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CRUISES FROM NYC

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Norwegian Brings the New to New York

New ships. New experiences. Cruise from the city that never sleeps and wake up to sandy beaches down south. Treat yourself to some tropical hustle and bustle on a cruise from New York on board a variety of our ships including Norwegian Breakaway, Norwegian Getaway, or Norwegian Epic. Enjoy some sun in The Caribbean , Bahamas & Florida , and Bermuda . Or re-discover the picturesque coast of Canada and New England . Holiday on your timetable with no set dining times. Bid the Big Apple adieu on your way to the next big thing with Norwegian Cruise Line.

New ships. New experiences. Cruise from the city that never sleeps and wake up to sandy beaches down south. Treat yourself to some tropical hustle and bustle on a cruise from New York on board our newest ships, Norwegian Encore or Norwegian Bliss, named one of the World’s Greatest Places by TIME ® . Enjoy some sun in The Caribbean , Bahamas & Florida , and Bermuda . Or re-discover the picturesque coast of Canada and New England . Vacation on your schedule with no set dining times. Bid the Big Apple adieu on your way to the next big thing with Norwegian Cruise Line.

New York Cruise DESTINATIONS

Bahamas & Florida

Canada & New England

The Caribbean

Mediterranean

Northern Europe

Panama Canal

Transatlantic Cruises

Depart from new york on our award-winning cruise ships.

Sail from New York on our award-winning fleet. Choose from several ships, including Norwegian Joy, Norwegian Epic, and Norwegian Getaway. Learn why Norwegian Cruise Line is the 2018 World Travel Awards winner for "Caribbean's Leading Cruise Line" for the sixth consecutive year.

Explore Our New York CRUISE ITINERARIES

Learn to love your commute when you cruise from New York to some of the top warm weather destinations on board the fleet built for freestyle cruising. Sail to The Caribbean, Bermuda, the Bahamas & Florida on some of our newest and most innovative ships.

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• East Coast USA and Canada New England Cruise Ports

New York (NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region East Coast USA and Canada New England

Local Time 2024-06-17 01:05

Port New York cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from New York, NYC Manhattan-Brooklyn. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port New York has two cruise ports with their own passenger terminal facilities. Port Manhattan (4 berths on 2 piers - numbers 88 and 90) is located on Manhattan Island's western coast, beside the Hudson River. Port Brooklyn (1 berth) is located approx 6 mi (10 km) to the south, on eastern Upper Bay on Brooklyn’s Red Hook waterline.

Cape Liberty Cruise Port is also in New York Harbor but is part of Bayonne City (New Jersey) . Bayonne's Military Ocean Terminal serves Royal Caribbean Group/RCG-owned ships from the fleets of RCG's subsidiaries RCI-Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises , while ships of RCG's subsidiary Silversea dock at NYC's Manhattan Terminal.

Currently, NYC's Manhattan Cruise Terminal serves CCL-Carnival , NCLH ( NCL-Norwegian , Oceania , RSSC-Regent Seven Seas ), TUI ,  Virgin Voyages and other major companies .

Currently, NYC's Brooklyn Terminal serves Cunard Line and MSC .

All these ports/cruise terminals are part of the "Port of New York and New Jersey" - a port district in the New York Metro (total population 20,1+ million).

Around 8,1 million New Yorkers live on Long Island (population density 5860 per mi2/2262 per km2).

NYC cruise port

Port NYC NJ (officially "Port of New York and New Jersey") handles a huge cargo shipping volume and is US East Coast's biggest seaport.

Port's cruise schedule lists voyages the whole year round. During winter are popular southbound itineraries – to the Caribbean and Bahamas. During summer are operated mainly roundtrips to Bermuda as well as Transatlantic crossings (USA-UK/ Southampton ). In autumn are offered "Fall Foliage" cruises to Canada and New England USA.

In May 2013, Port NYC started a project to raise Bayonne Bridge in order to allow access to the world's largest container ships  to the cargo ports of New York City and New Jersey (Elizabeth and Newark). The project also included dredging (deepening) the navigation channel.

On September 7, 2017, the boxship CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt (2015-built, IMO 9780873) passed under the elevated Bayonne Bridge. The vessel has TEU capacity 14855 containers, LOA length 366 m, volume 152,991 GT-tons. It became the largest ship to pass under the Bayonne Bridge.

