Compare Major Cruise Lines
Expert reviews and detailed comparisons of the world’s leading cruise lines. Find the perfect match for your voyage style, budget, and destination preferences.
Choosing the right cruise line is essential to ensuring an unforgettable vacation experience. Each cruise line offers distinct amenities, dining experiences, entertainment options, and target demographics. Our comprehensive reviews help you make an informed decision based on your preferences, budget, and travel style.
Royal Caribbean International
Innovation Meets Adventure on the High Seas
Royal Caribbean revolutionized modern cruising with groundbreaking ships featuring rock climbing walls, surf simulators, and Broadway-caliber entertainment. Operating 27 innovative vessels across six continents, they cater to active families and adventure-seeking travelers who appreciate cutting-edge amenities and diverse itineraries spanning Alaska to the Caribbean and beyond.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 27 ships (Oasis, Quantum, and Voyager classes)
- Best For: Active families, adventure seekers, first-time cruisers
- Price Range: $$$ – Mid to upper-mid range ($150-$400+ per night)
- Top Destinations: Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Asia
- Signature Features: FlowRider surf simulator, ice skating, zip lines
- Dining: Main dining rooms plus specialty restaurants (surcharge)
Carnival Cruise Line
Fun Ships for the Whole Family
Carnival delivers affordable, fun-focused cruise experiences with a casual, energetic atmosphere. Their 24-ship fleet emphasizes value without sacrificing quality, offering extensive children’s programs, lively entertainment, and relaxed dining options. Ideal for budget-conscious families and first-time cruisers seeking approachable luxury and Caribbean escapes.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 24 ships (including new Excel-class vessels)
- Best For: Budget-conscious families, party atmosphere enthusiasts
- Price Range: $$ – Budget-friendly ($80-$200 per night)
- Top Destinations: Caribbean, Mexico, Bahamas
- Signature Features: WaterWorks aqua parks, Guy’s Burger Joint
- Dining: Casual dining emphasis, flexible scheduling
Norwegian Cruise Line
Freedom and Flexibility Define Your Journey
Norwegian pioneered “Freestyle Cruising” with no fixed dining times, relaxed dress codes, and flexible scheduling that appeals to independent travelers. Their 18-ship fleet balances casual sophistication with diverse entertainment options including Broadway shows, extensive specialty dining, and innovative ship designs featuring The Haven luxury suites.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 18 ships (Breakaway, Escape, and Prima classes)
- Best For: Independent travelers, couples, flexible vacationers
- Price Range: $$$ – Mid-range ($140-$350 per night)
- Top Destinations: Caribbean, Europe, Alaska, Hawaii
- Signature Features: Freestyle dining, The Haven suites, go-kart tracks
- Dining: 15+ dining options including specialty restaurants
MSC Cruises
Mediterranean Elegance Meets Modern Innovation
MSC brings European sophistication to global cruising with elegant Italian-inspired design, refined dining experiences, and a focus on Mediterranean culture. Their rapidly expanding 22-ship fleet features innovative environmentally-friendly technology, exclusive MSC Yacht Club luxury areas, and extensive European and Caribbean itineraries appealing to culturally curious travelers.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 22 ships (newest: World Europa, World America)
- Best For: European culture enthusiasts, eco-conscious travelers
- Price Range: $$ to $$$ – Value to mid-range ($90-$280 per night)
- Top Destinations: Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe
- Signature Features: MSC Yacht Club, Aqua Park, Cirque du Soleil shows
- Dining: Italian-inspired cuisine with regional specialties
Princess Cruises
Escape Completely with Refined Relaxation
Princess Cruises perfects the art of refined, destination-focused cruising with exceptional service, enrichment programs, and elegant ship design. Their 15-ship fleet emphasizes relaxation and cultural immersion with exclusive shore excursions, Chef’s Table dining experiences, and the Discovery at Sea program featuring lectures and workshops appealing to sophisticated travelers.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 15 ships (Royal-class and newer Sphere-class)
- Best For: Mature couples, destination-focused travelers, romance
- Price Range: $$$ – Upper-mid-range ($170-$400 per night)
- Top Destinations: Alaska, Caribbean, Europe, Asia, World Cruise
- Signature Features: Movies Under the Stars, Sanctuary adults-only retreat
- Dining: Traditional and anytime dining, Chef’s Table experience
Celebrity Cruises
Modern Luxury Redefined
