When it comes to planning a vacation, there'sa number of people who swear by cruises. It makes sense; it's all-inclusive,you can see multiple destinations in one shot, and your getaway is filled withactivities. Cruising aficionados have the routine down pat, but what if it'syour first time? “Choosing a cruise for thefirst time can seem like an overwhelming task -- with so many lines and ships tochoose from, it’s hard to know where to start," Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor-in-chief of CruiseCritic.com tells zzdtravel.com."Our best piece of advice is always to research cruise lines first,to best understand what each line offers, and find which lines meet yourpersonal travel style." To help you out, we did some research for you andfound that these are seven of the best cruises for first-time cruisers.

1. Royal Caribbean: Harmony of the Seas

Go big or go home, right?! You might as well make a splash

for your first cruise by stepping foot on the largest cruise in the world set

to debut in Europe in May 2016. Since it will be everyone’s first time on the

ship, you’ll be able to explore the new features — like an interactive aqua park for

kids and robot bartender — without feeling out of the loop. It’s ideal for

families as there are plenty of activities for kids and larger guest rooms.

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2. Uniworld: Castles Along the Rhine

If simple elegance is more your style than an action-packed mega ship,

then a more intimate river cruise would be perfect for your first voyage. This

eight-day itinerary

takes passengers from Basel to Amsterdam aboard either the River

Empress or the S.S.

Antoinette (depending on

departure date) following the magical and picturesque Rhine River. The daily

excursions make it easy to explore a number of towns and cities in the heart of

Europe.

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3. Abercrombie & Kent: Connection European River Cruises

Abercrombie & Kent is known for its small group travel and making exploring

the world a breeze. Typically focusing on luxury land packages, the company’s four new

themed cruises offer travelers the same inspiring activities and expert

Resident Tour Directors, but priced 30 percent less. You still get

four-star-plus and five-star accommodations and no more than 24 guests, as well

as included city visits before and after cruising. It doesn’t get much easier than that!

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4. Star Clipper

History buffs will love these traditional

clipper ships not typically offered to most cruisers. And the glorious masts

and billowing sails make it clear from the start that you are embarking on a

special voyage. Star Clippers operates three of the world’s largest and tallest

sailing vessels: the Royal Clipper, the Star Clipper, and the Star Flyer. The

ships visit ports often untouched by larger cruise ships and offering

passengers the activities, amenities, and atmosphere of a private yacht. Bonus: everyone

is encouraged to help raise the sails, learn how to tie knots, visit the open

bridge, lie in the bowsprit net-suspended above the rushing sea, and climb the mast to the Crow’s Nest for a stunning panoramic view. Might as well embrace tradition for your first experience.

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5. Celebrity Cruises: Alaska Northern Glacier Cruise

An $8 million makeover of the Celebrity Millennium ship and an

eight-night Alaskan itinerary make this cruise perfect for a first timer with

an adventurous side. Along with a revamped Penthouse, Royal Suites, and brand-new spaces that no vacationer has seen before (such as the Rooftop Terrace

complete with a movie screen), cruisers can choose from a variety of adrenaline

pumping activities like the 5-Glacier Seaplane Exploration,

Alaska Coastal Expedition, and ATV Expedition and ZipRider.

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6. Disney Cruise Line: Disney Dream

Think Disney World, but in the middle of the ocean.

That’s exactly what this 2,500 passenger ships offers, catering to families with

young children. You’ll get to experience the traditional magic Disney is known

for, but without a high price tag. Included in your rate is dining and a

plethora of activities to choose from. Not to mention, just walking around the

ship is an experience; there are digital paintings that come to life as you

look at them, princess meet-and-greets, and tech-friendly kids’ clubs. The ports of

call are even out of storybook. You’ll dock at Castaway Cay, a private island

owned by Disney.

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7. Crystal Cruises: Monte Carlo to Venice on Crystal Symphony

What better way to test our your first cruise than on one that maximizes your vacation time? Crystal Cruises has curated a number of shorter itineraries that showcase Europe’s must-see destinations and are conveniently scheduled itineraries, including Sunday to Sunday. They afford those with limited travel time the ability to enjoy a dream luxury vacation without overextending their time away from work and other commitments. Crystal’s Monte Carlo-to-Venice, seven-day sailing allows travelers ample time to immerse themselves in cruising with at least one day of sailing and quality time at new and favorite European destinations.

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