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The choice of your first cruise line largely determines how you will experience the cruise. MSC Cruises is known for its Mediterranean flair and family-friendly atmosphere, Carnival offers an energetic, American party vibe, while Holland America Line provides a calmer, more classic cruise experience. For beginners, these differences in style, service and target audience are decisive for the success of the trip. Read on to discover which cruise line best matches your wishes and travel budget.
Why the choice of cruise line is so important
Cruise lines differ significantly in what they offer and who they offer it for. Some focus on families with children, others on couples looking for peace and quiet. One cruise line has mega ships full of activities, another sails with smaller ships to less touristy ports. Service, inclusions and pricing also vary widely.
These differences mean that not every cruise line is suitable for every traveller. If you are booking a cruise for the first time, it is better to compare thoroughly in advance. That helps you avoid disappointment. You then choose a cruise line that matches what you are looking for. You can also find more general information about your first cruise on this website.
‘ Prices are higher, but the experience is calmer and more exclusive. ’
Standard, premium or luxury: what is the difference
Cruise lines are often divided into three main categories. Standard cruise lines offer accessible cruises with many guests on board, extensive facilities and a wide range of activities. These cruise lines are usually more affordable and suitable for beginners who want to discover what cruising is all about.
Premium and boutique cruise lines position themselves between standard and luxury. They sail with smaller ships, offer more personal service and create a more intimate atmosphere. Prices are higher, but the experience is calmer and more exclusive.
Luxury cruise lines focus on exclusivity. The ships are smaller, the service is comparable to luxury hotels and many services are included, such as drinks, tips and excursions. The daily rate is considerably higher, but the overall experience is also different.
MSC Cruises for beginners
MSC Cruises is an Italian cruise line with a Mediterranean atmosphere and a strong focus on families. The ships are large, modern and offer extensive facilities such as swimming pools, theatres, restaurants and kids’ clubs for children of different ages. MSC mainly sails in Europe, the Caribbean and the Middle East.
For beginners, MSC is interesting because the prices are accessible and there are many activities on board. The atmosphere is lively and international, with guests from different countries. The service is friendly, but less personal than on smaller cruise lines. Drinks, Wi‑Fi and tips are not included and must be paid for separately.
MSC is a good choice if you:
- Are travelling with children and are looking for lots of facilities for families
- Want an affordable first cruise with lots of activities
- Like a lively, international atmosphere
- Appreciate a European cruise line with Mediterranean influences
Carnival Cruise Line for beginners
Carnival is an American cruise line known for its energetic, festive atmosphere. The ships are large and colourfully decorated, with a strong focus on entertainment, shows and activities. Carnival targets a young and active audience looking for fun and relaxation at a sharp price.
The cruise line mainly sails in the Caribbean, Mexico and the Bahamas. The atmosphere on board is informal and relaxed, with a lot of emphasis on food, drink and entertainment. The service is friendly but simple, and as with MSC, many extras are not included.
Carnival is suitable if you:
- Like an active, social holiday with lots of entertainment
- Are looking for an affordable cruise with an informal atmosphere
- Would like to go to the Caribbean
- Do not need luxury or exclusivity
Holland America Line for beginners
Holland America Line is a classic cruise line with Dutch roots, known for its refined, calmer atmosphere. The ships are mid-sized and elegantly decorated, with less focus on extreme entertainment and more on service, food and destinations. The average age of guests is higher than with MSC and Carnival.
The cruise line sails worldwide, with routes to Alaska, Europe, Asia and South America. The service is attentive and personal, and the atmosphere on board is more relaxed and traditional. Holland America also offers more cultural activities, such as lectures and culinary experiences.
Holland America Line is a good choice if you:
- Prefer peace and refinement over crowds and entertainment
- Are not bringing young children
- Value good service and food quality
- Want a slightly older, more classic cruise experience
Celebrity Cruises for beginners
Celebrity Cruises is a premium cruise line that combines modern luxury with accessible prices. The ships are sleek and contemporary in design, with a focus on design, art and culinary experiences. Celebrity targets travellers who want something more than a standard cruise but without the price tag of a luxury cruise line.
The atmosphere is calm and refined, but less formal than on Holland America. Celebrity sails worldwide and offers routes to the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and South America. The service is good and the guests are often slightly younger than on Holland America, but older than on Carnival.
For beginners who are unsure between MSC and Celebrity, the following applies: MSC is more family-friendly and more accessible in price, while Celebrity offers more luxury, better service and a calmer atmosphere. Celebrity also includes more, depending on the package chosen.
