Choosing your first cruise
The short answer
The best first cruise is four to seven nights, on a ship that suits the people going, from a port you can reach easily, on a calm, warm route such as the Bahamas or the Caribbean. The pages below match lines and routes to couples, families and first-timers who want something specific.By Kathryn Lyn2 min readReviewed September 2026
There is no single best cruise for everyone. There is a best cruise for your group, and it comes from three answers: who is going, how long you want, and what you want to see. Start with whichever question matters most to you.
The best cruise for first timers
The best cruise line for first timers
The best Alaska cruise for first timers
The best Caribbean cruise for first timers
The best European cruise for first timers
The best first cruise for couples
The best first cruise for families
