Travel blog

Best Cruise Line for First-Time Cruisers in 2025

If you’re planning your very first cruise in 2025, congratulations! You're about to set sail, quite literally, on an unforgettable journey.

2.5min read

Published 26 August 2025

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

If you’re planning your very first cruise in 2025, congratulations! You're about to set sail, quite literally, on an unforgettable journey.

Cruising is a truly unique way to travel, and you get the best combination of relaxation, adventure, and incredible destinations all in one neatly packaged cruise ship holiday.

To help you choose the perfect cruise line for your maiden voyage, we've rounded up the best options for first-time cruisers, focusing on comfort, value, and exceptional service.

Why You’ll Love Your First Cruise
Top Cruise Lines for First-Time Cruisers
Where Should First-Time Cruisers Go?
How Long Should Your First Cruise Be?

Why You’ll Love Your First Cruise

A cruise takes the guesswork out of travel. Unpack once, then let the ship carry you from destination to destination; with meals, entertainment, and activities all included. You’ll get a mix of sea days and shore days, time to relax, and plenty to explore. It's like a floating resort with an ever-changing view.

Cruise ships come in all shapes and sizes, offering a variety of experiences tailored to different tastes. Popular cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), Celebrity Cruises, Uniworld, and Avalon provide exceptional onboard amenities, some really exciting itineraries to cater for all tastes, and comfortable cabins.

Because their cruise routes and their onboard amenities can be so different, each cruise line offers something special. But luckily, there’s a cruise line which is perfect for you, whether you dream of sailing the turquoise waters of the Caribbean or exploring Europe's historic rivers.

Top Cruise Lines for First-Time Cruisers

For South African travellers especially, cruising offers big value. Cruise lines like MSC, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), and Celebrity Cruises make it easy to find your ideal mix of comfort, fun, and affordability.

Here are our picks of the top cruise lines for first-timers.

MSC Cruises

A solid all-rounder that’s hugely popular in South Africa. MSC Cruises is known for its family-friendly vibe, wide choice of cabins, and seasonal cruises from Durban. It’s great value, with lots of included meals and activities. There are plenty of options for couples or groups of friends too. If you want a short cruise, you can do a 2-4 night option to get a taste of cruising. Guaranteed you’ll love it!

If you want something longer, they operate plenty of amazing routes further afield too.

Royal Caribbean

If you want the full resort-at-sea experience, Royal Caribbean is hard to beat. It’s the typical cruise you’ve seen on TV and in movies. Expect massive ships, jaw-dropping entertainment, and action-packed features like surf simulators and skydiving tunnels. It’s a favourite with families and thrill-seekers who want to have everything in one place.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)

NCL is all about flexibility. Their "Freestyle Cruising" means no set meal times, relaxed dress codes, and loads of dining options. It’s ideal for first-timers who want the cruise experience without the traditional structure or rules.

NCL cruises also tend to attract a slightly younger crowd, so if you want to cruise with friends or as a couple, it might just be the perfect cruise line for you. Plus, their packages often include drinks and even speciality dining, so you don’t have to worry about your spending once you’re onboard.

Celebrity Cruises

Prefer a quieter, more polished experience? Celebrity Cruises offers a more refined take on cruising. Think stylish décor, destination-focused itineraries, and top-tier dining.

If you’re someone who likes the finer things in life, it could be the right choice for you. They are also a great option for couples or solo travellers who want luxury without the fuss. Just turn up, relax, and indulge!

If you're not keen on mega-ships and prefer something more intimate, river cruising might be for you. Avalon and Uniworld are known for their smaller ships, scenic routes, and exceptional service. Cruise down the Rhine, Danube or Seine with fewer passengers and plenty of culture along the way.

Ocean cruises get a lot of the attention, but river cruises can be equally fun and rewarding.

Avalon River Cruises

Avalon Waterways offers a refreshing take on river cruising, combining comfort, style, and immersive travel experiences. Unlike traditional ocean cruises, Avalon’s smaller ships provide an intimate atmosphere and the ability to dock in the heart of Europe’s most charming towns and cities, giving travellers more time to explore ashore. Add in flexible excursions, fine dining with locally inspired cuisine, and personalised service, and Avalon Waterways makes river cruising a relaxed yet enriching way to see the world.

Uniworld & Trafalgar River Cruises

Uniworld and Trafalgar River Cruises both offer exceptional ways to experience Europe’s waterways, each with its own unique style. Uniworld is renowned for its boutique luxury, with ships designed like floating hotels, complete with elegant décor, gourmet dining, all-inclusive amenities, and personalized service that makes every journey feel indulgent and effortless. Guests enjoy immersive excursions, wellness options, and cultural experiences—all wrapped in award-winning hospitality.

Trafalgar River Cruises, launched in 2026, brings the brand’s signature storytelling and cultural immersion to the rivers of Europe.

Together, these two cruise lines provide travellers with the choice between elevated luxury and authentic immersion—two different yet equally unforgettable ways to explore the world by river.

What Life Is Really Like on a River Cruise

TAKE A LOOK

Where Should First-Time Cruisers Go?

You’ll want somewhere easy, beautiful, and packed with variety. Here are some popular picks:

Caribbean – Warm weather, beach days, and fun port stops. It’s perfect if you want an easygoing vibe and great year-round weather.
Mediterranean – Culture, cuisine, and sunshine in one trip. Cruise from Italy, Spain, or even France and soak up the history in some of the world’s most iconic spots.
Asia – If you’re after something more exotic, Asia cruises blend temples, tropical beaches, and vibrant cities.

How Long Should Your First Cruise Be?

3–5 nights: A great introduction without the full commitment, which is perfect for local routes.
7 nights: Ideal for international itineraries and seeing more destinations.
10+ nights: For those who want to properly unplug and explore a wider region.

What to Expect Onboard

Cruise ships vary, but most include:

Multiple dining venues (some included, some specialty)
Live entertainment (think musicals, comedy shows, and themed nights)
Pools, spas, gyms, and sometimes even skating rinks or race tracks
Shore excursions for every interest—from beach breaks to food tours
Family options like kids' clubs and teen lounges

So, What’s the Best Cruise Line for First-Time Cruisers?

There’s no single answer. The right cruise and destination depends totally on your travel style.

Want a laid-back, budget-friendly cruise? Try MSC or NCL. After a big, bold adventure? Go Royal Caribbean. Prefer a quieter, more refined trip? Celebrity Cruises might be your match. For something a little different, river cruises with Avalon or Uniworld offer a slower pace and beautiful backdrops.

Ready to Set Sail?

Your first cruise should feel effortless, exciting, and full of wow-worthy moments. Chat to a Flight Centre Expert who can help match you with the perfect cruise line, cabin type, and route for your 2025 or 2026 getaway.

Time to give your passport the workout it deserves - your centre for travel knows the moves!

Sophie Baker

Guest Blogger

Road Trip & Multistop

...loading

*Travel restrictions & conditions apply. Prices are in ZAR and are correct as at the date of publication & are subject to availability and change without notice. Prices quoted are on sale until the dates specified unless otherwise stated or sold out prior. Prices are per person. We charge an Online Booking Fee for flight bookings made online. These fees are charged in addition to the advertised price and displayed fares. View Booking Terms and Conditions for more information.

Cookies Privacy Terms & conditions Terms of use Sitemap