Your First Cruise and How to Choose One

In short

For a first time, pick a short cruise of 3 to 7 nights from a port that is easy to reach. Then decide in order: month, departure port, cruise line and cabin. Below you will find a guide for each step and a checklist so nothing is forgotten before you go.

Updated 10 October 2026

If it is your first cruise

A couple packing a suitcase for their first cruise in a bright bedroom, with passports on the bed

First cruise checklistDocuments, luggage, boarding and the first evening on board — what to prepare and in what orderRead the guide →

A couple walking up the gangway to board a cruise ship on an autumn day

A short first cruise2–4 nights from a nearby port to find out whether cruising is for youRead the guide →

A couple in bathrobes with morning coffee on their cabin balcony as the ship arrives at a sunny harbour town

A typical day on a cruiseBreakfast, a port or a sea day, dinner and the evening — how a day worksRead the guide →

Cruise mythsBoring, cramped, seasick, only for retirees — which of these is trueRead the guide →

How to choose a cruise

Three decisions shape whether you enjoy the trip: when and where to sail from, which cruise line and which cabin.

Cruise finderBy month, departure port and length Cruise linesEach has its own style — find yours Choosing a cabinInside, ocean view, balcony or suite

What to decide first

Month and length. The season decides where ships sail at all: the fjords in summer, the Caribbean and the Canary Islands in winter. For a first cruise, 3 to 7 nights is plenty.
Departure port. From the Netherlands and Belgium the easiest starts are Rotterdam, Amsterdam and Hamburg — you can get to all three by train.
Cruise line. Big family ships, quieter classic cruising, adults-only sailings or small ships — every line has its own style.
Cabin. Inside, ocean view or balcony: this affects not just the price but how you spend your time on board.

Not sure where to go yet? Browse the destinations and the cruise calendar. Travelling with children, parents or as a couple? See Who you travel with.

Common questions

What kind of cruise should I choose for my first time?

A short one: 3 to 7 nights from a port that is easy to reach. That way you find out whether life on board suits you without spending your whole holiday on it.

Which cabin should I book for a first cruise?

It depends on how much time you spend in the cabin. If you mostly sleep there, an inside cabin is enough. If you want to look out at the sea in the morning and evening, choose a balcony cabin.

How do I know which cruise line will suit me?

Start with who you are travelling with and what kind of holiday you want: big ships with entertainment for the whole family, quieter classic cruising, adults-only sailings or small ships with very personal service. This section has an overview of cruise lines by style.

Will I get seasick on a cruise ship?

Large ships have stabilisers, and in calm weather you barely feel any movement. If you are sensitive to it, choose a cabin in the middle of the ship on a lower deck, and routes on sheltered seas.

How the club fits in

Whichever cruise you choose, the club's ways of paying are the same: the member price (INsider Pricing), about 17% below the retail price, or your Reward Points, which can cover up to half of the price of qualifying bookings. They do not add up in one booking. Not every cruise line can be booked through the club — we can tell you which sailings are available for your dates. More about booking with points.

General information about cruising. Conditions, entry rules and charges depend on the cruise line and the country and change over time, so check your booking before you travel. Percentages describe the club's rules and are indicative. Reislite is an independent information site run by partners, not a website of inCruises.