Cruise Spotlight

Helping you find cruise ships you'll love

laptop cruise ship compare tool

Cruise Ship Comparison Tool

Can’t decide between two cruise ships? Our Cruise Ship Comparison Tool will let you see the differences between two ships. We did all the research to make it easy for you. Look at the differences in size, number of guests, types of food, and various activities. We also help you compare how much is included so you know how much you might end up spending on board.

Our Cruise Ship Comparison Tool lets you look at the following:

  • Number of guests
  • Number of crew
  • Dining options and menus
  • Includes versus extra fee dining options
  • Bars and menus
  • Features and ammenities
  • Onboard costs like gratuities, drinks, and internet

Choose two ships below to see how they compare to each other.

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Cruise Lines Ranked From Worst to Best

Cruise line

Looking to make your next adventure a seafaring one? Or maybe you want an all-inclusive vacation that doesn’t require a ton of planning? We have the skinny on the world’s best and worst cruise line operators.

Generally speaking, if you’re booking a cruise, you’ll fall into one of three categories: mainstream, premium or luxury. Mainstream cruises come in all types, but they are generally the most affordable. Premium lines tend to be more laid-back and thus attract an older clientele. The food and cabins are far better on these boats, but you’ll pay more for the privilege — and the serenity. Lastly, luxury cruises will run over $400 a night, but you’ll see and feel the difference. The food will be some of the best you’ve ever had and the room may be larger than your own home.

With all this in mind, check out how each of the best-known cruise lines rank before booking your next voyage.

19. Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises

Rating: 3.2 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 18 ships Top departure points: Barcelona, Venice (Italy), Savona/Genoa (Italy), Pointe-A-Pitre (Guadeloupe), Singapore Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe, transatlantic Starting price: $119/night

Note: The rating information was sourced from Cruiseline's pre-pandemic numbers; however, we've excluded any cruise lines that have since shuttered.

Bottom Line: Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises

It’s hard to forget the 2012 disaster involving a Costa Concordia that killed 32 people and left a capsized boat bobbing off the coast of Italy for over a year. Even without that accident, Costa doesn’t have the best reputation.

It mostly caters to Europeans looking to party hard at a good price. But families will find the kids' areas to their liking, including the children-sail-free promotions. Folks looking for peace and quiet best avoid these boats, and the tobacco averse among us be warned: Every bar has a designated smoking section.

Costa is known for its fun entertainment options and it was the first cruise line to offer spa cabins. 

What Customers Say About Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises

Overall rating: 3.3 Cruise: 7 Night Blue Is The Color (Rome roundtrip) Date: November 2017 Ship: Costa Pacifica Cabin type: Oceanview Traveled as: Large group

“[Whirlwind] tour of a lifetime. The ports and excursions were well worth the trip, though I would not sail this particular cruise line again. I recommend taking time after the excursion, which are usually only 4 hours or so, and touring the cities on your own to get away from the commercial aspects.” — amnayo

18. MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises

Rating: 3.3 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 19 Top departure points: Miami, Barcelona, Rio De Janeiro, Genoa (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy) Top destinations: Transatlantic, Europe (northern, western and Mediterranean), Asia, Africa, Middle East, South America Starting price: $69/night

Bottom Line: MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises

No matter where you sail with MSC, which is based in Italy, it will have 50 to 85 percent European passengers. Regardless of nationality, folks who pick this operator are looking for a budget cruise for the whole family, as kids 3-11 are free and 12- to 17-year-olds board at reduced prices.

Passengers book "experiences," which are much different than U.S.-based cruise operators. These determine what type of cabin you occupy and any extra perks.

The ships are nice and the newest in the industry, but there is a lot more permitted smoking aboard the European cruises than those based in the U.S. Don’t expect amazing food or a party atmosphere. 

What Customers Say About MSC Cruises

MSC Cruise

Overall rating: 2.6 Cruise: 9 Night Mediterranean (Barcelona roundtrip) Date: October 2018 Ship: MSC Preziosa Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“We were surprised at the number of senior citizens. Unclear if it was the ship, the itinerary or the time of trip, but after 4 MSC cruises, this was the first where it felt like a retirement home." — evieward

17. Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line

Rating: 3.5 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 17 Top departure points: Miami, New York City, Seattle, Port Canaveral (Florida), Civitavecchia (Italy) Top destinations: Caribbean, Alaska (inside passage), Europe (Mediterranean) Starting price: $146/night

Bottom Line: Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian is best known for the quality and creativity of its food, and it was the first cruiser to offer flexible dining options. The upscale suites are more akin to a luxury hotel than a ship cabin, with a private sundeck and restaurant. And there’s plenty for the kids, like Nickelodeon-themed breakfasts and Cirque du Soleil-inspired entertainment.

Parents will enjoy the Broadway-caliber performances and comedy. Some ships also feature a water park and sports decks that include a bungee trampoline, spider web climbing frame, multiple corkscrew water slides and a ropes course.

Drawbacks include small cabins with tight bathrooms and extra charges for the best food options. 

What Customers Say About Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Bliss in New York

Overall rating: 3.9 Cruise: 7 Night Southern Caribbean (San Juan roundtrip) Date: December 2019 Ship: Norwegian Epic Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Singles/friends

“I have cruised NCL many times, but it may be my last. I am still not happy they changed the itinerary after I booked the cruise, and the overall attention to guest satisfaction has gone way down. Unless you have to financially, DO NOT take advantage of the airfare option. They had me fly from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta and then to Puerto Rico. Many other guests I spoke with had a similar experience. Also, seriously look for other options/companies that offer shore excursions than NCL. They were my favorite.” — Wisest1

16. Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines

Rating: 3.7 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 23 ships Top departure points: Miami, Galveston (Texas), Port Canaveral (Florida), Fort Lauderdale, (Florida) New York City Top destinations: Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexico Starting price: $124/night

Bottom Line: Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Lines

The jester of the mainstream cruise lines, Carnival has a reputation for its boisterous boats. These cruises are popular with party animals and singles — especially if those folks enjoy hairy chest contests, endless buckets of beer bottles (these cost extra, FYI), late-night comedy and food endorsed by Guy Fieri.

Children are, of course, welcome as well. To that end, Carnival hosts Dr. Seuss-themed brunches and story hours for the youngsters, or the kid in all of us.

There are few quiet spaces on Carnival boats, with music, loud and colorful decor, and regrettable adult decision-making ruling the roost. 

What Customers Say About Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Victory in Miami

Overall rating: 3.8 Cruise: 4 Night Western Caribbean (Miami roundtrip) Date: January 2020 Ship: Carnival Victory Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Family (older children)

“We had fun on a four-day getaway for a reasonable cost. Ship was clean and food was delicious. I will take a newer Carnival if I go on a longer cruise. The ocean suites are worth the cost.” — bonnycorn

15. Princess Cruises

Princess Cruises

Rating: 3.8 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 21 Top departure points: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Yokohama (Japan), Southampton (England), Sydney (Australia), Vancouver (Canada) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, transatlantic, South Pacific, Europe (Mediterranean) Starting price: $89/night

Bottom Line: Princess Cruises

Diamond Princess cruise is docking on Toba island, Japan

Princess offers quality at an affordable price. Families and couples are drawn to the shorter cruises while longer ones tend to attract retirees and empty-nesters. Educational classes are included, for adults and kids — and there’s even yoga for children. Couples can get married on board in a chapel.

Food is solid, and there are no restrictions on mealtimes. Unfortunately, childcare is lacking for kids 3 and under. And for an extra charge, folks can enter a lottery for behind-the-scenes ship tours.

This is not a cruise line for singles and hard partiers. 

What Customers Say About Princess Cruises

Royal Princess Cruise

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 17 Night Roman Passage (Rome to Fort Lauderdale) Date: December 2018 Ship: Pacific Princess Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Couple

“This cruise was a wonderful experience for both my wife and me. We especially enjoy the ‘days at sea,’ and the transatlantic aspect included eight consecutive days at sea crossing the Atlantic Ocean. There is nothing like sitting on your balcony and seeing nothing but ocean waters all around you. It gives you a perspective on the world and the universe around you.” — draronson

14. Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean

Rating: 3.9 Class: Mainstream Top departure points: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Miami, Sydney (Australia), Cape Liberty (New Jersey), Shanghai (China) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, Caribbean, South Pacific Starting price: $154/night

Bottom Line: Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean

Families looking for a great experience at a good cost — essentially an alternative to Disney — want to book with Royal Caribbean . And outdoors, sporty folks will love the adrenaline-rush activities at sea. Think rock climbing, surfing simulations, ice skating, ziplining, skating and even boxing.

Entertainment options include Broadway-caliber performances as well as ice skating, dive shows and original productions. If you’re antisocial or looking for quiet relaxation, this is not your boat. 

What Customers Say About Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean

Overall rating: 3.5 Cruise: 7 Night Western Caribbean (Miami roundtrip) Date: January 2020 Ship: Oasis of the Seas Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as : Couple

“Please serve sweetened ice tea. Sugar does not melt easily in cold tea. The main dining room needs an efficiency review because it's much too slow. Servers very often carry one little item, disappear for long periods and are inefficient! They are well-meaning and pleasant but need a manager with good organizational and efficiency skills to make it work smoothly.” — pacificanelia

13. Holland America Line

Holland America Line

Rating: 3.9 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 15 Top departure points: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Amsterdam (Netherlands), San Diego, Venice (Italy), Vancouver (Canada) Top destinations: Europe (northern and Mediterranean), transatlantic, Asia, Africa, Middle East, Panama Canal Starting price: $79/night

Bottom Line: Holland America Line

Holland America Line

If you’re looking to spend the majority (or all) of your time on board, entertained day and night with a thumping party atmosphere, then steer far clear of Holland America. These cruises are for multigenerational families and folks who want to explore the various port stops for more than an hour.

Holland America curates special itineraries like an after-hours tour of St. Petersburg’s State Hermitage Museum. The lounge/bar areas are low-key and upscale, and the libraries are New York Times-themed. There are a blues club and solid restaurant options.

Deck dining leaves much to be desired, and the lack of robust entertainment options might weigh on younger kids and teenagers. 

What Customers Say About Holland America Line

Holland America Line

Overall rating: 4.0 Cruise: 7 Night Alaskan Inside Passage (Vancouver roundtrip) Date: September 2019 Ship: Noordam Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“Except for our experience with you medical personnel and the embarkation process, it was a good cruise.” — bocathill

12. Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises

Rating: 3.9 Class: Luxury Fleet: 13 Top departure points: Barcelona, Piraeus (Greece), Venice (Italy), Ushuaia, Tierra Del Fuego (Argentina), Fort Lauderdale (Florida) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe (northern, western, eastern and Mediterranean) Starting price: $2,970

Bottom Line: Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises

Older couples who like a formal atmosphere and attentive service flock to these boats. It helps that fares include gratuities, wine, and top-shelf champagne and spirits. But there are also smaller indulgences like Bulgari toiletries and Pratesi linens that keep guests coming back.

The restaurants are exceptional, and multi-course dinners can be served in your cabin, which is more than likely a suite since most of the fleet only has this type of accommodation.

Laid-back folks might find the vibe too stuffy, and families want to avoid these journeys at all costs. Children have little to do among such refinement. 

What Customers Say About Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cloud

Overall rating: 3.7 Cruise: 7 Night Alaska (Seward to Vancouver) Date: June 2018 Ship: Silver Shadow Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“Have sailed twice on Princess — you can get a penthouse suite on Princess and get just as good of service and twice as much room and regular unlimited food. Silver Shadow has great personal service, but at the penthouse level on other ships, you get the same for far less money. I would recommend Silver Shadow only to someone willing to pay a high price to be alone on a ship.” — traveldan

Cunard

Rating: 4.0 Class: Premium Fleet: 3 Top departure points: Southampton (England), Sydney (Australia), New York City, Tokyo, Melbourne (Australia) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, South Pacific, transatlantic, Europe (western, northern) Starting price: $299/night

Bottom Line: Cunard

Cunard

Board a Cunard ship for its sophisticated atmosphere and top-notch activity slate, complete with quality lectures and classes and theater-screened movies. The Queen Mary 2 features a planetarium for those dark, starry nights at sea. British touches include traditional afternoon tea and plenty of fish and chips at the pub.

Passengers skew older, more in the retiree realm, but summer attracts families who want upscale at a good price. And if parents do travel with toddlers, they can have dinner out with Cunard’s night nursery service.

Some sections are closed off to lower-paying guests, and the nightlife is almost nonexistent.

What Customers Say About Cunard

Cunard

Overall rating: 4.1 Cruise: 7 Night Transatlantic Eastbound (New York to Southampton) Date: September 2019 Ship: Queen Mary 2 Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Singles/friends

“The best, of course, was a beautiful open ocean to stare at for days. It is a great crossing for an older crowd. Some of the activities were a bit corny. The food quality was like a very good wedding. Don't be afraid to request or mix ingredients of the entrees.” — jjcohen31

10. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

Rating: 4.0 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 15 ships Top departure points: Fort Lauderdale (Florida), Sydney (Australia), Southampton (England), Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Italy) Top destinations: South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Middle East, transatlantic, Europe (Mediterranean), western Caribbean Starting price: $162/night

Bottom Line: Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

Cruisers looking for style and substance without breaking the bank hop aboard Celebrity boats. Their floating cities feature actual patches of grass and world-renowned art collections, along with innovative dining options, educational classes and playful activities like water volleyball with ship personnel.

Nighttime entertainment might be a comedy burlesque show or a few top-shelf bourbons at any of the several swanky nightclubs. Or relax in the spa, take a steam or just call the concierge and have it all brought to your cabin. There are even babysitting options for families.

Drawbacks include tons of extra charges for things like the specialty restaurants and the stage shows that don’t measure up to the competition.

What Customers Say About Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Edge

Overall rating: 4.2 Cruise: 8 Night Norwegian Fjords (Dublin roundtrip) Date: May 2019 Ship: Celebrity Reflection Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“The trip was very enjoyable. The service was very good, the ports were good, the entertainment was good except for Clare Maiden, and the food was very good. However, compared with the food and entertainment we had on our cruise aboard the Celebrity Millennium in December, which was outstanding, this cruise was OK.” — inwechter26

9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Rating: 4.1 Class: Luxury Fleet: 5 Top departure points: Miami, Barcelona, Venice (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy), Vancouver (Canada) Top destinations: Asia, Africa, Middle East, Europe (Mediterranean, northern), Caribbean, Alaska Starting price: $2,899/night

Bottom Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seven Seas Navigator

For those willing to spend, a trip aboard Regent comes with everything included in the price. And by everything, that means roundtrip airfare, alcohol and gratuities, curated shore excursions at every stop and a pre-cruise night in a hotel. Couples and singles love these cruises, but families not so much.

Wi-Fi is only included in the upper tiers of cabin accommodations, but free throughout common spaces. And while the boats are spacious and never feel crowded, that can sometimes be a negative, as you might feel like the only person who showed up for the party that night. 

