The driving force behind the cruise industry’s recent surge in popularity includes, in large part, travelers who never cruised before. According to the Cruise Lines International Association’s 2025 State of the Cruise Industry report, first-time cruisers represent 31% of passengers in the last two years. Selecting and planning a cruise involves more steps than many travelers realize, especially for those new to the experience. The process goes beyond the simple act of clicking “book now.” Multiple factors require consideration, such as the destination, desired cruise line, ship size, budget, and more.
As experts point out, the cruise industry includes more than the traditional “mega-ship” experiences and sails far beyond the Caribbean islands. The blessing and curse of so many options existing creates an overwhelming sensation in those attempting to plan their first cruise. Starting with the desired destination and knowing what kind of cruise experience a family will enjoy helps to narrow the field in planning the best vacation possible.
Start With The Destination
Cruise ships sail around the world, offering families more choice regarding itineraries and desired destinations. Many travelers choose cruising as their preferred method of travel thanks to the convenience of unpacking their suitcases only once. In this instance, the cruise ship acts as a hotel that moves with the travelers to each island, city, or port of call.
Whether sailing to the Caribbean, Europe, or even Antarctica, cruise lines offer itineraries that cater to each vacation type, length, and desired excursions. Since numerous options exist, one popular approach involves starting with the destination a family wishes to visit and selecting a specific cruise line or ship from there.
Certain voyages include trips to private islands otherwise inaccessible to other travelers. Disney Cruise Line, for example, owns two private island destinations: Castaway Cay and Lookout Cay. Royal Caribbean’s Perfect Day at Coco Cay also provides cruisers with the opportunity to extend that particular cruise line’s brand and experience to land. Many cruisers choose itineraries with private islands for a more personalized and exclusive vacation with fewer crowds than a port of call where multiple cruise lines dock daily.
However, knowing the desired destination only narrows the field so far. Theme park journalist Megan duBois recognizes that picking the right cruise feels daunting given how many choices exist. Once a family selects the region they want to visit, they must begin to consider other factors to help hone in on a specific cruise line. She suggests, “If you’re a family on a budget, consider sailing with Carnival or MSC, but if money is not an issue, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line are the best family lines. Adults looking to go without kids will love Celebrity, which has a cool young adult vibe on its newest Edge-Class ships.”
Ultimately, duBois says choosing the correct cruise comes down to knowing what works best for the family. “Think about what you want from the vacation and what destinations you want to visit,” she adds. If looking to sail on a budget, duBois recommends looking for deals like free drink packages or a sum of money offered as onboard credit.
Size Matters
Once a family selects where they wish to sail, they must then consider what kind of ship they want to experience. Many of the newer vessels act as a destination in their own right. Royal Caribbean’s Icon Class and Disney Cruise Line’s Wish Class accommodate thousands of passengers and include multiple restaurants, lounges, entertainment spaces, and outdoor pools and play areas. Travelers easily fill an entire cruise vacation without needing to step off the ship once.
Larger ships also offer more onboard activities geared to young kids. Alexandra Caspero, founder of Delish Knowledge, highlights the recent emphasis the cruise industry places on younger families and says, “Previously, we were very selective about which cruise lines we chose or what routes we would take the family on, but now it seems that most cruises have plenty to offer for young kids.”
Travelers must also not rule out a particular cruise line based on a single aspect. For example, adults traveling without kids will want to consider Disney Cruise Line if they know they enjoy the Disney product. While Disney Cruise Line excels at providing a product for young families, it also offers plenty of adult-exclusive options. Disney Cruise Line restricts its signature dining options to guests 18 years of age or older, and its new class of ships includes uniquely themed bars and lounges inspired by Disney attractions and other intellectual property.
Great options exist outside of the traditional “mega-ship” cruise lines as well. Smaller ships with an emphasis on excursions, such as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, offer a more intimate experience and cater to an entirely different age demographic. National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions takes passengers to the far corners of the world, including Antarctica and the Galapagos, as well as more popular destinations through a new travel lens, as seen in their recent partnership with Food & Wine Magazine, featured in itineraries around the Mediterranean.
Caspero recognizes this growing trend in luxury cruising. “The Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons, and Emerald Kaia all offer upcoming voyages that cater to the 5-star hotel crowd who want a more sophisticated cruise experience than some of the mega-ships.” In her view, Caspero describes the new age of cruising as “the perfect compromise for individuals who want the benefits of an all-inclusive vacation while being able to see multiple destinations.”
Whether a family wants the traditional mega-ship experience in the Caribbean or a more personalized expedition far from the beaten path, multiple cruise lines and expedition voyages offer the perfect travel solution.
<p>The post Number of First-Time Cruisers Continues to Increase. Experts Share Their Top Tips For Planning Your First Cruise first appeared on Travelbinger.</p>