I’m 65F, just retired (yay!!) and decided to try a cruise. I’ve read a lot about it, but still unsure what would be the best cruise for a beginner like me. Knowing what you know now, what destination and cruise length would you recommend for a first cruise? What should I avoid? I’d really appreciate any advice.
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I’m 65F, just retired (yay!!) and decided to try a cruise. I’ve done some research, but I’m not sure which cruise would be a good choice for a first-timer. What destinations and cruise lengths would you recommend for someone like me? What should I watch out for? Thanks for your help!
I’d recommend a 7-day cruise, especially on Royal Caribbean. They’re usually a good choice for beginners, especially if you’re from the US. A Caribbean cruise would be a great starting point.
Once you get back, you’ll have a better idea of what you liked or didn’t like, so you can choose something different next time.
@Grayden
What makes Royal Caribbean a good choice for beginners, in your opinion?
Sparrow said:
@Grayden
What makes Royal Caribbean a good choice for beginners, in your opinion?
Royal Caribbean has a bit of everything. Some cruise lines might be better for food or entertainment, but Royal Caribbean tends to be solid in all areas. Most people enjoy it. If you’re looking for something more lively, Virgin cruises might be fun too, but it’s not for everyone.
I’m not a fan of Celebrity because I think the entertainment feels outdated and the vibe is slower. NCL is a good choice for solo travelers since they have plenty of solo options, though it’s sometimes cheaper than other lines. I want to try Holland America, Silver Seas, or Seaborn since they’re more luxurious but a bit pricey.
@Grayden
Thanks for the overview! That’s really helpful!
@Grayden
Just a heads up: Royal Caribbean isn’t the best for solo travelers, especially since they rarely lower the solo supplement for their 7-day Caribbean cruises. As someone who travels solo, I prefer MSC or NCL. If you sign up for VacationstoGo and Cruiseplum, you can find solo pricing for various cruise lines.
There’s a saying that there are 3 types of cruises: the Newly Wed (Carnival and NCL), the Well Fed (Celebrity, Royal Caribbean), and the Nearly Dead (Princess, Viking).
Tristan said:
There’s a saying that there are 3 types of cruises: the Newly Wed (Carnival and NCL), the Well Fed (Celebrity, Royal Caribbean), and the Nearly Dead (Princess, Viking).
I’d say a 7-day cruise is a good starting point, since it gives you enough time to enjoy the full cruise experience. There’s no one-size-fits-all destination for a first cruise. No matter where you go, there will be plenty of activities and excursions to match your interests. The Caribbean is a popular option, though, since it has many different ships and itineraries.
@Darin
Thanks for the advice! Looks like a week is the general consensus. That helps a lot!
My first cruise was a 7-day trip to the Mexican Riviera on Carnival, and it was amazing!
Congrats on your retirement! I’ve been on a few cruises and think it’s important to balance time on the ship and time in the ports. My first cruise was from Boston to Bermuda, and it was the perfect mix of sea days and time on the island. If you live near a port city, that could be a good place to start. Also, make sure to fly in a day before the cruise, just in case there are delays.
It also wouldn’t hurt to consult a travel agent for guidance. Are you going solo or with family? Solo cabins tend to fill up quickly, and you’ll have to pay double occupancy for others.
@Shan
I’ll go solo for my first trip, but family cruises are definitely in the future if I like it! I’m also worried about motion sickness. 
Sparrow said:
@Shan
I’ll go solo for my first trip, but family cruises are definitely in the future if I like it! I’m also worried about motion sickness.
If you’re on a newer ship, they have stabilizers to keep it smooth. Still, it’s always good to have wristbands, pills, or a patch just in case.
@Shan
I’m bringing everything I can think of for the first trip. I’ve read that once you get used to the motion, it’s not so bad, as long as there’s no storm. Thanks for your help!
A 5-7 day cruise with Virgin sounds perfect. Congrats on your retirement!
Hadi said:
A 5-7 day cruise with Virgin sounds perfect. Congrats on your retirement!
Thanks! I’m really excited for the new experiences.
Are you traveling alone? NCL is great for solo travelers—they offer solo dinners, games, and group activities. They also have solo cabins, so you don’t have to pay for two people.
Blane said:
Are you traveling alone? NCL is great for solo travelers—they offer solo dinners, games, and group activities. They also have solo cabins, so you don’t have to pay for two people.
I’ll be going solo—thanks for the info. I’ll check out NCL.