What Customers Say About Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Splendor

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 10 Night Flamenco Flourish (Monte Carlo to Barcelona) Date: May 2019 Ship: Seven Seas Voyager Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Couple

“Everything on board the ship was EXQUISITE! Unfortunately, we felt so cheated by the poor tours that Regent had arranged. The tour guides were either disorganized or unable to communicate, and we just left feeling shortchanged. We've been on other cruises where the cruise ship company had arranged really enriching and wonderful excursions. Sadly, this is the only area Regent fell short. But the experience onboard did exceed all of our expectations.” — SunseekerChuck

8. Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises

Rating: 4.1 Class: Premium Fleet: 6 Top departure points: Barcelona, Miami, Southampton (England), Civitavecchia (Italy), Venice (Italy) Top destinations: Europe (northern, western and Mediterranean), Asia, Africa, Middle East Starting price: $999/night

Bottom Line: Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises

It’s hard to beat the dining options aboard Oceania ships, with a bistro from venerable French chef Jacques Pepin, a highly rated Pan-Asian restaurant and the all-inclusive packages. Before or after a meal, check out the star-studded art collection with names like Picasso, Miró and Hirst.

These journeys are aimed at couples looking for upscale travel and amazing food and wine experiences with a healthy dose of culture. It might not be the best family experience unless your children are extremely precocious and want Mommy and Daddy to have a memorable experience.

Try to book the newer Riviera or Marina, as some of the older ships lack the pizzazz and amenities of these two. 

What Customers Say About Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises

Overall rating: 4.5 Cruise: 18 Night Sunny Islands and Andes (Santiago to Miami) Date: January 2020 Ship: Marina Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Couple

“Our first cruise with Oceania. Exceptional food. We loved that so much was included — specialty dining (which was like eating in 5-star restaurants) didn't cost extra, bottled water was handed out at every port, espresso drinks and pastries were always available, laundry was included (and if you wanted to do it yourself, it was free). The hands-on cooking classes were fantastic. The lectures were interesting. Afternoon tea with a string quartet was a nice touch. They were serious about keeping us healthy with hand washing and plastic wrap around buffets. We went to ports where norovirus is endemic, and to their great credit, no one got sick. Great service, and always with a smile.” — elenaprior

7. Seabourn

Seabourn

Rating: 4.2 Class: Luxury Fleet: 9 Top departure points: Piraeus (Greece), Barcelona, Civitavecchia (Italy), Singapore, Miami Top destinations: Europe (Mediterranean, western, northern), Asia, Africa, Middle East Starting price: $2,499/night

Bottom Line: Seabourn

Cruise Seabourn Odyssey

Seabourn takes guests to amazing ports, but they truly shine in the onboard experience.

Several of their ships have all-suite accommodations, and some of those are spa suites unmatched by any other ocean liner. Cruises usually come with a Marina Day in which the crew offers a variety of aquatic activities and a saltwater pool.

Folks looking for a formal cruise experience might be turned off by Seabourn’s casual luxury. But those looking for an upscale experience and port stops where few others go, this is your bag.

Just leave the kids behind, as these journeys are designed for adults.

What Customers Say About Seabourn

Seabourn

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 7 Night Greek and Italian Jewels (Athens to Rome) Date: October 2018 Ship: Seabourn Odyssey Cabin type: Suite Traveled as: Couple

“We had an incredible time on the cruise! This is certainly the type of cruise for people who like a quieter, calmer ship. We really loved the destinations, tours and FOOD! The food on board was incredible! As well as the accommodations in the room and the service. The staff was so friendly, warm and responsive!” — JCraigfeld

6. Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Rating: 4.2 Class: Premium Fleet: 2 Top departure points: Papeete (Tahiti), Lautoka (Fiji Islands) Top destinations: South Pacific Starting price: $3,145/night

Bottom Line: Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Even if this cruise isn’t memorable for you, it will be for your accountant.

It would be hard not to enjoy all the bang for your buck, which includes all-inclusive fares that cover some wine and spirits and all onboard gratuities. They also offer roundtrip airfare from Los Angeles, a cabin with an ocean view and likely a balcony (70 percent have them), incredible food options in a Parisian-Polynesian fusion theme, and a swim and snorkel session at Paul Gaugin’s private French Polynesian island.

This tiny fleet isn’t great for singles or families, but couples seeking a yacht-like jaunt through the South Pacific will be well rewarded.

What Customers Say About Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Overall rating: 5.0  Cruise: 7 Night Tahiti and The Society Islands (Papeete roundtrip)  Date: February 2017 Ship: Paul Gauguin Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Singles/friends

“The stateroom was very comfortable, the service was excellent and the excursions were awesome. We swam with rays and sharks in the Lagoonairium in Moorea. We didn't book this through the ship, but we learned about it on Tripadvisor. We saved a lot on the taxi (we used Teva Taxi) and were treated to a very good tour of the island on the way there and back. We rented a waverunner for 3 hours in Bora Bora. Fantastic!” — cruiseconverts

5. Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises

Rating: 4.2 Class: Premium Fleet : 3 ships Top departure points: Piraeus (Greece), Barcelona, Venice (Italy), Southampton (England), Civitavecchia (Italy) Top destinations:  Caribbean, Central and South America, South Pacific, Africa, Europe (northern, western and Meditterranean) Starting price: $580/night

Bottom Line: Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara excels at its branded and abundant shore excursions in places like the Mediterranean and Caribbean. Although the decor is dated and stodgy, the pool and hot tub area is small and the cabin bathrooms are tight, you’ll be easily enticed off the ship by nighttime entertainment options in port.

Azamara offers up to 17-day travel for serious adventurers, hitting numerous stops in its 240 ports spread across 66 countries. House alcohol and gratuities are included with the high daily cost, and the spacious and lightly crowded ships make cruising ideal.

Best to leave the kids and older family members onshore for this ride.

What Customers Say About Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Club Cruises

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 9 Night Cuba Intensive (Miami roundtrip) Date: February 2019 Ship: Azamara Journey Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“Excellent cruise to three Cuban ports: outstanding music/dance performances and opportunity to soak up the color and flavors of Cuba.” — artistjuge

4. Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises

Rating: 4.3 Class: Premium Fleet : 7 Top departure points: Bergen (Norway), Piraeus (Greece), Civitavecchia (Italy), Barcelona, Venice (Italy) Top destinations: Europe (northern, eastern and Mediterranean), Asia, Africa, Middle East, transatlantic Starting price: $1,999/night

Bottom Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Sun in Eidfjord

Viking is only a few years into its expansion from river cruises to the high seas, but it didn’t take long for people to notice the luxury aboard these ships and itineraries that put a premium on destinations — some lasting for as many as six months.

All cabins have their own private veranda, and the fare includes one complimentary shore excursion at each stop.

These trips are designed for couples and adults who want a refined experience that could last for several weeks to a few months, and for this reason, there is no programming aboard for children.  

What Customers Say About Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Star

Overall rating: 5.0 Cruise: Catalonia to Constantinople - Barcelona to Athens Date: March 2016 Ship: Viking Star Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“Viking meticulously managed every aspect of a wonderful trip. All features of the ship and its operation were perfect. A wide option of onshore activities was offered at each port and guided by local professional and highly experienced guides. The Viking staff and crew were extremely friendly and thorough in carrying out their duties to the ship and its guests. We were extremely impressed with the constant effort to make our trip comfortable and enjoyable. Dining and menu options provided for every need and appetite from a wide-offering buffet setting to fine dining in a non-formal setting.” — JETEX

3. Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Rating: 4.3 Class: Premium Fleet: 6 Top departure points: Athens (Greece), Lisbon (Portugal), Barcelona, San Juan (Puerto Rico) Top destinations: Europe (northern, Mediterranean), Caribbean, transatlantic Starting price: $999/night

Bottom Line: Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises

True to its name, Windstar attempts to recreate the experience of sailing while aboard a massive cruise liner (it looks cool, though). Families with teenage children or well-behaved youngsters will find much to love on the decks of Windstar’s recently renovated fleet. Ships sport retractable marinas for water skiing, sailing, kayaking and snorkeling.

The overall experience skews casual in atmosphere and dress, but there isn’t much to keep younger and more active children entertained. Food is well prepared, but alcoholic beverages are not included with the daily fare and cabins don’t have Wi-Fi.

Older ships are also showing their age.

What Customers Say About Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises

Overall rating: 3.5 Cruise: 14 Night Ocean Crossings (Saint Maarten to Lisbon) Date: April 2019 Ship: Wind Surf Cabin type: Oceanview Traveled as: Couple

“A little long with only one port of call. Would I repeat this trip? No. Can I recommend the cruise line? Yes. This is a quiet environment with no bingo tournaments and excessive drinking. Customers are older, above 55 and reasonable.” — gerhardrauh

2. Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line

Rating: 4.4 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 4 ships Top departure points: Port Canaveral (Florida), San Diego, Miami, Galveston (Texas), Dover (England) Top destinations: Caribbean, Mexico, Northern Europe Starting price: $672/night

Bottom Line: Disney Cruise Line

Disney Fantasy by Disney Cruise Line

Disney is the ultimate cruise line for families. There is no reason to book this expensive option unless you’re bringing the kids, as it is entirely geared toward their enjoyment with some of the best stage shows in the business.

It’s also pricey for its class, but there’s a good reason for that. Entertainment options for kids abound, day and night, and Disney is the top cruise operator for amenities geared toward babies and toddlers, like drop-off childcare and diapers in the gift shop.

Adults have plenty to do themselves, like soak up the sun poolside or traipse around the private island. One thing adults cannot do aboard these ships is gamble, which Disney has forbidden in the name of a family-centric atmosphere.

What Customers Say About Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line

Overall rating: 4.6 Cruise: 5 Night Western Caribbean (Miami roundtrip) Date: April 2019 Ship: Disney Magic Cabin type: Inside Traveled as: Family (young children)

“The value is worth the money! Castaway Cay and the musical shows on board (Twice Charmed and Rapunzel Before Ever After) are must watch!” — DCL2019

1. Hurtigruten Cruises

Hurtigruten Cruises

Rating: 4.7 Class: Premium Fleet: 18 Top departure points: Bergen (Norway), Kirkenes (Norway), Reykjavik (Iceland), Hamburg (Germany), Halifax (Nova Scotia) Top destinations: Europe (western, northern), Asia, Africa, Middle East, Canada, New England, New York, South America Starting price: $944/night

Bottom Line: Hurtigruten Cruises

Hurtigruten cruise ship near Tromsø in Northern Norway

Remote and mysterious best describe the trips offered by this Norwegian fleet. Hurtigruten ships take guests throughout Northern Europe and as far as the North Pole for memorable and breathtaking views of the Norwegian coast and Northern Lights.

These are bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime journeys, and they don’t come cheap. The high-end cruiser is known for its beautifully designed boats, like the Art Deco-style MS Finnmarken with massive spaces both public and private, a rooftop lounge, library, terrific spa amenities and excellent cuisine.

What Customers Say About Hurtigruten Cruises

Hurtigruten MS Finnmarken

Overall rating: 5.0 Cruise: 6 Night Coastal Expeditions (Bergen to Kirkenes) Date: October 2017 Ship: MS Finnmarken Cabin type: Balcony Traveled as: Couple

“This is one of the few vacations we have been on where we started planning our return before the original trip was completed.” — TrophyClub1

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Which Cruise Line Should I Sail? The Definitive Guide for 2024

Which cruise line should you sail for your vacation? When it comes to selecting the right one for you, it can feel a bit like car shopping.

cruise ship lines compared

Say you want a new SUV. You have options from dozens of car makers. You have to narrow the list down by price range, reliability, cost, and more. You can quickly feel overwhelmed, and your head spins from all the choices.

While cruise lines aren’t as numerous as car companies, there are still lots to choose from. Passengers new to cruising can easily get overwhelmed by the choices, not sure of what the difference is between them all. Is a cruise on Carnival the same as a cruise on Princess? Is a cruise on Royal Caribbean the same as a cruise on Celebrity?

If you’re a first-time cruiser and feeling overwhelmed by which cruise line you should sail, don’t worry — you’re not alone. We’ve created this guide to give you a better idea of each major cruise line — including who the line is perfect for — so that you can pick the right one for your vacation.

In This Article...

Overview: What to Consider in a Cruise Line

cruise ship lines compared

Before we can get into the ins and outs of each cruise line and which one you should sail, we need to cover what factors to consider.

The good news? While you have a lot of choices, overall cruise lines are remarkably similar. In fact, you can expect most aspects of your trip to be the same. Different cruise lines are more like different airlines. There are noticeable differences, but the experiences is largely similar. That means you won’t have to worry about picking the wrong line; the worst “fit” cruise line is still likely to be a lot of fun for you.

That said, there are differences between the lines that can make one perfect for you. In particular, we suggest cruise passengers look at the five following areas:

Atmosphere What is the atmosphere on a cruise ship? For lack of a better term, this is the “feel” of the ship. Is the vibe like a party? Or is it more refined and elegant? If you don’t wear a tie to dinner will you feel out of place? Or is anything more than flip-flips and shorts considered to be too dressy?

Each cruise line has a different feel that they have onboard. Just like the difference between a casual hotel and a fancy hotel, different atmospheres appeal to different passengers.

Activities Needless to say, different cruise passengers are interested in different activities. Some folks are happy to just sit poolside, soak up some sun and read a book. Others need a thrill-a-minute and want to do things like waterslides, play games, and even drive go-karts on a cruise ship. Still others want cultural things to do like learning about ports of call or attending cooking classes.

The mega-lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian have moved toward offering lots of adrenaline-pumping activities that younger passengers will enjoy. The luxury lines like Princess and Celebrity aim more toward classic cruise activities enjoyed by older audiences.

Passenger Focus Perhaps the biggest difference between cruise lines has to do with the passenger focus. This relates to what sort of passengers the cruise line caters and markets to. In other words, who will you be sailing with on the ship?

Some cruise lines focus on luxury — aiming to attract older, wealthier passengers. The mass-market cruise lines focus on everyone, from families to Spring Breakers to couples celebrating their 50th anniversary. Obviously with so many people on a ship, who you sail with has a big impact on the right cruise line for you.

Ships Over the past decade the cruise industry has seen an arms race among ships. The modern cruise ship is completely different than those found just a few years ago. They are larger, more luxurious, and have more amenities/activities by far. And with the cruise ship being one of the most important factors in the enjoyment of your cruise (after all, you spend the majority of your vacation onboard), then a cruise line with a fleet of bigger and newer ships is important.

Price When it comes down to it, so many people love cruising because it offers a lot of value for the price. Where else can you travel to distant ports — playing hopscotch with tropical beaches — and not break the bank? Truth is, however, that you can spend as much as you want on a cruise and some lines appeal to those looking to spend a bit more while others appeal to budget-conscious cruisers. Picking the right cruise line for your budget can make a big difference.

So which cruise line should you sail? Below we’ve profiled each major line — including who is most apt to enjoy it — paying special attention to the factors mentioned above .

