The Best Cruise Length for First-Timers (And Why It Matters)

A question I am regularly asked is, “How long should my first cruise be?”

This is actually quite an important thing to think about when you decide to book a cruise.

In this post, we will look at everything first-time cruisers should think about. Then you can book the perfect length cruise for that all important first trip.

Why Cruise Length Is Important

When you go on your first cruise, it will take you some time to adjust to life onboard.

You want to have enough time to explore the ship, take part in activities, without feeling rushed – or bored.

The length of cruise you choose will affect the overall cost of your holiday – and the value for money it offers.

Many new cruisers – quite rightly in my opinion – won’t want to commit to a long trip if they are unsure whether they will enjoy the cruise experience at all.

Cruise Lengths for First-Timers

Short Cruises – Typically 3-5 Days:

• Advantages
  • Great for those who can only get limited time off work or time away from family commitments.
  • It provides a good “test run” without making a huge financial commitment.
    • Popular short itineraries include visiting the Bahamas or Mexico from the USA – or visiting Bruges or the Channel Islands from the UK.
• Disadvantages
  • Short cruises are often very busy cruises – particularly if they are over the weekends or Bank Holidays.
  • They often don’t offer such good value for money per night as longer cruises.
  • Some may turn into “Booze cruises” – where guests want to get the most out of their drink packages and often drink more than is advisable!
  • You might find that you have only just got into the swing of things, and it is time to get off!

7-Day Cruises:

• Advantages
  • Ideal for getting a full cruise experience without feeling rushed.
  • It offers time for more ports of call and sea days, so guests can explore the ship and relax.
  • More variety in destinations you can visit
  • More time to make use of ship facilities and take part in activities.
  • Often better value for money than short cruises
  • Less busy than short cruises, particularly if they are outside school holidays.
• Disadvantages
  • If you have never cruised before, you might worry that you will hate it and not be able to get off! I think this is very unlikely to be the case…
  • It costs more than short cruises, but there are still great deals to be had.

Longer Cruises (10+ Days):

• Advantages
  • I would usually recommend this for those already familiar with cruising.
  • It may feel overwhelming for first-timers who might not be used to being at sea for extended periods.
  • Great for those looking for a real break from the normal, everyday routine.
  • You can travel farther and see far more.
  • You may be able to avoid fly-cruising, airport stress, etc., but you can still travel a long way from your home country.
• Disadvantages
  • If you don’t choose the right cruise line for you, you could get bored.
  • Some cruise lines offer activities from morning until night, while others don’t offer as many onboard activities.
  • It is essential to do your research and pick a cruise line and itinerary that really suits you well.

My first cruise experience was 14 days – a “Fire and Ice” cruise – a week on Norwegian Spirit in Alaska and a week on Pride of Aloha (now Norwegian Sky) around Hawaii. I loved it!

What to Consider When Choosing Cruise Length

• Available Time Off:
  • Pick a cruise that fits within your holiday/ vacation schedule.
  • You don’t want to create stress over getting time off – or needing to rush back to work.
• Destination:
  • Certain destinations (like Alaska or Europe) might require longer cruises, so the length may depend on where you want to go.
  • You need to allow two weeks to sail from the UK to the Canary Islands or the Mediterranean, for example.
• Budget:
  • Longer cruises generally cost more – but per-day costs may be lower than shorter trips.
  • You might find that you get better value for money on longer sailings.
    • Repositioning cruises that start and end in different places, for example, may offer many nights at a very reasonable cost.
    • However, you will have to work out how to get to the starting point and back from the end point!
• Travel Companions
  • Think about the preferences of those you will be sailing with – particularly if travelling with kids or first-time cruisers.

Benefits of Starting with a Shorter Cruise

• Less Commitment:
  • Shorter cruises allow new cruisers to “test the waters”, so to speak, without committing to a full week or more.
• Affordable Options:
  • Shorter cruises are often less expensive, allowing first-timers to try cruising without a big financial expenditure.
  • You can often get a short four or five-day cruise from the UK for as little as £300/£400. By the time you get off, you should know if cruising is for you.
• Easier to Fit Into Schedules
  • Short cruises are easier to fit around busy work or school schedules.
  • You may be able to squeeze in a short cruise around your normal commitments without too much trouble.

I took a cheap, short cruise onboard P&O’s oldest and smallest ship Aurora. I booked this cruise because lots of my cruise blogging friends were onboard, and it was a great way to meet up.

I didn’t even get off the ship at the one port – Bruges. Find out about that trip here:

It’s Okay to Choose a Longer Cruise If…

• You are keen to try cruising, and you are confident you’ll enjoy it.
  • If you have sailed on other ships before, know you are unlikely to get seasick, etc
  • If you enjoy the all-inclusive aspects of hotels on land, you will likely enjoy the huge range of food and drinks available at sea.
• The destination is a bucket list place for you, and it requires a longer trip.
  • If you want to go to the Mediterranean without flying or try an Iconic transatlantic cruise on an Ocean Liner, for example.
    • A Transatlantic crossing on the last Ocean Liner Queen Mary 2 takes seven days. If you want to take that journey, you have no choice.
• You want a relaxing, all-inclusive experience and feel comfortable committing to a longer stay on the ship.
  • It’s like an all-inclusive resort on land. There isn’t even any reason to get off in ports if you don’t want to!

Find out the differences between cruise ships and Ocean Liners here – they are very different:

Cruise Ships vs Ocean Liners – Measurable Differences You Need to Know

I took a cruise from the UK to the Mediterranean on P&O’s largest ship, Arvia. I wanted to avoid airport stress – and it certainly did that – but the cruise itself was quite eventful! Find out more about that here:

The length of cruise you choose will very much depend on your personal preferences, budget and your time schedule.

If money and time are no object, I would personally choose a seven-night cruise for your first cruise experience.

This is because it:

• Gives you time to fully explore the ship and its facilities
• Gives you time to get to and visit some interesting destinations.
• Gives you enough time to work out whether cruising will suit you and your cruise companions.

It is very important to make sure that you do your research, and pick the right cruise line to suit you.

A cruise line I’d pick for a friend’s first cruise wouldn’t be the same one I would choose to take my parents on. There is a cruise line to suit every person – but not every cruise line suits every person.

I took some non-cruising friends on a budget, week-long cruise from Southampton. Find out how we got on here:

Before You Go

Worried about boarding the ship for the first time? Read this article next so you know what to expect!

What to Expect During Your First Day Onboard a Cruise Ship

Find out what I look forward to most when I am going on a cruise here:

11 Things I Look Forward To When I’m Going On A Cruise