what all cruise lines are there

Cruise Lines Overview

Mainstream cruise lines.

A great choice for couples, families, singles, and first time cruisers looking for a lively and casual atmosphere focused on fun. With a huge variety of entertainment and educational options, these sailings offer significant bang for the buck, with fares typically ranging from around $50 - $125 per night. Ship sizes tend to be larger, decor brighter, and onboard dining and pool possibilities plentiful. Specialty restaurants, top-shelf drinks, and other services and excursions will cost extra.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Celebrity cruises, costa cruise lines, disney cruise line, holland america line, msc cruises, norwegian cruise line, princess cruises, royal caribbean, premium cruise lines.

Premium cruise lines cater to passengers seeking to explore the world comfortably. Respite from crowds not only in port but also on the ship is important for these lines, and most ships lower their capacities to allow for larger, more spacious cabins, and public spaces designed for easy-going socializing. Cuisine tends to be of a higher caliber, with perhaps some included regional wine pairings for refined palates. The average age is slightly older than mainstream cruises, and you can expect to pay roughly $125 - $350 per night.

Azamara Club Cruises

Hurtigruten cruise lines, oceania cruises, luxury cruise lines.

With fares starting at $400 per night, luxury cruise lines attract a decidedly well-heeled, well-traveled demographic. Sky high standards mean passengers receive outstanding personalized service, exclusive itineraries to ports all over the world, world-class (occasionally Michelin-rated) cuisine, and luxurious and elegant accommodations. While the price is admittedly steep, most fares are all-inclusive, from onboard amenities to dining, drinks, and even gratuities. Sometimes prices also include flights and transfers, smoothing even the stress of travel. Ships tend to be smaller, more intimate, and finely decorated.

Crystal Cruises

Regent seven seas, silversea cruises, viking cruises.

Disney Cruise Line by Matt Stroshane Norwegian Cruise Line Cunard Line Piergiuliano Chesi [ CC BY 3.0 ], via Wikimedia Commons Hurtigruten Crystal Cruises Traveloscopy via Flickr Seabourn Silversea Cruises

How Many Cruise Ships Are There In the World? 2024

Have you ever wondered how many cruise ships there are?

Or how many of each cruise line?

While the number of cruise ships in the world varies year to year as old ships are scrapped and new ones are launched, we have worked out the current total with a full breakdown for each cruise line in the table below.

How Many Cruise Ships Are There?

In the table below, we have listed all known cruise lines with the number of ships in the fleet and a total passenger capacity per cruise line.

Paul Gauguin Cruise line, one single ship, was purchased by Compagnie du Ponant in 2019 and is counted as part of the Ponant fleet.

Ship Capacities are a guide. The majority were taken as the maximum number of passengers on board, but some figures included double occupancy figures, which are slightly lower.

Passenger capacity numbers may vary between maximum number of passengers and double occupancy capacities so should only be treated as estimate.

How Many Carnival Cruise Ships Are There? 

There are 24 Carnival Cruise ships under the Carnival brand as of early 2023.  However, the parent company Carnival Corporation & plc owns several other cruise line brands, for a total of 86 cruise ships.  

This makes Carnival Cruise the world’s largest cruise line operator.

The number of Carnival Corporation & plc cruises ships by brand:

• Carnival Cruise Line (24)
• Costa Cruises (12)
• Cunard Line (3)
• Holland America (11)
• P&O Cruises (6)
• P&O Cruises Australia (3)
• Princess (15)

How Many Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Are There?

As of 2022, there are 26 Royal Caribbean cruise ships in the current fleet. However, the parent company Royal Caribbean Group owns three smaller cruise lines for a total of making it the second largest cruise line operator.

Royal Caribbean Group Cruise lines 2022:

• Royal Caribbean Internationa (26)
• Celebrity Cruises (15)
• Silversea Cruises (11)

Royal Caribbean Group also has a 50% stake in TUI Cruises which currently has 6 ships in its fleet.

How Many Norwegian Cruise Ships Are There?

There are 18 cruise ships in the current fleet of the Norwegian Cruise line in 2022.  NCL is owned by its parent, the company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , which also owns two other cruise lines and, in total, runs 29 cruise ships across the three brands.

The Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Cruise brands are:

• Norwegian Cruise Line (18)
• Oceania Cruises (6)
• Regent Seven Seas (5)

How Many Cruise Lines are There In the World?

As of early 2023 there are at least 37 cruise line companies, but smaller lesser known ones may also exist.

Royal Caribbean is the largest cruise lines in terms of number of cruises ships with a total of 26 ships and a combined passenger capacity of 112,993.

Cruise Lines Gone Bust or Ships Scrapped

2022 was not a great year for the number of cruise ships, with 3 cruise lines going under.

Star Cruises and Dream Cruises were owned by Genting Hong Kong, which went bankrupt early in 2022 and a number of the ships were sold for scrap.

Crystal Cruises went insolvent in 2022, and 2 cruise ships were brought by A&K Travel Group which intends to relaunch them in 2023.

The other way cruise ship numbers can change is if a cruise ship sinks or capsizes. Thankfully no cruise ships have sunk for a number of years.

How Many Cruise Ship Passengers Are There?

Across the 37 cruise lines we a total of 664,602 passengers could be carried at any one time if all 302 cruise ships were filled to capactity.

Related Posts

What is the Draft of a Cruise Ship? (and Why Does it Matter?)

How Many Doors on a Cruise Ship? (Yes, I Counted)

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

All Cruise Lines

Home » All Cruise Lines

Royal Caribbean

Carnival Cruise

Norwegian Cruise

Quick Links

• Cruise Lines
• Privacy Policy
• Terms & Conditions
• [email protected]

© Copyright 2024 | Cruise Deck Info

Web Design Servioces

For Cruise Booking :

The Ultimate Guide to All the Cruise Ship Lines

by Contractor | Nov 24, 2020 | resources , Travel Tips | 0 comments

There are so many cruise ships in existence, it’s hard to tell which would be the best choice to go with for your traveling needs. This is especially true if you’ve never been on a cruise before and don’t know what to expect.

There are over a dozen different cruise lines that sail around the world and cater to all kinds of preferences. These cruise lines ship out from ports all over the world. Some cruise lines are oriented more towards family travel, while others focus on a more luxurious experience.

How do you know which cruise line to pick? Read on for the ultimate guide to all the cruise lines to figure out which one would be best for you.

What Are the Top Three Cruise Lines?

With so many cruise lines available, how does a person go about picking one? It helps to know what the best-rated cruise lines in the world are. These are the cruise lines that are most sought-after among their guests for specialized amenities as well as access to popular travel destinations.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean International is among the most popular luxury cruise lines available, and it’s also the largest cruise liner fleet in the world. The largest vessels run by Royal Caribbean are twenty percent larger than any other cruise liner on the water. Cruise prices range from $295 to $6838 per person.

One of the major draws of Royal Caribbean cruises is that, because of their large size, these ships can hold a wide variety of exotic attractions from ice-skating rinks to rock-climbing walls. Because it’s such a large cruise line, Royal Caribbean International has ships that sail worldwide. However, most of its port destinations can be found in either Europe or the Caribbean islands.

Here are some of the amenities you can expect to find on Royal Caribbean Cruises (Source: Royal Caribbean Cruises ):

• Spaces for teens: The youth programs on Royal Caribbean are world-renowned, which makes this one of the more family-friendly cruise lines available. With spaces set aside for children as well as teenagers, Royal Caribbean ensures that there is something available for everyone, no matter what age.
• Water parks and wave pools: A major perk of the Royal Caribbean cruise ships is that they feature large water slides and pool-based attractions, including wave pools that simulate ocean surf for boogie-boarding.
• Casino: The Royal Caribbean cruise line features a full-service casino on board with slots and a variety of table games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker. The ship’s casino is a great place to cool down and get out of the sun between shore excursions and can give adults a place to relax away from the kids.
• Broadway shows: The shipside entertainment and nightlife on Royal Caribbean is a popular attraction among guests. Shows range from classics like Grease and Hairspray to original productions that feature singing and dancing from some of the most popular musical eras.

Because these cruise ships are so large, and can hold so many travelers, the cruise line has no problem earning a sizeable profit. This in turn allows Royal Caribbean to keep ship fares reasonable and competitive. Another advantage of these floating cities is that the larger ship size also means that these ships feel steady and stable, even in turbulent waters.

Ultimately, the main reason for Royal Caribbean’s popularity over other cruise lines other than the size of its ships is the sheer number of activities there are to do on board. Whether you’re interested in dancing the night away or you want to hang out with the kids by the pool, you’re sure to find something you want to do on your days at sea.

