After the First Cruise High Wears Off, Reality Hits

After we returned from our first cruise in 2012, something funny happened.

We were no longer afraid of cruising.
We were now overwhelmed by cruising.

Suddenly, we realized there were:

It quickly became clear:
our first cruise was about courage.
Our second cruise was about choice.

And choice, ironically, is where most new cruisers get stuck.

That's why Part 2 exists — to break down exactly how to pick the right cruise for your personality, comfort level, and goals.

5–7 nights: ideal first cruise length
16 nights on our Hawaii sailing
2012 when our cruise journey began

Let's start with the most important decision of all:

STEP 1: Pick the Right Cruise Line for Your Personality

Cruise lines aren't "better or worse."
They're different experiences built for different travelers.

Here's how to think about it:

Royal Caribbean: For the Energetic, Curious, and "Wow-Factor" Traveler

Perfect if you like:

This is why Oasis of the Seas was the ideal first step for us.
It felt safe, contained, and full of energy.

Princess Cruises: For the Relaxed, Refined, and Destination-Focused Traveler

After experimenting with different lines, Princess became our home.

Why?

Princess is where you go when you're not trying to "do everything" anymore. You're trying to enjoy everything meaningfully.

If Oasis was our introduction, Princess was our evolution.

Norwegian (NCL): For the Free-Spirited Traveler

Casual. Flexible. "Freestyle dining."
You choose when and where you eat.

Great for people who hate schedules.

Disney Cruise Line: For Families Who Want Magic Built-In

This isn't just for kids.
It's for parents who want the best entertainment and service in the industry.

Celebrity / Holland America: For the Calm, Premium, Mature Traveler

If you prefer:

These lines shine.

The rule of thumb

Choose Royal Caribbean for energy.
Choose Princess for balance.
Choose others depending on your vibe.

STEP 2: Choose the Right Destination

This is where many first-time cruisers overthink.
So, here's a simple approach:

If You Live in North America, Start Here

Best Beginner Destinations

Why These Work

Calm waters.
Easy flights.
Beautiful ports.
Simple excursions.

Ideal Length

5–7 nights
Long enough to enjoy, not long enough to feel overwhelmed.

If You're in Asia or Traveling to Asia

Best Beginner Destinations

Why These Work

Beautiful ports, smooth sailing, unique culture.

Ideal Length

7–10 nights

If You Want Europe

Best Beginner Itineraries

Why These Work

History. Culture. Food. Photography.
A cruise becomes a "moving hotel". No packing each day.

Ideal Length

7–12 nights
(Seven for samplers, ten+ for deeper exploration)

If You're in Australia / New Zealand

Best Beginner Itineraries

Ideal Length

5–10 nights

If You're Experienced (Not for First-Timers)

Start with the easier regions first. Then expand.

STEP 3: Choose the Right Length

3–4 nights

Fun sampler. Good for a first taste. Not enough to fully relax.

5–7 nights

The perfect first cruise length.
Balanced, manageable, easy.

10–14 nights

Best once you know cruising is your style.

15+ nights

For serious travelers and repeat cruisers. They're not for first-timers…
but they're absolutely magical once you're ready.

And this Christmas, that's exactly where we're heading next.

We're sailing on a 16-night Hawaii itinerary with Princess Cruises, and it feels like the perfect expression of how far our cruising journey has come.

From being anxious first-timers in 2012, nervously stepping onto Oasis of the Seas… to now confidently embracing a long voyage across the Pacific during the holidays.

That's the evolution cruising brings when you allow it into your lifestyle.

Our advice as seasoned cruisers?
Start with a 7-night itinerary. It's the smoothest experience for beginners.

STEP 4: Match Your Comfort Level to the Ship Size

Large Ships (Oasis class, Quantum class, Norwegian Breakaway, etc.)

Medium Ships (Princess, Celebrity, Holland America)

Small Ships / Expedition Ships

Save these for later.

STEP 5: Understanding Room Types: Interior, Oceanview, Balcony, Suite

Choosing your cabin is more important than people think.
Your cabin sets the energy of your trip.

Interior Room

No windows.
Cheapest option.
Great for people who don't spend time in the room.
Terrific sleep, dark and quiet.

Oceanview

A window but no balcony.
Good middle ground.
Brings natural light without much price increase.

Balcony (Highly Recommended for Beginners)

Your private outdoor space, a game changer.
Reduces motion perception.
Perfect for morning coffee & sunset moments.

Mini-Suite / Suite

More space, larger bathroom, upgraded amenities.
Great for longer sailings (like your 16-night Hawaii trip) or if you enjoy in-room downtime.

STEP 6: Choosing the Right Deck Level

A simple rule:

Mid-Ship + Mid-Level = Most Stable Ride

Perfect for first-timers and those sensitive to motion.

Avoid (Unless You Prefer Otherwise):

Higher decks feel more scenic

But may have slightly more motion — not much on modern stabilizers.

STEP 8: Understanding Packages: Standard vs Plus vs Premier

Since we know this, Princess offers different tiers:

STANDARD (Base fare)

Includes:

Everything else is à la carte.

PLUS-PACKAGE

(Usually the best value)

Includes:

This removes surprise charges later.

PREMIER PACKAGE

Ultimate convenience.

Includes everything in Plus, plus:

For long itineraries (like 16-night Hawaii), this can feel luxurious and simplified.

STEP 9: Dress Codes & Formal Nights

Cruise dining is not rigid, but it does have structure.

Smart Casual (Most Nights)

Polo shirts, dresses, blouses, slacks.
No swimwear, gym wear, or pajamas.

Formal Night (Usually 1–2 nights per week)

Options:

Cruises give you flexibility, formality is a choice, not an obligation.

Eat · Train · Lead Framework

EAT: Nourish Yourself with Better Choices

TRAIN: Learn to Match Your Personality to Your Travel

LEAD: Design a Vacation That Reflects Intentional Living

Continue Your Cruise Journey

You've mastered the strategy.
Now let's step onto the ship together.

Next: PART 3 — What Really Happens Onboard →

Or revisit the earlier chapter:
Part 1 — Overcoming Cruise Fears

Or jump back to the series hub:
Cruising for Beginners — Series Home

About the Author

Raj Chanolian is a Platform Engineering leader, writer, and creator of Eat · Train · Lead, a life framework built on intentional living. A loyal cruiser since 2012, Raj blends personal storytelling with practical guidance to help readers travel smarter, think deeper, and live with clarity.

The Honest Bottom Line

The overwhelming variety of cruise options is real — and most people get paralyzed by it. The practical answer is simple: start with 7 nights, a balcony cabin, mid-ship placement, and a cruise line matched to your energy. We've learned that through trial, not theory, and the framework here is exactly what we wish we'd had before booking cruise number two.