On September 28, 2023, NYC's Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC/1991-founded nonprofit) announced new port usage agreements (for Manhattan's and Brooklyn's terminals) signed with Carnival Corporation, NCLH-Norwegian and MSC. The agreements were designed to increase revenues and sustainability/emissions reduction, with term lengths ranging between 3-15 years, each with an optional 5-year renewal.

The 2023-signed agreements included establishing a Community Priority Fund (by adding US$1 per cruise passenger; to be used for projects in the cruise terminals' neighborhoods/Red Hook and Midtown Manhattan), planning ground transportation (improvements to maximize public transportation/reducing road traffic), reducing CO emissions (where feasible, including shore power connections/all cruise ships in NYC must be equipped with the technology by 2028), increasing local provisioning and developing educational partnerships with NYC-based institutions.

Port New York and New Jersey

Port New York and New Jersey is the seaport of NYC metro. It encompasses an area with a radius ~25 mi (40 km) and includes all navigable waterways in NY–NJ Harbor Estuary. The covered coastline is around 650 mi (1050 km) along both states. NYC Harbor is among the world's largest natural harbors. By annual cargo capacity, the seaport is ranked USA's 3rd largest - after South Louisiana (Mississippi River) and Houston (Texas).

Within the seaport there are 2 FTZs (foreign-trade zones) where commercial goods (domestic and foreign) receive same Customs treatment as outside USA. Annually, Port NY-NJ handles around USD 208 billion in shipping cargoes, around 3,4 million TEU's (shipping containers) and nearly 0,4 million cars.

• In July 2017, the port's largest container ship so far (CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt - 14,400 TEUs ) passed under the raised Bayonne Bridge.
• The channels (as draft) and the bridges (as heights) limit the vessels that can enter the harbor.
• Verrazano-Narrows Bridge's clearance is 228 ft (67 m).
• Brooklyn Bridge's clearance is 135 ft (41 m).
• Bayonne Bridge's clearance (lowered-raised) is  155-215 ft (47-65,5 m).

The company "Port Authority of New York and New Jersey" was established in 1921 to manage all facilities and services within the combined NY-NJ harbor area. The company also controls all vehicular and rapid-transit systems connecting New York and New Jersey, several airports, as well as real estate developments. It also maintains its own police force.

US Army Corps of Engineers are involved in regular harbor maintenance works (bulkhead and channels). USCG (Coast Guard) maintains all floatable debris and marine accidents and incidents (spills, rescues, counter-terrorism operations). Both states (NY and NJ) maintain maritime police units. US Customs and Border Protection and US Immigration and Customs agencies regulate international shipping imports and cruise passenger arrivals.

Port's foreign trade zones - FTZ 1 (New York) and FTZ 49 (New Jersey)  handled in 2010 a combined shipping traffic of 4811 vessels and over 32,2 million tons of cargoes valued USD 175+ billion.

In March 2006, some passenger terminals were transferred (as management) to DP World ( Dubai -based corporation).

The seaport has 4x containership terminals, ranking it (by combined volume) the US East Coast's largest, USA's 3rd busiest and the world's 20th largest cargo port. Terminals are leased to private operators.

• Howland Hook Marine Terminal (northwestern Staten Island)
• Port Newark-Elizabeth Marine Terminal (Newark Bay)
• Port Jersey Marine Terminal and Red Hook Marine Terminal (both in Upper New York Bay)
• Maher Terminals LLC operates the port's largest containership facilities, served by a total of 11x Liebherr STS (ship-to-shore) megamax container cranes.

NY-NJ port's main imports are petroleum, appliances, vehicles, plastics, electronics, chemicals, perfumes, pharmaceuticals, optical and photographic materials, precious gems and metals.

ExpressRail network supports intermodal freight transport interconnecting all major terminals. In 2014, the total number of handled intermodal TEUs was 391,596. Most imports are transported in TEUs. Petroleum and scrap metals are handled at bulk cargo terminals, many of which are located along the port's straits and canals.

• New York New Jersey Railroad serves freight cars across Upper Bay, connecting Jersey City with Brooklyn (between Greenville Yard and Bush Terminal Yard). The 4 km crossing takes 45 min.
• Cross-Harbor Rail Tunnel is a proposed project under Upper Bay, with western portal at Greenville Yard and eastern portal still undetermined.

Cruise ships and ferries in Port New York and New Jersey dock at the berths of Cape Liberty Cruise Port (Upper Bay, Bayonne NJ) , Brooklyn Cruise Terminal (Upper Bay, NYC) and New York Passenger Ship Terminal (Hudson River, NYC).

