1st-Time Home
1st-Time Forums
CRUISE GUIDE:
Sail with us and your friends
SEARCH CRUISEMATES:
Google

First-time Cruisers

First-time Cruisers always have a lot of questions. We recommend that you read as many articles in CruiseMates as you can before you sail. Most of the most important ones for first-timers are listed here, but please also check our cruise consumer section. One thing we say confidently, is that the vast majority of people who cruise the first time are pleasantly surprised and choose to cruise again.

First-time Cruise Advice for 2011
by Paul Motter
Cruising has changed! Updated advice for the modern world of cruises for today's first-time cruiser.
8-30-11

Cruise Reservations - Basic Requirements
Two budding cruise writers have sent us their recommendations for cruisers; Tips for first-time cruisers, and how to stay fit on a cruise ship.   Go>
1-12-09
 
Cruise Reservations - Basic Requirements
For beginning cruisers, here's a primer on the essentials: passports, transfers, cruise tickets and what's included in a cruise reservation.   Go>
1-12-09
 
3-Day Cruises
3-day cruises offer quick relief for people who need to get away. Need a vacation now? Try a 3-day Cruise.   Go>
1-12-09
 
Cabin Categories: Which are Most Popular and Why
Cruisemates readers have different reasons for selecting one type of stateroom over another, and it isn't always related solely to price.   Go>
8-27-08
 
A Refresher Course for First Time Cruisers
CruiseMates' Cruise Director Kuki revisits his advice on what to expect and how to prepare if you've never sailed before.   Go>
8-25-08
 
Your Cruise Has Been Refused!
People with cruise tickets are sometimes denied boarding at the last moment, losing not only their vacation time, but their cruise fare as well.   Go>
6-27-08
 
Passport Rules Getting More Complicated
Carribean cruise passengers will still be able to get by without a passport, but we don't recommend it.
5-12-08
Before-You-Cruise Checklist: Part 2
Here's what to take care of during the days just before your schedule departure. Part 2.
4-18-07
The Before-You-Cruise Checklist
A week by week, pre-cruise planning guide to all the odds and ends needed for your seagoing vacation. Part 1 4-16-07
1st-time Tips: Cruiser to Cruiser
A Cruisemates reader, Maree Conway, offers an original article on HER first-time cruise tips, from one Internet cruise enthusiast to another. 1-26-07
Tips For a First-Time Cruiser
Professional cruise journalist, Jon Siskin, offers suggestions on how to arrange your first cruise, from pre-planning to saving money on board. 1-24-07


Finding the Right Travel Agent
Factors to consider include price quotes, service levels, cruise expertise and should you book directly with cruise line? 8-10-06


Your First Cruise: What To Expect
Cruise Director Kuki clears up some of the mystery about ships and cruise protocol. May 3, 2004


  Article continues below
  • Message Boards: First-time Cruising

  • Feature Articles:

    INTRODUCTION

  • Your First Cruise: What To Expect
  • Cruising Myths & Misperceptions
  • Is Cruising For Me?

    FIRST-TIME CRUISERS Q & A:
  • Taking better Pictures
  • Probing Luggage Problems

    BOOKING YOUR FIRST CRUISE
  • Understanding Cruise Costs
  • Finding the Best Price
  • Finding the Best Travel Agent
  • When Should I Book?
  • Cabins - How Do I Pick One?
  • What is a "Guaranteed Cabin"?
  • Picking an Itinerary

    CRUISE TIPS
  • Tourist or Traveler?
  • Powering your Plug-ins
  • Gamble like a Pro
  • Packing - Make it Easy
  • Pre- and Post-Cruise Stays
  • Tuxedos? Necessary?
  • Which Dining Time Is Best?


    Copyright © 2012 , Cruisemates. All rights reserved.
  • Free Newsletter
    Cruise News, opinions & the Web's best cruise bargains. "One of the best!" says Chicago Tribune.
    subscribe >>
    cruise bargains CRUISE BARGAINS
    Online Cruise Shopping mall
    CruiseMates Cruise Bargains - Hot deals from the Cruise Lines & Web's best Discount Agencies

    See CruiseMates on FaceBook  Or follow us on Twitter.

    Cruise Bargains | Cruise Reviews | Reader Reviews | Message Boards | Photo Galleries | Ship Itineraries
    Feature Articles | First Time Cruisers | Single Cruising | Family Cruising | Kids & Teens | Gay/Les Cruisers
    Consumer Affairs | Ship Articles| Ship Reviews | Before You Go | Onboard the Ship | Ports of Call | Best of Cruising
    Humor & Opinions | Cruisemates Cruises