Exactly how long your first cruise should be, according to a cruise ship captain

As the captain of a cruise ship, Ivan Mladina has been at the helm of cruising holidays that last a few days to a few months.With plenty of people now considering going on a cruise for the first time, many wonder 'what is the ideal length of a cruise?'Carnival Splendor's captain Mladina shared some of his advice with 9Travel, revealing for first-timers a shorter cruise is the way to go."I recommend starting with a short, fun getaway of three to five days to test the waters and see what cruising is all about," he tells us.READ MORE: How to make the most of a 'sea day' on a cruiseHow long is the ideal cruise?Ivan says short getaways are perfect for those new to cruising, before opting for longer voyages once you've had a taste."It gives you a taste of the fun you find when you choose a cruise. Once you fall in love with the experience, the longer voyages are wonderful for exploring the world at a leisurely pace, without the hassle of packing and moving all the time," he explains."They are also great for families wanting that extra peace of knowing their travel plans are sorted and the friendly team they know and trust is waiting for them onboard whether they've spent the day exploring a new port city or relaxing on a beautiful beach."READ MORE: Strange and unusual cruise rules you need to know aboutAfter joining Carnival in 2009, Ivan says now being a cruise captain is the "best job in the world"."For me, becoming captain has been a lifelong journey as I was drawn to the sea at a very young age. I can remember, at age five, writing a Mother's Day card and declaring that I would be a captain one day."How to make the most of a cruise holidaySharing some more of his advice, Ivan also says getting to know your fellow cruisers is a great way to really make the most of your holiday."Cruises are a great way to make new friends and explore the world together. The connections you make can last a lifetime," he says."Also, be sure to read your Fun Times or Hub App to make sure you get in on all the fun activities our friendly team has prepared for you onboard."While Sydney is his favourite port to sail in and out of in the world (ideal with Carnival Splendor based here all year round!) his favourite cruise in the region is actually across the ditch."My favourite cruise in this part of the world would have to be to New Zealand's North Island. The landscapes and culture are truly breathtaking," he reveals."But without a doubt, Sydney is the most fascinating port in the world, and it's an honour to captain the ship that calls this great city home. The views as we sail away from this city are simply stunning."