Celebrity Cruises delivers premium contemporary experiences with award-winning culinary programs, cutting-edge ship design, and exceptional service. Their 14-ship fleet features innovative Edge-class vessels with outward-facing design philosophy, Rooftop Gardens, and partnerships with Michelin-starred chefs. Ideal for discerning travelers seeking approachable luxury without ultra-premium pricing.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 14 ships (revolutionary Edge-class and Solstice-class)
- Best For: Affluent couples, food enthusiasts, modern design lovers
- Price Range: $$$$ – Premium ($200-$500+ per night)
- Top Destinations: Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Galapagos
- Signature Features: Magic Carpet platform, Rooftop Garden, Le Petit Chef
- Dining: Michelin-caliber cuisine, extensive specialty restaurants
Luxury & Ultra-Premium Cruise Lines
For discerning travelers seeking the ultimate in sophistication, service, and exclusive experiences, these luxury cruise lines represent the pinnacle of ocean travel.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience
Regent Seven Seas defines all-inclusive luxury cruising with truly unlimited shore excursions, premium beverages, specialty dining, gratuities, and roundtrip business-class air included. Their intimate 6-ship fleet features all-suite accommodations with personal butler service in top categories, expedition-style itineraries, and guest-to-staff ratios approaching 1:1 for unparalleled personalized service.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 6 all-suite ships (490-750 guests each)
- Best For: Affluent travelers seeking truly all-inclusive luxury
- Price Range: $$$$$ – Ultra-luxury ($500-$1,500+ per night)
- Top Destinations: Worldwide, specializing in exotic destinations
- Signature Features: Free unlimited shore excursions, all-suite accommodations
- Dining: All specialty dining included, no upcharges
- All-Inclusive: Beverages, gratuities, WiFi, business-class air included
Oceania Cruises
Culinary Excellence Meets Destination Immersion
Oceania elevates upper-premium cruising with “the finest cuisine at sea” featuring menus crafted by Master Chef Jacques Pépin, country club casual atmosphere, and destination-intensive itineraries with overnight stays in marquee ports. Their 8-ship fleet balances intimate mid-size vessels (684-1,250 guests) with country club elegance, appealing to sophisticated food enthusiasts and culturally curious travelers.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 8 ships (intimate to mid-size vessels)
- Best For: Food enthusiasts, destination-focused travelers, mature couples
- Price Range: $$$$ – Upper-premium ($350-$800 per night)
- Top Destinations: Mediterranean, Asia, South America, worldwide
- Signature Features: Jacques Pépin cuisine, Culinary Center cooking classes
- Dining: 6+ restaurants all included, specialty dining excellence
- Atmosphere: Country club casual, no formal nights required
Viking Ocean Cruises
The Thinking Person’s Cruise
Viking brings their legendary river cruise philosophy to ocean cruising with thoughtfully designed ships emphasizing Scandinavian elegance, cultural enrichment, and destination immersion. Their identical 11-ship fleet (930 guests each) features adults-only experiences, included shore excursions, complimentary wine and beer with meals, and no casino or kids’ facilities—perfect for intellectually curious travelers seeking sophisticated exploration without distractions.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 11 identical ocean ships (930 guests each)
- Best For: Culturally curious adults 50+, enrichment seekers
- Price Range: $$$$ – Premium ($300-$700 per night)
- Top Destinations: Mediterranean, Northern Europe, World Cruise
- Signature Features: Adults-only, included shore excursions, no casino
- Dining: All restaurants included, complimentary wine/beer with dinner
- Enrichment: Guest lecturers, Resident Historian program
Seabourn
An Intimate Yachting Experience
Seabourn perfects ultra-luxury intimate cruising with all-suite vessels carrying just 264-600 guests, delivering yacht-like exclusivity with open-bar policy, complimentary caviar in the surf, and personalized service including suite veranda breakfasts. Their 6-ship fleet emphasizes understated elegance, exclusive partnerships with UNESCO and Dr. Andrew Weil, and ability to access smaller ports unavailable to larger vessels.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 6 intimate all-suite ships (264-600 guests)
- Best For: Luxury seekers valuing intimacy and personalized service
- Price Range: $$$$$ – Ultra-luxury ($600-$2,000+ per night)
- Top Destinations: Small ports worldwide, expedition cruises
- Signature Features: Caviar in the surf, Seabourn Square social hub
- Dining: Thomas Keller partnership, all dining included
- All-Inclusive: Open bars, gratuities, WiFi included
Specialty & Lifestyle Cruise Lines
Unique cruise experiences catering to specific interests, demographics, and travel styles.