• Regularly scheduled ferry service across Upper Bay connects South Ferry with St George Ferry Terminal, serving daily around 75,000 passengers.
• Major ferry terminals are Hoboken, Battery Park City, Paulus Hook, Weehawken Port Imperial, Pier 11, West Midtown and the East 34th Street Landing. Most smaller-sized ferries serve only 1 route.
• Small boats operate leisure tours, excursions and NYC harbor cruises. They circumnavigate Manhattan or navigate into Upper New York Bay.

In July 2017, through bidding, Ports America won a contract for operating Manhattan and Brooklyn cruise terminals until 2029. The deal required investments of USD 38,5 million in infrastructure improvements, including Pier 90 berth rehabilitation, extended aprons, new fenders. Brooklyn Pier was extended by 45-60 m (150-200 ft) to allow berthing for larger boats. Construction works started in 2018.

Season 2018 featured two large newbuild liners - Carnival Horizon (133500 GT-tons, 4700 passengers) and Norwegian Bliss (168000 GT-tons, 4900 passengers).

New York ferries

In 2018 was inaugurated the ferry line connecting Bayonne NJ with Manhattan (across Hudson River).

A US$650,000 federal grant was given to the city for the building of a new ferry terminal. The facility is on the southern part of the Military Ocean Terminal, on an artificial peninsula east of NJ Route 440.

The 1,5-acre land site (former US Navy base) was purchased in 2010 and leased for ferry docking at US$200,000 per year.

In the previous year (2017) NYC Ferry inaugurated the commute ferry service linking Manhattan with Long Island (Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx). In 2016, NYC Ferry's fleet consisted of 19 newbuild boats.

• On May 1st were launched the East River route (North Brooklyn to Midtown and NYC's Financial District) and the Rockaway route (Lower Manhattan to Sunset Park and The Rockaways).
• On June 1st was launched the South Brooklyn route (8 terminals/between Corlears Hook and Bay Ridge) linking Bay Ridge, Sunset Park, Red Hook, Brooklyn Bridge Park.
• On August 29th was launched the Astoria route (between Western Queens and Roosevelt Island) linking Wall Street/Pier 11, East 34th Street, LIC/Long Island City Queens, Roosevelt Island Manhattan, and Astoria Queens.

In August 2018, NYC Ferry launched a link between Soundview (South Bronx) and Manhattan. The landing site in Bronx is at Clason Point Park (Sound View Ave's end). The nearest subway station (Morrison Ave-Sound View) is 2 mi (3 km) away. Ferry travel time Bronx-Manhattan is 45-min. In Manhattan, ferries stop at 90th St (Upper East Side), East 34th Str (Midtown), Pier 11 (Wall Str). Currently, NYC Ferry operates 6 routes.

New York cruise terminal

The following NY & NJ cruise port map shows the locations of all three cruise terminals (NYC's Manhattan and Brooklyn, and Bayonne NJ's Cape Liberty).

NYC Manhattan Cruise Terminal

The Manhattan passenger terminal is on Hudson River (on Manhattan Island's shoreline), located is between West 44 and West 52 streets. Both Newark International Airport and LaGuardia Airport are located approx 15 mi (24 km) away, while JFK International Airport is approx 20 mi (32 km) away.

This NYC cruise terminal has 3 wharves – Pier 88 (2 berths), Pier 90 (2 berths), and Pier 92 (1 overflow berth). They can accommodate up to 5 cruise liners simultaneously and each has a fully-functioning passenger terminal building. Manhattan terminal serves NCL Norwegian , Carnival Cruise Line and Holland America . At Pier 92's south side dock large liners.

In early 2017, NYC Economic Development Corporation selected Ports America as long-term cruise ship terminal operator for both Brooklyn (1 berth) and Manhattan (Pier 88 and Pier 90), Ports America also supplies cruise ship provisions for vessels docked at Pier 92.

At the top of all the piers, there is a building with dedicated parking lots, snack bars, restrooms, check-in, VIP areas, customs, newsstands.

• Address: "Manhattan Terminal, 711 12th Avenue, New York, NY 10019"
• Manhattan Terminal parking: daily parking rate ($18, for 10 hours), overnight rate ($23, for 24 hours). Theparking rate for multiple days is $20 daily.

NYC Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

Located across Governors Island, Brooklyn NYC cruise port terminal is in Red Hook. LaGuardia Airport is 12 miles away, Newark International Airport – 16 miles away and JFK International Airport is 20 miles away.