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Celebration in Grand Turk

As one of the largest cruise lines, if you’ve searched for a cruise at all then chances are you’ve come across an offering from Carnival. Each year millions of passengers sail the cruise line, known for its highly affordable prices and fun atmosphere. Some trips sail for as little as a couple of hundred dollars per person. It’s also a popular choice as for-purchase items like drinks, specialty restaurants, internet and other things are relatively inexpensive compared to rivals.

It’s not just price that makes Carnival so attractive to many passengers. The line offers more homeports than any other, including smaller ports of call like Baltimore, Charleston, and Mobile. That means a cruise is within driving distance for millions more people.

Known as the “Fun Ships,” the vibe on Carnival is always relaxed and never stuffy or formal. If you’re looking for casual, this is it. That relaxed atmosphere along with a low price point means you get a wide range of passengers, ranging from families with kids to college-aged kids and those simply wanting a getaway without spending a fortune.

Now across the fleet, Carnival doesn’t have the reputation for having as many high-octane things to do on the ship as its main rival Royal Caribbean if you’re looking for the most activities. Still, the ships offer lots to do in a classic cruise sense — including tons of bars, restaurants, and pools. As well, following the health crisis, a number of older ships were sold, while new ships — like Mardi Gras and Carnival Celebration — are offering more things to do and a bigger space.

Who Carnival Is Right For: Carnival is ideal for those wanting to have a good time while not spending a ton of money. It offers a great value. With so many ships and ports, the line also makes it easy to find a cruise that fits any schedule. The cruise line has something for all ages and for families, singles, and couples. If you’re looking for luxury, Carnival likely isn’t it, but it’s still a great “all-around” cruise line.

Who Carnival Is Wrong For: If you’re wanting high-end and luxurious, other cruise lines offer better options. Carnival is known for being budget friendly, and that also comes at a cost of more people on the ship given the size.

Read: 12 Major Differences Between Carnival and Royal Caribbean

Royal Caribbean

Wonder of the Seas docked at CocoCay.

When it comes to size of ships, Royal Caribbean is the clear leader. All six of the largest cruise ships in the world are from Royal Caribbean. (Utopia of the Seas coming in mid-2024 will make it seven of the largest.)

Those large ships are much more than just bigger vessels to carry more passengers. The cruise line also pushes the envelope for things to do on its ships.

It’s Royal Caribbean that offers the tallest slide at sea (The Great Abyss), along with the Flowrider standing waves, Splashaway Bay, NorthStar (an observation pod that goes high above the ship), ice skating rinks, laser tag, any number of bars, restaurants, and pools. In short, Royal Caribbean takes top prize when it comes to its ships and the things to do for anyone in the entire family.

The atmosphere on the ship is also enviable. It’s largely relaxed, but with hints of luxury. During the day, shorts and flip-flops are the order, but nights can turn more elegant. Spots around the ship vary from completely casual to much more refined. The feel in our opinion is a step above Carnival in luxury, without going overboard.

For all this you’ll pay a higher price. Older ships on Royal Caribbean often have cheap fares, but you will usually pay a premium to sail on the newer, larger ships.

Royal Caribbean is a mass-market cruise line, which has appeal to everyone. Families with kids will especially like the number of things to do for children, but no matter who you are, there is something for you to enjoy.

Who Royal Caribbean Is Right For: Those wanting a more luxurious cruise while still keeping the casual atmosphere. Royal Caribbean is nice, without feeling stuffy. Everyone from kids to retirees will find something to like on the ship, and there is never a risk of being bored given the large size and number of things to do.

Who Royal Caribbean Is Wrong For: If you’re someone that likes quiet and calm on your cruise, this likely isn’t the line for you. There are definite calmer spaces, but it’s a high-energy line. As well, if you don’t like big ships with lots of other people, it may not be a fit.

One note: While often ships within a fleet are very similar, we believe there is a marked difference in the experience of Royal Caribbean’s largest Oasis and Icon-class ships. We’d recommend them to anyone looking for the best of what Royal has to offer.

Read: Major Differences Between Royal Caribbean and Norwegian

Norwegian Cruise Lines

Norwegian Encore at sea

Norwegian rounds out what we consider the “big three” cruise lines, along with Carnival and Royal Caribbean. These three lines have a firm hold on the majority of the cruise market. And while Norwegian is the smallest of the three, it has a lot to like.

In terms of ships, Norwegian’s aren’t as large as its rival Royal Caribbean, but they are still plenty big.

As well, the cruise line continues to push the envelope with onboard activities. Its newest ships have noteworthy features like go-kart tracks and extreme waterslides jutting out over the edge of the ship. There are also features like laser tag arenas and virtual reality experiences.

Norwegian — like its main competitors — is a mass-market cruise line. That means it will appeal to all ages and types with lots to do for everyone. The atmosphere on the ship is comfortable, with a relaxed vibe that has touches of luxury.

That said, newer ships (including its Prima class) point toward more of a focus on luxury. This is especially true with The Haven. This is NCL’s “resort within a resort” that features more upscale amenities that are private only to Haven guests.

You’ll also find that the general prices on the ship are higher than its two main competitors, which helps to stem some of the “party” atmosphere you might find elsewhere, but means you’ll spend more on your cruise. 

One other thing to know? NCL has appeal for solo travelers, including offering studio rooms designed for only a single guest.

Who Norwegian Is Right For: Norwegian is ideal for those wanting large ships with lots to do, but are willing to pay a higher price than some other lines. For instance, a drink package on Carnival is around $60 per day, versus nearly $110 per day on NCL.

Newer ships will have more to do compared to older vessels and are ideal for everyone from families to empty-nesters. Just know that they are generally more luxurious than you’ll find with other large lines. Look at the cruise line’s Haven suites if you are looking for a more luxurious trip. 

Cruising solo? Many NCL ships offer studios that don’t have a double occupancy charge.

Who Norwegian Is Wrong For: If you don’t book one of the cruise line’s “Free at Sea” offers that bundle things like drink packages into the fare, be prepared to spend. Rates for many things from drink packages to gratuities are higher than what you find on most other large lines.

Read: Major Differences Between Norwegian and Carnival

Princess Cruises

Discovery Princess cruise ship

So far we’ve discussed the large cruise lines that try to appeal to everyone. However, not every cruise line aims to do that. Case in point is Princess Cruises. While anyone and everyone is welcome aboard, it definitely aims to appeal to those wanting a more luxurious and relaxing vacation. For instance, not everyone looks for a cruise line that serves afternoon tea like Princess does.

While the ships have plenty to do, they don’t try to go over-the-top with things like go-karts and roller coasters. Instead, the focus is on more enriching activities like stargazing on the top deck of the ship, musical productions, and fine dining.

Everywhere you turn there are smaller touches designed to pamper guests. For example, the ships have the “Princess Luxury Bed” that’s a step above what you’ll find on most cruise ships. There is also free room service for many, a rarity on most lines.

As for ships, the cruise line’s newest ship holds about 4,300 passengers. Many new cruise ships hold between 5,000-6,000 passengers. Older ships from Princess hold even fewer passengers.

What’s interesting is that while there are fewer economies of scale with smaller ships and the line aims for more luxury, prices for Princess are not that much higher than the major cruise lines. In other words you can sail in luxury for only a little more. Itineraries for Princess are also global, meaning more trips to and from faraway places versus what’s seen with mass-market lines.

Who Princess Is Right For: Those who will feel most at home are affluent passengers who enjoy the finer things in life. There are lots of amenities for families, but the cruise line is aimed toward older passengers looking for a more refined experience. Anyone can have fun on the ship and enjoy their vacation, but expect an older crowd in many cases.

Who Princess Is Wrong For: If you’re a family with active kids, we think other lines will be better. There are areas that cater to children, but the high-octane fun like waterslides and roller coasters aren’t part of the fabric of Princess.

cruise ship lines compared

While Princess is the luxury cruise line owned by Carnival Corporation, Celebrity is the luxury line owned by Royal Caribbean. In the many ways you’ll find similarities between Royal Caribbean and Carnival, you’ll also find similar experiences on Princess and Celebrity.

The cruise line has a definite focus on luxury and service, with an atmosphere aimed toward more refined travelers. For instance, while some cruise lines boast about their rock-climbing walls or laser tag, Celebrity mentions famous chefs, a ballet company, and glass-blowing classes on their ships.

And while kids are of course welcome, your other passengers are most likely to be older and more affluent. In other words, kids might be more bored on a Celebrity cruise compared to some of the family-oriented lines.

Celebrity has made a splash with recent new ships. Most notable is the Celebrity Edge, Apex, Beyond, and Ascent, ships that have set a new mark in luxury. Its most famous feature is the “Magic Carpet” — a platform on the side of the ship at goes up and down decks providing a one-of-a-kind experience. As well, older ships are undergoing the “Celebrity Revolution” — a $500 million upgrade plan across the fleet to redesign and add new features.

As you would expect, Celebrity charges a premium for its cruises. It’s definitely a “pay more, get more” situation. That said, the prices aren’t that much more than a cruise on a budget-focused line. We found trips to be a few hundred dollars more than what you’ll find with other carriers. Celebrity also offers an “Always Included” deal that includes a drink package, and wi-fi with your cruise fare.

Who Celebrity Is Right For: As with Princess, we think older and/or more affluent passengers who want a more refined and relaxing experience will be a fit for Celebrity. If you’re the sort of person who wants to enjoy the spa and sip champagne without lots of noise or kids around, then the cruise line might be for you.

Who Celebrity Is Wrong For: Want to sail for cheap? Or maybe you sail with kids? That’s not really the Celebrity style, which focuses more on a higher-end price point. Kids are definitely welcome, but we think other cruise lines would offer more for them to enjoy.

Disney Ship

If you have kids and are interested in cruising, then you’ve no doubt thought about a Disney cruise. The company known for its theme parks, movies, and resorts is also in the cruising business. And those touches you’d expect from Disney make their way to the ships.

For one, the style of Disney cruise ships is unlike any other cruise line’s vessels. The ships have a distinctive “retro” style (despite being modern vessels) that harken back to the elegance of cruising in the early days.

Of course, you’d expect a Disney cruise to be focused on children and families, and it certainly is. Characters like Mickey and Donald Duck roam the ship and there are other experiences with Disney-owned properties like Marvel and Star Wars. While there is plenty for mom and dad to do — such as the spa, adults-only eateries, and nightclubs — we think that only adults who are very into Disney would think of sailing the cruise line without kids.

Notably, we’ve heard mention that drinks are not as free-flowing as you’ll find on most cruise ships and Disney cruise ships don’t have casinos. In other words, if you want a more “adult” time, then you likely want to look for another cruise line.

You might expect given the cost of visiting Disney World it would be pricey to sail on the ship. You’re right. Of all the major cruise lines, we’ve found Disney to be the highest priced. For example, we found four-night cruises in July (peak season), which might be $400-$600 on most cruise lines selling for about $1,500-$2,000 per person on Disney. That’s a high price to pay, but many people rave about the service and experience on a Disney cruise.

Who Disney Is Right For: You guessed it. Disney cruises are ideal for those families wanting to have a vacation that the kids will remember. The price is expensive compared to other cruise lines, so you’ll want to be willing to open up your wallet for the experience.

Who Disney Is Wrong For: On a budget? Then you’ll feel the pinch sailing a Disney cruise. While the experience gets rave reviews, there’s no doubt that it also comes with a premium price tag.

MSC Cruises

cruise ship lines compared

In the U.S., MSC Cruises is a relatively small player. However, globally MSC is a major cruise line… and it’s making big inroads into the United States. If you plan to sail from Miami, Port Canaveral, or New York, then you can book a cruise aboard the line. In the years ahead, don’t be surprised if MSC offers more departure ports.

So what is MSC like? In some ways it is similar to other mass-market cruise lines. You can expect ships with tons to do; popular spots like the pools, waterslides, spas, buffets, and more are all there. The experience is designed to appeal to everyone. Whether you are sailing as a family or a romantic couple’s getaway — and anything in-between — then you’ll have a good time.

But there are some things that make MSC very different than its rivals.

Perhaps the biggest difference is that since MSC has a large presence in the global cruise market, many passengers hail from outside the United States. While cruises from the U.S. on most lines are largely filled with American passengers, on MSC you’ll find all nationalities.

And because of its clientele and roots in Europe, there are definite touches that feel different than other lines. For instance, announcements are made in several languages and evening shows are more “old-school” in many cases. This includes lots of singing, dancing, and acrobatics compared to full-scale productions put on by some lines. (Some ships have Cirque shows.) In short, even if you depart from Miami, you may feel like you are sailing in Europe instead of the Caribbean.

One area that MSC is decidedly different is cost. Trips are typically less expensive than what you’ll see on other lines, even compared to budget-friendly cruises like Carnival. We’ve found 7-day cruises for just $300 per person (before taxes and fees).

Low prices also extend to once you are on the ship. Drink prices are typically a couple of bucks cheaper than rival cruise lines, and gratuities are also less than rivals.

Now some of these lower prices may be a way to encourage more people to try out the cruise line since it’s not well-known in the United States just yet. In other words, they could increase in the years ahead. For now, however, MSC offers one of the best deals in cruising.

Who MSC Is Right For: Anyone can find a good time on MSC. Those who will especially enjoy the cruise line are people looking for a great value and who are willing to try something new because the price is right. We’re also big fans of their private island, Ocean Cay .

Who MSC Is Wrong For: The old adage is you get what you pay for. In the case of MSC, we feel like it’s a great value, but there is a feeling that it’s almost too inexpensive. It can feel understaffed and spots on the ship can feel generic (such as the sports bar, named Sports Bar) compared to the investment made by other lines.

Virgin Voyages

cruise ship lines compared

A new player to the cruise scene, Virgin Voyages had planned to start sailing in 2020, but that was delayed due to the health crisis. The cruise line finally saw its first ship — Scarlet Lady — set to sea in 2021.

Of all the cruise lines featured here, Virgin is without a doubt the most unique . The cruise line does things very different from any other line, from the way the ship looks to the onboard experience, to its fares.

The line takes an approach to appeal to younger adult cruise passengers. It is adults-only, with no kids allowed. It’s also modern and trendy, featuring more risque entertainment options, more of a focus on wellness, and other touches. In addition, shorter cruises — more popular with younger passengers — are most common. But don’t think you have to be young and hip to sail. It’s open and welcoming to any age over 18.

There is no buffet; tips, wi-fi, and all food are included in the fare; and there is even a tattoo parlor on the ship. As well, the design of the ship is like a trendy Vegas hotel, complete with “RockStar Quarters” for suites that include your own record player.

In short, if you’ve ever thought that cruising was stodgy or old-fashioned, then Virgin Voyages is designed to break that stereotype.

Who Virgin Voyages Is Right For:  If you see the appeal of cruising — warm weather, beautiful destinations, all-inclusive — but thought that it was a bit old-fashioned, then Virgin Voyages may be ideal. The line does things differently than most other lines, making it more akin to a trendy Vegas resort than a typical cruise ship.  

