Planning your first cruise is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming with so many cruise lines, ships, and destinations to choose from.
How long should your first cruise be? Which cabin should you book? What's actually included? Will you spend the whole trip waiting in lines or paying extra for everything?
Those are some of the most common questions first-time cruisers ask.
Virgin Voyages cruise line was designed to make cruising feel simpler. Instead of navigating complicated drink packages, specialty dining fees, and family-focused activities, you get an adults-only vacation where many of the best experiences are already included.
If you're wondering whether cruising is right for you, there's no better place to start for your first cruise.
Why Virgin Voyages Is Great for First-Time Cruisers
Your first cruise should be about discovering new destinations, not figuring out how your vacation works.
Unlike many traditional cruise lines, Virgin Voyages includes many of the experiences that other cruise lines charge extra for.
What's Included on Virgin Voyages cruise?
One of the biggest surprises for first-time cruisers is how quickly costs can add up on some cruise lines.
Virgin Voyages takes a different approach.
Your fare includes:
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Dining at specialty restaurants
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WiFi
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Group fitness classes
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Essential drinks including water, soda, tea, and drip coffee
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Award-winning entertainment
That means fewer surprise charges once you're onboard and more time enjoying your vacation.
That means you don't need to budget for multiple onboard packages just to enjoy your vacation. Instead of deciding whether you need a dining package, drink package, WiFi package, or entertainment package, you simply board the ship and start vacationing.
Where Should You Go on Your First Cruise?
The Caribbean is one of the best destinations for first-time cruisers.
Virgin Voyages offers itineraries visiting destinations like:
- Dominican Republic
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Cayman Islands
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Jamaica
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Aruba
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Curaçao
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St. Maarten
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The Beach Club at Bimini
- and many more
These itineraries combine beautiful beaches, simple shore excursions, and plenty of time to enjoy the ship.
Choose a Short Cruise for Your First Sailing
One of the best tips experienced cruisers give first-time travelers is simple:
Start with a shorter itinerary.
A 4- or 5-night short weekend cruise gives you enough time to experience everything that makes cruising special without committing to a full week at sea.
For your first cruise, you'll have time to:
Many first-time Sailors discover they wish they had booked a longer voyage, but a shorter itinerary is the perfect introduction.
Your First Cruise Doesn't Have to Feel Overwhelming
Many first-time cruisers worry they'll spend the whole vacation following schedules.
Virgin Voyages gives you much more flexibility.
There are:
Want breakfast at 10 a.m.?
Go for it.
Feel like spending an afternoon reading in your Sea Terrace hammock?
Perfect.
Want to dance until 2 a.m.?
Also an option.
Your vacation moves at your pace and to your vibe.
First-Time Cruise Tips
Experienced cruisers often share the same advice after their first sailing.
Arrive at Your Departure City Early
Flying in the day before embarkation helps avoid unnecessary travel stress if flights are delayed.
Pack a Small Carry-On
Your luggage may take a little time to arrive at your cabin. Keep medications, travel documents, swimwear, and anything you'll want immediately with you.
Explore the Ship Early
Walk around on your first afternoon. You'll quickly discover restaurants you'll want to try, lounges, pool areas, and quiet places to relax.
Book Popular Experiences Ahead of Time
Dining reservations, Shore Things, and spa appointments are easiest to secure before your sailing or soon after boarding.
Don't Try to Do Everything
One of the biggest lessons first-time cruisers learn is that you don't have to fit everything into one voyage.
Leave time to relax.
That's part of the experience.
Ready to Book Your First Cruise?
Your first cruise is one you'll always remember.
Choosing the right cruise line makes all the difference.
With adults-only ships, award-winning dining, included WiFi, entertainment, fitness classes, and one of the most inclusive fares at sea, Virgin Voyages lets you focus on the fun instead of the fine print.
Browse upcoming sailings through the Voyage Planner and discover why so many first-time cruisers become lifelong Sailors after their very first voyage.