Disney Cruises

While a Disney cruise is especially fitting for those who want to cruise with young children, Disney is a franchise that is universally loved by people of all ages. Chances are you won’t have to twist anyone’s arm to get on a Disney Cruise boat. Along with their family-oriented activities, there is a full range of adult-oriented services such as bars, fine dining restaurants, and nightclubs.

Here are some of the amenities you can expect to find on a Disney Cruise (Source: US News ):

• Activities for all ages: Disney Cruises are designed with activities for every age group in mind. Free childcare services are provided through the “It’s a Small World” nursery, and there are age-appropriate club activities available for ages 3 through 17. This means that even though the Disney Cruise is set up for families to have fun together, there are activities for them to do apart, too.
• Theme parties: For those who enjoy Disney movies, there are several theme days on Disney Cruise ships that help bring the wonder of those animated films to life. Guests can enjoy such entertainment as a Star Wars Day at Sea or a Pirate Night. Guests of the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder can even enjoy a Frozen -themed deck party.
• A mixture of casual and fine dining: Several restaurants are geared towards easy dining for multigenerational groups, but there are also a few restaurants that are adults-only on Disney Cruise ships that give the older crowd some much-needed quiet time. Overall, Disney does a phenomenal job of balancing the needs of young and old in both food and entertainment.
• Film screenings and live character shows: The live shows with Disney characters are unlike anything you will see on any other cruise line.

Disney is a name that has been associated with entertainment for decades, and the brand has left its mark on the cruising world. These cruises are favored by those who want to go on a cruise with children, but they’ve gone out of their way to make sure that adults have plenty of fun too.

While all these attractions make Disney one of the best cruise ship lines in the world, there are a few drawbacks to this cruise line. Beverages and gratuities are not included, and dining is assigned. Both of these factors can be inconvenient, but neither are enough to detract from Disney’s status as a superior cruise line.

Viking Cruises Viking River Cruises offer something a little different than the average cruise ship. Unlike the Royal Caribbean and Disney cruises listed above, Viking Cruises are small luxury cruise ships that are designed for river travel throughout Europe, Asia, Egypt, and even on the mighty Mississippi River.

One of the advantages of a smaller cruise ship like the longboats offered by Viking is that they can remain in ports of call longer for multiday stays. This also allows the cruise line to offer a higher level of luxury for each of its staterooms such as heated bathroom floors and spacious verandas. Cruise prices range from $1,999 to $9,198 per person. (Source: Retirement Living )

Viking Cruises consistently rank highest among cruise lines in value and quality. They must be doing something right. (Source: Viking Ocean Cruises ) Here are some of the amenities you can expect to find on Viking Cruises:

• Cozy Nordic aesthetics: The décor of Viking cruise ships reflects the cool, calming beauty of Scandinavian design. Viking cruise ships are among the most beautiful cruise ships in the world. Guests can enjoy panoramic viewing on the Explorer’s Lounge, high tea service in the Wintergarden café, and a library with a large selection of books to choose from.
• Destination dining: One of the advantages of a Viking cruise is that these river ships can carry passengers through the heart of many countries. The influences of those international cuisines can be seen in the dishes on offer at the ship restaurants.
• Specialty shore excursions: A major benefit of cruising with Viking is that when it comes to shore excursions, being a passenger on a Viking ship can get you into tours and places you wouldn’t otherwise get access to. Local Life tours are designed to help you taste a slice of life in your country of the day. Working World tours show you artisans working on their crafts.

Viking cruise ships are luxurious but still manage to keep costs reasonable due to their small size. Still, these cruise ships are considered luxury cruise ships in comparison to larger cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Disney.

They also have a distinctly adult flavor in comparison to these two other cruise lines, with no passengers under eighteen even allowed on board. If you’re looking for a classy, sophisticated cruise line for grown-ups only, Viking is a perfect choice.

Top Cruise Ship Lines

While Royal Caribbean, Disney, and Viking are the top cruise ship lines on the market, they have plenty of competition. There are dozens of cruise ship lines available for destinations all over the world. Below you’ll find some of the very best cruise ship lines by category. The Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise lines are known for being a cut above the rest when it comes to amenities. These cruise fares tend to be a bit more expensive, but they’re also more likely to include amenities like all-inclusive drinks and personalized service. Luxury cruise lines also tend to favor the more refined set of attractions (such as four-star restaurants) over things like mini-golf and water slides.

Here are some of the best luxury cruise lines:

• Celebrity Cruises : Celebrity is a premium cruise ship line that is based out of Miami. Big on style and sleek aesthetics, Celebrity is a cruise line that is aimed at a more sophisticated crowd. Amenities include infinity-style balconies as well as all-inclusive cocktails and coffee. Cruise prices range from $279 to $17,961.
• Crystal Cruises : Crystal Cruises is one of the smallest cruise lines with only three ships in its fleet, but it’s also known as the pinnacle of luxury cruising. On-board amenities include all the standard amenities offered by mid-line cruise ships along with luxury additions such as complimentary excursion reservations and formalwear pressing. Cruise prices range from $1,799 to $3,299.
• Cunard : Cunard is one of the oldest transatlantic cruise lines in the world, with lines going back to the 1800s. For those cruise fans who want to recreate Titanic without the catastrophe, Cunard offers ballroom dancing and nightly dress codes to keep up this ship’s classy vibe. Cruise prices range from $299 to $16,799.
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises : Regent is another luxury cruise line based out of Miami and was originally called the Radisson Seven Seas Cruise line. Along with being an all-inclusive luxury line, Regent Seven Seas also features a fleet of small ships that helps to keep their guest to staff ratio low. This is one of the ways the Regent Seven Seas line maintains its high level of service. Cruise prices range from $2,999 to $11,000 a night.

The above cruise lines aren’t the cheapest ones you’ll find, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find sleeker, more sophisticated ships than these.

The Best Cruise Lines for Families

Two of the best cruise lines for families are already listed above (Royal Caribbean and Disney, respectively) but there are also a few other cruise lines that are geared towards children or multigenerational travel groups. Here are two more cruise ship lines that are a good choice for those traveling with kids:

• Norwegian Cruise Line : Norwegian is known for its massive ships that give off the air of giant resorts. Attractions include family-friendly fare like go-kart racing, laser tag, water slides, and obstacle courses. There are also attractions for older family members such as Broadway plays and luxury spas. Cruise prices range from $299 to $2,677.
• Carnival : Carnival is known as the “fun ship” and with good reason. These flashy cruise vessels not only offer a lot for children to do, they’re also reasonably priced for young families. Another advantage of these ships is that they focus on short voyages. This makes them a good experimental choice for beginners who haven’t been on a cruise before. Cruise prices range from $129 to $1,849.

Getting away on a vacation with kids can be difficult, but these cruise lines make it just a little bit easier for everybody to have some fun on a cruise vacation.

The Best Value Cruise Lines

Some people may associate cruise lines with a luxury they can’t afford, but the truth is that there are many economy and mid-range cruise lines that are affordable for most. While there are definitely expensive cruise lines out there, there are plenty more that recognize that their customers are working on a budget.

• Princess Cruises : Princess cruise ships aren’t as big and flashy as larger cruise lines like Carnival and Norwegian, but what this fleet lacks in size it makes up for in diverse itineraries. Princess is an especially popular choice for those guests who are looking for an Alaskan cruise. Cruise prices range from $269 to $2,575.
• Holland America : Like Cunard, Holland America is an older cruise line that originated in the 1800s. These somewhat sedate ships aren’t recommended for families with children, but they’re perfect for middle-aged couples or retirees. They’re also a perfect match for anyone who is looking for a comfortable and affordable voyage. Cruise prices range from $349 to $22,499.
• MSC Cruises : MSC Cruises is one of the major cruise lines out of Europe, but this line based out of Switzerland has recently begun to expand its sights to the American market. One unique feature of this cruise line is access to their private island in the Bahamas. Cruise prices range from $99 to $15,349.

Getting the best value out of a cruise means looking for quality and affordability at the same time. The cruise lines above offer cruise guests the biggest bang for their buck.

The Best Small Cruise Lines Some cruise lines market the large size of their ships as a feature, while other cruise lines focus on a smaller fleet. The advantages of choosing a small cruise include less crowded decks, more intimate environments, and a smaller ratio of ship staff to ship guests. Small cruise ships are also able to get access to ports that larger ships can fit in, and they’re capable of staying at port longer.

