Travel expert Samantha Brown shares tips for first-time cruisers
The beloved travel host says there’s one key thing you should do before booking your first cruise.
As more travelers than ever consider taking a cruise vacation in 2025, a popular travel TV host trusted by millions of viewers offers some helpful tips for first-time cruisers.
Samantha Brown, a 25-year travel industry veteran and two-time Emmy Award-winning host of PBS's “Samantha Brown's Places to Love,” says travelers should do one key thing before booking their first cruise.
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This important first step will help improve the booking process and cruising experience for first-time cruisers. Not doing it could make cruise planning a headache and even lead you to choose the wrong cruise for you.
It’s easy to get lost in the sea of cruise choices available these days. With so many different cruise lines and ships to consider, you need a way to narrow down your options to find the right cruise for your vacation style.
Brown shared some suggestions for how to do that in a recent interview with Parade.
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Samantha Brown says first-time cruisers should ask themselves three questions
To determine the right type of cruise for you, Brown recommends that travelers ask themselves questions like these:
- Are you looking for a budget cruise or luxury cruise experience?
- Do you want a kid-friendly cruise or an adults-only getaway? Or maybe a cruise geared toward seniors? Or one for singles?
- What matters more to you: the onboard experience or cultural experiences in the destinations the ship visits?
For families, Brown suggests considering cruise ships with plenty of water activities that kids tend to enjoy. With its focus on family-friendly entertainment, Disney Cruise Line is also a popular option for family cruises. On the other hand, those interested in kid-free cruises may want to check out Virgin Voyages since it offers adults-only cruise vacations.
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Brown tells Parade that short cruises and simple itineraries are ideal for first-time cruisers to get a feel for cruising before committing to a longer voyage. She recommends looking at three- to four-day cruises if you’re driving to the departure port. However, if you’re flying, she suggests seven-day voyages so you can make the most of the trip.
The travel expert also recommends using a travel agent who specializes in cruises to streamline the booking process and help you find the best cruise prices.
When it comes to choosing a cabin, Brown says you should go for a balcony cabin if it fits in your budget. If you’re worried about seasickness, she recommends selecting a cabin located in the middle of the ship since it’s considered the most stable area where you’ll feel less motion of the ocean.
Brown has tips for cruise activities too
When it comes to planning cruise ship activities, Brown suggests booking spa treatments and specialty dining restaurant reservations on sea days during your cruise. Although you’ll have more time for these experiences on days spent at sea, they’ll also be more in demand then. Sea days also offer cruisers more time to enjoy the ship’s shows, games, and other activities.
For port days, she advises cruisers to be well prepared for any shore excursions they book. Cruise passengers participating in shore excursions should plan ahead by keeping in mind the destination’s weather, physical requirements of the activity, and length of the tour.
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Cruise travelers interested in a luxury voyage where they can participate in shore excursions alongside Brown may also be interested in a special Mediterranean cruise rich in “Places to Love” sailing aboard Oceania Cruises newest ship Allura this summer. The luxury cruise ship launches in mid-July and one of its first sailings will offer an extra enriching experience for passengers through a unique partnership with Brown.
Departing on Aug. 5, 2025 to sail from Monte Carlo to Athens, the 10-day Mediterranean Allure voyage hosted by Brown offers Oceania Cruises passengers the opportunity to join the travel icon to explore sought-after destinations in Italy, Greece and Turkey. The specialty cruise will include enriching onboard programming featuring Brown, destination-themed dinners and cultural immersions.
