Best Choices for First-Time U.K. Cruisers Home > First-Time Cruisers > Best Choices for First-Time U.K. Cruisers
As the number of passenger ships sailing across the globe grows, so too is the number of Brits taking the plunge into the world of cruising. The growth of this market in recent years means there are now more ships and cruises to choose from than ever before. Would-be cruisers can also select from a seemingly endless list of contrasting countries and cruising styles -- from laidback and casual to traditional and formal.
For cruise virgins, the sheer volume of options can be bewildering. But don't fret -- to get you started we've created a potted guide to some of the best options around for first-timers looking to find their sea legs.
Why? P&O is the longest and most established cruise line sailing from British shores. Royal Caribbean International is one of the largest U.S. cruise lines, and the company has been gradually increasing its presence in the U.K. over the last few years by basing ships out of Southampton.
Which Ships? P&O has fleet of ships sailing from Southampton, targeted to varying audiences. There are the adult-only Artemis and Arcadia, and family friendly Aurora, Oceana and Oriana. New on the scene last year was P&O's Ventura, described as the new British "superliner." With everything from Marco Pierre White-created restaurants to cruising's first circus school it's got appeal for all.
RCI's Independence of the Seas, also a newcomer to the fleet in 2008, is a member of the line's Freedom-class ships; all have boxing rings, indoor shopping malls and surf parks.
Both Ventura and Independence of the Seas offer ex-U.K. cruises.
What Facilities? Ventura teamed up with famous names such as celebrity chef Marco Pierre White to offer fine dining in his own signature restaurant; Toyland character Noddy entertains younger passengers; and circus workshops and a giant Scalextric track also keep them amused. Diners can choose from 11 cafes and restaurants and 12 bars and lounges.
On Independence of the Seas, passengers can take their pick from a mouth-watering array of activities including the FlowRider surf simulator, H20 Zone water park, rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink and even a full-size boxing ring. Guests can also choose from a total of 25 restaurants, bars and lounges.
Where Do They Go? Ventura's summer season sees it sailing to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and the Baltic, with cruises ranging from two to 16 nights.
Independence of the Seas will offer sailings ranging from a four-night mini-cruise to Cork to 10- and 11-night voyages to the Canary Islands, and 10- and 14-night Mediterranean sailings.
Best for Trans-Atlantic:Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2
Why? Its pedigree speaks for itself. Since 1840, this historic company has been offering sailings across the Atlantic on its stately ocean liners specifically built for this type of voyage. The six-day sailings are well known for their traditions, service and style. They aim to recapture the golden era of shipping before the days of flying. Dining becomes a grand occasion while afternoon tea is a formal white-gloved affair.
Which Ship? The aforementioned Queen Mary 2 is the biggest (and thus most amenity-laden vessel) in the fleet. Queen Victoria, the line's newest, isn't technically a liner, but does offer the same ambience and a handful of Atlantic crossings.
What Facilities? The most elegant big ship at sea, Queen Mary 2 exemplifies the romance of ocean cruising and boasts traditional elegance combined with modern comforts such as a state-of-the-art gym and health spa, one of the largest libraries at sea and the first -- and only -- planetarium on a cruise ship.
Where Does it Go? It mainly cruises between Southampton and New York, but also sails to the Americas, Caribbean, Mediterranean and Northern Europe.
Why? Costa prides itself on its Italian roots and cosmopolitan atmosphere, even though it is now part of the giant U.S.-based Carnival Corporation. It has its own specially built passenger terminals in Savona, Italy, and in the Spanish city of Barcelona, which Costa customers can use exclusively on departure. It is also one of the few cruise lines to offer Mediterranean cruises during the winter.
Which Ship? Costa Serena, which debuted last year, is part of the line's Concordia-class vessels and offers the usual cruise amenities plus a few nifty extras.
What Facilities? This is Costa's flagship and the newest member of its fleet (launched early summer 2007). It is perfect for passengers wanting to be pampered as its huge Samsara Spa is claimed to be the largest afloat, stretching over two decks. Then there are special spa cabins, four swimming pools (two of which have retractable roofs), an entertaining Grand Prix simulator plus 13 bars and five restaurants.
Where Does it Go? During the summer months, it sails to the Eastern Mediterranean; in winter it combines Mediterranean voyages with the Canary Islands.