• Azamara : Azamara is one of the smallest cruise fleets in the world with just three ships holding less than seven hundred and fifty passengers apiece. Azamara focuses on the destination rather than days at sea and these ships are known to spend multiple days at port, allowing guests to do more sightseeing on shore. Cruise prices range from $1,499 to $6,199.
• Oceania : Oceania falls between luxury cruise lines and mid-range cruise lines on the affordability scale, but the small size of these ships allows them to focus on keeping the ship’s design sleek and sophisticated. Without having to worry about accommodating as many people as possible, Oceania ships allow guests to bask in cozy, intimate surroundings. Cruise prices range from $1,499 to $42,199.
• Quasar Expeditions : Quasar Expeditions is a cruise line for those who want a little something different out of their cruise. This small cruise line focuses on expedition-style cruises that venture into hard-to-reach places such as Patagonia and the Galapagos Islands. Cruise prices range from $2,400 to $9,000.

Just because a cruise ship is small doesn’t mean that it’s shabby. Many of these smaller cruise ships are even more luxurious than the large ocean liners.

What to Look for in a Cruise Ship Line

Now that you’ve explored a wide variety of cruise lines, it’s time to start looking at which cruise line would be best for you. When you’re trying to narrow down your choices for a cruise line, it helps to ask yourself the following questions.

• How much money do I have to spend? Budget will play a huge part in narrowing down your search for a cruise line, as some cruises cost only a few hundred dollars while others can go for as much as a thousand dollars a night. High prices will naturally knock some potential cruise lines off your wish list.
• Where do I want to go? Destination will be another big deciding factor in what cruise line you ultimately go with. If you’re more interested in the ship’s amenities and attractions than you are in ports of call, you may gravitate to a ship that features several days at sea. Check with each cruise line to see what destinations they feature if you’re not sure where you want to go yet.
• Will I be taking children with me? Some cruise lines such as Disney feature free childcare services, while other cruise lines such as Viking don’t allow children on board at all. Check into the youth attractions available on each cruise line to make sure that you don’t end up listening to your kids complain about being bored all week.
• How happy am I around crowds? If you prefer less crowded settings, you should look at a smaller ship in a smaller cruise line. However, if you’re looking to meet people on your cruise or you aren’t bothered by crowds, you should look into one of the larger cruise lines such as Carnival or Royal Caribbean.
• Do I like having a travel plan? Some cruise lines feature open-seated dining without dinner reservations and casual dress, allowing guests to come and go as they please. Other more traditional cruises feature strict schedules and even formal dress codes. Which type of cruise you want to go on depends on whether you want to party like it’s 1999 or 1899.
• When do I want to cruise? How long you want to cruise for and what time of year you want to go will make a big impact on which cruise line you eventually choose. For some cruises, such as Antarctic expeditions and Alaskan cruises, you’ll want to look at the patterns of wildlife activity to ensure you get the best seats for whale-watching and seeing other forms of sea life.

When it comes down to it, figuring out what to look for in a cruise line comes down to figuring out what your cruising personality is like. Some people want to go on a cruise to wear fancy clothes and eat in fine dining restaurants and look out over the star-swept sea. Others go on cruises to work on their tan in between trips on the water slide. It all depends on what you want out of your vacation.

How to Choose a Cruise Ship Line

Along with thinking about what you want to get out of your cruise, there are also some other ways you can help narrow down your search for a cruise line. Here are some things to look at that can help you make your final choice:

• Check out user reviews. Websites and forums such as Cruise Critic allow cruise guests to compare and contrast different cruise lines. You get to browse insider information, from attractions and amenities to cleanliness and friendliness of staff.
• Look for packages and discounts. Every cruise line is constantly running different deals and travel packages on their cruises that offer everything from discounted airplane tickets to ship credit for drinks. If you plan on going cruising as a regular yearly or bi-yearly vacation, joining a cruise line loyalty club can also net you additional discounts to help keep your cruise fees low.
• Check out destinations, not just the ship amenities. Attractions on the ship are all well and good when you’re out at sea. However, to get your money’s worth on a cruise, you should look around to find a cruise that is stopping in places you want to visit. If you’d rather take a luxury river cruise through Europe than go on a cheap Caribbean cruise, it’s worth saving up for.
• Look for hidden fees. If you’re attracted to a cruise line because of their cheap tickets, look more closely at the fine print. Many cruise lines that feature a cheap ship fare are not all-inclusive and will charge for amenities on the ship such as drinks. Many cruise lines also do not pay for shore excursions as part of their ship fee, while some include at least one per port.
• Book your cruise well in advance. Like airplane tickets, the earlier in advance you reserve your cruise tickets, the better deal you can get on them. Booking a cruise early (such as a year in advance) can also allow you to budget for the trip more easily since many cruise lines allow you to pay off your cruise in installments.
• Compare and contrast. Writing down the features of each cruise line you’re seriously considering can help you decide which ship amenities you can’t live without. Weigh the pros and cons of each cruise line against each other to figure out which one has the most features you want.

There are many things to consider when you’re trying to decide which cruise line to go with. Taking your time to really research each cruise line you’re interested in can help you choose the best one for you in the end.

Cruise Ship Lines Are Diverse

People who aren’t familiar with cruise ship lines may think of them as all being the same. But there are cruise lines that only have a few ships while others have dozens. Some ships like to party hard, and other ships offer a more sophisticated experience. No matter what you’re looking for in a cruise vacation, there is a cruise line out there that can give you what you want.

Related Posts:

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Privacy Overview

Which cruise brand is best for you? A guide to the most popular lines

Thinking about booking your first cruise? The sheer range of choices can be daunting. There are more than two dozen lines marketing to North Americans — no two alike.

The list of brands includes everything from giant companies such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, which are household names, to lesser-known small operators such as Windstar Cruises.

Some of the brands — Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line, in particular — operate massive vessels that are like giant floating resorts with deck-top water parks and other over-the-top amusements . Others specialize in intimate, boutique hotel-style ships.

Some lines, such as Carnival, are aimed at a budget crowd. Others operate vessels that are as luxurious as any upscale resort found on land. A few small luxury players such as Regent Seven Seas Cruises have ships with lavish suites that'll cost you as much as $11,000 a day .

Where should you start your search for the perfect cruise for you? Below, you'll find our quick guide to some of the most popular cruise brands. As you'll see, it's not meant to be an in-depth review of the lines. It's just a short overview — enough to give you a sense of which particular cruise operator might best appeal to you.

Once you've narrowed down the choices to a few brands that you think best fit your style, do a deeper dive into them and their specific ships, their itineraries and home ports and their comparable costs (either on your own or with the help of a cruise-savvy travel agent ). Note that TPG has many guides to individual lines, which you can find by clicking on our cruise line hub pages linked in each segment below.

Related: TPG's ultimate guide to picking a cruise line

With just four ships, each holding fewer than 700 passengers, Azamara is one of the smallest players in the cruise business. But it has a loyal following of travelers who appreciate the upscale ambience of its vessels, the inclusive amenities it offers (including gratuities and alcoholic drinks) and its destination focus.

The line prides itself on offering longer stays in ports, including multi-day visits. Its ships have an intimate, boutique-hotel feel. Pricing is higher than at the big, mass-market lines but not quite as high as you'll find at luxury lines.

Related: 5 things to love about Azamara's newest ship

Carnival Cruise Line

The self-described "fun ship" line is the king of short, affordable, fun-focused cruises from U.S. ports to the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Mexico and beyond.

The choice of roughly one in five cruisers, Carnival Cruise Line' s ships are notoriously lively, flashy and packed with fun features such as water parks with multiple waterslides. Just don't expect anything too fancy .

Related: The ultimate guide to Carnival Cruise Line

Celebrity Cruises

Designed to be a cut above mainstream options such as Carnival while remaining relatively affordable, this Miami-based "premium" line is known for some of the most stylish big ships at sea.

Expect high-end design, cutting-edge art and trendy restaurants. In short, Celebrity aims for sophisticates, not the party crowd (although it's not a luxury product).

Celebrity's four newest ships, Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Apex , Celebrity Beyond and Celebrity Ascent, feature "infinite veranda" cabins that are open to the sea in a way we haven't seen with other ocean ships. They boast a glass wall that opens from the top to create a balcony-like effect.

Crystal Cruises

This much-beloved luxury line recently restarted operations under new owners after shutting down for 18 months. For years, it was considered the ultimate luxury cruise operator, and our take after sailing on Crystal Serenity after its relaunch is that the line is even better than before. Initially, Crystal has returned to operations with just two ships. But it recently announced plans to expand rapidly with four more ships over the next six years.

