Top Five Destinations for Your First Cruise
If 2026 is the year you take your first cruise, consider this your invitation to travel smarter — not harder. An amazing first cruise should feel effortless, inspiring, and just a little bit indulgent. You unpack once, settle in, and let the scenery come to you.
To help you choose, we’ve rounded up five regions that consistently deliver for first-time cruisers. Each offers easy logistics, memorable ports, and views best enjoyed from the deck of a ship: the Caribbean, Alaska, Northern Europe, Mexico, and Hawaii.
Why Holland America for a First Cruise
There’s a reason seasoned travelers often choose Holland America for their first cruise. Our perfectly sized ships — hosting between 1,400 and 2,700 guests — strike a thoughtful balance: big enough for exceptional dining, live music, and enriching experiences, yet intimate enough to feel relaxed and uncrowded.
With more than 800 itineraries spanning nearly 100 countries on all seven continents, Holland America blends iconic destinations with less-traveled ports. The result? A cruise that feels immersive and culturally rich, without the stress of constant planning.
Caribbean — Easy Island Escapes
Warm trade winds, easy access from Florida, and a rich mix of cultures from island to island make the Caribbean a natural introduction to cruising. It’s no surprise that, according to the CLIA 2024 State of the Cruise Industry, the Caribbean remains the most visited cruise region in the world.
Our seven-day Caribbean itineraries are designed for effortless exploration, with a new island greeting you most mornings. Days unfold at an easy rhythm—snorkeling in clear waters, lingering on sun-washed beaches, and sampling local flavors—while the journey between ports takes care of itself. Most sailings also include a stop at RelaxAway, Half Moon Cay™, our award-winning private island, where the pace slows even further.
For travelers looking to experience multiple destinations in a single week, with minimal planning and maximum variety, the Caribbean is the ideal place to begin.
- Ideal for experiencing a wide range of ports in a short time
- Convenient sailings departing from Fort Lauderdale or Miami
- Perfect for travelers drawn to warm weather and water-based adventures
Alaska — Wilderness on a Grand Scale
Few places rival Alaska for raw beauty — where breaching whales, calving glaciers, and jagged mountain peaks define the landscape. Cruising is the most seamless way to experience the Great Land, offering front-row views to its most dramatic scenery. With our Glacier Guarantee™, you can sail with confidence, assured that every Alaska cruise and cruisetour delivers unforgettable encounters with these awe-inspiring ice giants—guaranteed.
For an even more immersive first cruise experience, combine your voyage with a land journey into Denali and the Yukon via Alaska cruisetours.
- Best for scenery, wildlife viewing, and photography
- Convenient departures from Seattle and Vancouver
- Mild temperatures even in summer
Ready to fall in love with cruising? Find a cruise now.
Northern Europe — Culture, Castles, and Capital Cities
Northern Europe cruises deliver storybook scenery paired with some of the continent’s most walkable cities. From Oslo and Copenhagen to Dublin and beyond, many itineraries feature pedestrian-friendly capitals rich in history, museums, and café culture. Sailings through Norway and Iceland highlight dramatic natural landscapes, with select itineraries offering scenic fjord cruising — where the journey itself is the destination.
It’s an ideal first cruise for travelers who love culture as much as scenery.
The prime months for a Northern Europe cruise are May through September, when the conditions are mild and the daylight hours are the longest.
- Best for majestic fjords & medieval castles
- Calls on walkable capital cities home to renowned museums
- Convenient 7-day roundtrip cruises & longer voyages available
Mexico — Sun-Washed and Wonderfully Relaxed
Within easy reach of West Coast cruise ports in the U.S., the Mexican Riviera is a sun-swept, budget-friendly choice for a first cruise — especially if you want a relaxing getaway that feels removed from the everyday. Mexico cruises pack in beach time, fresh coastal cuisine, and watersports with easy days at sea for poolside relaxation.
- Departures from San Diego and Vancouver
- Rich cultural and natural heritage
- Convenient 7- to 12-day cruise itineraries
Hawaii — the Spirit of Aloha
Hawaii offers something rare: the chance to explore multiple islands without the hassle of packing and flying between them. A single cruise itinerary can include Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island, all while enjoying leisurely days at sea.
With a mild year-round climate, dramatic volcanic landscapes, and a deep sense of place, Hawaii works beautifully for couples and multi-generational families alike — especially those with time to savor a longer journey.
- More leisurely days at sea
- Lush volcanic landscapes
- Convenient West Coast departures from San Diego, Seattle, and Vancouver
Choosing Destinations for Your First Cruise
Quick pick guide:
| Priority | Best destination(s) | Why it’s great for first-timers | Typical length | When to go first |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best value | Mexican Riviera; Caribbean in shoulder season | Lower average fares; easy access from major ports | 4–7 nights | Fall, early winter (excluding holidays); late spring |
| Maximum variety in a week | Caribbean | Many port calls, short sails, easy beach days | 7 nights | Best value outside holidays, spring break |
| Nature and wow‑factor | Alaska | Glacier cruising & wildlife | 7–14 nights | Late May–August |
| Culture and city‑hopping | Northern Europe & Baltic | Extended port days, dynamic cities, museums | 7–14 nights | May–September; value in shoulder season |
| Easygoing island time | Hawaii | Multiple islands without inter-island flights, mild climate, relaxing Days at Sea | 10–18 nights | Year‑round |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a cruise vacation suitable for first-time travelers?
Yes. Cruises with Holland America bundle lodging, dining, entertainment, and multiple destinations into one vacation, making logistics simple for novice or first-time travelers.
What is included in the price of a cruise?
Most fares include your stateroom, standard meals, entertainment, and many onboard activities; extras such as specialty dining, beverage packages, Wi-Fi, and shore excursions can be included with Have It All or purchased separately.
How do shore excursions work and should I book in advance?
Shore excursions are guided tours and activities offered in each port; booking early secures popular options, though independent exploration and onboard booking are also available.