Brooklyn New York cruise ship terminal used to be a cargo port. You will get very ”industrial feel”. The terminal building on Pier 12 is a new one. The facilities are vending machines, check-in, restrooms and customs. There is a parking area with 500 spots. Brooklyn New York cruise port terminal can accommodate only one ship. It serves Princess Cruises and Cunard ships.

• Address: "Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Pier 12, Brooklyn, NY 11231"
• Brooklyn Terminal parking rates (subject to change): $35 daily.

Brooklyn cruise terminal's shorepower

Since 2016, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal provides shore-power .

The shore-to-ship electric power supply project was first announced in 2011.

Cunard's liner RMS Queen Mary 2 was the first-ever vessel (officially plugged-in on November 12th, 2016).

The US$21 million system was signed off by the New York and New Jersey Port Authority and turned over to the NYC Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC), which currently oversees the cruise shipping program for Brooklyn and Manhattan. As of September 2016, NYCEDC has responsibility for the system's operations and maintenance.

The plug-in shorepower was installed by Cochran Marine. This is a dual-voltage system targeted for use by Cunard Line and  Princess Cruises , which are the terminal’s primary customers. The Terminal's cable positioning device is removable, so it can be stored during winter.

Connecting to Con Edison power grid, the shorepower system allows ships to run their onboard systems without using diesel generators. This eliminates ~1500 tons of CO2, ~95 tons of NOx, and ~6,5 tons of soot/particulate matter annually.

In 2010, the NY-NJ Port Authority estimated that improvement to air quality could yield public health benefits of USD 99 million over 15 years. That was a key element for community groups around the terminal’s Red Hook neighborhood to start pushing for shore power. Beyond the infrastructure cost, the project was delayed by haggling over the price of electrical power – in an era where cheap fuel prices made shipboard generation more economical. The power costs are subsidized in part by the EDC and the New York Power Authority, with terminal user Carnival Corp picking up the rest. As part of an agreement,  Carnival Corporation pays USD 12 cents per kilowatt-hour for shorepower.

Costs were ~USD 10 million (to service one slip) and involve substantial infrastructure improvements. Ship operators must spend ~USD 1 million to make a vessel shorepower-ready. Demand on the energy grid is substantial too. A typical container ship in port uses about as much energy as a single terminal at Boston ’s Logan Airport, while RMS Queen Mary 2 requires 13 megawatts (equal to the entire airport).

New Jersey Cape Liberty cruise terminal (Royal Caribbean)

In October 2014, RCCL-Royal Caribbean and NYC Port Authority dedicated a Cape Liberty cruise terminal for the RCI's ship Quantum OTS. The new terminal started operations on November 10, 2014.

The new facility is located at Port Terminal Blvd (Bayonne waterfront), adjacent to the Tear Drop Memorial (Russia-built 10–story sculpture). The US$55 million building project included port expansion with a new passenger terminal, featuring a total covered area of 125000 ft2 (11600 m2) that hosts check-in, customs and immigration, luggage storage and processing area, parking area (capacity 950 cars/costs US$25 per day including taxes) and also improvements of the existing docking pier. The new terminal building is adjacent to the 2004-inaugurated terminal.

Port Cape Liberty is in close proximity to EWR-Newark Liberty Airport (10 mi / 16 km to the west, ~20-min travel time by car) and easy to access, skipping NYC's heavy traffic and bridges.

• Empire State Building: don’t miss that famed building. It is 1050 ft tall. You can take a look from the airy promenade after a great lift to the Observatory.
• Central Park: the iconic park dates from 1857. It is a large landscaped area where you can enjoy the Zoo, the Botanical Gardens, the Bethesda fountain, the Great Lawn and Belvedere Castle.
• Metropolitan Museum of Art: located between East 81 and East 82, dates from 1870. Discover artworks of famous artists – Aristotle with a Bust of Homer by Rembrandt, Wheat Field with Cypresses by Van Gogh, Young Woman with a Water Pitcher by Vermeer and The Unicorn in Captivity, medieval tapestry.
• Brooklyn Bridge: the bridge dates from the late 19th century. It spans across the East River. The Brooklyn Bridge and the views across Brooklyn, Upper Bay and Manhattan are breathtaking.
• Brooklyn Botanic Garden: 39 acres with beautiful gardens. Walk through the Bonsai Museum, the Tropical Pavilion, the Aquatic House and the Desert Pavilion. You can also have a coffee, buy a gift or something from the garden store.

New York tours, shore excursions, hotels

City tours and shore excursions.

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Thinking of booking a cruise? Here are the lines you should — and shouldn't — sail with.