Why? If you're looking for bucket loads of fun, then Carnival has it by the shipload. Its ships, the original floating resorts, are packed with enough facilities and activities to keep any first-timers from getting bored. Most of the cruises start in Florida, but there are also options from Barbados -- Carnival has teamed up with Virgin Holidays to offer cruise-and-stay holidays from Barbados, giving customers a chance of life ashore as well as life on an ocean wave. Carnival also works with other U.K. travel companies such as Thomson, Travel City Direct and Cosmos.
Which Ships? Carnival Destiny, Carnival Victory, Carnival Glory, Carnival Legend
What Facilities? Swimming pools, spas, kids' clubs plus Broadway-style shows and plenty of organised activities.
Where Do They Go? Legend, Victory and Glory cruise the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Florida, while Destiny cruises the Southern Caribbean from Barbados.
Why? This family owned company has a strong following among British cruisers who love the cosy, friendly atmosphere aboard its ships. They offer more of a taste of how cruising used to be -- before the age of the mega-ships -- with set meal times, formal nights, captain's cocktail parties, onboard lectures and after-dinner quizzes. While Fred. Olsen does attract families on some of its ships, the line mainly appeals to an older clientele. It's also a superb choice for travellers who want cruises that start and end in U.K. ports.
Which ships? Balmoral, which launched in 2008, is the fleet's biggest ever, but there are cosier choices like Boudicca, Braemar and Black Watch
What Facilities? These are as you would expect -- swimming pools, hot tubs, beauty salons, card rooms, etc. -- but it's the newer ships, such as Boudicca, that offer the most modern facilities. The latest ship, Balmoral, launched in January, is the largest of the fleet and features three restaurants, a grill and cafe, plus a small casino.
Where Do They Go? Apart from Balmoral -- which will spend its first season (spring 2009) in Miami for a series of Caribbean sailings before returning to the Mediterranean for the summer -- the other ships depart from a huge range of U.K. ports on cruises to the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and the Baltics, as well as sailings to the Americas.
Why? This is the cruise line that famously boasts of offering cruises "for people who don't do cruises." It has a flexible, laidback ambience that dominates its ships. There are no set meal times or formal dress codes, and the emphasis is definitely low key and casual, making it ideal for families and anyone wanting to avoid cruising formalities.
Which Ships? Ocean Village and Ocean Village Two
What Facilities? Both ships are crammed with restaurants, bars, cafes, swimming pools and shops -- all giving a lively buzz. Onboard activities include circus classes where you can try your hand at juggling or swinging on the trapeze. While ashore there's a whole programme of action-packed excursions such as Harley-Davidson rides or river rafting. Passengers on Ocean Village Two can chill out and relax in its impressive 14,000-square-ft. Karma Spa and fitness complex.
Where Do They Go? Summers are spent in the Mediterranean with seven and 14-night voyages, while in the winter the ships offer seven and 14-night cruises in the Caribbean.
Why? This is the cruise line that started the move towards more onboard flexibility with its "Freestyle Cruising" concept, enabling passengers to eat where, when and with whom they want.
Which Ships? Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Jewel
What Facilities? These are not only NCL's largest and newest vessels -- they were also specifically built for "Freestyle Cruising" and offer plenty of eating and watering holes. In fact, there are 10 restaurants ranging from French and Italian to an American steakhouse and Japanese Teppanyaki, plus a children's section in the main buffet restaurant.
There's a wide choice of accommodation along with an excellent kids' club, a children's pool area and a popular waterslide on the main sun deck.
Where Do They Go? All three ships spend part of the year in the Caribbean with Norwegian Jewel offering cruises to the Baltic from Dover this summer; Norwegian Gem offering one-week Western Mediterranean sailings from Barcelona; and Norwegian Pearl offering cruises to Alaska.
Why? Reassuringly upmarket, Crystal offers a relative big-ship style of cruising with a small-ship intimacy. A key quality of the line is the sort of attentive service that exudes quality. Dining is gourmet style and tie-ups with celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and Nobu Matsuhisa have brought unique cuisine onboard. Crystal is also noted for having one of the highest staff to guest ratios of any cruise line.
Which Ships? Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity
What Facilities? Both ships boast quality facilities with bars, lounges, fitness centre, spa and children's club. There are also lavish award-winning Broadway-style shows and a full programme of adventurous excursions that even includes flying a MiG fighter jet in Russia. Alternatively, passengers can enjoy their own customised shore excursions under Crystal's "Private Adventures" programme.
Where Do They Go? All over the world, but both ships offer several sailings in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.
Why? This Norwegian-owned company is one of the most established operators on Europe's waterways with a fleet of 23 vessels offering sailings on the major rivers of Europe, Russia, the Ukraine and China.