A storied line with roots that go back to the 1800s, this three-ship brand is perhaps best known for its 2,695-passenger flagship, Queen Mary 2. The ship lives up to its billing as a true ocean liner with semiregular, transatlantic service between Southampton, England, and New York.

Cunard fans love the line's relatively formal vibe (including nightly dress codes) and other nods to ocean liner tradition, including evenings with ballroom dancing. A fourth Cunard ship called Queen Anne is set to debut in 2024.

Related: Why I was wrong about transatlantic cruises

Disney Cruise Line

Meet-and-greets with Disney characters, Disney-themed shows and the most extensive kiddie fun zones on the high seas are just a few of the family-friendly allures of a Disney cruise . If you're a Disney fan, nothing quite compares.

If Disney isn't your thing, well, this probably isn't the line for you. The biggest downside of the brand? As with Disney's parks on land, it doesn't come cheap.

Related: A first-look photo tour of Disney's newest ship, Disney Wish

Holland America

Tradition long has been a touchstone for this storied line, which dates to 1873 and is known for carefully crafted, globe-circling itineraries on midsize ships.

However, Holland America has been shaking things up in recent years with lively new venues such as B.B. King's Blues Club. Couples and retirees are the market for this line. Families with kids might want to look elsewhere.

MSC Cruises

A giant of cruising in Europe, Switzerland-based MSC Cruises is making a big play for North Americans with newer, bigger ships sailing year-round from Florida to the Caribbean and Bahamas. It also offers sailings from New York City.

Like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, MSC Cruises operates big, resort-like vessels that appeal to a broad audience. Among the highlight of its cruises in North America are stops at its new private island in the Bahamas, the Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve .

Norwegian Cruise Line

Multistory waterslides, ropes courses and even go-kart race tracks are among the gee-whiz attractions atop Norwegian Cruise Line 's giant, resort-like ships. The vessels also are packed with eateries, bars, casinos and showrooms.

The brand is known for its entertainment, including big Broadway shows such as "Beetlejuice." If you're looking for a Las Vegas-style resort at sea, this is your line.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania has carved out a niche with relatively small, upscale ships that offer a significant upgrade from mass-market vessels but aren't quite as fancy (or pricey) as luxury offerings.

Its seven ships feature a relaxed, country club-like ambience and inspired dining that appeal to a mostly older crowd.

Itinerary-wise, Oceania is known for destination-intensive voyages that typically are 10 nights or more in length, with some globe-circling trips as long as 180 days.

Related: Take a look at Vista, Oceania's stunning new ship

This France-based line is a specialist in expedition cruising , a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on small, hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

Operating a fast-growing fleet of tough but upscale expedition ships (none carrying more than 264 passengers), Ponant is known for voyages to places like Antarctica and the Arctic.

If you're looking for waterslides and laser tag, this is not the cruise line for you.

Related: This epic Ponant trip will take you to the North Pole

Princess Cruises

Popular with middle-aged couples, retirees and multigenerational families, the "Love Boat" line's ships aren't as flashy (or big, for the most part) as those of Royal Caribbean and Norwegian, and that's just the way its customers like it.

Princess Cruises ' customers also like its wide range of itineraries, including voyages in Asia and Australia, as well as closer-to-home places like the Caribbean. It's long been one of the dominant lines in the Alaska cruise market.

Related: The ultimate guide to Princess Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This Miami-based luxury line operates some of the most opulent vessels at sea, including three recently unveiled Explorer-class ships billed as the most expensive luxury vessels ever built on a cost-per-berth basis.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is particularly known for some of the most over-the-top suites at sea (including some bigger than the average American home ), some of the most inclusive fares in the cruise business and high levels of service. The only catch: You'll pay a pretty penny for it. Rooms on Regent ships start at around $1,000 per person per day and can cost as much as $5,500 per person per day.

Royal Caribbean

For megaresort fans, there's nothing quite like a Royal Caribbean vessel.

The line's biggest ships are more than 20% bigger than almost any others afloat (only MSC Cruises has ships that come close in size) and feature every type of amusement imaginable, from rock climbing walls and surfing pools to Broadway shows and ice skating rinks.

Families, in particular, will love this line, due to all the family-friendly activities and venues on its vessels. Royal Caribbean ships sail everywhere in the world, but the line's heaviest presence is in the Caribbean and Europe.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean

Another leader in luxury cruising, this seven-ship brand offers all-suite vessels, top-notch service and elegant cuisine.

As with other luxury lines, Seabourn offers a wide range of itineraries around the globe. It also recently jumped into more adventurous, expedition-style cruising with two new 264-passenger vessels designed to operate in polar regions such as Antarctica and the Arctic.

Silversea Cruises

Exquisite service, refined dining and well-appointed accommodations are hallmarks of this Monaco-based luxury line with 12 vessels. Silversea Cruises is also known for its industry-leading array of off-the-beaten-path itineraries.

Its growing fleet of small expedition ships will take you everywhere from the Arctic to Papua New Guinea in style.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Fans of upscale hotel chain Ritz-Carlton will feel at home on one of this line's yacht-like vessels. Or, at least, that's the idea.

The cruising arm of Ritz-Carlton has been in operation for just a bit over a year, and the jury still is out on where it ranks in the pantheon of luxury cruise brands. The line notably struggled to get off the ground after years of construction delays for its first and only ship.

Dubbed Evrima, the line's only operating ship is a 298-passenger vessel designed to appeal to Ritz-Carlton regulars with an elegant, residential look. A second, bigger ship called Ilma that's already open for bookings debuts later this year.

Related: The ultimate guide to the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

This fast-growing line has dominated the world of river cruising for North Americans for years, and in the last few years, it's become a significant player in upscale ocean cruising as well. Viking 's 80 river ships operate on just about every major river in the world, and its 10 ocean ships (up from just one in 2015) can be found in a growing number of destinations, too.

Viking is known for impeccably designed vessels with modern Scandinavian interiors and offering unusual, port-intensive itineraries. They also operate with a mostly all-inclusive format, as Viking long has subscribed to a "no nickel-and-diming" philosophy. Just don't bother booking the family. Kids under 18 aren't allowed on Viking.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking cruises

Virgin Voyages

This relatively new cruise line, backed by Richard Branson's Virgin Group, is reinventing mainstream cruising with a hipper, more inclusive, younger vibe (though not too young; its ships are adults-only). Think tattoo shops, karoake booths and no upcharges for tips or eateries.

Virgin Voyages ' first three ships ( Scarlet Lady , Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady ) have suites by acclaimed designer Tom Dixon. Destinations include the Dominican Republic, Mexico and a private beach club in the Bahamas, as well as parts of Europe and Australia.

Related: I've been on more than 150 cruise ships; here's why I loved my first Virgin sailing

Windstar Cruises

If the idea of sailing on a big ship makes you cringe, small-ship specialist Windstar could be the answer.

Its six vessels carry just 148 to 342 passengers — fewer than fit on a single big-ship lifeboat — and are wonderfully intimate.

Romantic types will love Windstar's three vessels with sails — a relative rarity. Foodies can choose one of the James Beard-themed cruises, which include market tours and cooking demonstrations with a James Beard Award-winning chef.

More guides that will help you plan a cruise:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise
• Guide to picking a cruise line

Cruise Destinations

Cruise search, special cruise offers.

Royal Caribbean

• 60% OFF 2nd Guest + Kids Sail FREE + Specialty Dining for 2 + FREE GRATUITIES or Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Norwegian Cruise Line

• 70% OFF 2nd Guest + FREE At Sea + BOGO Airfare + Up to $1,700 Cash Back

Holland America

• Up to 40% OFF + 3rd & 4th Guests FREE + Onboard Credit

Princess Cruises

• Up to 40% OFF + $99 Deposit + Up to $1,785 Onboard Credit

Celebrity Cruises

• Up to 75% OFF 2nd Guest + 3rd-5th Sail FREE + FREE Amenities: Beverage Package + Wi-Fi + Up to $1,700 Onboard Credit

Featured Cruise Deals

Other cruise options.

• Last Minute Cruise Deals
• Land Tour Deals
• View Golf Vacations
• Shop by Destination
• Shop by Cruise Line
• Cruise From Port Near You
• Holiday Sailings
• Luxury Cruises

Cruising offers a broad range of destinations to choose from. Whether you are a first time cruiser looking to stay close to home or an experienced world explorer looking for a new and interesting place to seek adventure the cruise opportunities span the globe. Cruise destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and even full world cruises.

Select your cruise destination and find everything you need to plan your cruise including pictures, itinerary maps and ports of call. When you are ready search the internet's largest cruise database to find your perfect cruise!

