The beauty of a cruise is simple: you unpack once and wake up in a new world. Imagine Trinidad this morning, Barbados tomorrow, and St. Lucia the next. It is the most efficient way to sample multiple destinations, helping you decide where you might return for a deeper exploration. If you are new to cruising, you are in good company and we are here to help.
The New Wave at Sea:
You are part of a travel movement. According to the 2025 CLIA report, first time cruisers are driving industry growth, making up 31 per cent of passengers in the past two years. If you are ready for an adventure at sea but unsure of the first step, our insider tips will guide you from booking to disembarkation.
Essential Tips for First Time Cruisers
1. Master Your Port Timing
If you are new to cruising, you are likely new to the start and end cities too.
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Arrive Early: Always plan to reach your embarkation city at least one day before your sail date. This buffers against flight delays and turns pre cruise stress into bonus exploration time.
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Book Smart for Expeditions: For expedition cruises (like to Antarctica), where weather is key, book your flights directly through the cruise line. They will manage delays and accommodations if you get stuck. Many cruise lines are now offering to book flights as part of the package, with some even providing deep discounts or free flights.
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Explore Extended Port Stays: Many lines, especially river cruise companies, offer pre or post cruise city extensions. Take advantage to deepen your trip.
📍 According to the travel advisors at Virtuoso, when it comes to cruising, Canadians are climbing aboard.
TOP CRUISE ITINERARIES FOR CANADIANS:
- Mediterranean
- Danube River
- Alaska
- Caribbean
- Greek Isles
- Northern Europe
- Japan
- Antarctica
- Rhine River
- Galápagos Islands
2. Match the Ship to Your Travel Style
Cruise lines now cater to nearly every niche. Your ideal ship depends on what you want from your vacation.
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For Luxury Hotel Fans: Look to brands like Explora Journeys, or ships launched by Ritz Carlton, Aman and Four Seasons. Accor, the group behind Fairmont, will launch the Orient Express Corinthian next year.
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For Families & Multi Gen Groups: Consider the ship within a ship concept. MSC’s Yacht Club and Norwegian’s The Haven are like floating boutique hotels with private areas, concierge service and dedicated dining, while still granting full access to the main ship’s waterslides, theatres and vibrant atmosphere.
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For Digital Nomads & Long Stay Travellers: European river cruise lines offer lengthy itineraries. Sail from Amsterdam to Bucharest on the Danube, or take a deep dive into one country. Lines like Scenic combine rivers like the Rhine and Moselle over 14 to 21 day voyages, often with included pre and post cruise excursions.
3. Find the Best Deal
If you are investment shy but want to try cruising, target the “Wave” season the industry’s term for off peak travel periods.
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Europe: With mild temperatures into November, you will find deals and fewer crowds.
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Caribbean: April, May and June typically offer great value.
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Pro Tip: Speak to a travel agent or a cruise line agent. No question is a stupid question booking the right cruise can make or break your trip.
WHAT TO BOOK
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Courtesy of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
With chef-driven culinary programs, thoughtful wellness initiatives and each ship kitted out with a marina that links you directly with the water, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is a floating luxury hotel. Three ships are currently sailing: Evrima, Ilma and Luminaria; right now we’re dreaming of a Pacific cruise in Tahiti.
Seven nights on the Evrima, round trip from Papeete, including stops at Bora Bora and Mo’orea
Culinary Cruising with Emerald Yacht Cruises
Emerald Yacht Cruises has announced its latest specialty culinary voyage: the Mediterranean, hosted by celebrated Canadian chef Michael Bonacini and his son Oscar, on the spectacular yacht, Emerald Sakara.
Explore the Western Mediterranean by sea with celebrated Canadian chef Michael Bonacini and his son Oscar aboard the yacht Emerald Sakara. The journey departs Rome on August 22, 2026, with stops in Nice, Cannes and Marseilles.