Who Virgin Voyages Is Wrong For:  If you like the “traditional” cruise experience with things like conga lines or belly flop contests or buffets, then Virgin isn’t a great fit. It aims to be welcoming, but also simply “cooler” than that sort of classic cruise style. As well, anyone with kids obviously can’t sail.

Picking the Right Line

Here’s the good news — no matter which cruise line you pick, the odds are in your favor that you’ll have a great time. In large part the experience across lines is similar. They all aim to give you a great vacation with similar ports of call and the allure of foreign ports.

With that said, there are some bigger picture things we’d suggest considering.

If you are wanting to have a more active time with a festive atmosphere, then look toward the mass-market lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and others. These ships aim to please everyone, and generally have a more diverse crowd of ages and things to do.

If you’re more interested in having a peaceful, relaxing time, then you can still find those on mass-market lines, but might appreciate higher-end cruise lines such as Princess or Celebrity. These lines focus more on luxury.

Should cost be the biggest concern, then you’ll find the best deals typically with Carnival and MSC. Other lines tend to be more pricey, although they may have deals.

Finally, keep the port of departure in mind. The larger lines like Carnival and Royal Caribbean have more ships, which means more departure ports. For example, they both sail out of Galveston, Texas, while other lines don’t or only have limited options. It may be that the convenience of a ship sailing from a port within driving distance is worth selecting one cruise line over another.

Related Articles:

  • Complete Guide to Sailing Carnival Cruise Line (What It’s Like)
  • Complete Guide to Sailing Royal Caribbean (What It’s Like)
  • Complete Guide to Sailing Norwegian Cruise Line (What It’s Like)
  • Explained: Major Differences Between Princess & Other Cruise Lines
  • 12 Big Differences Between Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean
  • 11 Important Differences Between MSC Cruises and Other Major Lines
  • What to Expect on Virgin Voyages Compared to Other Cruise Lines (Differences, What to Know, & More)

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Disappointed your otherwise excellent article failed to include Holland America line

I’ll have to add an update!

Tanner, is there a reason you either choose or just did not include Holland America in this article?

Why no comment about sailing with Cunard? I have booked with them for Australia this year and would have appreciated a piece on them.

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Cruise Lines and Ship Reviews

All cruise lines and cruise ships, featured cruise lines.

cruise ship lines compared

Brand features casual approach to cruising, with a come-as-you-are atmosphere; multiple activities for families, including go-karts and ropes courses; Broadway-quality entertainment; suite-only enclave, called The Haven, offers perks and private spaces for suite passengers

cruise ship lines compared

Cruise line focuses on destinations, with emphasis on Alaska; ships visit almost 400 destinations; partnerships with Discovery and Animal Planet make for immersive experiences ashore and onboard

cruise ship lines compared

Wide variety of ships, from fairly small to mega-sized; vessels are loaded with activities for passengers of all ages, with sky-diving, bumper cars and surf simulators; engaging entertainment; wide range of cabins and suites to accommodate even large groups

All Cruise Lines

cruise ship lines compared

River cruise line that sails Europe's waterways, along with more exotic rivers, including the Mekong; offers traditional and more active cruise options; features onboard wellness hosts; ships include bicycles for passengers to use in port

cruise ship lines compared

River cruise line that sails the waterways of Europe as well as more exotic itineraries, like the Mekong River; all cabins feature beds that face the windows

cruise ship lines compared

High-end cruise line known for its destination immersion; features a fleet of three small ships that visit small ports; offers AzAmazing Evenings -- tours that provide passengers one-of-a-kind port experiences

cruise ship lines compared

Cruise line with large fleet offering cruises of varying lengths; excellent family programming; itineraries mostly to Caribbean; ships offer extensive activities for all ages

cruise ship lines compared

Brand exemplifies modern luxury, with chic design and sophisticated dining options; smaller but modern fleet visits destinations in Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and Australia, among others

cruise ship lines compared

Italy-based brand offering cruises on large ships, especially in the Mediterranean; focus on family cruising; international passenger base, which skews heavily Italian

cruise ship lines compared

A family-run French company that offers relatively affordable, value-priced cruises on rivers throughout the world; visits areas many other river cruise lines don't; has a fleet of barges for very small-ship cruising

cruise ship lines compared

High-end luxury cruise line, offering passengers a nearly all-inclusive experience; ships feature spacious, well-appointed cabins and premium dining options, including restaurant serving cuisine of chef Nobu Matsuhisa

cruise ship lines compared

Virtually all-inclusive river cruise line with luxury fleet featuring butlers for all cabins; part of larger luxury company with ocean and expedition vessels

cruise ship lines compared

Brand that sails cruise liners, including Queen Mary 2, which regularly offers crossings from New York to Southampton; White Star Service trained staff offer warm, sincere service

cruise ship lines compared

Cruise ships designed for families, with multiple tie-ins to the brands famous characters; ships sail mostly shorter itineraries of a week or less; ships feature Disney-branded production shows and magical restaurant experiences

cruise ship lines compared

Cruise line that focuses on culinary, thanks to its exceptional Culinary Council; standout features include the Music Walk, with live music, and BBC Earth shows; brand is one of the pioneers for Alaska cruising

cruise ship lines compared

Cruise line that visits the polar regions; renowned for its visits to Norway, where it also serves as transport for locals and goods; sails with an international passenger base

cruise ship lines compared

International cruise line that has Mediterranean flair onboard; features a large and fast-growing fleet; has ships based in the United States that cater mostly to Americans, but other ships are built for more international audience

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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

Norwegian (NCL) Encore Interior Phots : compare cruise lines

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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.

 MSC Meraviglia Pool Deck - Cruise Gear

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!)

Princess Cruises - Pool decks and sun areas

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

Queen Mary 2 - QM2 main corridor at Christmas PHOTO

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!

Phil Crane

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.

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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!

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Cruises are offered throughout the world and for each destination there are a number of cruise lines to choose from. From contemporary cruise lines to luxury cruise lines each cruise line offers different itineraries, features and options.

Select your cruise line and find everything you need to plan your cruise including deck plans, ship details, features and highlights as well as cabin images and descriptions. When you are ready, search the internet's largest cruise database to find the perfect cruise line for your next cruise vacation.

Contemporary Cruise Lines

Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line was established in 1972 and is the world's largest cruise line. A Carnival cruise is all about creating a fun, memorable vacation and their "Fun Ships" were designed to keep the fun going.

Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Cruises offers cruises throughout Greece departing from Athens. They offer longer stays in many ports to provide true insights into the local regions.

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises offers cruises to worldwide destinations including Europe, the Caribbean, Canada & New England, Dubai, South America, the Indian Ocean and the Far East. Cruising on Costa Cruises is Cruising Italian Style!

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line knows how to make a cruise vacation a magical experience. A Disney cruise offers exceptional service, great itineraries and world class entertainment that only Disney can provide.

MSC Cruises

MSC welcomes you on board with their magnificent ships, European charm, and true Italian hospitality. MSC Cruises sail throughout Europe, the Caribbean, as well as South and Central America, and beyond.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line boasts the youngest fleet on the planet and the freedom of choice known as Freestyle Cruising®. Norwegian Cruise Line ships sail worldwide offering guests the ability to have the cruise vacation of their dreams.

Princess Cruises

Princess Cruise Line offers a vast array of cruises to worldwide destinations providing incredible adventures close to home and beyond. Their 16 ships, ranging in size from fewer than 700 guests to over 3,000 guests, offer an intimate and personal experience combined with a broad range of entertainment and dining options.

Royal Caribbean International

Sailing from the Caribbean to Alaska and from Europe to Australia Royal Caribbean's ships are some of the most innovative in the world. Their friendly and personal service offers an exceptional cruise experience for travelers of all ages.

Virgin Voyages Cruise Deals

Virgin Voyages offers exceptional value to beautiful destinations. Sail in unique style on Virgin's ships designed with your well-being in mind. You'll discover a great selection of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a tattoo parlor, exciting entertainment, a casino, stunning staterooms and suites.

Premium Cruise Lines

Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara Cruises sail to over 187 ports in 58 countries on smaller, more intimate ships. Their destination rich itineraries offer travelers longer stays and more overnights creating a deep cultural understanding and a unique cruise experience.

Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises offers a sophisticated cruise experience with world-class dining, exceptional on-board service and unique worldwide itineraries. The Celebrity ships are chic and modern and consistently rank among the best in the world.

Holland America Line

Holland America Line delivers a premium cruise experience on mid-sized ships that will exceed your expectations. Their award winning restaurants, elegant staterooms and outstanding service provide a timeless cruising experience.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises are known for their highly acclaimed country club casual on-board cruise experience. Their five star dining, exceptional wines and handsomely appointed accommodations provide an oasis as you sail to unique ports worldwide.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean Cruises provides a luxury portal to visit the cities, meet the people, explore the cultures and savor the cuisine of the world. The beauty of small ship cruises is the opportunity to dock directly in the exotic smaller ports allowing for more time ashore. Tours and excursions include many private experiences, early entry and behind-the-curtain glimpses into events, museums and performances. With a selection of onboard cultural enrichment programs, Scandinavian-inspired spas, regional dining experiences, award-winning service and sumptuous decor guests will relish the voyage as well as the destinations. In addition a menu of inclusions ranges from one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call, included Wi-Fi, in-room infotainment, soft drinks, beer and wine with onboard meals, no charge for specialty coffees, teas, or bottled water, alternate restaurant dining and more.

Luxury Cruise Lines

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises represents the ultimate in luxury cruising with exceptional service, spacious and contemporary staterooms, and the finest amenities. Dining on a Crystal Cruise offers inventive menus inspired by internationally acclaimed chefs.

Cunard Line

Cunard ships feature the grandeur of the golden age of ocean liner travel. Cunard offers their guests a regal cruise experience combined with an airy, contemporary ambience, exceptional dining and luxurious amenities on itineraries worldwide.

Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys cruises provide unique and luxurious experiences on sophisticated and refined all-suite ships. These innovative ships boast a commitment to sustainability featuring environmentally supportive technologies. FREE amenities include prepaid gratuities, thermal spa access, unlimited fine beverages, complimentary WiFi, in-suite welcome bottle of champagne and sweet treats, to name a few. Sail with the expedition experts of Explora Journeys to some of the world’s most memorable destinations around the globe.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the only luxury cruise line featuring an all suite, all inclusive cruise experience. The Regent ships offer over 119 itineraries worldwide sailing to over 300 ports. Sailing on a Regent Seven Seas cruise is luxury at its best.

Scenic Luxury Cruises

Experience an all-inclusive and true luxury cruise experience as you sail on Scenic Luxury Cruises. You will be spoiled with a variety of amenities including complimentary gratuities, personal butler service, complimentary unlimited drinks, and complimentary excursions and more.

Seabourn

Consistently named as one of the best small ship cruise lines, Seabourn's yacht-like vessels are unmatched in elegance and grace. Their all-suite ultra-luxury ships offer cruises to over 300 itineraries worldwide.

SeaDream Yacht Club

Cruising on SeaDream is a unique experience offering 5-star service and gourmet cuisine on yachts with a maximum of 112 guests. A SeaDream Yacht Club cruise is known for its casual, intimate experience where no detail is overlooked.

Silversea

Silversea is renowned for its all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise experience. Silversea's intimate, elegant ships offer luxurious accommodations and attentive service that will exceed the expectations of even the most discerning world traveler.

Swan Hellenic

Swan Hellenic offers luxury expedition cruising to unique location including the Arctic, the Antarctis, South America and beyond. Their two ships, sailing with a maximum of 152 guests, offer exceptional service. Their expedition team provides unique insights and shares their extensive knowledge of the regions.

The Moorings

Set sail on a private yacht and charter your course from island to island in a variety of destinations. Complete with a captain and a personal chef, these state-of-the-art private yachts accommodate from 6 to 10 guests, offer elevate cruising to a whole new level.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises' intimate yachts offer a unique cruise experience with a casual and elegant atmosphere. Windstar Cruises will take you far from the crowds for the ultimate romantic adventure at sea.

River Cruises & Unique Cruise Lines

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways feature deluxe river cruises and cruisetours throughout Europe, Russia and Asia. Their state-of-the-art ships feature modern amenities, gourmet dining and complimentary shore excursions.

American Cruise Lines

American Cruise Lines feature fascinating itineraries on small ships sailing on America's rivers and inland waterways. Guests experience ports up close and personal with expert naturalists and historians that bring the history, nature and culture alive.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways offers cruises on the rivers of Europe, Asia, Egypt and the Galapagos. Their ships are designed to entice the senses and allow the traveler to immerse themselves in history and culture as they sail from village to village.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages cruises are luxury expedition yacht adventures on intimate, modern and refined ships. A bevy of FREE included amenities ensures you are able to make the most of your exploration. Enjoy meaningful immersion into stunning ports around the globe though all of your senses. Sail with the expedition experts of Atlas Ocean Voyages to some of the world’s most memorable destinations.

Emerald Cruises

Emerald cruises brings Europe, the Caribbean and South America to your doorstep. On an Emerald cruise you will visit enchanting villages, cities and towns while experience the local culture and stunning scenery combined with exceptional service aboard intimate, contemporary river ships and yachts.

Hurtigruten Cruises

Explore some of the world's most fascinating regions on the expedition ships of Hurtigruten. Discover the many wonders of Norway, Svalbard, Antarctica, Iceland and Greenland, North America, Mexico, Central and South America, among others.

Lindblad Expeditions

Embark on thrilling journeys of discovery into the most awe-inspiring regions in the world on the innovative and beautiful ships of Lindblad Expeditions. Immerse yourself in the magic and mysteries of Asia, Europe, Africa, North America, South America and Australia as you explore the seven continents with experts.

Riviera River Cruises

Riviera River Cruises offers exceptional cruises on more than 12 European rivers. Their comfortable world-class ships boast friendly, personal service, spectacular views and wonderful dining experiences and provide a cultural immersive experience.

Star Clippers

Star Clippers' luxury sailing ships offer the amenities and atmosphere of a private yacht. Enjoy informal elegance and the finest culinary delights while sailing worldwide to ports untouched by most of the larger luxury cruise ships.

Uniworld River Cruises

Uniworld River Cruises offers a luxury cruise experience on the rivers in Europe, Russia, Egypt, China, Cambodia and Vietnam. Uniworld River Cruises boast luxurious accommodations and Zagat rated dining experience that set them apart from the rest.

Viking River Cruises

Viking River Cruises offers an all inclusive cruise experience featuring gourmet dining and exceptional itineraries on elegant, comfortable ships. The experienced guides provide guests with in-depth cultural experiences on rivers worldwide.

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Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Cruises: Which sister cruise line should you choose?

Donna Heiderstadt

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, which are sister cruise lines operated by Royal Caribbean Group, are both known for offering abundant dining options and engaging nightlife. But they have different onboard vibes and target different types of cruise travelers.

Royal Caribbean's fleet of more than two dozen ships includes some of the largest vessels at sea and features groundbreaking innovations and family-friendly attractions. Celebrity's 15 not-quite-as-large vessels are more upscale, adult-focused and design-centric.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Which cruise line should you choose? Read on for a head-to-head comparison of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, covering each brand's onboard experience, itineraries and passenger profile to help you decide.