Posted: June 10, 2024 | Last updated: June 10, 2024

• Before you book a cruise , it's important to understand that not all cruise lines are equal.
• Each cruise line has amenities, entertainment, and experiences tailored to specific cruisers.
• Carnival is good for families, Virgin Voyages for solo adults, and Cunard for mature travelers. 

I am a very, very avid cruiser. Last year alone, I spent 73 days on cruise ships .

I've sailed with most major lines, from kid-focused Disney Cruise Line to the sometimes-naughty Virgin Voyages. When people ask me which cruise ships I recommend , my answer isn't so straightforward.

Each cruise line is unique, offering amenities, entertainment, and experiences tailored to specific cruisers. What you book will depend on your needs, wants, budget, and what you'd rather avoid.

So, I've done some research about popular cruise lines and combined my personal experiences to help you decide which cruise line to book with.

After all, this is kind of the year of the cruise , with travelers predicted to set sail at some of the highest rates in years throughout 2024.

Here's what you need to know about some of the major cruise lines before you book your next trip.

Editor's Note: Price ranges were calculated at the time of publication based on available listings on each cruise site. Cruise pricing is per person, based on double occupancy and the cheapest stateroom/fare available. Prices were calculated before taxes, port charges, and other fees. Itineraries with added tours built-in were not included when calculating this information.

Carnival Cruise Line

Cost: $ | Prices range from $156/pp for a two-day getaway from Sydney to $3,273/pp for a 10-day Alaska cruise

Ideal for: Budget travelers, intergenerational groups, families, and partiers

Skip if: You're looking for a high-class, elegant experience or a quiet, laid-back vibe

Highlight: All Carnival cruises come with itineraries loaded with fun activities. Some ships have especially exciting features like the first roller coaster at sea, SkyRide zip-line-style aerial bikes, and themed parties.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like to wear a tux or ball gown or have a quiet cruise experience.

Launched in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line is one of nine cruise lines owned by parent company Carnival Corporation & plc. It's the company's largest cruise line, with 27 ships. Its cruises typically range from two days to 29 days.

Carnival Cruise Line offers year-round cruises in Australia, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico and seasonal cruises in Alaska , Bermuda, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, and New England.

Celebrity Cruises

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $233/pp for a three-night Key West & Bahamas cruise to $6,912/pp for a 7-night Galapagos cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and solo travelers

Skip if: You're looking for a slower-paced classic cruise

Highlight: All Celebrity Cruises come with amazing outdoor spaces like The Lawn Club with real grass on the top deck of Solstice Series ships and the Rooftop Terrace on Millennium Series ships. You also won't want to miss the Magic Carpet , which allows guests to hang out while suspended above the ocean on some ships.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who want to attend lectures about their ports of call.

Celebrity Cruises began sailing in 1997. There are 16 ships, which sail on itineraries ranging from three to 19 nights to nearly 300 ports of call in 70 countries.

Cost: $$$ | Prices range from $249/pp for a two-night cruise from Southampton, England to Hamburg, Germany, to $19,158/pp for a 111-night World Voyage

Ideal for: Sophisticated travelers and mature cruisers

Skip if: You're looking for a high-energy cruise, hoping to travel with children , or craving adventurous activities

Highlight: All Cunard cruises come with white-glove service. You won't want to miss Cunard's famous 3:30 p.m. afternoon tea, gala evenings, and fine dining arranged by stateroom grade.

Possible cons: This is a very formal cruise with strict dress codes. You won't find water slides or pool parties here.

Founded in 1840, Cunard offers a classic cruise experience with cruises ranging from two to 116 nights.

Its four ships sail to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Disney Cruise Line

Cost: $$$ | Prices range from $422.40/pp for a two-night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane, Australia, to $5,592/pp for a 12-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles cruise

Ideal for: Disney adults , families, and intergenerational groups

Skip if: You don't want to vacation around a bunch of children and you crave peace and quiet

Highlight: All Disney Cruise Line cruises come with heaps of Disney magic in the way of special events and details. You won't want to miss character meet and greets, pirate-themed parties with fireworks, and passengers trading pins and leaving treats inside decorative pouches hung on stateroom doors.

Possible cons: There is a significant child population on most of these cruises and not much adults-only entertainment. Dinners in the main dining can get loud, and, just like at the theme parks, there can be many queues for activities and other offerings.

Disney Cruise Line first set sail in the 1990s and has five active ships, with the new Disney Treasure set to debut in December. The line has sailings all around the globe, and most range from two to 15 nights.

