Best Cruises For First Timers
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Over the past few years, first-time cruisers have fueled the phenomenal growth of the cruise industry, yet somehow it still remains that most of the traveling public has never experienced a cruise. Every year though, more and more people are taking the jump, and these days in the cruise industry there's something for every taste and budget. Here are some of our favorite ships for first-timers:
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Best All-Around Cruises
Best Ships: Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade, and Norwegian Gem.
Reason To Book: These newest and largest ships in NCL's Freestyle Cruising fleet offer a unique experience that's more like that of a land-based resort and less like a traditional cruise than any other, allowing passengers to eat where, when and with whom they want in the cruise industry's widest range of restaurants.
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Fun-Lovers of All Ages
Best Ships: Carnival Conquest, Carnival Gallery, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Valor, Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Splendor.
Reason To Book: These ships have the cruise industry's most active nightlife scene along with the added benefit of the Caribbean sun by day. New features like spacious balcony cabins and suites, upscale "supper club" alternative restaurants, lavish spas, and plush new bedding means that Carnival isn't just for the party set anymore.
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Best For Families With Young Children
Best Ships: Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.
Reason To Book: These are the only ships in the world designed as "family" cruise ships, with the most extensive children's facilities at sea. Eight years after Disney Magic entered service, they still have not been topped. However, adults need not feel left out -- adults-only facilities include the Paolo alternative restaurant, Quiet Cove pool and the Vista Spa.
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Best For Families With Older Kids
Ships: Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.
Reason To Book: This ship offers an astounding range of facilities that kids in the 10-plus range will particularly enjoy -- a rock-climbing wall, ice skating rink, fabulous FlowRider surf park, and a Johnny Rockets fast-food franchise. Even experienced cruisers are awed upon seeing the Royal Promenade -- similar to an indoor, pedestrian-only Main Street.
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Best For Multi-Generational Families
Ships: Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess,Emerald Princess and Ruby Princess.
Reason To Book: These vessels please everyone with a great blend of fun (an outdoor, "drive-in" style movie screen), elegance (formal afternoon tea), and enrichment (programs range from cooking and pottery to computers and personal finance) activities. Also fantastic is the serene Sanctuary, a top-deck, adults-only space outfitted with plush Italian chaise lounges, healthy food service and cabanas for al'fresco massages.
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Best For Seniors
Ships: Holland America's Rotterdam and Amsterdam.
Reasons To Book: These ships are easy to get around and offer most of the amenities of larger vessels. Their high speed allows them to spend more time in port than competing ships, and their spacious cabins, bigger than those aboard competing ships, are appreciated on their mostly longer itineraries.
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Best For Affordable Luxury
Ships: Oceania's Regatta, Insignia and Nautica.
Reason To Book: These ships offer a refined, elegant yet casual (there are no formal nights) product on par with many far more expensive lines and interesting, well-planned itineraries at surprisingly affordable fares. Also, all have fabulous pool decks with private cabanas for rent.
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Best For Budget Travelers
Ships: easyCruiseLife
Reason To Book: Fares are kept low by operating a bare-bones ship with minimal entertainment options, tiny cabins and a half-board meal plan (breakfast plus lunch or dinner, with additional meals at an extra charge). The ship's long days in port -- lasting well into the night so that passengers can sample the local nightlife -- mean that most time is spent ashore, and many passengers never even eat on the ship. The spartan but clean and comfortable vessel is just a mode of transport and a place to sleep -- the destinations are the focus here.
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