Celebrity Cruises is suitable if you:
- Want a modern, stylish cruise without the highest prices
- Value design, food and service
- Are looking for a calm atmosphere without the formal feel of classic cruise lines
- Are not bringing young children
What a cruise costs per cruise line
The daily price per person varies greatly depending on the cruise line and type of cruise. Standard cruise lines such as MSC and Carnival often charge between 150 and 260 euros per person per day. This includes the cabin, meals in the main restaurants and basic activities. Drinks, Wi‑Fi, speciality restaurants and tips are extra.
Premium cruise lines such as Celebrity and Holland America Line charge between 180 and 350 euros per day. Depending on the package chosen, drinks and Wi‑Fi may also be included, which can make the total cost more favourable than it initially appears.
Luxury cruise lines start at around 350 euros per day and can go well above 1,000 euros. Here, almost all extras are included, including drinks, tips, excursions and sometimes even flights. For beginners, these prices are often too high, unless comfort and exclusivity are the top priority.
‘ Some cruise lines seem cheap, but charge extra for almost everything. ’
What you should pay attention to as a beginner
There are a number of important points when comparing cruise lines. First look at what is included in the price. Some cruise lines seem cheap, but charge extra for almost everything. Other cruise lines have higher daily rates but include more.
Also pay attention to the size of the ship. Large ships offer more facilities and activities, but are also busier and less personal. Smaller ships often sail to smaller ports and offer more peace and quiet.
The atmosphere on board is also important. Some cruise lines are lively and focused on entertainment, others are calmer and more focused on relaxation and culture. Match this to your own preferences and the composition of your travel party.
Finally, the destination matters. Not every cruise line sails to every destination. If you want to go to the Mediterranean, choose MSC or Celebrity. If you want to go to the Caribbean, Carnival and Celebrity are good options. For Alaska, Holland America is a strong choice.
Best cruise line for your first cruise
There is no universally best cruise line for beginners. The right choice depends on your budget, travel party and expectations. For families with children who are looking for an affordable, lively cruise, MSC Cruises is a logical choice. If you want a festive, informal atmosphere in the Caribbean, Carnival is a good fit.
If you are looking for more peace, refinement and better service without the highest prices, Celebrity Cruises is a strong option. Holland America Line is ideal for those who want a classic, relaxed cruise with attention to service and destination, and who are not bringing young children.
Always compare the total costs, including drinks, tips and Wi‑Fi. Read reviews from other beginners and base your choice on what you find important. A cruise is an investment in time and money, and the cruise line largely determines how you experience that time.
Discover more about cruising
Comparing cruise lines is a first step in planning a successful cruise. On the Traveler Tips website you will find much more information about cruises, such as what to pack, how to choose the best cabin, which routes are suitable for beginners and how to plan and book smartly. Explore more and prepare well for your cruise.
Frequently asked questions
The price of a ferry crossing is mainly influenced by distance and route, season and how busy it is, type of vehicle and number of passengers, and extras such as cabin, seat reservation and meals. Always compare the total trip cost: ticket + surcharges + any booking and payment fees. Use several comparison sites as well as the ferry companies’ own sites, and check flexible dates (a different day or time can make a big difference). Finally, pay attention to conditions (rebooking/cancellation fees) and travel time, so you compare not only on the lowest price but on the best value for money.
Ferry companies offer a wide range of facilities such as larger or more luxurious cabins, all‑inclusive drinks and meal packages, spa and wellness facilities, smaller ships with more personal service and often also included Wi‑Fi, tips and sometimes excursions. On standard operators you pay for many of these extras separately, while more luxurious companies include them more often in the price. Whether the extra cost is worth it mainly depends on how important peace and quiet, personal service and having ‘everything taken care of’ are to you versus a lower budget and more crowds. For those who put comfort and peace of mind first, the more expensive all‑inclusive or more luxurious operators are usually worth the extra money.
First determine your exact departure and arrival dates, driving distances per day and desired driving/waiting time, so you know in which time slots a crossing fits. Then, for each possible port combination (e.g. Hoek van Holland–Harwich, IJmuiden–Newcastle), compare the sailing times, frequency and location relative to your route using route planners. Choose an operator based on sailing schedule (day/night), reliability/punctuality, included facilities (cabin, meals) and total costs in relation to your time saved on the road. Finally, check reviews and book a flexible ticket if your road trip schedule may still change.
Check reliability by looking at reviews and rating sites and by checking whether the company is a member of industry associations or guarantee schemes. Check vehicle requirements such as maximum dimensions, weight, fuel type, load restrictions and required documents (e.g. registration certificate and proof of insurance). Compare the booking process for transparency of prices (including surcharges), cancellation and change conditions and the availability of customer service. If in doubt, choose a larger or more established operator with transparent conditions and many recent customer reviews.
