Which are the best ships for first time cruisers?

For cruise virgins, the sheer volume of options can be bewildering. But don’t fret — to get you started I’ve created a potted guide to some of the best options around for first-timers looking to find their sea legs.

P&O is the longest and most established cruise line sailing from British shores. Royal Caribbean International is one of the largest U.S. cruise lines, and the company has been gradually increasing its presence in the U.K. over the last few years by basing ships out of Southampton.

P&O has fleet of ships sailing from Southampton, targeted to varying audiences. There are the adult-only Artemis and Arcadia, and family friendly Aurora, Oceana and Oriana. New on the scene last year was P&O’s Ventura, described as the new British “superliner.” With everything from Marco Pierre White-created restaurants to cruising’s first circus school it’s got appeal for all.
RCI’s Independence of the Seas, also a newcomer to the fleet in 2008, is a member of the line’s Freedom-class ships; all have boxing rings, indoor shopping malls and surf parks.
Both Ventura and Independence of the Seas offer ex-U.K. cruises.
Ventura teamed up with famous names such as celebrity chef Marco Pierre White to offer fine dining in his own signature restaurant; Toyland character Noddy entertains younger passengers; and circus workshops and a giant Scalextric track also keep them amused. Diners can choose from 11 cafes and restaurants and 12 bars and lounges.
On Independence of the Seas, passengers can take their pick from a mouth-watering array of activities including the FlowRider surf simulator, H20 Zone water park, rock-climbing wall, ice-skating rink and even a full-size boxing ring. Guests can also choose from a total of 25 restaurants, bars and lounges.
Ventura’s summer season sees it sailing to the Mediterranean, Canary Islands and the Baltic, with cruises ranging from two to 16 nights.

Independence of the Seas will offer sailings ranging from a four-night mini-cruise to Cork to 10- and 11-night voyages to the Canary Islands, and 10- and 14-night Mediterranean sailings.