First time cruiser - advice please!

[squidgemundo]

Hello, I am considering going on my first cruise holiday and not sure where to start and how to choose the cruise for me and my family. Any tips on where/how to get started that you found helpful or would find helpful as a first timer are greatly appreciated. thank you 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@squidgemundo This is a great space to ask these sorts of questions to surely make your first cruise an unforgettable experience. I have so many questions for you including how many guests are in your party to how long you would like to cruise! Where you would like to explore? Do you have a convenient port located nearby? Are you looking for a kid-friendly or adult-only experience? Based on these answers I can give you some cruise line and itinerary recommendations, including optimal dates for these cruises.

[squidgemundo]

Thanks Kendall! We're a family, 2 adults, 2 young kids. Based in Ireland so thinking Med? We're definitely budget conscious so that would probably influence when we decide to go. There is so much choice!  Thanks for your advice! 

[Kendall James-Vargas]

@squidgemundo A Northern European cruise could be a convenient option for you to stay relatively closer to home and hopefully have more affordable flight options. I personally love MSC Cruises' policy for cruising with younger children. This line offers ages 11 and younger to cruise "free," which ends up being a very small amount fee. I take my family of 5 quite often on this cruise line and have found it to be very affordable and kids-friendly. Take a look at some of these cruise options and let me know what you think. I could also offer advice on specific ships if you are interested in this cruise line.  https://www.msccruisesusa.com/Search Result?area=NOR&passengers=2|0|0|0&departureDateFrom=08%2F03%2F2023&departureDateTo=07%2F03%2F2026