If you’re thinking about taking a cruise in the future, there are a lot of factors to consider. Cruises offer a wide range of destinations, departure ports, onboard activities, entertainment, ship sizes, and more. The price you pay will depend on several factors, including your departure and destination port and the category of the ship.
Categories of Cruise Lines
Generally, there are six categories of cruise lines to choose from:
- Luxury: Luxury cruises essentially provide all of the amenities you might find at a luxury resort while at sea.
- Premium: Premium cruises provide a next-generation ocean cruise experience minus the higher price tag of a luxury cruise.
- Mainstream: Mainstream cruises offer great dining, activities, entertainment, and accommodations at a fraction of the cost of higher-end cruises.
- Expedition: Expedition cruises typically take travelers to areas that are only reachable by water. Ship types and offerings vary greatly.
- Specialty: Specialty cruises offer a variety of experiences, including traveling along coastal waterways and down rivers and canals. Some ships are massive yachts, whereas others are small ferries or cargo ships.
- River: River cruises allow you to enjoy sailing on rivers and Intracoastal waterways, stopping at several ports along the route. These cruises provide an exclusive cruising option with smaller vessels and a more intimate and personalized experience.
Best Overall Cruise Lines
Here are some of the top-rated cruise lines according to consumer satisfaction reviews over the past 12 months.
American Cruise Line
Rating: 4.8 out of 5.0
Category: River
Ship Size: S, XL
Destinations: New England, Pacific Northwest, Mid-Atlantic, Alaska, Florida, and several inner U.S. states
American Cruise Line has a large modern fleet and offers several unique themed cruises throughout the year. The line offers children’s programs, American cuisine, comfortable lounges, wifi, a putting green, spacious cabins, and upscale dining.
AmaWaterways
Rating: 4.6 out of 5.0
Category: River
Ship Size: S
Destinations: Europe, Southeast Asia, Russia, Africa
AmaWaterways offers a modern fleet of river ships for an intimate experience. Passengers enjoy hot tubs, a swimming pool, fabulous service, and gourmet meals while onboard.
Fred Olsen
Rating: 4.5 out of 5.0
Category: Premium
Ship Size: S, M
Destinations: Europe
Fred Olsen cruiser reviews indicate high ratings for service, staff, food and dining, entertainment, and ship quality. Onboard, passengers get to experience a lounge, pool, golfing, fitness center, afternoon tea, evening cabaret productions, and an internet café.
Windstar Cruises
Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
Category: Premium
Ship Size: S, XL
Destinations: Caribbean, Central America, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe
Windstar Cruises sail out on a very small ship, which is ideal for those seeking a personal experience. It also offers a more relaxed and casual experience with a no-jackets-required dress code and open-bridge policy.
Crystal Cruises
Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
Category: Luxury
Ship Size: S, M, XL
Destinations: Europe
Crystal Cruises provides luxury without formality. Onboard, enjoy specialty restaurants and cuisine with top-rated service, staff, and ship quality.
Disney Cruise Line
Rating: 4.4 out of 5.0
Category: Mainstream
Ship Size: M, L, XL
Destinations: Alaska, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South Pacific, Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, Transatlantic, Panama Canal/Central America
Families love Disney Cruise Line cruises with their immersive dining and character meet-and-greets. Onboard, you can also enjoy adult-only spaces, a spa, and split bathrooms in cabins with highly-rated entertainment, dining, and service.
Best Cruise Lines for First Timers
If you’ve never taken a cruise before, you might want to consider one of the following top-rated cruise lines. Similar to the above, the results are based on consumer satisfaction reviews from the past 12 months.
Carnival Cruise Lines
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Category: Mainstream
Ship Size: L, XL
Destinations: Alaska, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South Pacific, Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, Transatlantic, Transpacific, Panama Canal/Central America
Carnival Cruise Lines is known for their fun cruises that offer constant entertainment. Enjoy water slides, swimming pools, great service, and exceptional dining onboard.
Celebrity Cruises
Rating: 4.0 out of 5.0
Category: Mainstream
Ship Size: S, M, L, XL
Destinations: Alaska, Europe, Canada, Mexico, South Pacific, Caribbean, Bermuda, Hawaii, Transatlantic, Transpacific, Panama Canal/Central America
Celebrity Cruise Line is known for its innovation, like growing real grass onboard. Enjoy great service, dining, and a wide range of fun and educational activities on this cruise line.
The following cruise lines were also rated a 4.0 out of 5.0 for first-timer cruise line options:
- Disney Cruise Line
- Holland America Line
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Princess Cruises
- Royal Caribbean
There are hundreds of cruises available to choose from throughout the world. To find a cruise you’ll love, make of list of what’s important to you and your family to experience while on your cruise vacation. From there, you can search online or work with a travel agent to find the best cruises that meet your travel goals and budget requirements. Bon, voyage!