, enrichment programs.
- Luxury: Cunard Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking — small ships, all-inclusive, personalized service.
Luxury
Viking Cruises
Luxury
Seabourn
Luxury
Silversea
Luxury
Regent Seven Seas
MainStream
Costa Cruises
Cruise Activities
Things To Do On-Board
Onboard, the fun never really stops. Spend your morning at the spa or soaking up sun by the pool, your evening enjoying live music and Broadway-style shows, and your days in port exploring with guided shore excursions — cruise vacations blend both relaxation and adventure throughout your time onboard.
Health and Wellness
Massages, facials, and body wraps in the on-board spa offer a quiet escape, along with access to thermal suites and relaxation lounges. Or - get your miles on the outdoor walking/running track and enjoy the open air sea breezes.
Learn moreNight Life, Shows and Activities
Broadway-style shows, comedians, and live bands take the main theatre stage most evenings, full lineups normally posted in the daily program. Slots and table games keep the casino buzzing after dark, with lounges and dance floors to carrying the evening on into the night.
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Shore Excursions, Activities
Guided tours, snorkeling trips, and sightseeing outings organized at every port will let you explore each destination without the planning. Or - Kick back at the on-board pool or soak in the hot tub and enjoy the view.
Learn moreSet Sail From Home
Cruise Ports Across the United States
You may be surprised how close a cruise departure is. From Florida's busy Port Everglades and PortMiami Caribbean hubs to Seattle's gateway to Alaska, dozens of US ports make it easy to start your first cruise voyage.
PortMiami
Miami, Florida
Port Everglades
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Port Canaveral
Cape Canaveral, Florida
Port of Galveston
Galveston, Texas
Set Sail Across the Tasman
Cruise Ports Across New Zealand
From Auckland's harbor skyline to the fjord-like beauty of the Marlborough Sounds, New Zealand's cruise ports blend dramatic landscapes with Maori culture and world-class wine country.
Auckland Cruise Terminal (Queens Wharf)
Auckland
Port of Wellington (CentrePort)
Wellington
Port of Tauranga (Mount Maunganui Wharf)
Tauranga
Port of Napier
Napier
Set Sail Down Under
Cruise Ports Across Australia
From Sydney Harbour's iconic skyline to the tropical gateway of Cairns, Australia's cruise ports pair stunning coastlines with access to the South Pacific and Great Barrier Reef.
Sydney Harbour (Overseas Passenger Terminal)
Sydney, NSW
White Bay Cruise Terminal
Sydney, NSW
Station Pier
Melbourne, VIC
Brisbane International Cruise Terminal
Brisbane, QLD
Set Sail Abroad
Cruise Ports Across Europe
From Barcelona's Gothic Quarter to the volcanic cliffs of Santorini, Europe's cruise ports pair centuries of history with some of the most beautiful coastlines on Earth.
Port of Barcelona
Barcelona, Spain
Port of Civitavecchia (Rome)
Civitavecchia, Italy
Port of Venice
Venice, Italy
Port of Southampton
Southampton, England
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