Size of ships

cruise ship lines compared

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity operate multiple classes of ships, most categorized as large. The older ships in both fleets are smaller than the newest vessels but are not intimate by any means.

Royal Caribbean 's older ships carry 2,000 to 3,900 guests, and its newest more than 5,000, putting it at the forefront of the megaship trend.

Its fleet boasts five of the world's largest ships, led by Wonder of the Seas . This Oasis Class ship and its four siblings are so massive they carry up to 5,700 guests at double occupancy and are divided into themed neighborhoods to help guests find their way around.

Royal Caribbean's modern Quantum Class ships accommodate 4,180 guests and stand out due to each ship's North Star sightseeing capsule, which rises 300 feet above the sea.

Icon of the Seas, the first in an entirely new class for Royal Caribbean, will be the line's largest ship when it debuts in early 2024. It will only hold 5,600 passengers at double occupancy because the ship will feature more cabins and suites that accommodate four or more passengers than found on any other Royal Caribbean ship.

Related: The 6 classes of Royal Caribbean cruise ships, explained

Celebrity Cruises ' newest and largest ships are its 3,260-guest Edge series: Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Beyond , with Celebrity Ascent launching in December. Its five Solstice Class ships each carry around 2,800 passengers, and its four Millennium Class vessels accommodate around 2,200 a piece.

Celebrity also offers expedition-style cruising on three 16- to 100-passenger ships in the Galapagos Islands (but we won't address them in this article).

Both cruise lines offer all the amenities of a floating resort at sea: pools, spas, bars and multiple dining venues. In terms of sheer wow factor, though, Royal Caribbean's activity-packed Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships are hard to beat, especially for family cruising.

On the other hand, Celebrity's vessels are spacious and designed to dazzle with contemporary decor and premium amenities.

On both lines, the smallest, oldest ships can have a different vibe from the newest, largest vessels, so keep that in mind as you're researching trips.

Related: The 4 types of Celebrity Cruises ships, explained

Who is on board?

cruise ship lines compared

With Royal Caribbean, a better question might be, "Who isn't on board?" As a mainstream cruise line, it appeals to a wide range of passengers, mostly Americans (at least on North American itineraries) and many of them families.

It's also popular with friends celebrating birthdays or bachelor/bachelorette getaways and couples of all ages seeking a lively shipboard ambience at an affordable price. That said, Royal Suite Class passengers definitely have money, so there's a more upscale demographic, often multigenerational.

Passengers also differ by itinerary, with three- to five-night Bahamas and seven-night Caribbean sailings attracting families and groups of friends. The line's eight- to 12-night Mediterranean itineraries draw more couples and retirees and fewer families, as well as more Europeans. (About half of passengers on Royal Caribbean's European itineraries are Europeans and travelers from outside the United States.) Alaska sailings lure multigenerational families and older cruisers.

Related: The ultimate guide to Royal Caribbean cruise ships and itineraries

Celebrity's ships attract a narrower, more upscale demographic, mostly Gen Xers in their 40s and 50s and retirement-age baby boomers, with some childless millennials, too.

There will be kids on board, but not in the numbers that Royal Caribbean attracts. As a premium cruise brand, Celebrity typically has higher fares, especially on its Edge-series ships, but sailings are not as expensive as on luxury cruise ships.

Related: The ultimate guide to Celebrity Cruises ships and itineraries

Cabins and suites

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Royal Caribbean offers a dizzying array of cabin and suite options, especially on its newest and largest ships. Celebrity features fewer overall cabin categories but offers non-suite rooms with extra perks.

Both cruise lines offer a variety of cabin styles and price points. You'll find windowless inside cabins , ocean-view rooms with picture windows or portholes, accommodations with private balconies and a range of suites. There are also connecting rooms for families and groups, as well as accessible cabins for passengers using wheelchairs or other assistive devices.

It's not surprising that Royal Caribbean's large Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships feature the most accommodation types within the fleet — up to three dozen cabin and suite categories designed for both families and couples with a wide range of budgets.

On the affordable end, some of the windowless inside cabins come with a "virtual balcony," a window-mimicking screen that displays real-time video of the view outside. These are available on all five Quantum Class ships, plus Wonder of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas.

Oasis Class ships also feature inside and balcony cabins that overlook the Promenade, Boardwalk and Central Park neighborhoods.

Six vessels (Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas and Spectrum of the Seas) offer a limited number of studio cabins designed for solo travelers .

The cruise line's top accommodations are suites, varying in size and some with loft configurations. Its most lavish digs are the two-story Ultimate Family Suites (found on Wonder, Symphony and Spectrum of the Seas) and the three-story Ultimate Family Townhouse on Icon of the Seas. They sleep up to eight guests and boast kid-friendly amenities, including a slide, air hockey table and other games.

All suites offer exclusive amenities. However, Royal Caribbean's largest, most expensive suites come with exclusive perks, such as Royal Genie butler service and complimentary specialty dining and beverage packages.

Related: Royal Caribbean cruise ship cabin and suite guide: Everything you want to know

Celebrity's newest Edge Class ships replace the standard balcony cabin with Infinite Veranda Staterooms, in which a floor-to-ceiling window lowers halfway to create an open-air veranda within the room. This design allows for more usable space within the cabin, regardless of whether the window is open or shut.

AquaClass cabins include in-cabin wellness amenities and access to an exclusive restaurant and the spa's thermal suite (with saunas and heated loungers). Concierge Class rooms come with a dedicated concierge, a pillow menu and an exclusive welcome-aboard lunch in the dining room with complimentary wine.

Solstice Class ships offer single inside cabins, while Edge-series ships include some Infinite Veranda Staterooms designed for solo travelers.

Suite configurations and decor vary by ship class. On Edge-series ships, seven suite categories include the two-story Edge Villas and the Iconic Suite, the largest in the fleet at 1,892 square feet (plus a 689-square-foot terrace). Solstice Class ships feature six suite categories, and Millennium Class ships have five.

All suites come with dedicated attendants and a concierge, as well as included perks: a premium drink package, premium Wi-Fi, prepaid tips and an onboard credit. Celebrity's suite guests can also access exclusive amenities as part of The Retreat, including a private sun deck, lounge and restaurant.

Related: Everything you need to know about Celebrity Cruises cabins and suites

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The upside: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships offer a dozen or more onboard dining venues, so there are culinary options to suit every palate.

The downside: Both cruise lines offer just a handful of complimentary restaurants — a buffet, banquet-style dining rooms, a poolside grill and a few casual eateries — meaning passengers must pay extra for steakhouses , Italian or French restaurants, and sushi bars.

Royal Caribbean's complimentary offerings include casual options such as the Dog House for a global hot dog menu, El Loco Fresh for burritos and quesadillas, Sorrento's Pizza for grab-and-go slices, and Park Cafe for deli-style sandwiches — although options do vary slightly by ship.

Extra-fee dining on Royal Caribbean covers most of the bases — Chops Grille and Samba Grill for steak, Izumi for sushi, Teppanyaki and Sichuan Red for Asian, Giovanni's Table and Jamie's Italian for Mediterranean classics, and Hooked Seafood for fish and shellfish.

Wonderland mixes creative flavors and unique presentations, and 150 Central Park is ideal for a special celebration; the latter two are available solely on Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships. Themed 1950s diner Johnny Rockets (on more than a dozen ships) is an affordable, kid-friendly favorite.

Related: The ultimate guide to cruise ship food and dining

Like Royal Caribbean, Celebrity offers a formal main dining room on Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships. However, on Edge-series ships, four smaller themed restaurants replace the one banquet-style dining hall.

Each features a selection of exclusive menu items — new American in Cosmopolitan, Mediterranean in Cyprus, French in Normandie and Italian in Tuscan — along with selections from the Celebrity Signature menu.

Each venue's distinctive ambience and unique menus serve a variety of tastes on a complimentary basis — but solely for dinner. In addition, guests who book suites in The Retreat can dine at Luminae, while those in AquaClass have access to health-focused Blu, free of charge.

Additional fleetwide complimentary dining includes the buffet-style Oceanview Cafe; the Mast Grill, a casual poolside eatery serving burgers and wraps; and Spa Cafe, offering healthier, lighter options for breakfast and lunch.

Celebrity's extra-fee dining also varies by ship class. On Edge-series ships, guests can enjoy Fine Cut Steakhouse for prime cuts and seafood, Eden Restaurant for modern global cuisine, Le Grand Bistro for classic French, Rooftop Garden Grill for backyard favorites, Raw on 5 for sushi and Japanese specialties, and Magic Carpet for small bites and cocktails.

Celebrity's most elevated dining experience is Le Voyage by Daniel Boulud, the acclaimed French chef's first restaurant at sea, available aboard Celebrity Beyond and Ascent.

Celebrity's Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships feature Tuscan Grille for steak and Italian specialties, Le Petit Chef for classic French with enchanting tabletop entertainment and Sushi on Five for Japanese. The line's Solstice Class ships have an additional restaurant, Murano, for elevated French tasting menus.

Two Celebrity ships, Reflection and Silhouette, also offer two alfresco eateries: Lawn Club Grill and The Porch Seafood Restaurant.

Related: Dining mistakes you must fix on your next cruise

If you're looking for culinary variety without paying extra, Royal Caribbean's multiple complimentary casual dining venues, namely on its newest and biggest ships, give it an edge for families.

Celebrity's Edge Class ships' quartet of complimentary restaurants offers a nightly change of scenery and menus, ideal for couples and groups of adult friends.

If you don't mind paying extra for a few dinners, Celebrity's roster of specialty restaurants is also a notch above Royal Caribbean's in terms of quality and ambience.

Onboard attractions

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Royal Caribbean's focus on adrenaline-rush activities makes it the clear choice for family fun, while Celebrity's chicer vibe is a draw for couples seeking to relax.

Royal Caribbean is a leader in offering amusement park-style attractions such as waterslides, zip lines, surfing and sky-diving simulators, and escape rooms. Celebrity doesn't go there at all. Rather, its onboard attractions are designed for grown-ups, with pools, hot tubs and stylish top-deck relaxation areas, such as The Lawn Club on Solstice Class ships and The Rooftop Garden on Edge-series ships.

All Royal Caribbean ships feature rock climbing walls, outdoor movie screens and arcades. All but Radiance Class and Vision Class ships have FlowRider surf simulators, and all but Radiance Class, Vision Class and Quantum Class ships have minigolf courses.

Royal Caribbean's Icon Class, Oasis Class and Quantum Class ships feature the most thrills in the fleet — perhaps even at sea. Oasis Class vessels are known for their collection of waterslides and the Ultimate Abyss dry slide that drops riders 10 decks through a spiral tube pulsing with light. These ships also have an ice skating rink, zip line, escape room, pop-up laser tag and a carousel.

When Icon of the Seas debuts, it will have the largest water park at sea, with six slides and a thrilling ropes course along the side of the ship.

Related: The best cruise ship waterslides and watery fun zones

Royal Caribbean's Quantum Class ships don't feature waterslides but are distinguished by their North Star sightseeing capsule, which lifts guests high above the ship for 360-degree views. Other thrills include RipCord by iFly (a sky-diving simulator) and the multipurpose indoor SeaPlex offering bumper cars, basketball and Xbox gaming consoles.

Freedom Class and Voyager Class ships offer some thrill activities, but not as many as the newer ships. These can include various waterslides, laser tag and escape rooms, so check each ship's offerings. Older and smaller Radiance Class and Vision Class ships feature pools but no waterslides or other kid-friendly attractions.

What Celebrity's ships lack in thrills, they make up for with eye-catching contemporary design and cool places to hang out. Solstice Class ships feature a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass; it's the setting for jazz concerts and outdoor games. Edge-series vessels have a Rooftop Garden with live plants, modern sculptures, cozy seating nooks and a grill restaurant. Cabana-lined pool decks feature elevated hot tubs shaped like martini glasses.

Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity feature adults-only, glass-enclosed Solarium pools. They also offer relaxing spas with salons, thermal suites and fitness centers for all your self-care and wellness needs.

Related: The wildest attractions you'll find on a cruise ship

Kids activities

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Both Royal Caribbean and Celebrity welcome families and have complimentary kids clubs, but only Royal Caribbean has the onboard attractions and thrills that appeal to active younger children and teens.

Royal Caribbean's Adventure Ocean youth program has spaces and activities (science and art projects, games and parties) designed for kids ages 3-5, 6-8 and 9-12. The program is free during the day and early evening; an hourly rate applies after 10 p.m.

The Royal Babies & Tots nursery accommodates children ages 6 to 36 months for drop-off babysitting (for an hourly fee). Teens can hang out in The Living Room, dance or chill with new friends at the Fuel teen club or try to get a high score at the arcade.

Related: Best cruise lines for families

Celebrity's Camp at Sea kids program also caters to children in three age groups (3-5, 6-9 and 10-12). Programming focuses on recreation, hobbies and learning-based activities in arts and science. Its Teen Club keeps 13- to 17-year-olds entertained with sports competitions, silent discos and video game parties.

Royal Caribbean is the hands-down winner here, a cruise line designed with family fun in mind. Some older teens might enjoy a transition from Royal Caribbean to Celebrity. However, families with active tweens and younger kids seeking onboard thrills are better off with Royal Caribbean.

Entertainment

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Royal Caribbean pulls out all the stops in terms of entertainment, so if lively, in-your-face nightlife is key to your vacation bliss, opt for one of its newer, larger ships.

Celebrity's entertainment lineup pushes boundaries in more unexpected ways but mainly on its newer Edge Class ships; its Solstice Class and Millennium Class ships offer more traditional entertainment.

Both cruise lines feature inviting bars and lounges. Celebrity's nightlife scene is decidedly more upscale and chic, while Royal Caribbean's is livelier and more casual.

Love a Broadway show? Royal Caribbean stages versions of award-winning musicals such as "Grease," "Cats," "Hairspray" and "Mamma Mia!" on select ships, as well as original productions on all vessels. The line's biggest and newest ships also offer dazzling ice skating shows, daring high-dive AquaTheater performances and/or fantastic high-tech multimedia dance shows.

The two dozen bars and lounges on Royal Caribbean's ships range from the panoramic Viking Crown Lounge to the gimmicky Bionic Bar featuring robot bartenders. A sports bar (Playmakers Bar & Arcade), piano bar (Schooner Bar) and Latin-style lounge (Boleros) are other popular options.

Related: Cruise ship drink packages: A line-by-line guide

Passengers can also sing karaoke, watch a poolside movie under the stars and hit the dance floor to the tunes of a live band or DJ. The bigger the ship, the greater the entertainment options.

Celebrity's entertainment philosophy overall is more traditional, with nightlife centered around drinking, hanging out in lounges and enjoying original shows in the ship's theater. Bars and lounges also feature live music, and there's a silent disco party at least once per cruise.