Caribbean, Bermuda and Mexico Cruises

A Bahamas cruise offers a chance to relax and enjoy the some of the world's most beautiful white sand beaches. Some of the activities include a broad variety of water sports, many opportunities for sightseeing and great shopping.

A Bermuda cruise showcases what Bermuda is best known for. Pink coral beaches, colonial British culture, world class golf, spectacular diving and warm crystal waters to name a few. The shopping in Bermuda is world class and a cruise to Bermuda will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated with memories that will last forever.

Enjoy the tranquility of the Caribbean on a Caribbean cruise. Visit many islands, explore many cultures and relax on the warm beaches surrounded by turquoise waters. Adventure abounds with opportunities to snorkel, swim with the dolphins, take a zip line tour, go boating or enjoy many great deals while shopping.

Cruises to Cuba offer first-hand experiences in its fascinating legacy, rich history and vibrant culture. E explore Havana and learn about its history as you view its classic architecture, museum, rhythmic island music and people.

A Mexican cruise offers a wonderful vacation filled with white sand beaches, lively music, and water sports galore. Meander through wonderful markets, climb the pyramids and learn about Mexico's history and ancient civilizations. Whatever the ports, a cruise to Mexico will be filled with rich experiences, relaxing days and fun in the sun!

Alaska Cruises and CruiseTours

Taking an Alaska cruise is the experience of a lifetime. The people, the places and the beauty is like no other place on earth. Dramatic fjords, breathtaking glaciers and abundant wildlife surround you as you cruise majestic Alaska. Its fascinating history and multi-cultural heritage offers a piece of America that will be remembered forever.

Explore Alaska on an Alaska CruiseTour and experience some the Alaska's off the beaten track treasures. Travel by domed rail cars as you visit the interior wilderness sights of Denali, the Klondike and the Yukon. Expand your cruise experience with an Alaska CruiseTour and get a bird's eye view of Alaska's unsurpassed beauty.

U.S. and Canada Cruises

A cruise to Canada and New England is filled with the history and character that created a nation. Walk the streets where American forefathers walked. Venture into small towns as you discover New England and meander through the streets of Montreal and experience the French Canadian culture as you cruise to Canada and New England.

Explore the enchanting cities of the US Pacific coast and Canada. Visit Vancouver and see the sights of Seattle. Head further south to California, view the dramatic pacific coast, visit the romantic wine country, Big Sur and the amazing city of San Francisco.

Away from the hustle of big cities taking a US river cruise on one our nations many rivers lets you travel into the heart of towns and cities that dot the US and Canada. Cruise on the famous Great Lakes, down the Mississippi or down the Columbia River. Taking a North American river cruise a wonderful relaxing and enlightening experience.

The Great Lakes are the largest group of freshwater lakes on Earth and on a Great Lakes cruise you can explore their natural beauty.

Short Getaway Cruises

Are you looking for something new to do with your friends or co-workers? Need a place to go for a girls/guys night out? Overnight cruises are a great option. Come aboard and experience all that cruising has to offer. Enjoy great dining, exciting entertainment and a chance to be pampered.

Need to escape the daily grind? Never cruised before? A weekend cruise is a great way to get away, relax and have fun without using up all of your well earned vacation time. Spend time in the spa, relax on beautiful beaches and just enjoy your time away.

Panama Canal Cruises

Experience the wonders of a Panama Canal cruise as you sail from the Caribbean Sea to the Pacific Ocean while enjoying all of the ports along the way including stops in the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America. Traverse the actual Panama Canal and watch as your ships transits the colossal set of locks-an absolute wonder!

River Cruises

A River Cruise offers a unique cruise experience. Your ship is your home away from home that will take you past exciting cities, quaint villages and beautiful landscapes. One of the best things about a river cruise is that they dock right in the heart of each city that is visited putting you in the center of it all. Most river cruises offer a complimentary excursion in each port.

Europe Cruises

A European cruise is an ideal way to become immersed in some of the world's most fascinating history, art, architecture, and diverse cultures. A cruise to Europe offers a blend of the old and the new along with a chance to explore quaint villages, dine on regional specialties and partake in some of the world's best shopping.

Cruising has been a way of life in northern Europe since the days of the Vikings. What better way to experience some of the worlds most beautiful fjords, learn first hand about both ancient and modern history and experience the different cultures that make up the Scandinavia and Baltic regions.

A Mediterranean cruise showcases the best of Europe's many cities and highlights the great architecture, fascinating history, and beautiful landscapes and beaches of southern Europe. Visit cities and villages and learn about the different cultures that make the Mediterranean region so special and unique.

Hawaii and South Pacific Cruises

Hawaii cruises offer the opportunity to visit all of Hawaii in one leisurely and relaxing vacation. Explore some of the world's most beautiful beaches, snorkel of scuba in paradise, climb to the top of a volcano or golf on some of the greatest championship courses. There is no better way to see Hawaii than on a cruise.

A Tahiti cruise will take you on a romantic journey to some of the most unspoiled islands left in the world. In Tahiti and the South Pacific the waters are soothing and the lands are tranquil and filled with tropical flowers, spectacular waterfalls and deep valleys.

South America and Antarctica Cruises

Stretching from the world's highest waterfall to the world's southernmost port a South America cruise offers something for all world explorers. From Brazil to Argentina and Chile to Peru the history and cultures of South America are quite diverse and its beautiful landscapes and unique wildlife are beyond memorable.

Galapagos cruises offer a unique opportunity to see nature that few humans get the opportunity to experience. In the Galapagos, nearly half of the species are found nowhere else in the world. A cruise to the Galapagos features some of the worlds most unique animals and marine creatures in their own natural setting.

The Amazon River boasts some of the world's greatest rainforests filled rare animal species, uncharted jungles and a huge variety of flora that are not found anywhere else in the world. Learn about the different Amazon tribes that live much as their ancestors did thousands of years ago as you cruise to many incredible ports.

Cruise to Antarctica and discover the earth's last, unspoiled frontier. Antarctica is home to whales, penguins, icebergs and dramatic glaciers and a cruise to Antarctica will leave even the most experienced traveler awestruck with memories that will last forever.

World and Exotic Cruises

A world cruise spans the globe, visits multiple continents and offers an endless array of sights to behold. A world cruise is a lifetime experience like no other filled with diverse cultures, dramatic landscapes, scores of history and the unique opportunity to transcend time and place all on one glorious cruise.

An Africa cruise offers the adventure of a lifetime. Here you can take a safari tour and come face to face with some of the world's most amazing and even endangered animals. Experience a combination of rich history, distinct cultures and awe inspiring landscapes on the many different African cruises that are offered.

Combine dramatic landscapes with bustling cosmopolitan cities by taking a cruise to Australian and New Zealand. The Australian and New Zealand people are friendly and prod of what their countries offer. Beautiful coral reefs, Aboriginal history, and spectacular glaciers are just some of the amazing things that you will find on a cruise to Australia and New Zealand.

A cruise to Asia is like no other and the cruise experience allows you to become immersed in a diverse land of history and culture and beauty that fills the senses with unique sights, sounds and aromas. The Asian people are warm and friendly and will make your Asia cruise a delightful and memorable experience.

Leave the bustling world behind as you take a step back and embark on a transatlantic cruise reminiscent of the days of the great ocean liners. Savor travel at a different pace as you relax at sea and enjoy some of the little known outposts that dot the world's magnificent oceans on a transatlantic or repositioning cruise.

Christmas Cruises

Sail to the islands of the Caribbean where the skies are always blue. Escape to the coasts of Mexico to watch the brilliant sunsets in Cabo San Lucas. Sail to Mediterranean ports for a more traditional European celebration. Or cruise to exotic locations, such as the Galapagos Islands, Tahiti or even the tip of Africa. You will never forget the memories that you make on a Christmas Holiday cruise to paradise.

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS

• Forgot Password?

Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers.

Register with Cruise.com to get access to:

• Exclusive Rates
• Special Amenities

Login to Your Account

There was an error! Please re-enter your credentials and try submitting the form again.

Reset Your Password

Please enter the email associated with your account so that we may send you a link to reset your password.

An email was sent to the address provided with instructions on how to reset your password.

Oops! There was an error with the email you provided.

Best Cruise Lines for the Money

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, a vacation at sea is often a better value than a

With lodging, food and entertainment all included in one price, a vacation at sea is often a better value than a land-based getaway – if you choose wisely. To help you make the most of your travel budget, U.S. News ranked the following cruise lines based on a methodology that factors in itinerary affordability, amenities included in the base fare, health ratings and reputation among experts and travelers. Read on to learn more about this year's best cruise lines for the money, and be sure to check our latest cruise deals for an even more affordable vacation experience. 

