In recent years, the cruise world has become much more complicated. There are always new ships to choose from, and many cruise lines are competing to attract passengers.
But what makes a cruise top tier really depends on personal preference.
No two cruise lines are the same; some specialize in family-friendly vacations with water parks and kids’ clubs, while others cater to a more sophisticated clientele with gourmet dining and spa offerings.
To help you choose which cruise line is the best for you, I’ve created this handy guide covering key factors to consider.
The Cheapest and Most Expensive Cruise Lines
How much are you willing to spend on a cruise ship? Are you a big spender who doesn’t mind paying extra for luxury amenities? Or do you prefer a modest cruise line with affordable pricing?
Set a realistic budget for your trip. It’s tempting to go all out, especially if it’s your first time on a cruise, but many cruise lines offer amazing experiences at more affordable prices.
I’ve experienced both budget and luxury cruises, and while there’s often a noticeable difference between the two, it didn’t impact my overall experience as much as I expected.
The best thing about cruising is that most—if not all—food and onboard activities are included in the base fare, meaning that the total cost of the vacation can be less than what you’d pay on land. Plus, some luxury cruises offer big savings during the off-season, allowing you to score a good vacation at a fraction of the cost.
Cruise ships also offer a variety of cabin categories at different price points. Naturally, cabins with stunning ocean views come at a premium compared to inside cabins with no windows. Think about whether the extra cost is worth the upgrade or if you’d rather save the money for other experiences onboard.
In terms of actual cost, Carnival and MSC are usually the most affordable while still offering good quality.
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian are generally pricier than Carnival and MSC, but still competitive for budget travelers.
If you’re looking for a mid-range cruise line with premium experiences but still moderately priced, you could opt for Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Celebrity, and Virgin Voyages (this last one is adult only).
On the expensive side, we find Disney Cruise Line, which is family-friendly but very pricey, and luxury ones like Regent Seven Seas, Oceania Cruises, and Explora Journeys.
If you’re looking to get more value for your money, I’ve written a guide on how to score a free cruise upgrade. Make sure to give it a read before booking your trip!
CRUISE PRO: Besides the cruise line, the price is greatly influenced by the chosen month. Going on a cruise during peak months can cost up to 50% more.
Preferred Ship Size
The other important aspect to consider when finding your ideal cruise line is the size and modernity of the ship.
Cruise ships come in a variety of sizes, ranging from small vessels holding 799 passengers or less to mega-ships accommodating 4,000 or more. In between these extremes are small to midsize ships carrying between 800 and 2,000 passengers, mid-sized ships with a capacity of 2,000 to 3,000 passengers, and large ships that hold between 3,000 and 4,000 passengers.
Naturally, the larger the cruise ship, the more offerings it has. For example, mega cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises have dozens of restaurant and entertainment options, including casinos, nightclubs, kid zones, and extravagant activities like water slides, rock climbing walls, and Broadway-style shows.
Mid-sized ships still offer a good selection of activities, though not as extensive as those found on mega-ships. However, this doesn’t mean smaller cruise lines lack luxury. In fact, some of the most upscale and expensive cruise lines operate smaller vessels. On these lines, you’ll find gourmet dining, exclusive spa services, and personalized attention.
If you’re one to avoid large crowds, choose a cruise line with smaller ships. But if you appreciate a wide range of onboard amenities and entertainment, a larger ship fits the bill nicely.
As I mentioned earlier, the biggest ships belong to Royal Caribbean and MSC, followed by Carnival, which has slightly smaller but still large ships.
Norwegian, Celebrity, Princess, P&O, and Holland America have more medium-sized ships, and it looks like they prefer a smaller number of passengers on their ships.
Luxury cruise lines, on the other hand, have smaller ships with fewer passengers but offer much more attentive service. It’s no coincidence that the passenger-to-crew ratio is significantly higher on these ships (Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Oceania, Azamara, Viking Ocean Cruises).
CRUISE PRO: Contrary to what many people think, a large, new ship is not necessarily better than a smaller ship launched a few years earlier.
Onboard Amenities and Activities
Another important aspect to consider when booking a cruise line is the onboard amenities and activities it offers.
Most cruise ships have pool decks, restaurants, bars, and casinos, but larger ships also offer mini golf courses, theaters, basketball and tennis courts, big spas, fully-equipped gyms, and plenty of areas for entertainment and dancing.
Decide what amenities are most important for you and make sure it’s included in the cruise.
In general, the family-friendly cruise lines are Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. They are both equipped with activities for everyone: kids, teens, and adults.
More adult-oriented cruise lines are Virgin Voyages, Celebrity Cruises, and Cunard Line. They offer a more premium and elegant cruising experience.
Cunard is a bit more classic, while Virgin (which is designed exclusively for travelers aged 18 and over) is ideal for adults seeking a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere.
Carnival and MSC are more entertainment-focused, with numerous entertainment options, including comedy clubs, live music, and deck parties. They are more popular among young adults and families seeking a vibrant and fun vacation.
I also want to remind you that Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises have the cleanest ships according to the ranking of the dirtiest and cleanest cruise ships.
Ideal Destination
Consider which locations you want to see or visit. If you love sunny beaches and clear waters, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line are top choices, with wonderful spots in the Bahamas and Jamaica.
It must be admitted that Royal Caribbean, in particular, has so many ships that it can cover itineraries all over the world, making it undoubtedly the best in this regard.
If you wanna go to Alaska, Princess Cruises or Holland America are perfect choices because they let you explore glaciers and charming towns.
Do you want to cruise the Mediterranean or Europe? Then one of the best choices is definitely MSC, the cruise line that was born Italian and has deep roots in the continent.
Customer Reviews
The last thing to keep in mind when choosing the best cruise line is checking passenger reviews. Everyone’s experience on board is different, so it’s helpful to hear a variety of opinions.
Read reviews on trusted sites like TripAdvisor and Trustpilot, and don’t forget to check opinions on social media too.
In addition, you should also check the ship rankings like:
- All Carnival ships from best to worst (2025 Ranking)
- All Royal Caribbean ships from best to worst (2025 Ranking)
- All MSC Cruise ships from best to worst (2025 Ranking)
