7-night cruises usually have a better mix of people, while shorter cruises can feel more like party trips. For example, if you’re going from Florida, a 4-night cruise will mostly stop in the Bahamas, while a 7-night cruise can get you to places like Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. We’ve tried Royal, Norwegian, Carnival, and Holland America. Honestly, Carnival was our favorite.
@Lennon
I’m not really into party atmospheres. Thanks for the info!
It depends on where you’re located and if you want to fly. If you’re near Florida, the Caribbean is a great option. If you’re further west, consider an Alaskan cruise—it’s a popular first cruise. At 65, I’d recommend Holland America’s Koningsdam for an Alaskan cruise out of Vancouver. You’ll love it!
@Jordan
I’m in the Midwest, so I’m open to either coast. Alaska sounds like a great choice. Thanks!
I did a 7-day Mexican Riviera cruise on Carnival for my first one, and I had an amazing time!
Avoid short or super long cruises for your first trip. Short ones tend to attract a party crowd, while long ones could leave you feeling sick if you don’t like the motion. I’d say 5 days for the short end, and 7-8 days is perfect. Also, check out Vacations2Go—it helps you compare prices for different cruises.
@Noor
That’s a great idea! Thanks for the tip.
I haven’t been on large cruises, but I recommend trying a river cruise!
As a solo cruiser, you have lots of choices. A travel agent can help you decide, especially if you can meet face to face. They can narrow down the cruise lines that would be best for you. If you’re concerned about the ‘single supplement’, I suggest looking at the price per day for the cruise rather than worrying about the supplement. Also, avoid hurricane season for smoother sailing.
@Fox
That’s exactly why I’m considering a cruise! I love music and performances, and eating out alone isn’t always fun. I’ll definitely look for a travel agent. Thanks!
We did a 7-day Inside Passage Alaskan cruise with Holland America for our first cruise. We picked a midship balcony cabin to minimize motion. It was such a great experience that we’re going on a New England/Canada cruise next September.
@Nova
I’ve been looking at that cruise! Sounds like a great beginner option. Thanks!
If you want to start with a shorter trip, a 4-day cruise might be a good option, especially if you’re worried about motion sickness. It’ll give you a chance to see how you like it before committing to a longer trip. Just avoid Carnival if you don’t want a party atmosphere. You can always extend your vacation by exploring the port city before or after the cruise.
@Luca
I’m not interested in a party atmosphere, but I’m definitely worried about motion sickness. Thanks for the suggestion.
I started cruising solo in my 50s, and I’ve been on Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. You’ll find more options from Florida, but the Alaska cruise was one of my favorites. If you’re into nature, you might want to consider Alaska or the Canadian Rockies.
@Jessie
Thanks for the tips! Alaska is looking like a great option.
I think you’ll love cruising! A 7-day cruise is a great choice for your first. Royal Caribbean is a solid line for a first-timer, and the Caribbean offers nice warm weather and lots of fun activities for all ages.
@Skyler
That sounds perfect. Thanks for the recommendation!