Destinations · Things to Do · Expeditions · Alaska · Mediterranean · Canada & New England · Antarctica · Europe · Italy · Croatia
April 01, 2025 Words: Brandice Burke

Top 4 Destinations for First-Time Cruisers

New to cruising? We know where you should go first

Share:

Embarking on your first cruise means opening the door to new destinations and an effortless mode of travel— where you unpack only once while someone else takes care of the logistics. By day, you uncover the stories of marquee cities, boutique ports, and the remote, wild places on Earth. By night, you sleep soundly in your finely appointed suite, peacefully transported to a new location, maximizing your time spent exploring in each one.

Discover Seabourn destinations ideal for the first time cruiser.

Seabourn’s Alaska: The Insider’s Look at the Inside Passage

The Last Frontier is first on our list for good reason: it is a close-to-home gateway to cruising for many travelers. Small-ship cruising in this region means traveling further up the Inside Passage than larger ships and discovering lesser-traveled destinations like the Inian Islands. There’s nothing quite like the first time you spot humpback whales while bundled up on your suite’s private veranda. Or the excitement that vibrates through the ship when someone spots a humpback whale breaching or a family of otters sunning themselves on “bergy bits”. With Ventures by Seabourn®, step out of your comfort zone and into a Zodiac® or kayak launching straight from the Seabourn ship to explore Alaska’s wildlife and scenic highlights up close, guided by our veteran Expedition Team.

Did you know? Seabourn provides a complimentary all-weather jacket by Helly Hansen, which means one less thing to pack, and a built-in souvenir to warm you with memories of your trip.

Seabourn’s Antarctica: The Ultimate All-Inclusive Adventure

A favorite bucket-list destination for new cruisers and seasoned travelers alike, Antarctic expeditions are the pinnacle of exploration. This remote continent offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness surreal landscapes, from towering icebergs to vast ice sheets, and an abundant array of wildlife. As a first-time cruiser, you have probably been researching how shore excursions work. On Seabourn Expeditions, our 23-person Expedition Team guides 100% of the complimentary shore activities featured in Antarctica. From the included Zodiac® cruises and landings, guided nature walks and hikes to the optional kayaking and submarine dives, each day promises adventures you will remember forever.

Ready to take the plunge? Experience the thrill of leaping into icy-cold water from the side door and Zodiac of our purpose-built expedition ships to feel the sensation many believe has remarkable health benefits.

Seabourn’s Mediterranean: Quintessential Cruising & Exclusive Events

Sailing the Mediterranean on a small, yacht-like ship is an experience like no other. Imagine exploring the boutique harbors of multiple countries on one trip — without the hassle of coordinating hotels, trains, ferries, or rental cars. Explore a treasure trove of history and culture by day and feel truly cared for by personalized service and a high guest-to-staff ratio back on the ship. Each port of call brings a new adventure, whether it's exploring the Amalfi Coast, wandering through the narrow streets of Dubrovnik, a complimentary Seabourn private concert and cocktail party at the ancient Odeon Theater in Ephesus, or enjoying a fun-filled day of watersports as you launch aquatic toys of our ship’s retractable Marina in hidden harbors.

Traveling with a locavore? More and more new cruisers value supporting local businesses and sampling authentic regional cuisine when they are in port. Seabourn offers a complimentary, small-group event called ‘Shopping with the Chef’ in ports like Barcelona, St. Tropez, Valletta and more. Onboard sign-ups are available to explore the local markets with Seabourn Chefs— search for fresh provisions, learn what Seabourn Chefs look for, and connect with the flavors and cultures of the ports you visit.

Seabourn’s Canada & New England: Epicurean Escapes

This region is renowned for its picturesque coastal towns, vibrant autumn foliage, and rich maritime heritage. Ports like Boston, Halifax, and Québec City offer a glimpse into North America's colonial past, with cobblestone streets, historic landmarks, and charming architecture. The scenic beauty of this rugged coastline, combined with the benefit of being close –to home for many, makes this cruise destination a delightful experience for new cruisers. Seabourn’s itineraries include small-ship boutique ports that are less crowded than other North American harbors. In addition, the region has a growing “foodie” following, allowing you to hunt for seasonal favorites, sample local flavors and engage with emerging hotspots such as Prince Edward Island. The cultural immersion doesn’t stop when you leave the port— enjoy local entertainment and regional cuisine when you return to the ship.

Who doesn’t love room service? We recommend enjoying Seabourn’s complimentary, 24-hour in-suite dining first thing in the morning. Sip fresh roasted coffee or a mimosa with your breakfast on your private veranda as you sail through the Saguenay Fjord, basking in the morning sunshine and gleaming autumnal foliage.

Whichever destination you choose, unforgettable memories and new horizons await you. You will return home dreaming of your next cruise back on board with the crew that made your ship feel like a home away from home at sea.

Ready to set sail?

Consider these upcoming voyages:

7-Day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage

DEPARTS: Juneau, Alaska, US
ARRIVES: Vancouver, B.C., CA

Jun 20, 2025

from $3,299*

Explore Itinerary

*Per Person, USD. Taxes and Fees are included. Additional terms apply.

11-Day The Great White Continent

ROUNDTRIP: EZEIZA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
 

Nov 16, 2025

from $14,599*

Explore Itinerary

*Per Person, USD. Taxes and Fees are included. Additional terms apply.

10-Day Tyrrhenian Treasures & Malta

DEPARTS: Monte Carlo, Monaco
ARRIVES: Barcelona, Spain

Jul 21, 2025

from $6,174*

Explore Itinerary

*Per Person, USD. Taxes and Fees are included. Additional terms apply.

12-Day Canada & New England Fall Foliage

DEPARTS: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
ARRIVES: New York, New York, US

Sep 2, 2025

from $7,599*

Explore Itinerary

*Per Person, USD. Taxes and Fees are included. Additional terms apply.

Alaska Inian Islands
Polar Plunge
Shopping with the Chef
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse

RELATED ARTICLES

Seabourn

Sign Up for Special Offers

By clicking on “Submit” and providing contact details Seabourn will use the information provided to contact me with marketing and promotional messages. You can opt out at any time. For more details, see the Seabourn Privacy Policy and Website Terms of Service.

Thank you for signing up for Special Offers.