Booking a cruise for the first time can be a daunting experience with complex choices of itineraries, companies, ships and destinations. Cruises offer a perfect combination of relaxation, adventure and luxury along with the thrill of waking up at a new destination each day. If you’re planning to go on a cruise but confused about how to book for the first time, this guide will help you book the perfect journey.

Ideal Cruise Length for First Timers

For first-time cruisers, a 3- to 5-night cruise is often the ideal starting point, but we recommend spending at least a week cruising so you can explore more than just two destinations. Three-day itineraries won’t give you enough time to explore and relax thoroughly. While a short cruise might give you an idea of whether you enjoy it, most cruise lines don’t offer their best ships on shorter routes. So, try to spend a week on a cruise to experience the complete cruise life, dining at sea, shore excursions, and on-board amenities.

Best Time to Book a Cruise

Start early, as the prices can soar quickly and the best cabins sell out fast, making it hard for you to secure the cabin or the ship you want. People usually book cruises much further in advance than hotels or flights, and many cruise lines open their reservation windows up to two years in advance, offering great deals. But last-minute bargains also pop-up, with companies slashing their prices to fill remaining cabins. Timing your booking right can make huge difference - either book early, about a year in advance, or very late to score the best deals.

Types of Cruises – Cabin Categories

You can choose between ocean cruises and river cruises, both of which offer a different vibe. Ocean cruises are great for those who want a mix of relaxation and sightseeing, whereas river cruises offer a calmer pace without the risk of sea sickness. With river cruises, you can indulge in cultural experience and explore the historical cities. One can literally walk off the ship and step right into the town to discover the best it has to offer. Think of a cruise as a tasting menu – you can sample different destinations to see if you’d like to return for a longer visit.

When it comes to cabin categories, there’s a wide array of options, especially on the larger ships. First timers can lean toward the cheapest category – an interior cabin with no window or balcony. It is ideal for those who plan to spend most of their time exploring the ship and destinations and just need a place to sleep. However, there can be a catch with these bargain deals as that cheap stateroom might be located near the service area or below the kitchen where heavy carts might start rolling as early as 6 am.

Even a higher category can sometimes be near the main deck or high-traffic areas, so it’s better to check and make sure that your room isn’t located near frequently used passageways to avoid the crowd and noise.

Best Cruises to Book in India and Abroad

Cruises no longer have to be expensive or limited to international waters as you can now find affordable options both within India and abroad. Cordelia Cruises offers short domestic itineraries such as Mumbai–Goa, Kochi–Lakshadweep, and Chennai–Port Blair with prices starting from as low as Rs.20,010 pp for a 2 to 3-night voyage. If you want to explore Southeast Asia, several cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruises, and Genting Dream Cruises offer 2 to 14 nights’ itineraries, sailing from Singapore to destinations like Melaka, Penang, Phuket, and Jakarta.

A cruise is much more than just a holiday, it's a floating resort, an adventure hub, and a cultural melting pot all rolled into one. With the right planning, you can enjoy the high seas without overspending. 

If you’re ready to set sail, contact our cruise experts at 0124 416 3031 or email tours@brightsun.travel for personalised recommendations tailored to your budget and preferences!