Dreaming of a cruise getaway? It’s exciting to think about, but with so many cruise lines out there, finding the perfect fit can seem a bit daunting. One of the biggest things to consider is the cruise line’s “style,” which really shapes what your vacation will be like, from the atmosphere and activities to the cost. Come aboard as we explore the different cruise “levels,” from budget-friendly to ultra-luxurious, and give you the scoop on some of the most popular cruise lines in each category.
Mass-Market (Contemporary) Cruise Lines: These lines cater to a broad audience, offering affordable fares and a wide range of destinations. They typically feature very large ships with numerous activities, dining options, and entertainment venues, making them ideal for families and those seeking a lively vacation.
- Carnival Cruise Line: Known for its “Fun Ships,” Carnival offers a casual and energetic atmosphere with a focus on entertainment and value. Think waterslides, Broadway-style shows, and a variety of dining options from casual buffets to steakhouses (often at an extra cost). Carnival excels at creating a party atmosphere and is popular with families and younger cruisers.
- Fleet: 27 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~2,758; Largest: ~6,600
- What They Are Known For: Affordable fares, diverse entertainment, family-friendly atmosphere.
- MSC Cruises: This European line boasts a modern fleet with a focus on international cuisine and stylish design. MSC offers a range of itineraries, including Mediterranean and Caribbean cruises. They often feature multiple specialty restaurants (surcharge applies) and a variety of bars and lounges.
- Fleet: 22 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~2,000; Largest: ~6,700
- What They Are Known For: Modern ships, international dining, competitive pricing.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Famous for its “Freestyle Cruising,” Norwegian allows passengers to dine when and where they want, without set dining times. They also offer a wide array of onboard activities and entertainment, from casinos to live music venues. Specialty dining is available for a fee.
- Fleet: 19 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~2,376; Largest: ~4,004
- What They Are Known For: Flexible dining, diverse entertainment, varied itineraries.
- Royal Caribbean International: This line is known for its innovative ships featuring groundbreaking attractions like rock climbing walls, surfing simulators, and even ice-skating rinks. Royal Caribbean caters to families and adventure seekers with a wide array of activities and entertainment. Specialty dining options are numerous, but mostly come at an extra cost.
- Fleet: 26 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~2,252; Largest: ~6,780
- What They Are Known For: Innovative ships, wide range of activities, family-friendly.
- Costa Cruises: Another European line, Costa offers a blend of Italian style and international flavors. They often feature themed cruises and cater to a diverse clientele. Dining options range from casual to formal, with some specialty restaurants available.
- Fleet: 12 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~2,126; Largest: ~4,928
- What They Are Known For: Italian ambiance, international cuisine, varied itineraries.
Premium Cruise Lines: Stepping up from mass market, premium lines offer a more refined experience with higher quality dining, accommodations, and service. Ships are typically mid-sized, creating a less crowded atmosphere. While not always fully inclusive, premium lines often include some extras like select beverages or gratuities, and offer more in the way of specialty dining and enriching experiences.
- Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity focuses on modern design, sophisticated dining, and enriching experiences. They often feature partnerships with renowned chefs and offer a curated selection of shore excursions (often at an extra cost). Their ships boast stylish decor, comfortable accommodations, and a more relaxed pace than mass-market lines.
- Fleet: 16 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~2,900; Largest: ~3,270
- What They Are Known For: Modern ships, sophisticated dining, enriching experiences.
- Cunard Line: With a rich history and iconic ocean liners like the Queen Mary 2, Cunard offers a classic cruising experience with formal nights and traditional afternoon tea. While not fully inclusive, Cunard offers a refined experience with a focus on tradition and elegance.
- Fleet: 3 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~2,000; Largest: ~2,690
- What They Are Known For: Classic cruising, formal atmosphere, transatlantic crossings.
- Disney Cruise Line: Designed specifically for families with children, Disney cruises immerse guests in the magic of Disney with character meet-and-greets, Broadway-style shows, and themed dining experiences. While not all-inclusive, Disney cruises often bundle some extras and provide a premium experience for families.
- Fleet: 5 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~2,500; Largest: ~4,000
- What They Are Known For: Immersive Disney experience, family-friendly activities, high-quality entertainment.
- Holland America Line: Known for its classic cruising style and focus on destinations like Alaska, Holland America offers a relaxed and refined atmosphere. They cater to a mature audience seeking enriching experiences. While not fully inclusive, they often offer packages that include extras like shore excursions or beverage packages.
- Fleet: 11 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~1,432; Largest: ~2,668
- What They Are Known For: Classic cruising, destination-focused itineraries, refined atmosphere.
- Princess Cruises: Famous for its “Love Boat” connection, Princess offers a diverse range of itineraries and a relaxed atmosphere. They feature a variety of dining options and entertainment venues. Princess offers a good balance of value and amenities, with some extras available for purchase.
- Fleet: 15 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~670; Largest: ~3,660
- What They Are Known For: Varied itineraries, relaxed atmosphere, diverse dining.
- Virgin Voyages: This newcomer to the cruise scene offers a modern and edgy take on cruising, with a focus on adult-only voyages, unique dining experiences, and a vibrant nightlife. Virgin Voyages includes some extras like basic beverages and gratuities in its fares, offering a more inclusive experience than traditional premium lines.
- Fleet: 4 ships
- Capacity: ~2,770
- What They Are Known For: Adult-only cruises, unique experiences, modern design.