Read Best Cruises Methodology

Find Cruises

Call to plan a cruise: 1-833-468-6732

with a cruise advisor

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages may not seem like the most affordable offering at a glance, but it presents cruisers with supreme value. Base fares include all onboard dining, gratuities, Wi-Fi access, group fitness classes and more. Add those benefits to Virgin's ongoing sales, and you're looking at a top-notch experience for less. 

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 3 Ships in Fleet

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises' vessels offer the endless amenities and buffets of its competitors' megaships but maintain the service standard of smaller lines. Rates on Bahamas and Caribbean itineraries run less than $200 per person, and all-inclusive add-on packages are available.

• 4.36 Overall Rating
• 13 Ships in Fleet

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises targets more adult travelers (especially on longer voyages) than family-oriented lines like Royal Caribbean International, but at similar prices. Along with lodging and select dining, fares cover activities like cooking demonstrations and educational lectures.

• 4.02 Overall Rating
• 15 Ships in Fleet

Royal Caribbean International

With more than 25 cruise ships, Royal Caribbean is one of the largest lines sailing the ocean today. Having the ability to accommodate thousands of guests per ship allows the company to keep rates low. In fact, travelers may find itineraries in popular destinations throughout the Caribbean, Mexico, the Bahamas and the Pacific Coast for around $250 per person.

• 4.17 Overall Rating
• 25 Ships in Fleet

Holland America Line

Cruisers will find this premium cruise line to be a pretty good bargain, with four-day Caribbean sailings often starting at less than $300 per person, and short voyages along the Pacific Coast coming in around $100 per person. But cutting costs doesn't mean skimping on service; Holland America ships offer individualized attention, free room service and all-inclusive package options.

• 4.14 Overall Rating
• 11 Ships in Fleet

MSC Cruises

MSC offers sailings from North American ports like Miami, New York City and Orlando, Florida, though the majority of its voyages depart from international locales. But even if you have to fly to a foreign port, you'll save money over a typical land vacation abroad. Mediterranean sailings can start at around $100 per person, and the line offers several deals and money-saving packages.

• 3.79 Overall Rating
• 22 Ships in Fleet

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival specializes in budget-friendly fun, offering frequent, significant discounts on already low prices. In fact, itineraries for around $200 per person are the norm. Access to most of the ships' activities won't cost a penny, but keep in mind that some extras (like specialty restaurants, beverages and certain attractions) aren't covered in fares.

• 3.90 Overall Rating

Norwegian Cruise Line

With its popular, frequently running Free at Sea program, Norwegian offers travelers discounts on Wi-Fi, excursions, alcohol, airfare and more on top of its already low prices. And, similar to luxury lines, Norwegian ditches steadfast rules like assigned dining times, but costs a fraction of the price.

• 3.97 Overall Rating
• 19 Ships in Fleet

Cunard Line

While you may not expect to find a more opulent line like Cunard on this list, the cruise provider has a surprising number of relatively reasonable fares for upcoming sailings. Travelers can fully enjoy the line's old-world elegance knowing that room service, onboard activities and most dining options are included in the base price.

• 4.07 Overall Rating

Costa Cruises

A member of the Carnival family, Costa Cruises is primarily based in Europe. The fleet offers lower rates than its competitors, particularly for its Mediterranean itineraries (think: fares starting at less than $100 per person). Although it offers family-friendly amenities, Costa's ships are also well-suited to adults, with various entertainment options like theater shows and casinos.

• 3.50 Overall Rating
• 8 Ships in Fleet

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Compare Major Cruise Lines – A Guide To Choosing The Perfect Cruise Brand

Cruise lines compared – the difference in major cruise lines explained..

Choosing a cruise is a complex task matching dates, excursions, ports, and destinations with a brand that is likely to deliver the experience you want. Many first-time cruisers don’t understand the difference in what each cruise line & brand can offer, so we’re breaking it down by major cruise line and doing the work to compare cruise lines based on our experience cruising for over 20 years!

Comparison of the major cruise lines – our guide.

The differences in cruise lines can be substantial and contribute to how much you enjoy your vacation!

We’ll list each major mass-market brand cruise brand along with an overview of their target demographic and some pros & cons of each cruise line.

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL):

Norwegian Cruise Line , founded in 1966 is most commonly associated with “Freestyle Cruising”, a concept where there are set seating times in restaurants, no formal nights, and an overall casual atmosphere. This concept is so popular among NCL loyal cruisers that other brands such as Celebrity Cruises have started to add options for open dining times.

The fleet of ships that NCL has is also considered one of the newest and most modern. With each ship, they push the boundaries with “thrills at sea” which include unique activities like go-carts, laser tag, water slides, and more.

Norwegian Cruises is also known for its vast selection of specialty restaurants on its ships and is generally regarded by cruisers as some of the best food of all cruise lines.

NCL also offers generous promotions on a regular basis with their “Free At Sea” program where you can select an open bar (Free Beverage Package), specialty dining, internet, and more.

• Continue Reading: First Time Cruise Tips – A guide for your first cruise.

What is Norwegian’s target market & demographic?

As with every cruise, the clientele varies widely, but NCL. For shorter cruises, especially in the Caribbean, there tend to be a lot of families and young couples. On longer cruises, European itineraries, and Transatlantic cruises , there are fewer children and the age tends to be 50’s+ on average. Keep in mind that NCL is one of those cruise lines that try to have something for everyone.

Pros of Norwegian Cruise Line

• Casual atmosphere
• No assigned dining times
• A very modern & updated fleet
• Generous promotions such as “Free At See” open bar
• Generally very good entertainment in the theaters including some Broadway-quality performances
• A huge number of dining options
• Food quality

Cons of Norwegian Cruise Line

• Time in port is often too short
• Excursions are expensive
• The embarkation process is sometimes long and disorganized
• Gratuities and fees add up fast
• Some cruisers comment how onboard activities are limited
• Without a drink package, the prices of beverages are eye-watering
• Achieving status in the loyalty program ( Lattitudes Rewards ) has become more difficult

Receive Our Monthly CruiseLetter

Including cruise reviews, travel tips, and cruise deals

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival isn’t the world’s largest or most popular cruise line for no reason. They provide an experience many people want for a vacation and appeal to just about every walk of life.

Carnival is synonymous with having fun! This is why they are called “Fun Ships”! If you ask any experienced cruiser their opinion about Carnival, they’ll either LOVE it or HATE it. Taking a cruise on Carnival is a relatively unique experience when compared to traditional cruise lines. Admittedly, I normally enjoy a more traditional cruise, but I always have a lot of fun on a short or last-minute cruise with Carnival.

Among the main reasons that Carnival is so popular is their affordable options to take a cruise and visit some amazing sunny locations in the Caribbean. This often lures first-time cruisers looking to try a cruise and see if it’s right for them.

Carnival does one of the best jobs in entertaining passengers throughout the day that I’ve ever experienced on a cruise. There’s always SOMETHING going on somewhere on the ship whether it’s Bingo, a cooking demonstration, a mixology class, or karaoke – you’ll find something entertaining. A lot of it is pretty “cheezy”, but certainly still fun!

Unlike some cruise lines, Cunard, for example, a Carnival cruise is not the vacation you want if you’re seeing a cultural experience or enrichment programs.

Pros of Carnival Cruise Line

• Enthusiastic crew
• A diverse passenger type
• Affordable (Usually)
• Something for everyone
• Great for multi-generational families
• It’s not at all stuffy like some traditional cruise lines
• More free dining options than many other cruise lines

Cons of Carnival Cruise Line

• Older fleet in general
• Sometimes passengers push the “fun” in “fun ship” a little too far by over-imbibing and causing problems.
• The entertainment can be less than impressive
• Dining is average

Who is Carnival’s target market & demographic?

Carnival Cruise Line does an amazing job of catering to people of all demographics and ages. You’ll be hard-pressed to explain to someone what the “majority” of the passengers are like on a Carnival cruise. It’s impossible. You’ll see young people, solo cruisers, the elderly, all races and socioeconomic levels represented.

The great thing about Carnival is its family-friendly approach when it comes to Cruising, so you’ll often see multi-generational family groups. No matter who you are, you’ll enjoy yourself as long as you are ok with being in a mixed environment of all types of people from different cultures and backgrounds having a lot of fun.

Royal Caribbean International

Royal Caribbean does a great job of bridging the gap between a more traditional cruise experience and the ultra-casual cruise experience offered on Carnival (or even NCL). The focus is on the biggest and most innovative ships at sea. A year can barely pass before you hear about Royal Caribbean launching even a newer, bigger ship. Seeing some of their mega-ships is truly mindblowing.

