I'm going to plug a mod I found (not mine) that is a very cool alternative to the start by ship mod:
http://www.tesnexus.com/downloads/file.php?id=25591 mod.
This mod allows you to create your character in a low FPS "dreamworld". You pass along four stations, once each for race, birthsign, class and starting location. There are over 45 different starting locations to pick from including each of the player houses in Cyrodill (except Anvil, of course), the Anvil Mages and Fighters guild, various "dives" in Cyrodill, and so on. There are also three "random" start points: somewhere out in the wild, somewhere dangerous (warning "dangerous" means DANGEROUS, particularly for FCOM players), and a completely "random" option.
Reasons I prefer to this mod to the start by ship mod (which used to be my favorite):
1. More immersive options. You can chose your start or chose a random start.
2. Clean lighting for character creation. I really disliked how some start mods use heavy red or yellow light, making it impossible to to get your skin tone right.
3. Immersive quest start. You don't find the Amulet of Kings in a dead rat. You find it on a dead knight. Okay, maybe this is minor, but it easier for my roleplaying mind to accept.
4. Genuinely smooth performance and easy to use.
I would suggest loading the .esp towards the end of your load order. I load it before my Bashed Patch and Streamline and have no problems.
Also, there is an option that allows you to start in the Imperial City Prison chargen dungeon, if you wish. However, you do get all the gear that you would get in another location. If that bothers you, just dump it on the floor and leave it.
All in all, this is the best alternative start mod I've ever seen.
~ Dani ~