Holland America Line

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $94/pp for a one-day Pacific Northwest cruise to a $27,399/pp for a 132-day Grand Voyage

Ideal for: Music lovers and sophisticated world travelers who appreciate European hospitality and smaller ships

Skip if: You're young, traveling with children, or want to party

Highlight: All Holland America Line cruises come with a dose of Dutch hospitality and elegance. During my cruise with the line, I enjoyed the Dutch cuisine and Music Walk , which features live performances at B.B. King's Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard.

Possible cons: The line takes its formal nights really seriously and attracts an older crowd.

Holland America Line has had ships sailing the globe for over 140 years. Its 11 ships cruise to more than 425 ports of call on seven continents, and cruises range from one to 118 days.

MSC Cruises

Cost: $ | Prices range from $80/pp for a three-night Mediterranean cruise to $46,149/pp for a 116-night World Cruise

Ideal for: Budget travelers, families, intergenerational groups, big groups

Skip if: You're looking for lots of food options or top-tier entertainment

Highlight: All MSC Cruises offer great value — and good pizza

Possible cons: The cruise fare does not include many dining options, and the evening entertainment skews old-school and a bit more basic than some other cruise lines that do Broadway-worthy shows.

MSC Cruises has 22 ships, with one more projected to join its fleet by 2025. The line has sailings all around the globe, and most range from two to 118 nights.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $79/pp for a one-day Australia cruise to $4,379/pp for a 10-day European cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and solo cruisers

Skip if: You're looking for structure, ballroom dancing, and fancy dinners

Highlight: All Norwegian Cruise Line cruises offer freestyle dining. You won't want to miss its Broadway-level shows and generous drink package, which is often offered complimentary.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like formal dress codes, and some dislike the à la carte pricing.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been sailing the world for over 57 years. Its 19 ships visit 400-plus ports on seven continents, and cruises typically last one to 25 days.

Princess Cruises

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $127/pp for a two-day Australia Seacation to $24,098/pp for a 98-day World Cruise

Ideal for: Mature solo travelers, couples, and retirees

Skip if: You're looking for lots of activities and party vibes. Princess Cruises tend to attract an older crowd, and the shows and activities reflect this. There aren't many events offered each day. On the three cruises I sailed with Princess, the entertainment was primarily musicals, piano players, and singers backed by an orchestra. There were only a handful of children on each cruise.

Highlight: All Princess Cruises offer Discovery and Animal Planet-exclusive shore excursions — and many have an excellent onboard lecture series.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like to party, love water slides, or have teenagers.

Founded in 1965, Princess Cruises has 16 ships that sail to 330 destinations worldwide on itineraries from three to 111 days

Royal Caribbean

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $196/pp for a two-night Hong Kong cruise to $8,266/pp for a 13-night Arctic Circle cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and intergenerational travelers

Highlight: All Royal Caribbean cruises come with fun activities and a broad range of entertainment options. Some have the Ultimate Abyss , the tallest slide at sea, or the glass capsule North Star , the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. You won't want to miss the Oasis Class ships' seven distinctly themed neighborhoods and Royal Promenade, a mall-like thoroughfare with shops, restaurants, and lounges that runs the length of the ship.

Possible cons: Many of its ships are mega-ships, so this isn't the line for you if you want a more intimate trip.

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean sails to about 240 destinations on six continents. Cruises range from two to 22 nights.

Royal Caribbean has many of the world's largest cruise ships in its fleet of more than 20 vessels.

Virgin Voyages

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $415/pp for a four-night roundtrip cruise from England to Amsterdam to a $3,072/pp for a 13-night Canada, Carolina, and Miami cruise

Ideal for: Child-free travelers, health enthusiasts, the glamorous, and those who don't like strict rules

Skip if: You want a classic cruise, need structure, or can't handle playfulness (and, sometimes, naughtiness)

Highlight: All Virgin Voyages are child-free, and everyone gets unlimited WiFi, access to group fitness classes, and gratuities included in their fare. You won't want to miss its famous Scarlet Night, 20 eateries (every venue is considered specialty dining), and eclectic shows like "Untitled DanceShowPartyThing."

Possible cons: There aren't traditional song-and-dance shows, assigned dining times, and nightly portrait photography

Virgin Voyages has been sailing its "Lady Ships" inspired by superyachts since 2021. Three nearly identical ships are currently in service, and a fourth one is set to set sail later this year.

Virgin Voyages sails to about 100 destinations in Australia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom on cruises ranging from three to 16 nights.

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