If you're looking for something a little different, the Edge-series ships offer creative and interactive performances in Eden and The Club, a multipurpose space featuring DJs and themed late-night performances.

All Celebrity ships are known for the Martini Bar, where flamboyant bartenders create a spectacle with shaker tosses and colorful cocktail towers, and the Sunset Bar, located aft and offering terrific sailaway views. Only Celebrity Beyond and Ascent feature a chicly reimagined, two-level Sunset Bar by designer Nate Berkus. Craft Social is the place to grab a craft beer and bar bites, while World Class Bar is the go-to for curated cocktails.

Both cruise lines' ships feature large casinos and offer participatory game shows ("Love & Marriage" and "Battle of the Sexes" on Royal Caribbean and "Deal or No Deal" on Celebrity).

Itineraries

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Royal Caribbean's ships cruise to more than 300 destinations worldwide, but the heart of its business is the Caribbean and the Bahamas .

Most of its vessels spend the months from November to March in the islands, sailing three- to 12-night cruises from ports in Florida and Galveston, Texas. However, you can find several ships cruising the Caribbean year-round. Many itineraries call on Royal Caribbean's activity-packed private Bahamian island, Perfect Day at CocoCay .

Seasonal itineraries in Europe, including the Mediterranean , Greek islands and the British Isles, are also popular, as are cruises to Alaska . Royal Caribbean also offers sailings to Bermuda, Hawaii, Canada and New England, Mexico, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, the Panama Canal and the South Pacific. Transatlantic and transpacific cruises are available seasonally as well.

Celebrity ships call on more than 300 global cruise ports. Most ships spend November to March cruising the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale and Miami on four- to 11-night sailings and April to October in Europe on 6- to 14-night itineraries in the Mediterranean, Greek islands, Adriatic, British Isles, Iceland and Northern Europe.

Seasonal cruises are also available to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Bermuda, New England and Canada, South America, Australia, New Zealand, the South Pacific, South America and Asia. Celebrity also offers itineraries to Antarctica (scenic cruising only) from Buenos Aires.

Both cruise lines offer many global options, but neither has itineraries longer than 18 nights. For a summer cruise in the Caribbean, Royal Caribbean has far more options, while Celebrity is the better choice for a summer sailing in Europe. Either line is a good choice for Alaska in summer or the Caribbean in winter, depending on whether you're traveling as a couple or a family and the ship class you book.

Bottom line

Royal Caribbean is the obvious choice if you crave a lively and stimulating cruise experience with 24/7 entertainment and activities that wow both adults and kids. It's also generally the more affordable option.

Celebrity is the cruise line for you if you want a more upscale large-ship experience with a grown-up vibe (but still suitable for kids and teens). What Celebrity's ships lack in adrenaline-rush thrills, they make up in terrific dining and drinking venues.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

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cruise ship lines compared

Celebrity Edge

Debuted in December 2018, the 2,918-passenger Celebrity Edge stands out for its modernity. The Edge is dressed to the nines in contemporary designs and features a diverse array of technologies, amenities, activities and dining venues on board. Passengers can delight in the ship's rooftop garden, take a dip in one of many ocean-facing pools, work up a sweat on the jogging track or relax at the on-site spa.

You'll find plenty of evening entertainment options, too, including themed bars and lounges, a club and a theater showcasing a variety of productions. The Edge was the first Celebrity ship fitted with the Magic Carpet – the line's cantilevered venue at sea that travels 13 stories. The open-air venue can be repositioned alongside several decks, allowing it to transform from a live music venue to a bar to an exclusive specialty restaurant, depending on its location.

For dining, passengers have 29 options to choose from. These include four main restaurants and specialty options serving a range of cuisines, from sashimi to French bistro classics. After a bite to eat, take a break and relax in your modern stateroom or suite. Every room offers technology that allows guests to control temperature, service and lighting with a touch screen. What's more, with a roughly 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, service across the ship will be spot on.

Celebrity Edge makes sailings across Europe, Asia, Australia and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Edge Series ships, park yourself at the Sunset Bar with a spicy margarita every evening – it’s the best spot on the ship to watch for the fabled green flash. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

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Celebrity Beyond

Launched in April 2022, Celebrity Beyond is the third ship in the cruise line's Edge Series, capable of holding up to 3,260 passengers and 1,400 crew members. On board, guests have their pick of 32 food and beverage venues serving everything from Greek to French to Italian cuisine; there are also several cocktail bars and lounges where guests can grab a drink.

One of the highlights of Celebrity Beyond is its 4,500-piece art collection, which includes works by travel photographers and international artists. There is also no shortage of unique entertainment options; these range from acrobatic shows to juggling mixologist performances. To enjoy stunning water views, enjoy Celebrity's "Magic Carpet," a large platform that hangs off the edge of the ship and moves from deck to deck.

Staterooms offer amenities like plush bathrobes, comfortable Cashmere mattresses and flat-screen TVs; many also come with private verandas. For a one-of-a-kind experience, splurge on a room in The Retreat. This resort-within-a-resort features villas and suites with added luxuries like plunge pools, hot tubs and butlers. Plus, guests of The Retreat have exclusive access to a private sundeck, restaurant and lounge, along with an onboard credit that can be used however you see fit.

Celebrity Beyond sails to a variety of popular Mediterranean and Caribbean destinations, including the French Riviera, Italy, Mexico and more. 

U.S. News Insider Tip: On Celebrity Beyond, if you're lucky, your drink might be poured by Captain Kate McCue herself during the nightly flair bartender show at the Grand Plaza Martini Bar. Make sure to follow her behind-the-scenes adventures on Instagram. – Skye Sherman, Contributor

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Debuted in October 2021, Rotterdam welcomes up to 2,668 guests. The name hearkens back to the line's founding in the late 19th century, when its first ship, Rotterdam, sailed from the Netherlands to New York. Though the ship's name is rooted in the cruise line's past, its amenities are anything but antiquated. 

Among Rotterdam's standout facilities is World Stage, a performance venue that features a two-story, 270-degree wraparound LED screen that creates a panorama of light and sound for audience members. For more entertainment, passengers can catch a performance at any of the ship's numerous music venues, including the Rolling Stone Rock Room and B.B. King's Blues Club.

When travelers aren't grooving to live tunes, they can test their luck at the onboard casino or relax at the spa. Meanwhile, kids can play the day away at the Kids Club. Foodies will be pleased to hear the ship offers eight dining options, including Rudi's Sel de Mer, a French brasserie, and Tamarind, which highlights the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia, China and Japan.

Cabins range in size from 143 square feet to 1,290 square feet, with some of the luxury suites boasting floor-to-ceiling windows, whirlpool baths and verandas with hot tubs.

Sailings aboard Rotterdam depart from ports like Fort Lauderdale, Florida , and Amsterdam to destinations in the Caribbean, Europe and the Panama Canal.

U.S. News Insider Tip: The art collection aboard Rotterdam is valued at more than $4.1 million and has 2,645 pieces of diverse works ranging in value from $500 to $620,000. Take some time to walk around the ship to explore the collections. Each of the three stairwells has a theme that reaches from top to bottom: architecture, music or zoology. – Jill Schildhouse, Contributor

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Viking Venus

Launched in May 2021 from Portsmouth, England, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. The ship can hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Plus, you can attend a lecture or discussion with the onboard historian, who helps educate passengers on the cultural aspects of each destination. An onboard cooking school, The Kitchen Table, also allows guests to learn about each destination's unique cuisine. 

Cruisers can enjoy daily updated food options at The Restaurant, diverse cuisine at the World Café, expertly paired tasting menus at The Chef's Table and Italian favorites at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. There are eight dining venues on board in total, in addition to the ship's cooking school at The Kitchen Table and 24/7 room service.

When it's time to rest, there are six types of accommodations to choose from – all with private verandas. The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Higher-tier rooms come with extras like priority shore excursion reservations, priority spa reservations, in-room coffee and free laundry services. Plus, travelers in these cabins will have more space: Rooms reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining areas.

The Viking Venus sails to popular European destinations like Barcelona , Athens , Bangkok , Istanbul , Rome , London , Sydney and Stockholm .

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Celebrity Apex

The Celebrity Apex – which made its inaugural sailing in June 2021 – can hold up to 2,910 passengers and 1,320 crew members. Guests can wine and dine at 29 restaurants, bars and lounges, then spend the night testing their luck at the casino or enjoying live music at the Magic Carpet (which offers great ocean views). Specialty restaurants include a steakhouse and a raw bar, while main dining options feature Mediterranean, Italian and French cuisines. There are also meeting spaces and multipurpose areas on board, as well as upscale shops. 

Visit the spa or adults-only Solarium pool to stay relaxed throughout your stay at sea. For younger travelers, there are some kid-friendly areas of the ship – such as a Camp at Sea. However, the ship is geared more toward adult clientele (or families with older children) looking for a relaxing escape.

The ship's staterooms, which start at 181 square feet, offer smart TVs, customizable air conditioning and plenty of storage space. Many rooms also offer private verandas. If you're willing to splurge, consider booking a room in The Retreat. This exclusive section of the ship features luxury accommodations as well as access to a private restaurant, sun deck and lounge. Plus, rooms in The Retreat offer more space, measuring up to 1,892 square feet.

The Celebrity Apex sails to European destinations like Greece, Italy, Croatia and Portugal, as well as to Caribbean hot spots like St. Thomas , Puerto Rico , Belize and Grand Cayman . 

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Seven Seas Splendor

Debuted in September 2021, the 746-passenger, 548-crew member Seven Seas Splendor is the newest ship within the Regent fleet. Seven Seas Splendor – along with most of the line's other ships – takes opulence to the next level by equipping each suite with its own private balcony. Other standard in-room amenities include interactive flat-screen TVs, luxurious bath products, bathrobes and slippers, signature queen-size beds and dining tables for two. There are 10 suite categories available, ranging from the smallest Veranda (307 square feet) and Deluxe Veranda suites (308 to 361 square feet) to the largest Regent (4,443 square feet) and Master suites (1,895 to 2,108 square feet). 

Guests have a wide array of things to do while on board. Spend your days relaxing at the spa, playing paddle tennis or bocce ball, working up a sweat on the jogging track or taking a dip in the ship's two whirlpools and two pools, one of which is an infinity-edge pool that stretches along the edge of the ship, providing swimmers with exceptional views of the ocean. At night, enjoy one of five shows at the onboard theater. 

When it comes to food, Seven Seas Splendor offers eight eateries ranging from casual to fine dining. Enjoy your breakfast alfresco at La Veranda and grub down for lunch at the Pool Grill buffet. For something more formal, opt for a French-inspired meal at Chartreuse, Pan-Asian dishes at Pacific Rim or Compass Rose, the largest restaurant on the ship.

Seven Seas Splendor visits a variety of European and Mediterranean destinations, as well as ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

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Viking Saturn

Debuted in May 2023, the adults-only Viking Saturn has the capacity to hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Travelers love the ship's clean Scandinavian design and compact size, which allows it to dock in smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

On board, travelers have access to a slew of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a library, a state-of-the-art theater, a hair salon, an infinity pool and more. A resident historian is also on board to offer lectures and educational programming about upcoming port destinations. When hunger strikes, Viking Saturn offers an array of dining options, from fresh seafood at World Café to afternoon tea service at Wintergarden to traditional Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's. Or, learn how to prepare regional dishes from your itinerary at the onboard cooking school.

Starting at 270 square feet, standard staterooms come equipped with king-size mattresses (which can be converted into two twin beds), flat-screen TVs, full-size verandas and bathrooms with heated floors. What's more, each accommodation includes 24-hour room service. Travelers who opt to stay in one of the ship's upgraded suites (which reach up to 1,448 square feet) have access to additional perks such as separate living areas and dining rooms, complimentary laundry services and a welcome bottle of Champagne, among other luxuries.

Viking Saturn sails to a variety of destinations in northern Europe (such as Bergen, Norway; London  and Stockholm ) and the Mediterranean (think: Barcelona, Spain ; Rome ; Athens, Greece ; and Istanbul ).

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The 930-passenger Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – receives rave reviews from past cruisers for its port-heavy itineraries (fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are treated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. With 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and more. The ship also offers world voyages.

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Viking Mars

Viking's newest ship, the Viking Mars accommodates 930 passengers and, since it's a smaller vessel, it can dock in many ports where some of the larger ocean-faring cruise ships can't reach. The all-veranda accommodations on this ship, which debuted in May 2022, range in size from around 270 square feet to 1,448 square feet. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars filled with drinks and snacks, robes, slippers and 24-hour room service.

Visitors will find a relaxing spa, a hair salon, a yoga area and a well-equipped indoor fitness center (plus an outdoor fitness center) aboard the ship. Those looking to unwind with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other should snag a cozy spot in The Living Room. Like other Viking ships, the Viking Mars offers educational programming, lectures, cooking classes and more on board.

Cruisers can also enjoy amenities like the main pool and hot tub, the infinity pool, the cinema, the theater, a jazz lounge and various bars. Dining options on this ship include Manfredi's Italian Restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, World Café, The Chef's Table and The Kitchen Table.

Viking Mars receives rave reviews from recent cruisers. The variety of excursions, the delectable onboard dining and the comfortable cabins are a few things previous guests highlighted as superb. However, the staff received mixed reviews: Some experienced attentive and friendly employees, while a few noted they were expecting better service across the board for the price point.

Upcoming itineraries on the Viking Mars include cruises with ports of call in Iceland, Norway, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and Canada.

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Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016. It's one of the largest vessels in the fleet, welcoming up to 746 passengers. The ship makes service a top priority, with 548 crew members on board. According to past cruisers, the staff was friendly and attentive.

Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. All 373 suites include spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, interactive flat-screen TVs and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Another high point: the cuisine. Explorer offers eight dining areas that range from the casual Pool Grill to Asian creations at Pacific Rim. As part of the 'Regent Experience,' all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

Outside the cabins, guests can spend their days participating in cooking demonstrations, lounging by the pool or relaxing in the library. At night, entertainment options include casino games, cocktail lounges and shows in the Constellation Theater. Complaints about this ship are few and far between, though some reviewers felt the entertainment could be more impressive. 

The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included. Seven Seas Explorer sails to destinations in Alaska, Asia, Australia and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pacific Rim is a favorite dining venue among cruisers, with its Asian-inspired cocktails and cuisine offering a selection of dishes from Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan. Spin the bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel as you enter the restaurant and be sure to sample the miso black cod. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

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.

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All Carnival cruises go to great spots — what sets each ship apart is how it gets you there. Every one of our ships features its own unique twist on Carnival-style fun.

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Cruise Ship Size Comparison, Dimensions

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Compare cruise ship sizes by length, weight (tonnage), height, width/beam. Review cruise ship dimensions in both meters and feet, and FAQ information, definitions.

