First-Time Cruising: How to Choose the Best Ship for You

Cruising offers one of the most relaxing and exciting ways to see the world. You unpack once, settle into your floating hotel, and wake up each day in a new destination. With more ships and itineraries launching in 2026, cruising is more popular than ever among solo travelers, couples, families, and retirees alike.

If you're planning your very first cruise, choosing the right ship is one of the most important decisions you'll make. Whether you're eyeing a mega-ship full of activities or a quiet river cruise through Europe, we’ll help you find the best match for your travel style.

Decide your destination and timing first. Popular cruise routes like the Caribbean in winter or the Mediterranean in summer tend to fill early. Cruise lines typically release itineraries up to 24 months before departure. Booking early gives you more cabin choices and access to promotional pricing.

For most ocean cruises with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Carnival, or Celebrity Cruises, booking eight to 14 months before departure provides a good balance of choice and value. For specialty voyages like Alaska in summer or holiday season departures, you might want to book ten to 18 months ahead.

River cruises fill up faster because of limited space. For popular river lines such as Viking River Cruises, AmaWaterways, or Avalon Waterways, it is wise to reserve 12 to 18 months ahead for a 2026 sailing.

Look for promotions. There are several key promotional periods:

• Wave Season in January through March often features reduced deposits, upgrades, onboard credits, and drink packages.
• Black Friday and Cyber Monday can bring percentage-off discounts, free gratuities, and kids-sail-free offers.

Booking early helps you secure the ship and cabin you want. Watching for promotions can add extra value to your cruise.

Ocean vs River Cruises: There is no wrong choice between ocean and river cruising. Both offer great experiences but they are very different.

Ocean Cruises: Ocean cruises take place on large ships that sail open water between coastal ports. These ships are like floating resorts with many activities and entertainment options.

Here are some cruise lines and ships to consider:

• Royal Caribbean International with ships such as Icon of the Seas or the upcoming Legend of the Seas feature waterparks, multiple dining options, entertainment venues, and activities like surf simulators and sky courses.
• Norwegian Cruise Line offers modern vessels such as Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva with features like racetracks at sea and broad dining variety.
• Princess Cruises includes ships like Sun Princess which offer entertainment venues such as The Dome and comfortable lounges for relaxation.
• Carnival Cruise Line is known for fun-focused experiences on ships like Carnival Jubilee with family-friendly features and casual vibes.
• Celebrity Cruises offers a more upscale experience on ships such as Celebrity Ascent with its beautiful design and quality dining.

Ocean cruising is great if you enjoy a wide range of activities onboard, lively entertainment, kids’ clubs, and networking with other travelers.

River Cruises: River cruises take place on smaller ships that sail inland waterways such as the Rhine, Danube, or Mississippi. River cruises focus more on scenery, culture, and destination immersion.

Examples of river cruise lines and ships include:

• Viking River Cruises, with ships such as Viking Einar and Viking Rolf which specialize in European river itineraries with included guided excursions.
• AmaWaterways features ships such as AmaLucia and AmaMagna with elegant cabins and included enrichment programs.
• Avalon Waterways is known for spacious Panorama Suites on ships like Avalon Envision which offer large picture windows and comfortable common spaces.

River cruises attract travelers who enjoy cultural experiences, scenic cruising, and quieter onboard life.

If you are unsure which type is best for you, consider what matters most. Do you want the energy and variety of a big ship or the calm cultural immersion of a river voyage? Talking with a Personal Travel Advisor can help you choose.

Your choice of cabin affects your comfort and enjoyment. Cruising offers many cabin types and locations.

Cabin types:

• Inside cabins are the most budget-friendly with no window.
• Oceanview cabins include a porthole or window for natural light.
• Balcony cabins let you step outside to enjoy the view.
• Suites offer more space and extra perks.

If you like light and fresh air, a balcony cabin is a great choice. If you want luxury and more room, a suite might be right for you.

Cabin location matters.

• Midship cabins on lower decks are usually the most stable if you worry about motion.
• Forward or aft cabins tend to feel more movement at sea but can offer great views of the ocean.
• Check the deck plan for noise sources such as theaters, nightclubs, or engine rooms.

Special considerations:

• Families might want connecting cabins or family categories.
• Solo travelers may look for ships with studio cabins such as those offered on Norwegian Cruise Line or select Royal Caribbean vessels to avoid high single supplements.
• If someone in your group has mobility concerns, request an accessible cabin with features such as roll-in showers.

Cabins in popular locations can sell out early, so choose and book as soon as you are comfortable with your cruise.

The ship you choose sets the tone for your cruise vacation. Below are examples of popular ship types and the kinds of travelers they serve best.

Best for First?Time Cruisers

• Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas: A massive, activity?rich ship with something to do on every deck. Ideal if you want rides, shows, pools, surf simulators, and many dining options.
• Carnival Jubilee: A fun, budget?friendly ship with high energy, casual dining, and entertainment that appeals to families and social travelers.

These large ships help first?timers feel comfortable because you have many options onboard and plenty of fellow passengers to meet.

Best for Active Travelers

• Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva: Modern ocean ships with go?kart tracks, ropes courses, and a range of outdoor activities built into the design.
• Celebrity Edge: A more refined but activity?forward ship with unique experiences like the Magic Carpet platform and an adults?oriented spa and fitness deck.

If active days at sea and diverse experiences matter most, these ships are solid candidates.

Best for River and Cultural Immersion

• Viking River Cruises’ ships such as the Viking Einar and Viking Rolf focus on local culture, scenic cruising, and included shore tours.
• AmaWaterways ships such as AmaLucia and AmaMagna offer spacious cabins, elegant dining, and immersive excursions with regional guides.

River ships deliver port?centric experiences with minimal transit time and frequent direct access to town centers.

Best for Luxury and All-Inclusive Experience

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Smaller ships with highly inclusive pricing covering excursions, beverages, gratuities, and fine dining.
• Silversea Cruises: Ultra?luxury small ships with butler service, rich cuisine, and elegant personalized service.

If a fully included, premium experience is your priority, these ships provide luxury across the board.

Best for Families

• Disney Adventure (Disney Cruise Line’s new 2026 ship): Built with families in mind, featuring expansive kids’ spaces, character experiences, family dining, and entertainment for all ages.
• Royal Caribbean’s Oasis?class ships such as Oasis of the Seas bring neighborhoods onboard, water parks, and teen?friendly zones.

For multigenerational travel where kids and adults both want great experiences, these ships deliver strong value and memorable moments.

Choosing the right cruise ship is one of the most important steps in planning a memorable vacation in 2026 and beyond. Think about how you like to spend your time, what kind of activities matter most to you, and what kind of onboard atmosphere you want to experience. With so many options, from mega ocean ships to intimate river vessels, family fun ships to luxury retreats, there is a perfect match for every traveler.

If you ever feel overwhelmed by choices, just contact a Personal Travel Advisor. They can help you compare ships, cabins, and itineraries so your first cruise is not only smooth but truly suited to your travel style.

Happy cruising and bon voyage!