Royal Caribbean pioneered the wild experiences on board and made these experiences as much of a reason to cruise with them as the actual ports and itineraries. The innovative onboard activities are so unique that other cruise lines have tried to one-up Royal Caribbean with their own insane ideas of onboard activities (for example NCL’s go-karts on the Encore).

On a modern Royal Caribbean ship, you’ll see crazy things like a surf pool, ice skating, the world’s tallest slide at sea, and even rollercoasters.

The atmosphere is decidedly more upscale than other lines such as Carnival but not stuffy. It’s still casual with plenty of fun to be had albeit slightly more reserved.

For Caribbean destinations, a stop at their private island is often part of the itinerary. The private island is widely regarded as one of the best private destinations any cruise line has to offer which includes a huge waterpark, freshwater pools a bunch of eating options, and bars.

Pros of Royal Caribbean

• Friendly crew
• Wide range of itineraries and prices
• Huge and amazing ships.
• Upscale feeling
• Private Island of CocoCay

Cons of Royal Caribbean

• Expensive drink packages
• Infrequent promotions
• Slightly more reserved entertainment options

Royal Caribbean’s target market & clientele

Royal Caribbean Cruises are known to be a hit, especially with families. They have designed the largest cruise ships in the world that mimic small floating cities. Within these cities, there are water parks, slides, arcades, and fun for passengers of all ages.

A more casual and laid-back environment makes it a pleasure for vacationers who just want to have a good time and not worry about elaborate dress codes (though they do have dress-up nights as well). The bottom line is they cater to a wide variety of clientele, but families will appreciate these ships the most!

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages is the newest and most exciting cruise line to launch in decades. With its adult-only theme (18+), it creates an environment where entertainment is unrestrained and uncensored. The new cruise line has 2 newly built ships in its fleet, with two more on the way, with a capacity of approximately 2,700 passengers. The two current ships are the Scarlet Lady and Valiant Lady with the Brilliant Lady and Resilient Lady due to arrive next year (2023).

• Read : Virgin Voyages, a Guide to Everything You Need to Know

The Virgin ships are designed to be more like megayachts than they are traditional cruise ships. Spaces on the ships are designed around a more adult atmosphere which includes activities like tattoos and piercings and a nightclub that is far superior to any “club” on a more typical cruise ship.

Virgin has chosen to target a more active and modern clientele (think GenX / GenZ) that tends to get into more fitness and yoga-related classes. Additionally, there is an emphasis on the food served throughout the ships.

Virgin Voyages is MOSTLY all-inclusive. They make a big point of where tips are included in all of the pricing, so you’ll never see extra items on a bill for daily gratuities or an additional mandatory tip added to your services on board. That said, the biggest thing NOT included on Virgin is alcohol, and there’s not an option to buy a drink package. But the prices are reasonable and compared to on land restaurants & bars.

Their answer to a drink package is a “Bar Tab” sold in $300 increments and often includes an incentive for purchasing a bar tab (i.e. $50 extra for the bar tab for every $300 or on occasion up to $125 extra bar tab with a $300 purchase). It’s important to note that the bar tab can only be used for drinks and unused balances at the end of the trip are not refunded.

Pros of Virgin Voyages

• Diverse & Engaging crew
• New luxury ships with a unique theme
• Adults Only
• Overnight itineraries
• Affordable drinks
• Huge option of specialty dining, all included

Cons of Virgin Voyages

• No drink packages
• Limited entertainment options
• Older cruisers may feel out of their element
• Small pool areas

What kind of passengers are Virgin Voyages hoping for?

Virgin has reimagined the cruise experience by targeting a group of people like Gen X that value experiences including health & wellness. Foodies are in heaven and Virgin wants to point that out with their variety of specialty dining options, all included in the price. Virgin is targeting a traveler type that can’t be bothered by kids on their vacation, wants an experience where they’re not nickel and dimed, and has a very adult theme. It’s not for everyone, but most people who have tried Virgin seem to really enjoy it!

Holland America Line

Holland America cruises can most accurately be called “classic”. The atmosphere, experience, and overall operations are what you would think of as a modern version of the good old days of cruising. Holland America Line usually attracts a slightly older crowd who appreciates finer things about going on a cruise like good food, impeccable service, and formal nights.

TIP : Let me be clear on ONE misconception about the demographics of Holland America. I’m in my 40s and think it’s one of the best options of upscale cruising. Never do I feel as if I’m too young or the other passengers are “too old”. Everyone is having a great time, regardless of age. In fact, many passengers who were my seniors, were able to have more fun than *I* was!

So if you’re not sure whether or not you should try Holland America because of your age, you really shouldn’t worry – give it a try, it’s pretty amazing.

Entertainment that includes live music and activities that include educational programs & enrichment programs attract a loyal and arguably more refined clientele. Some of these programs include cooking demonstrations, wine tastings, and various classes.

The ships of Holland America Line are beautiful, elegant, and modern without being over the top. Food choices are abundant and the quality is superior to most mass-market cruise lines. For this experience, however, you’ll pay more than you might on similar cruise lines.

You rarely hear any pros & cons when it comes to Holland America. The choice to sail on this type of ship rarely includes any downside. People who really enjoy this brand of cruising, appreciate that the experience isn’t geared toward having children everywhere. So while it’s not an “Adult” cruise, the lack of rowdy children on most voyages is appreciated by Holland America cruisers.

• Read : Holland America Rotterdam Cruise Ship – Reviewed

Pros of Holland America Line

• Beautiful classic ships with a modern feel
• Great food options & quality
• Nearly All-inclusive options available
• Better itineraries than many lines
• A generally higher-end clientele
• Affordable add-ons and up-charges when they exist
• Reasonable drink and specialty dining prices

Cons of Holland America Line

• Tend to be more expensive
• The line is making voyages longer and fewer shorter itineraries

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises has been one of our favorite cruise lines in the past. Celebrity blends a mix of a modern experience, beautiful ships, and an upscale vibe across their entire fleet. The cruise line has ships to fit just about any demographic and taste including older, but incredibly well-maintained ships for the classic cruise experience to the newer mega ships that attract people who go on a cruise for the “big ship” experience.

People also tend to agree that Celebrity has some of the best food options in their included main dining rooms. To enjoy some of the highest quality food, visiting (and paying for) a specialty restaurant is often required. With Celebrity, passengers rave about the food throughout the ships (and I used to agree!)

Note : On the last couple of Celebrity voyages, I feel like the brand has had the biggest decline in overall experience due to cutbacks.

Speaking of food and restaurant options, Celebrity has also introduced a dine-any-time concept rather than a strict time slot for your meals. This is available on a limited basis, presumably, so they can accommodate the open dining request without sacrificing service quality. Following NCL’s “Freestyle Dining” concept which is popular among Norwegian clientele.

While Celebrity has family-friendly activities and accommodations for children, the cruises are rarely overrun by kids as you find on a Royal Caribbean or Carnival cruise. The absence of water parks, slides, and other kid-oriented activities usually has families with children looking elsewhere for a cruise. This might change, however. Celebrity has started marketing more towards families and the newer ships have much more to offer passengers of all ages, even the young ones.

Even though Celebrity Cruises has a relaxed vibe, they still have dress-up nights and events that are dressier.

Another selling point of Celebrity is having a nearly all-inclusive option for their bookings. This is a rarity among the mass market cruise lines. In 2020, fares were introduced that included unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, and daily gratuities (as of mid-2023, gratuities are no longer included in the All Included fares). There are also options for a “cruise only” rate for those who don’t need the perks of the all-inclusive rate.

Pros of Celebrity Cruises

• Incredibly maintained and luxurious ships with cutting-edge design.
• Known for amazing food quality
• (nearly) All-inclusive options available
• A feeling of being posh without a snob vibe
• Amazing spa facilities (on most ships)

Cons of Celebrity Cruises

• All-inclusive fares have a very basic drink package included

What kind of passengers are Celebrity Cruises targeting?

In short, passengers who enjoy a premium experience with value make up the majority of the travel demographic. Many millennials and “GEN X” ages find that when it comes to cruising, Celebrity fits their expectations perfectly. Travelers who want a nice, upscale experience without breaking the bank rule the Celebrity demographic.

MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises are unique as they have recently made a push into the North American market after originating in Europe (originally as a shipping company). MSC has done an amazing job of designing big and beautiful new cruise ships and making them accessible with more friendly pricing models for a wider variety of consumers. However, with those pricing models comes some confusion.