Disney Cruise Line
Where Dreams Set Sail
Disney revolutionized family cruising by combining their legendary entertainment and storytelling expertise with premium cruise experiences. Their 5-ship fleet delivers impeccable service, Broadway-caliber shows featuring Disney characters, innovative rotational dining, adults-only areas, and private island destinations. Premium pricing reflects exceptional quality that appeals to multi-generational families and Disney enthusiasts seeking magical memories.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 5 ships (expanding with new vessels)
- Best For: Families with children, Disney fans, multi-generational travel
- Price Range: $$$$ – Premium family ($350-$900+ per night)
- Top Destinations: Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Castaway Cay
- Signature Features: Private island, character experiences, rotational dining
- Dining: Innovative rotational dining, adults-only Palo & Remy
- Entertainment: Broadway shows, deck parties, character meet-and-greets
Virgin Voyages
Rebelliously Luxe for the Young at Heart
Virgin Voyages disrupts traditional cruising with adults-only ships (18+) featuring no buffets, no main dining rooms, no extra fees, and no kids—just inclusive luxury targeting millennial and Gen-X travelers. Their 4-ship fleet emphasizes wellness, sustainability, innovative design, and “Scarlet Night” exclusive parties. All 20+ eateries, group fitness classes, gratuities, and WiFi are included in base fares.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 4 identical ships (2,770 sailors each)
- Best For: Millennials, couples, wellness enthusiasts, party-goers
- Price Range: $$$ – Contemporary premium ($200-$500 per night)
- Top Destinations: Caribbean, Mediterranean, adults-only beach club
- Signature Features: Adults-only, tattoo studios, no extra dining fees
- Dining: 20+ restaurants all included, no buffet or main dining room
- All-Inclusive: Dining, gratuities, group fitness, WiFi included
Azamara
Stay Longer, Experience More
Azamara specializes in destination-intensive cruising with more overnight port stays and late-night departures than any other line, allowing deeper cultural immersion. Their intimate 4-ship fleet (700 guests) focuses on boutique ports, included AzAmazing Evenings shore events, country club casual atmosphere, and itineraries designed for curious travelers who prioritize destinations over onboard amenities.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 4 intimate ships (700 guests each)
- Best For: Destination-obsessed travelers, cultural enthusiasts
- Price Range: $$$$ – Upper-premium ($300-$700 per night)
- Top Destinations: Boutique ports worldwide, extended stays
- Signature Features: Most overnight stays, AzAmazing Evenings events
- Dining: Multiple specialty restaurants, complimentary wine/beer
- Included: Gratuities, select beverages, shuttle service
Holland America Line
Exploring the World in Comfort Since 1873
Holland America blends 150+ years of seafaring tradition with contemporary premium cruising, emphasizing classical elegance, refined service, and enrichment programs. Their 11-ship fleet attracts mature, well-traveled guests seeking sophisticated experiences including Explorations Central (BBC Earth partnership), Culinary Arts Center, Lincoln Center Stage performances, and longer exotic itineraries to over 400 ports worldwide.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 11 ships (mid-size to large vessels)
- Best For: Mature travelers 55+, enrichment seekers, world cruisers
- Price Range: $$$ – Premium ($180-$450 per night)
- Top Destinations: Alaska (glacier viewing), exotic worldwide itineraries
- Signature Features: Music Walk venues, BBC Earth experiences
- Dining: Pinnacle Grill steakhouse, Rudi’s Sel de Mer
- Enrichment: Explorations Central, Culinary Arts Center
Cunard Line
The Art of Civilized Travel
Cunard preserves the golden age of ocean liner travel with formal nights, white-glove service, and the legendary Transatlantic crossing aboard Queen Mary 2. Their 3-ship fleet maintains traditional British elegance with afternoon tea, gala balls, planetarium, and stratified class system (Grill, Princess, Britannia) offering varying service levels. Appeals to traditionalists and Anglophiles seeking refined, formal cruising experiences.
Key Highlights
- Fleet Size: 3 ocean liners (Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria)
- Best For: Traditionalists, Anglophiles, transatlantic crossings
- Price Range: $$$$ – Premium ($250-$800+ per night)
- Top Destinations: Transatlantic, World Cruise, classic itineraries
- Signature Features: Only true ocean liner, formal gala balls
- Dining: White Star Service, Grill restaurants, afternoon tea
- Atmosphere: Traditional British elegance, formal nights
Not Sure Which Cruise Line is Right for You?
Our detailed comparison tool helps you evaluate cruise lines side-by-side based on your priorities including budget, destination preferences, onboard amenities, and travel style.
Compare Cruise LinesFrequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Cruise Line
What’s the difference between mainstream and premium cruise lines?
Mainstream cruise lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian) focus on value, entertainment, and family-friendly experiences with more casual atmospheres. Premium lines (Celebrity, Princess) offer elevated service, refined dining, and sophisticated ambiance at higher price points. The choice depends on your priorities for atmosphere, service levels, and budget.
Which cruise line offers the best value for families?
Carnival and Royal Caribbean consistently deliver exceptional family value with extensive kids’ programs, family-friendly entertainment, and inclusive activities. Royal Caribbean edges ahead for families seeking more adventurous amenities like water slides and rock climbing, while Carnival excels for budget-conscious families preferring shorter Caribbean cruises.
Are there significant differences in food quality between cruise lines?
Yes, culinary experiences vary considerably. Celebrity Cruises leads mainstream-premium dining with Michelin-starred chef partnerships. Princess offers consistently high-quality traditional dining, while Norwegian provides the most specialty restaurant variety. Carnival and Royal Caribbean deliver solid mainstream dining with improving specialty options.
Which cruise line is best for first-time cruisers?
Royal Caribbean is ideal for first-timers due to their innovative ships, extensive activities, and approachable luxury that showcases modern cruising’s possibilities. Carnival works well for budget-conscious first cruisers, while Norwegian’s Freestyle flexibility suits independent travelers new to cruising who prefer less structure.
What makes luxury cruise lines worth the higher price?
Luxury lines like Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn include virtually everything in the fare—unlimited shore excursions, premium beverages, specialty dining, gratuities, and often airfare. You’ll experience all-suite accommodations, personalized butler service, guest-to-staff ratios near 1:1, access to smaller ports, and exceptional culinary programs. The inclusive pricing often makes luxury cruises better value than premium lines when comparing total vacation costs.