Luxury Cruise Lines: Luxury lines provide an elevated experience with smaller ships, personalized service, gourmet dining, and inclusive amenities. They often visit unique and less-traveled destinations. Luxury cruises – sometimes referred to as “entry level luxury” or “premium plus” – often include things like specialty dining, some shore excursions, top-shelf drinks, gratuities, and often butler service for higher suite categories.
- Azamara: Azamara focuses on immersive destination experiences with longer stays in port and unique shore excursions. They offer a club-like atmosphere and personalized service. Azamara often includes things like select beverages, gratuities, and some shore excursions in their fares.
- Fleet: 4 ships
- Capacity: ~686
- What They Are Known For: Immersive itineraries, personalized service, inclusive amenities.
- Cunard Line: (Also listed in Premium) While Cunard has a foot in Premium with its larger ships, its smaller ships and Queen Anne offer a more luxurious experience that borders on luxury with a focus on enrichment and longer voyages. The Queen Anne and smaller ships offer a more refined experience with higher levels of service and some inclusions.
- Fleet: 3 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~2,000; Largest: ~2,690
- What They Are Known For: Transatlantic crossings, enrichment programs, classic elegance.
- Oceania Cruises: Oceania emphasizes “The Finest Cuisine at Sea” with gourmet dining experiences and a focus on culinary-themed itineraries. They offer a relaxed and sophisticated atmosphere. Oceania often includes things like airfare, select beverages, and some shore excursions in their fares.
- Fleet: 7 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~656; Largest: ~1,250
- What They Are Known For: Gourmet dining, destination-focused itineraries, relaxed atmosphere.
- Viking Ocean Cruises: Viking offers destination-focused itineraries with a focus on cultural immersion. Their ships feature Scandinavian design and a relaxed atmosphere. Viking includes a lot in its fares, including a shore excursion in each port, beer and wine with meals, and Wi-Fi, and are adults only.
- Fleet: 9 ships
- Capacity: ~930
- What They Are Known For: Destination-focused itineraries, cultural immersion, inclusive amenities.
- Windstar Cruises: Windstar operates a fleet of smaller ships, including sailing yachts, offering a more intimate and personalized cruising experience. They visit smaller ports and offer unique itineraries. Windstar often includes things like non-alcoholic beverages, some shore excursions, and a welcome reception in their fares.
- Fleet: 6 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~148; Largest: ~342
- What They Are Known For: Intimate ships, unique itineraries, personalized service.
Ultra-Luxury Cruise Lines: These lines represent the pinnacle of cruising, offering unparalleled luxury, personalized service, and all-inclusive amenities. Ships are typically smaller, providing an intimate and exclusive experience. Ultra-luxury lines almost always include everything in their fares: top-shelf drinks, gourmet dining in all venues, all shore excursions, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and often butler service for all suites. The level of personalization and attention to detail is unmatched.
- Crystal Cruises: (Currently operating under new ownership) Crystal was known for its elegant ships, exceptional service, and all-inclusive amenities. They offered a wide range of itineraries, including world cruises. Crystal was known for its truly all-inclusive experience.
- Fleet: 2 ships (restarting operations)
- Capacity: ~606-740
- What They Are Known For: Exceptional service, all-inclusive amenities, varied itineraries.
- Explora Journeys: This new brand from MSC Group offers luxurious voyages with a focus on refined experiences, curated itineraries, and personalized service. Explora Journeys positions itself with a nearly all-inclusive model.
- Fleet: 3
- Capacity: ~900
- What They Are Known For: Refined luxury, curated itineraries, personalized service.
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent is known for its all-inclusive fares, which cover everything from flights and shore excursions to premium beverages and Wi-Fi. They offer spacious suites and exceptional service. Regent is known for its truly comprehensive all-inclusive model.
- Fleet: 6 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~490; Largest: ~750
- What They Are Known For: All-inclusive fares, spacious suites, exceptional service.
- Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: Bringing the renowned Ritz-Carlton brand to the seas, this line offers luxurious yacht-style cruising with personalized service, gourmet dining, and curated experiences. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection operates with an all-inclusive philosophy.
- Fleet: 3 yachts (planned)
- Capacity: ~298-456
- What They Are Known For: Yacht-style cruising, personalized service, curated experiences.
- Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn offers intimate and luxurious voyages on smaller ships, visiting unique and less-traveled destinations. They are known for their exceptional service and all-inclusive fares. Seabourn is known for its high level of inclusions and personalized service.
- Fleet: 6 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~458; Largest: ~600
- What They Are Known For: Intimate ships, unique itineraries, all-inclusive fares.
- Silversea Cruises: Silversea provides all-suite accommodations, personalized butler service, and all-inclusive amenities. They offer a wide range of itineraries, including expedition cruises. Silversea offers a luxurious and inclusive experience with butler service for all suites.
- Fleet: 10 ships
- Capacity: Smallest: ~100; Largest: ~728
- What They Are Known For: All-suite accommodations, butler service, all-inclusive amenities.
Selecting the perfect cruise line comes down to what fits your budget, travel style, and personal preferences. Whether you’re planning a lively family adventure or craving a more intimate, luxurious escape, there’s a cruise line that matches your needs. Take the time to explore different itineraries, compare prices, and check out reviews to make an informed choice. Wishing you smooth sailing on your next journey!
