side view of Royal Princess cruise ship at sea

First Time Cruisers - Learn About Cruising

"Best Cruise Line for First-Timers" - Cruise Critic Editor's Choice

01/06

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First time cruisers, do you have questions about cruising, planning or booking a cruise? Then you're in the right place. This overview will introduce you to what makes cruising such a unique and memorable way to travel, where you can go, what the rooms are like, what you can do on board, and how to get started planning.

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Why cruise?

Easy, convenient way to travel. As a new cruiser the convenience can’t be topped. Unpack once and experience the best of the region you are visiting in one cruise vacation. There is nothing easier than simply waking up in the morning in the world's most exciting and interesting cities. For example, on our 12-day British Isles voyage you will visit 10 ports of call including Paris, Dublin, Glasgow, Edinburgh and more.

Unbeatable value. Your cruise fare includes accommodations, dining, entertainment and an endless array of activities. Plus, you won’t have to pay for costly airfare, trains, or motorcoaches to get you from one city to the next.

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That feeling of being taken care of. You'll be right at home without a care in the world. From sun-up to late into the night, we are there to anticipate your every need. And by voyage's end, our crew will feel just like family.

Refreshing sea air. Sea days can be as relaxing or active as you wish. There is nothing comparable to being out on the open sea with warm ocean breezes.

A couple enjoying the views and breeze on a Princess cruise
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Explore a variety of destinations like Alaska on a Princess cruise

Where can I go?

Wherever there's an ocean, Princess can take you there. 
New to cruising with Princess? These are the most popular destinations for first-timer cruisers:

Alaska
Caribbean
Europe
Australia and New Zealand
View all cruise destinations

Shore Excursions help you make the most of your time in port.
These are escorted tours that will take you to the most memorable sites and let you experience the culture. Princess offers a variety of shore excursions to first time cruisers based on interests, activity levels as well as some tailored for families.

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Explore farther inland on a cruisetour.
A cruisetour combines a cruise with a multi-night land tour to inland destinations that the ship can't reach.

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What are the rooms like?

All staterooms include:

  • 100% cotton, high-thread-count linens
  • flat-screen TV
  • refrigerator
  • safe
  • little extras you find in nice hotels

We offer a wide range of stateroom options from balcony staterooms to more expansive mini suites, as well as our Reserve Collection Mini Suites, which feature VIP touches. There are also full suites with premium upgrades and complimentary features, like laundry and professional cleaning services. Budget-conscious travelers love our oceanview and interior staterooms. For groups and families, we offer the convenience of connecting staterooms and family suites, which sleep up to eight guests.

Learn more about our cruise ships
Inside a Princess mini-suite stateroom
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A couple experiencing Movies Under The Stars

What is there to do on board?

In a word – plenty. There are so many choices, it’s hard to list them all. But one of the best parts about cruising is there are activities for everyone, from the very young to the young at heart. (And, of course, do-nothing days are perfectly acceptable too!)

Only on a Princess® cruise can you spend the evening taking in Movies Under the Stars® with blankets and popcorn. Meet friends for a snack, glass of wine and street performer-style entertainment in the Piazza. Or spend a few kid-free hours relaxing in The Sanctuary with a massage and sea views. And if dining is your favorite pastime, you have your pick of everything from a multicourse meal in a formal dining room or award-winning specialty restaurant to a world-of-options buffet and hand-tossed pizza by the pool.

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What can kids do?

Our Youth Centers and Teen Lounges are staffed by experienced counselors, who are ready to ensure your kids stay happy all day long. There’s everything from art projects, games, the latest movies, pizza parties, talent shows, and much more. In partnership with Discovery™, Princess has developed engaging new youth programming and wonder-filled center designs for cruisers ages 3 to 17 to play, discover and create.

Learn more about Kids, Teens & Family cruise activities
A group of young guests playing games in the ship's youth center
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A couple planning their Princess cruise using their tablet

How do I plan?

Tips for First Time Cruisers:

How do I book?

  • Find a travel agent to help with your planning needs.
  • Call Princess Cruises to answer any questions you have or make a reservation at 1300 551 853 (from Australia) or 0800 780 717 (from New Zealand). Or visit our Cruise Vacation Planning page and they'll contact you at your convenience.
  • Or book right on this very website!