Cruise ship size comparison

In our huge table below there's a list of all most famous, ever best passenger cruise ships sorted by name. This survey also offers smaller cruise ships size comparison of top luxury all-inclusive vessels with gross tonnage even lesser than 5,000 GT. Now the list of all ship sizes related and integrated articles:

  • passenger capacity of cruise ships
  • cruise ships cost
  • newest cruise ships (on order/under construction)
  • list of the biggest cruise ships of the world
  • world's largest cruiseship building companies
  • cruise line companies list

Cruise Ship Size Comparison, Dimensions - CruiseMapper

Length of a cruise ship (Length Overall / LOA)

The cruise ship length is professionally referred to as LOA (length overall), meaning the maximum length between the two most distant points on its hull. LOA may also include the tip of the bowsprit - the pole extending from the ship's prow (usually on tall sailing ships, yachts, and smaller boats). The bowsprit is the "winning" part of the ship when competing in a race or during trials/speed tests.

Another passenger cruise ship length measuring (though not included in this survey) is called LWL. LWL signifies "loaded waterline length" (or just "waterline length"). It excludes the total length, denoting only the length at the point where the vessel sits in the water. The LWL measure plays an important role when assessing some ship properties, like "hull speed" (aka "displacement speed"), water displacement, the amount of paint needed for the ship's bottom, etc.

cruise ship dimensions in feet and meters

Longest cruise ship in the world

The longest cruise ships by size also occupy the first two positions in the list of the largest cruise ships of the world by passenger capacity and gross tonnage. The humongous Royal Caribbean's floating cities Allure and Oasis boast the whole 360 meters in length (1,181 ft), and breadth of 47 meters (154 ft), the unbelievable for a passenger cruise ship tonnage of 225,300 tons, and max crew-passenger capacity of almost 8,500 (2,170+6,300) - each!

Weight of a cruise ship (tonnage) and draft

The size (tonnage weight) of a cruise ship is measured in "gross tonnage" (GT). It relates to the vessel's internal volume (keel to funnel* and to the outside of the hull) and applying a mathematical formula. The cruise ship tonnage is generally used for determining registration fees, port fees, safety rules, regulations. Another ship data (though not included in this survey) is the vessel's "deadweight tonnage" (DWT), which is the weight a vessel can safely carry (cargo, passengers, etc).

The cruise ship draft (or draught) measures the number of meters/feet from the waterline to the lowest point of the keel - or the ship's "invisible" portion below the surface (and especially when loaded). The cruise ship's draft is very important when considering docking in a particular port, sailing through channels or the inland waterways of the continents (rivers and canals).

*Note: Actually, the ship's funnel is the only part of the enclosed interior space that is NOT included in its Gross Tonnage measurement.

Cruise ship weight

As one of our fans Mr John Spooner (cruiser / Retired Master Mariner) have pointed out, the "Gross Tonnage" weight is a measurement of VOLUME, and not of MASS. GT  is an index related to marine vessels' overall internal volume. According to Wikipedia's definition:

  • "Gross Tonnage" (GT) calculations are based on the volume of all the ship's enclosed spaces.
  • "Gross Register Tonnage" (GRT) is the vessel's total internal volume measured in "register tons" (each ton equals 100 ft3 / 2,83 m3).
  • Neither GT nor GTR measures the vessel's displacement (mass), but really show how big cruise ships are.
  • "Deadweight Tonnage" (DWT) measures how much weight a cruise ship (or any of the marine vessel types) can carry safely. This a weighted sum of the vessel's cargo (incl provisions, passengers, crew), fuel, water (fresh and ballast), etc.
  • "Displacement Tonnage" is how much weight the water that a cruise ship (any vessel) displaces when floating (the total weight of the ship / including its contents). Displacement is usually applied to the navy rather than commercial marine vessels. It is measured when the ship is loaded at full capacity.

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Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Quick Comparison Chart

T rying to choose between Royal Caribbean and Carnival for your next cruise? Check out the comparison chart below, then read on for more details.

Winner: Royal Caribbean

When it comes to fleet size as well as the features available on cruise ships, Royal Caribbean has an edge over Carnival Cruise Line. That's because Royal Caribbean already has 28 ships in operation, including its incredible Oasis Class, Quantum Class and Quantum Ultra Class ships. Oasis Class vessels like Allure of the Seas , Symphony of the Seas , Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas are some of the largest in the world – and Royal Caribbean Group is constantly rolling out new, even bigger cruise ships with better amenities and new features. For example, the new Icon of the Seas (scheduled to debut in 2024) plans to have the largest water park at sea, the largest swimming pool at sea, and a range of over-the-top cabins and suites for families of all sizes.

Meanwhile, Carnival currently operates 25 different vessels with a few more on the way. Newer ships like Carnival Celebration and Carnival Venezia aren't as large and grand as Royal Caribbean ships, nor are the brand-new vessels the company is planning for late 2023 and 2024. For example, the new Carnival Jubilee that is set to begin sailing later in 2023 will have 15 passenger decks and capacity for up to 6,631 guests, compared to 18 guest decks and 7,600 passengers on Icon of the Seas.

Read: The Largest Cruise Ships in the World

Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships . You'll therefore likely have a nicer cabin on one of Carnival's newest vessels compared to an older ship from Royal Caribbean, and of course the opposite is also true. Cabin sizes and layouts also vary widely across the vessels of both brands, and that's true even for basic interior, ocean view and balcony cabins.

That said, Royal Caribbean still comes out ahead in this category, since the line boasts more square footage in some of the most basic cabins as well as more over-the-top luxury accommodations, especially for families.

As an example, most inside cabins on Allure of the Seas feature 172 square feet of space, whereas Carnival Celebration's inside cabins are slightly smaller at 158 square feet. Meanwhile, the largest suites on Celebration are the Carnival Excel Presidential Suite, with 1,120 square feet of space including the balcony, and the Carnival Excel Aft Suite, which has 861 square feet of interior and balcony space. Compare those options to the Sky Loft Suites on Allure of the Seas, which feature 1,132 square feet across the room and balcony, and the spacious two-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with 1,595 square feet including the balcony.

Book a cruise on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Winner: Tie

Food options vary widely across vessels within any cruise brand, and this is especially true with Royal Caribbean and Carnival. For example, older ships from both cruise lines offer fewer specialty dining options overall along with the main dining rooms and buffet options cruisers come to expect, whereas newer ships from both lines feature a lot more unique and innovative options.

When you view the cruise dining options from both lines, you'll quickly find that both Carnival and Royal Caribbean pull out all the stops when it comes to food. For example, Carnival ships include a range of eateries from large and expansive buffets to main dining rooms to unique offerings like Big Chicken, Guy's Burger Joint and BlueIguana Cantina. Meanwhile, specialty dining on Carnival vessels features options like teppanyaki, Emeril's Bistros at Sea and Guy's Pig & Anchor Smokehouse.

Royal Caribbean ships feature convenient buffets and main dining room experiences, as well as included options like pizza kitchens, noodle bars and casual fast food. Specialty dining on Royal Caribbean ranges from the brand's Chef's Table experience to Johnny Rockets' burgers and shakes to innovative fine dining at Wonderland.

Drink packages

Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer drink packages that cruisers can purchase as part of their vacation to get a more all-inclusive feel . Then again, the value of these packages depends on how much you drink over the course of your trip. Also note that the cost of drink packages across all cruise lines can vary depending on the ship, itinerary, travel dates, length of trip and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out slightly ahead in this category because the line offers three tiers of drink packages for guests with different needs. Choose from the Classic Soda Package; the Refreshment Package, which includes soda along with coffees, juices and even milkshakes at Johnny Rockets; and the Deluxe Beverage Package, which adds in beer, cocktails and wine by the glass. Meanwhile, Carnival offers just two different drink packages: the Bottomless Bubbles package, which covers soft drinks and juice, and the Cheers! drink package, which adds in spirits and cocktails, beer, wine by the glass, specialty coffee, energy drinks and more.

Read: Cruise Drink Packages: Your Options by Cruise Line

Onboard activities

Analyzing onboard activities across cruise lines isn't always easy – you really have to break down this category by ship for a true comparison. When you do that with Carnival and Royal Caribbean, you'll find that both lines offer fun activities for all ages, from onboard water parks to hosted games, casinos and more.

That said, Royal Caribbean does take things up a notch in this category, especially on the line's newer ships. Some Royal Caribbean vessels offer escape rooms, surf simulators, zip lines, game shows and over-the-top water parks with incredible slides for thrill-seekers. For example, Freedom of the Seas boasts huge onboard waterslides, glow-in-the-dark laser tag, mini-golf and more. Don't forget about Icon of the Seas with its massive water park and pool offerings in the works. Meanwhile, standout activities on Carnival ships include Family Feud Live, onboard water parks and the thrilling SkyRide.

Compare Royal Caribbean cruises on GoToSea .

Live entertainment

The quality of cruise ship entertainment varies widely based on the quality of the talent booked for individual ships. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean offer their share of live music and entertainment, including performances by bands and singers, karaoke, and piano bars. Meanwhile, both lines also boast their own theaters on every vessel, which often feature Broadway-style shows, singing and dancing, comedy acts, and more.

Royal Caribbean comes out ahead in this category since its vessels feature award-winning musicals like "Hairspray," "Mamma Mia!" and "Cats." The open-air AquaTheater on Oasis Class ships also wows guests with incredible diving feats, stunts and aerial acrobatics. Some Royal Caribbean ships even have onboard ice skating performances and ice games.

Explore cruise deals on  GoToSea .

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Kids programming

Winner: Carnival

Both cruise lines have kids clubs that cater to younger guests of all ages, with each one offering supervised care so parents can drop the kids off for some alone time or a quiet dinner on the ship. However, Carnival stands out slightly in this category due to the six different clubs offered across the fleet for children and teens between 6 months and 17 years old. Carnival also offers supervised Night Owls services for kids 11 and younger, which lets parents get out and have some late-night fun for an extra charge.

Royal Caribbean offers four kids clubs for children ages six months to 12, along with a separate club for tweens and teens . Supervised child care is available for free during the day, and you can opt for paid care after hours as well.

Read: The Top Cruises for Babies and Toddlers

Adults-only offerings

Both cruise lines offer their share of adults-only spaces and things to do, from onboard casinos to luxurious spas to bars that offer cocktails and live entertainment at all hours of the day and night. Carnival and Royal Caribbean also offer adults-only areas on some of their ships.

On Carnival, for example, cruisers will find the Serenity Adults-Only Retreat for sailors 21 and older with extra space and comfortable chairs for relaxation, along with its own bar nearby. On many Royal Caribbean vessels, on the other hand, the onboard Solarium for ages 16-plus has its own pool and extra space to find peace and quiet.

Carnival's Serenity relaxation area is included for guests. While Royal Caribbean's Solarium is typically also included, on certain sailings there is restricted access by fare class.

Read: The Top Adults-Only Cruises

Shore excursions

Shore excursions offered by cruise lines are largely operated by third-party companies and are often the same across brands. Both Carnival and Royal Caribbean boast a broad selection of excursions in destinations around the world, from snorkeling and scuba tours in the Caribbean to city tours, horseback riding, cooking classes and more.

Both cruise lines offer private and custom tours you can book through your ship as well.

Compare cruises on GoToSea .

Private island experiences

Royal Caribbean and Carnival each have their own private island in the Bahamas , which is included in most itineraries to this part of the world. These private islands provide a fun beach escape for families to enjoy, whether you want to relax in the sun or take part in some of the available activities.

Royal Caribbean's private island, called Perfect Day at CocoCay, is the more impressive option due to everything it includes: a heart-thumping water park, its own wave pool, a zip line, a hot air balloon experience and overwater bungalows you can book for the day, among other offerings. Meanwhile, Carnival's Half Moon Cay has a unique beached pirate ship to explore – but fewer amenities overall.

Note that both private islands have plenty of beach space for guests to spread out and relax, as well as restaurants and bars. You can also book excursions on both private islands, which include activities like snorkeling and water sports.

Read: The Top Cruise Line Private Islands

Comparing costs across cruise lines can be tricky since fares and available sales vary throughout the year, as well as based on the vessel booked, the cruise itinerary, the number and age of travelers, and more. To get an idea of who wins on price, we looked for two similar cruises on comparable ships from Carnival and Royal Caribbean, then priced out an option for a family of four with two children ages 8 and 10. For the purpose of this comparison, we used seven-night eastern Caribbean cruises on Carnival Celebration and Royal Caribbean's Wonder of the Seas, both of which began sailing in 2022.

The Carnival Celebration itinerary from Miami stops in Amber Cove, Dominican Republic; San Juan, Puerto Rico ; and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands . By comparison, the Wonder of the Seas sailing leaves from Port Canaveral, Florida, with stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten ; San Juan; and Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas.

The chart below shows the total cost (including taxes and fees) for a family of four in January 2024 in both an ocean view and a typical balcony cabin across both cruise lines. Note that, for the purpose of this comparison, we selected the least expensive room option in each category.

Read: How Much Does a Cruise Cost?

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Holly Johnson is a professional travel writer who has covered cruises and other family travel for more than a decade. She has cruised more than 30 times across most of the major cruise lines and has ventured on itineraries around the world. Johnson used her personal experience and research expertise to curate this cruise line comparison.

You might also be interested in:

  • Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Your Cruise
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans
  • The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers
  • How to Find Last-Minute Cruise Deals
  • The Top Kids Sail Free Cruises

Copyright 2023 U.S. News & World Report

Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas ship in front of the Sydney Opera House at sunset.

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A Guide to All 27 Carnival Cruise Ships

With 27 ships and hundreds of itineraries, there’s a Carnival cruise for everyone.

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Courtesy of Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruise Line offers numerous cruise options worldwide with a fleet of 27 ships. Their cruises include all the hits: celebrity chef-driven restaurants, onboard rollercoasters, dedicated kids venues, serene spa moments, adults-exclusive pool decks, and exciting destinations. Carnival has it all — and can be relatively affordable. But which ship is right for you?

After sailing on eight Carnival cruises, including voyages on its oldest ship, Carnival Elation , and the newer Carnival Celebration, I’ve learned that sailing on newer ships is generally more expensive, and older vessels are more budget-friendly. However, I often consider more than the total cost before booking a cruise. I look at the ports of call, the space-to-guest ratio, the amenities and onboard activities, and the launch point.

When I select a sailing, I book through Carnival Cruise Line’s reservation number to see if I can snag an exclusive deal not listed online. Carnival's free-to-join loyalty program, the Very Important Fun Person (VIFP) Club, offers deals like reduced deposits, onboard credit, and room upgrades. The more you book with the cruise line, the better your deals will be. 

Before committing to a cruise, I break down the price per person per night, particularly if I need multiple cabins because I'm traveling with a group. I recommend you take advantage of Carnival's convenient 24-hour reservation hold, which displays the total cost, itinerary, and a countdown timer so you know when to purchase to secure the locked-in price.

Here, find guidance on every Carnival cruise ship, from the newest to the oldest.