MSC breaks down their fares by “experience” such as ‘Bella’ which is the base fare and most affordable to the Area which is more inclusive and allows for open dining rather than fixed times with the Fantastica experience being in between these which is what you would expect for most general booking types on other cruise lines. The reality is, that having to go through a grid of what’s included, especially if you’re a first-time cruiser, can be daunting and take away from the overall vacation excitement.

That said, the ships, once on board, are generally very nice and friendly to all types of cruisers from first-timers to experienced cruisers and people who enjoy traveling with family. Our experience with MSC definitely pointed out that the European origination of the cruise line has seen nearly the entire ship full of multi-generational family groups taking large group vacations together.

MSC is catching up to what other cruise lines are making a part of the modern cruise experience including a focus on wellness, specialty dining, suites, entertainment, and a plethora of nice bars with drink packages.

When it comes to food options most travelers consider the food “average” and you never hear much about how amazing the food is on MSC like you do on Celebrity or Norwegian.

The best way to describe MSC is “You get what you pay for”. You can have an affordable and amazing family vacation, but don’t expect to be wowed by the food, service, or general experience. But the reality is, sailing on MSC is going to be enjoyable, at least as enjoyable as you make it.

Pros of MSC Cruises

• Modern & well-designed ships
• Wellness-focused programs are available

Cons of MSC Cruises

• Food is average
• The service level isn’t quite what you’d expect from a large cruise line
• Expect to see a wide variety of travelers and international travelers which may be difficult to understand (in both language and behavior)
• Upcharges for many things on the ships (including the ability to choose your cabin)
• Confusing “experience” options to choose from

Who would enjoy MSC Cruises? What is their target market?

MSC is great for a family that wants to try a cruise and isn’t sure if the experience of cruising is for them. It provides a range of options for the frugal traveler or even for the experienced cruiser who enjoys the higher end of travel such as Yacht Club Suites and concierge service. Travelers who want to try a cruise with multiple families or multi-generational travel groups will enjoy an MSC Cruise.

Princess Cruises

Princess became famous and a household brand name with the series “The Love Boat”. Princess Cruises is the epitome of traditional cruising and lives up to the tradition of what a traveler would expect if they had been on a cruise 20 or 30 years ago. While Princess Cruises has evolved to match some of the more modern cruise expectations like open dining times and drink packages, it still maintains the classic spirit of what a cruise should be. What makes Princess Cruises special is the ambiance and services. In general, the clientele still enjoys dressing nicely for dinners and appreciates a high level of service.

In recent years, Princess has added more and more specialty dining options to their ships with prices in line with most other cruise lines that offer specialty dining. For foodies booking a cruise, it’s important to know that each ship may be different with dining options, so check carefully to make sure what you expect, in fact, exists on the ship you’re planning on booking.

Like MSC, Princess has taken a package or “experience” approach to their bookings. Simply a “good, better, best” approach – there are three ways to book your voyage. Essentially there is a Cruise Only fare, there is a fare that includes basic drinks (up to $12), and a “Premier” experience fare which includes premium beverages, wifi, specialty dining (depending on the length of the cruise), and photography packages. Compared to how other mainstream cruise lines price dining and beverage packages, the 3 tiers of Princess Cruises make a great value.

Pros of Princess Cruises

• Classic cruising experience
• Appeals to new and experienced cruisers
• A wide variety of itineraries
• Complimentary Room Service

Cons of Princess Cruises

• The highest fare level can get expensive fast
• Ships vary making it difficult to determine what features may be on some ships versus others. (Makes choosing hard!)

Cunard Line

Mention taking a transatlantic crossing/cruise on the Queen Mary 2 to anyone, and nearly all the time the topic of the Titanic comes up! Other than the sinking part, the experience is as glamorous as you’d imagine the Titanic was.

Cunard ships (Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth) are not just cruise ships, but luxury ocean liners meant to traverse the globe and cut through high seas with elegance. (QM2 and the upcoming Queen Anne are TRUE ocean liners with reinforced hulls, etc.).

Taking a cruise with Cunard is a unique experience where well-dressed passengers dominate dining rooms and multiple formal nights occur on every voyage. The experience on board these ships while elegant also has an accessible vibe. Passengers appreciate the old-world luxury cruising standards while also enjoying lounging around pools in shorts. The idea of a Cunard cruise may turn people off who aren’t into formal nights and sailing on ships that lack the modern crazy facilities like race tracks and water slides at sea.

What makes Cunard unique, aside from being the only cruise line with regularly scheduled transatlantic crossings, is the enrichment and entertainment programs offered on the ships. Being a transportation method for many decades, Cunard has nailed down how to keep people entertained for 7 days at sea with unique programs that focus on different topics, guest speakers, performances, etc. Enrichment programs include authors, journalists, musicians, designers, and scientists who conduct sessions and speaking performances on intriguing topics.

Service is top-notch on all Cunard ships and the cabins are sophisticated but not overdone or ‘stuffy’.

Pros of Cunard Line Cruises

• Beautiful classic ships
• Elegant without being pretentious
• Amazing service
• Unique programs and entertainment
• You’ll meet people of all types including Royalty and Movie Stars!

Cons of Cunard Line Cruises

• Traditions that may not suit all travelers such as true formal nights
• Small pools
• Limited specialty dining options
• Group seating in the main dining rooms

Disney Cruises

Disney! Well, there isn’t much to say about it because it’s the happiest place ON THE SEA. We’re putting Disney on the list here because it’s on our bucket list to try and give a full review. Until then, check out this amazing review of what to expect on a Disney cruise .

Do you have a suggestion?

Did we miss something? Do you want to add an idea? Just submit a comment below!

Cruise Gear Editor

I'm a global nomad at heart, and the dedicated editor behind CruiseGear. For the past two decades, I've experienced exciting voyages across the world, discovering countless ports from the decks of dozens of ships, visiting 40+ countries (and living in some of them for years). It's been an exhilarating journey to say the least! I want to share everything I've learned and hope to make your next cruise vacation as enjoyable as possible.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe to our Monthly Cruise Digest?

Do you know if the Casino on HAL’s Eurodam has a craps table? And if so, what is the range of Minimum Bets? Many thanks.

HI Catherine – They do have them and they aren’t ever very busy it seems. I recall the range was $10 min – $500 max.

Great news. Really appreciate your response!

Review Cart

No products in the cart.

Cruise Lines

Cruise lines by name.

• A-ROSA Cruises
• Abercrombie and Kent
• Adventure Smith Explorations
• Afloat in France
• AFC Vacations
• Aida Cruises
• Alaskan Dream Cruises
• AmaWaterways
• American Cruise Lines
• American Queen Voyages (formerly American Queen Steamboat and Victory Cruise Lines)
• Aqua Expeditions
• Avalon Waterways
• Blue Lagoon Cruises
• Blue World Voyages
• Captain Cook Cruises
• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Celestyal Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• CroisiEurope River Cruises
• Crystal River Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Emerald Waterways
• European Waterways
• Farah Nile Cruises
• Festiva Sailing Vacations
• France Cruises
• Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines
• French America Line
• French Country Waterways
• G Adventures
• Great Lakes Cruise Company
• Hapag Lloyd Cruises
• Hebridean Island Cruises
• Holland America Line  (HAL)
• Hurtigruten
• Imperial River Cruises
• Island Windjammers
• Lindblad Expeditions
• Lueftner Cruises-(Amadeus cruises)
• Marella Cruises
• MSC Cruises
• North Star Cruises Australia
• Norwegian Cruise Line  (NCL)
• Oceania Cruises
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• Pearl Seas Cruises
• P & O Cruises
• P & O Cruises Australia
• Pandaw River Cruises
• Poseidon Expeditions
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Riviera River Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International  (RCI)
• Saga Holidays, Ltd.
• Sanctuary Retreats
• Scenic Cruises
• Sea Cloud Cruises
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Semester at Sea
• Silversea Cruises
• Sonesta Cruise Collection
• St. Lawrence Cruise Lines
• Star Clippers
• Star Cruises
• Tauck River Cruising
• Tauck Small Ship Cruising
• Un-Cruise Adventures
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
• Value World Tours, Inc.
• Variety Cruises
• Victory Cruise Lines (now American Queen Voyages)
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Viking River Cruises
• Virgin Voyages
• Voyages to Antiquity
• Windstar Cruises
• YMT Vacations
• Your Cuba Cruise

All Things Cruise is dedicated to the joy of travel. Specializing in ocean, river, ultra-luxury, small ship and expedition cruises.

Subscribe for travel updates, news and great offers directly from the cruise lines!