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Cruising is more popular than ever. Here’s your expert guide, from scoring a good deal to booking better shore excursions

In recent years, 31 per cent of cruisers have been new to this form of travel. Read on for practical advice if you’ve never cruised before.

Updated
4 min read
Viking on the Rhine - Viking.jpg

A Viking longship on the Rhine. Although river cruises tend to be pricier than ocean cruises, they typically include excursions.


Cruising has its avid fans, people who praise the simplicity of going from port to port without unpacking, or the ease of multi-generational travel when there’s entertainment for all. And the cruise-curious are also getting on-board: According to the State of the Cruise Industry Report 2025 from the Cruise Lines International Association, the number of first-time cruisers is growing. Over the past two years, 31 per cent of cruisers have been new-to-cruise — up from 24 per cent in 2019. Read on for your practical guide to navigating these waters if you’ve never sailed before.

Consider the ports. “Choosing the right destination is crucial. When we cruised with another family, we chose a sailing out of San Juan, Puerto Rico, because of the fantastic itinerary: British and U.S. Virgin Islands, St. Lucia, Barbados and Antigua. The stops offered a diversity of landscapes and activities, with the right amount of beach time and adventure for four teenagers between two families. For us, the ship’s amenities were less important than the stops, but they could be a deciding factor for families with young children looking to engage littles on-board with kid’s camps, a water park and nightly entertainment.” — , travel writer

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