side view of Royal Princess cruise ship at sea

First Time Cruisers - Learn About Cruising

"Best Cruise Line for First-Timers" - Cruise Critic Editor's Choice

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First time cruisers, do you have questions about cruising, planning or booking a cruise? Then you're in the right place. This overview will introduce you to what makes cruising such a unique and memorable way to travel, where you can go, what the rooms are like, what you can do on board, and how to get started planning.

A couple experiencing Movies Under The Stars

What Is There to Do On Board?

In a word – plenty. There are so many choices, it’s hard to list them all. But one of the best parts about cruising is there are activities for everyone, from the very young to the young at heart. (And, of course, do-nothing days are perfectly acceptable too!)

Only on a Princess® cruise can you spend the evening taking in Movies Under the Stars® with blankets and popcorn. Meet friends for a snack, glass of wine and street performer-style entertainment in the Piazza. Or spend a few kid-free hours relaxing in The Sanctuary with a massage and sea views. And if dining is your favorite pastime, you have your pick of everything from a multicourse meal in a formal dining room or award-winning specialty restaurant to a world-of-options buffet and hand-tossed pizza by the pool.

Inside a Princess mini-suite stateroom

What Are the Rooms Like?

All staterooms include:

  • 100% cotton, high-thread-count linens
  • flat-screen TV
  • refrigerator
  • safe
  • little extras you find in nice hotels

We offer a wide range of stateroom options from balcony staterooms to more expansive mini suites, as well as our Reserve Collection Mini Suites, which feature VIP touches. There are also full suites with premium upgrades and complimentary features, like laundry and professional cleaning services. Budget-conscious travelers love our oceanview and interior staterooms. For groups and families, we offer the convenience of connecting staterooms and family suites, which sleep up to eight guests.

Learn more about our cruise ships

A group of young guests playing games in the ship's youth center

What Can Kids Do?

Our Youth Centers and Teen Lounges are staffed by experienced counselors, who are ready to ensure your kids stay happy all day long. There’s everything from art projects, games, the latest movies, pizza parties, talent shows, and much more. In partnership with Discovery™, Princess has developed engaging new youth programming and wonder-filled center designs for cruisers ages 3 to 17 to play, discover and create.

Learn more about Kids, Teens & Family cruise activities