What Cruise Company should I start with?

[libsaretards]

I have never been on a cruise before and need help deciding my first one. I'm aiming for 7-20 days. I will figure out budget later as the cruise I decide will be about 1-2 years away. I'm just trying to figure out the right company. I'm looking for a lax dress code and a blended experience of staying on ship and doing excursions. Do you recommend Norwegian, Royal Caribbean or someone else?

Norwegian

Royal Caribbean

Another Cruise Company (Please explain in detail)

[jennifer_bloom]

I've only tried Norwegian out of the 3 you listed and Norwegian is a cheap cruise designed for rich people is how I would describe it. Cheaper than others, not in general. The good thing about them is their kitchens are sanitary and do not have intolerable odours. I took a budget all you can drink cruise to the Bahamas 5 years ago with a different company and after 4 days I hated the smell of the dining room. Norwegian is designed for habitual travellers so they won't give you sensory challenges on their trip such as bad smelling kitchens or low class entertainment and food. Their drinks might cost $1-3 more than the other cruise lines per glass. They will still serve things like burgers and coke, but it won't be a heart attack waiting to happen with endless grease and oil in their food. They will take care of their customers cause they assume you are a mature shopper.

[SnowedIn]

What a great question. First, @AviatorTom advice is excellent.

Also, make yourself some pots of coffee and watch these two YouTube Channels:

• Emma Cruises
• Tips for Travelers

Both sites explore lots of different lines, ships, and types of cruises. You'll learn a lot about what you should ask yourself about what you want and it will help you determine what line and what ship.

[AviatorTom]

For your first cruise, I suggest Norwegian and go on one of the smaller ships. Just about any cruise will have a blend of cruising and port excursions, on the average, for every 7 days, 2 days at sea and 4 ports visited. Arrange excursions with the cruise line, and remember that, sometimes, just a walk around the port on your own us just as good as a paid excursion.

[AviatorTom]

Check into Celebrity too.

[LiamJHayden]

I've had good success with Princess and Norwegian, but I've only been on two so I cannot vouch for either outside of Southern California departures.

[Anonymous]

I say Norwegian.