Which Ships? Viking Spirit, Viking Pride, Viking Sky and Viking Danube
What Facilities? Spacious cabins, most of which have floor-to-ceiling windows giving fabulous river views, main restaurant, bar and library. The Viking Sky and Viking Danube also offer a sauna, whirlpool and small swimming pool.
Where Do They Go? All these vessels cruise the Rhine or the Danube offering trips from eight to 15 nights.
Why? Quality and tradition go hand in hand on this cruise line, which prides itself on the high standards of its cuisine, attentive service and friendly, informal atmosphere. It also offers more destinations off the beaten track, made easier by the small size of its ships, which can sail into ports that other large vessels cannot access. Everything is included in the price, even alcoholic drinks and gratuities.
Which Ships? Hebridean Spirit and Hebridean Princess
The ships, and particularly Hebridean Princess, are like floating country house hotels with sumptuous furnishings and decor. All cabins are individually designed and furnished with their own TV's and DVD/CD players. Hebridean Princess has gym equipment, while Hebridean Spirit has a small gym, steam room and relaxation room. Both ships also have bicycles for passengers' use ashore.
Where Do They Go? Hebridean Spirit sails across the world to destinations including the Arctic, Mediterranean, Indian Ocean, Caribbean and Baltic, while Hebridean Princess cruises the Scottish coast and Norway.
Why? These are popular with first-timers and families, and are noted for their value for money, lively atmosphere and fun activities. Some Thomson Cruises also depart from the U.K. ports of Southampton, Harwich and Newcastle.
Which ships? Thomson has five ships to choose from (sailing a wide variety of itineraries) including Thomson Spirit, Thomson Celebration, Thomson Destiny, The Emerald and The Calypso. The Island Cruises fleet is two deep: Island Star and Island Escape.
Which Facilities? Everything you would expect -- swimming pools, lounges, piano bars, casinos, discos, beauty salons and spas -- are available onboard. Thomson's smallest ship is The Calypso, which is adult only, while the largest, Thomson Destiny, carries some 1,450 passengers and is ideal for families. Thomson Celebration also offers the line's first celebrity chef-created restaurant following its tie up with Italian chef Aldo Zilli.
Island Cruises has two ships, Island Escape and the newer ship Island Star which is slightly larger and accommodates nearly 1,900 passengers. It also offers Jongleurs comedy nights, having teamed up with the leading U.K. comedy club.
Where Do They Go? Island Cruises' ships tend to spend summers in the Mediterranean and winter in the Caribbean, while Thomson's ships offer cruises to the Mediterranean, Black Sea, Scandinavia and the Baltic, Red Sea and Canary Islands.
Why? This is the brainchild of easyJet's colourful founder Stelios Haji-Ioannou who set it up as a low-cost no-frills alternative to more traditional cruise lines. It offers good bargain-basement cruising that gives passengers a basic taste of life afloat and the chance to explore several places in one trip. Clean, basic and functional are the words that best sum this up. Cruise prices are low, but passengers have to pay extra for virtually everything else, including meals and drinks. The ships spend long days in port, often sailing in the early hours so passengers get the chance to sample the local nightlife.
Which Ships? easyCruiseOne (through summer only) and new ship easyCruise Life, which starts cruising in April.
Which Facilities? easyCruiseOne was the line's first ship and since its launch it has been revamped to offer a few more frills. The signature bright orange decor has been toned down and a few facilities have been added, including a new restaurant, spa and sauna. easyCruise Life offers much of the same and even has its own pool.
Where Do They Go? Both ships will spend this summer cruising the eastern Mediterranean.
Best for ex-U.K. Cruises: 
Why? P&O is the longest and most established cruise line sailing from British shores. Royal Caribbean International is one of the largest U.S. cruise lines, and the company has been gradually increasing its presence in the U.K. over the last few years by basing ships out of Southampton.
Why? This family owned company has a strong following among British cruisers who love the cosy, friendly atmosphere aboard its ships. They offer more of a taste of how cruising used to be -- before the age of the mega-ships -- with set meal times, formal nights, captain's cocktail parties, onboard lectures and after-dinner quizzes. While Fred. Olsen does attract families on some of its ships, the line mainly appeals to an older clientele. It's also a superb choice for travellers who want cruises that start and end in U.K. ports. 
Why? This is the cruise line that started the move towards more onboard flexibility with its "Freestyle Cruising" concept, enabling passengers to eat where, when and with whom they want.
Best for River Cruises: 