Related: How to Save Money on a Cruise

Carnival Firenze

Inaugural Year: 2024

Ship Class: Venice Class

Ship Capacity: 4,126 double occupancy; 5,245 total guests

Standout Amenities: Amari bar for a peritivi and digestivi ; Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need time away from kids; and Pizzeria Del Capitano for hand-tossed pizza made with imported Italian ingredients  

Originally debuted in 2021 as part of the Costa Cruises fleet (an Italy-based subsidiary of Carnival), the Firenze will set sail as a Carnival ship — with an Italian twist — in Spring 2024. Across Firenze , you’ll see touches of Italy; think cute cafe set-ups that look like they were picked up from a Florence sidewalk. Terrazza staterooms access a private sun deck with whirlpools and a bar. Carnival’s fan-favorite dining options and amenities, like Guy’s Burger Joint and WaterWorks, will be on board.

Carnival Jubilee

Inaugural Year: 2023

Ship Class: Excel Class

Ship Capacity: 5,374 double occupancy; 6,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster rollercoaster; relaxing Cloud 9 Spa thermal suites with adjustable humidity and temperature; pickleball courts for challenging family and friends

Carnival Jubilee is the newest Excel-class ship in the fleet, sailing from Galveston, Texas. The massive ship offers Camp Ocean, the onboard kids club. Adults also have their own space at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat with swaying hammocks and a bar.

Carnival Venezia

Ship Capacity: 3,934 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: The Gondola Lounge, themed after Venice's beautiful canals; a pool area with a retractable roof

Initially built in 2019 for Costa Cruises, this ship joined the Carnival fleet in 2023. Carnival Venezia is ideal if you’re looking for a ship that celebrates one of Italy’s most iconic cities. Venice is the inspiration behind the indoor and outdoor areas, including the atrium, modeled after Piazza San Marco, and the Carnevale Lounge, inspired by Venetian masquerades. Don't miss the Venetian Toast, where the ship’s captain greets guests and crew don Venetian masks.

Carnival Celebration

Inaugural Year: 2022

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers, a kids camp in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; The Golden Jubilee Bar for vintage cocktails; BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster

Carnival Celebration is all about never-ending good times. During my recent sailing, I found all the Carnival classics, like the Alchemy Bar and Guy’s Burger Joint, a thrilling ropes course, dive-in movies, and plenty of themed deck parties. If you’re looking to relax, it has that, too. Rent cabanas or lounge in the ocean-view whirlpools at Loft 19, where attentive staff take care of everything, like delivering you fruit and chilled towels. My favorite spot to hang out was the aft Patio Pool because it wasn't ever super crowded, and the view of the ocean was unmatched. 

Carnival Luminosa

Ship Class: Spirit Class

Ship Capacity: 2,260 double occupancy; 2,826 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Carnival fan-favorite Alchemy Bar; Circle “C” tween club; Cloud 9 Spa hydrotherapy pool for rejuvenating soaks

Carnival Luminosa (formerly the Costa Luminosa ) is for you if you want to sail to destinations like Alaska and Australia. It also offers occasional itineraries through scenic transpacific spots like Fiji, Tahiti, Hawaii, and Japan. The ship has all of the brand’s classic amenities, like the RedFrog Rum Bar and Punchliner Comedy Club, plus an array of dining options, including sushi, pizza, ice cream, and an over-the-top brunch.

Carnival Mardi Gras

Inaugural Year: 2021

Ship Capacity: 5,282 double occupancy; 6,456 total guests

Standout Amenities: BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster for adrenaline junkies; Havana Bar for Cuban drinks and live music; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse

Carnival Mardi Gras is a nod to Carnival’s first ship, also named Mardi Gras, which was launched in 1972. The vessel has six onboard zones where families can have fun together, including the Ultimate Playground, where BOLT and the SportsSquare are located. Of course, there’s no Mardi Gras without New Orleans, so the French Quarter zone is where you’ll find Big Easy-inspired amenities like an Emeril Lagasse restaurant.

Carnival Radiance

Inaugural Year: 2021 (formerly Carnival Victory , which set sail in 2000)

Ship Class: Sunshine Class

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,873 total guests 

Standout Amenities: BlueIguana Tequila Bar for great margaritas; ZSPA for teens who want a spa day; an outdoor gym on the ship's top deck

Carnival Radiance has culinary delights and family fun in spades. If you're a foodie, try Guy’s Burger Joint for loaded burgers straight from Flavortown or Shaq’s Big Chicken for the basketball star's incredible fried chicken sandwiches. Kids will love seeing The Cat in the Hat characters during activities like character parades, story time, and character breakfasts.

Carnival Panorama

Inaugural Year: 2019

Ship Class: Vista Class

Ship Capacity: 4,008 double occupancy; 5,146 total guests

Standout Amenities: Sky Zone trampoline park where families can bounce and play games; Skyride, a suspended bike on the top deck with great ship and ocean views; Guy’s Pig & Anchor Smokehouse and Brewhouse featuring Carnival Cruise Line exclusive craft beers

Carnival Panorama is smaller than today's mega-ships, but it packs a ton of fun into its 15 decks. Rooms are spacious; some come with exclusive perks like access to the Havana Pool area or unlimited use of the spa’s thermal suites. Kids will also love that there’s an onboard waterpark, kids club, and a Build-a-Bear Workshop at Sea.

Carnival Sunrise

Ship Capacity: 2,984 double occupancy; 3,973 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa cabins with access to the thermal suites; Lucky Bowl restaurant, which is only on Carnival Sunrise and only open for lunch

Carnival Sunrise  (formerly Carnival Triumph ) features an exciting splash zone for kids and a piano bar where adults can sing along to their favorite songs all night. The ship sails on two to five-night and six to nine-night cruises from Miami, Florida, to the Bahamas.

Carnival Horizon

Inaugural Year: 2018

Ship Capacity: 3,960 double occupancy; 4,977 total guests

Standout Amenities: IMAX movie theater for a family night out; Dr. Suess Bookville for family story time and character appearances; volleyball court where adults can test their skills or just hit the ball around

Carnival Horizon has all the makings of a fun family vacation. The kids clubs have dedicated counselors who ensure children are always having fun, and parents can slip away to an adults-only bar for a cocktail or the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat to catch some sun. Then, as night falls, you can come back together for a special meal in the main dining room or JiJi Asian Kitchen, which specializes in regional Asian cuisine.

Carnival Vista

Inaugural Year: 2016

Standout Amenities: The thrilling SkyRide suspended bike for great ship and sea views; Thrill Theater for a 3-D show with water, lighting, wind, and chair movement effects; RedFrog Pub & Brewery, the first brewery at sea in North America

Carnival Vista is perfect for new cruisers. Sailings range from two to nine days out of Port Canaveral, so you can get a taste of what a cruise is like without committing to a more traditional weeklong sailing. Expect an onboard brewery, incredible restaurants, and family-friendly fun.

Carnival Sunshine

Inaugural Year: 2013

Ship Capacity: 3,002 double occupancy; 3,758 total guests

Standout Amenities: Carnival WaterWorks with multiple slides and water features; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for poolside libations; an onboard steakhouse with a Wine Spectator Award of Excellence for its exceptional wine list

Carnival Sunshine (formerly Carnival Destiny ) is 10 years old and a fan favorite. The lower guest capacity, at just over 3,000 for double occupancy, means you won’t have to fight hoards of people to get to and from activities. Families who want even more cabin space should book one of the aft-view extended balcony rooms with great wake views and ample private outdoor space.

Carnival Breeze

Inaugural Year: 2012

Ship Class: Dream Class

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa for next-level relaxation; Mongolian Wok lunch restaurant; pickleball courts to get competitive with your family; waterslides

Carnival Breeze is ideal for a short cruise out of Galveston, Texas. The ship has plenty of activities throughout the day, including bingo, trivia, and live performances in the comedy club.

Carnival Magic

Inaugural Year: 2011

Ship Capacity: 3,690 double occupancy; 4,724 total guests

Standout Amenities: Cloud 9 Spa; a thrilling ropes course; Chef’s Table dining experience

Carnival Magic sails for a week or more from Miami, Florida. The ship debuted the restaurant Cucina del Capitano, which is now onboard multiple ships in the fleet. It’s also home to the original Guy’s Pig & Anchor. I sailed the Carnival Magic years ago, but I vividly remember spending an entire day enjoying the amenities at the Cloud 9 Spa and eating at the Mongolian Wok quick-service restaurant almost every afternoon for lunch.

Carnival Dream

Inaugural Year: 2009

Ship Capacity: 3,646 double occupancy; 4,631 total guests

Standout Amenities: Ocean Plaza, a multi-use entertainment venue that’s family-friendly during the day and a nightclub after dark; Guy’s Burger Joint for standout smash burgers; Cloud 9 Spa for adults to relax

Carnival Dream is known for exciting entertainment and food and beverage offerings, including Alchemy Bar, a vintage-themed cocktail "pharmacy." The ship sails from Galveston, Texas, on six to nine-day cruises. I loved playing the onboard mini-golf course.

Carnival Splendor

Inaugural Year: 2008

Ship Class: Splendor Class

Ship Capacity: 3,012 double occupancy; 3,734 total guests

Standout Amenities: Masala Tiger Indian restaurant, which is only open for lunch and only on this ship; a mini-golf course; a pool with a retractable cover

Carnival Splendor sails the Southern Hemisphere around Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific on cruises that range from two to 10 days. The ship has Carnival’s only quick-service Indian restaurant and boasts a pool with a retractable roof, so you can swim without worrying about the weather.

Carnival Freedom

Inaugural Year: 2007

Ship Class: Conquest Class

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,754 total guests

Standout Amenities: Space Cruisers kids program in partnership with Kennedy Space Center; RedFrog Pub, with Key West-inspired food and drinks; Dr. Seuss Bookville, a kids library that's themed after the famous author’s characters

Carnival Freedom is ideal for first-time cruisers because of the lower guest capacity and the smaller ship size. But don’t let the numbers fool you; this ship is packed with high-energy activities for all ages; from the kid's clubs to the casino, there’s no lack of fun to be had.

Carnival Liberty

Inaugural Year: 2005

Ship Capacity: 2,974 double occupancy; 3,576 total guests

Standout Amenities: Punchliner Comedy Club for family-friendly laughs during the day and adults-only fun at night; SkyBox Sports Bar to keep up with the big games back home; Mongolian Wok, a prime lunch spot with custom bowls

Looking to relax? Prefer a high-energy vacation? Carnival Liberty can do it all. Head to the main theater for enchanting live performances and shows every night, enjoy tacos and burgers on the pool decks, or find a lounge chair around the pool and soak up the sun.

Carnival Valor

Inaugural Year: 2004

Ship Capacity: 2,980 double occupancy; 3,756 total guests

Standout Amenities: Dive-in movies where you can catch a family-friendly flick under the stars; BlueIguana Tequila Bar for tequila and Mexican beer-based cocktails; Scarlett’s Steakhouse, where perfect steaks and impeccable sides await

Carnival Valor is almost 20 years old and still showing cruisers a good time. The ship's home ports are New Orleans, Louisiana, and Barcelona, Spain, and it offers two to over 10-night sailings. Don’t miss the epic Seaday Brunch, where you'll find all kinds of treats like huevos rancheros, french toast, loaded burgers, and chicken and waffles.

Carnival Miracle

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,680 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat where the 21-plus crowd can enjoy a kid-free space; pickleball courts that have great views of the ocean and ports of call

Fantasy worlds and elements inspired Carnival Miracle . Around the ship, you’ll find spaces like Phantom Lounge and Dr. Frankenstein’s Lab, where you can see shows or dance the night away. When you’re ready to soak up the sun, find a lounge chair at the adults-only pool deck or splash down on one of the slides at WaterWorks.

Carnival Glory

Inaugural Year: 2003

Standout Amenities: Camp Ocean kids club for children ages two to 11; AquaTunnel waterslide; 24-hour pizza delivery to anywhere on the ship

Carnival Glory is a vibrant ship inside and out. Think nightly dance parties in White Heat Dance Club, movies under the stars on the pool deck, and tacos from BlueIguana Cantina. The ship sails around the Bahamas, Caribbean, and more on two to 10-day itineraries.

Carnival Legend

Inaugural Year: 2002

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests 

Standout Amenities: White Hot Night Party; jogging track with panoramic ocean views; Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea where kids can make a new friend to bring home

Carnival Legend, themed around legends and lore around the world, has two pools and plenty of places to grab a bite, including the Golden Fleece Steakhouse for a stunning multi-course dinner. You're sure to return home with tales.

Carnival Conquest

Standout Amenities: Pickleball courts so you can keep up with weekly family matches; '80s Rock-In-Glow Party for an evening of throwback fun; Guy’s Burger Joint for tasty and quick meals between activities

Carnival Conquest takes cruisers to the Bahamas and the Caribbean on two to 10-day sailings. Special programs allow kids to see their favorite Dr. Seuss characters at sea, and adults can enjoy the enticing Alchemy Bar for one-of-a-kind cocktails.

Carnival Pride

Inaugural Year: 2002 

Standout Amenities: Mid-ship pool with a retractable roof; Heroes Tribute Bar, which recognizes each branch of the American military

For an extended cruise from Tampa, Florida, or Baltimore, Maryland, look to Carnival Pride . The ship has something for every type of traveler, including three kids clubs, adult-only spaces, and over a dozen different dining options.

Carnival Spirit

Inaugural Year: 2001

Ship Capacity: 2,124 double occupancy; 2,610 total guests

Standout Amenities: Domed swimming pool; two-deck fitness center; a pizza window open until 4 a.m.

Carnival Spirit sets sail from home ports around the United States to Alaska, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and the Panama Canal. The ship offers a wide range of entertainment options, including mini-golf, a jogging track, kids clubs, and adult-centric entertainment.

Carnival Paradise

Inaugural Year: 1998

Ship Class: Fantasy Class

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests

Standout Amenities: Serenity Adult-Only Retreat when you need a place without kids; twin racing waterslides for all ages

With two to nine-day cruises from Tampa to the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Carnival Paradise literally takes cruisers to paradise islands. The ship brims with fun amenities like the WaterWorks splash zone and the relaxing Cloud 9 Spa.

Carnival Elation

Ship Capacity: 2,052 double occupancy; 2,606 total guests 

Standout Amenities: Duke’s Piano Bar for nightly sing-a-longs; Alchemy Bar for custom cocktails; BlueIguana Cantina for breakfast and lunch options with a Mexican twist

Carnival Elation is currently the fleet's oldest ship, debuting in March 1998, and the only cruise ship from any cruise line that sails from Jacksonville, Florida. Even though the ship is small, with a total guest capacity of 2,606, it’s ideal for a quick weekend away if you want a mix of relaxation and high-energy activities. I've sailed the most on Carnival Elation since the ship sails from my hometown of Jacksonville. Even though it's the oldest in the fleet, I love that the sailings are short weekend trips where I can sit outside in the sun enjoying a Guy's Burger Joint smash burger before heading inside to see a show or play bingo. And because the ship is so small, it's easy to navigate, and I always end up making friends with the delightful crew onboard.

16 Best Cruise Lines, Ranked By Their Reviews

Ranking the best of the best Cruise Lines around the world!

Read update

More Of Best Cruise Lines, Ranked By Their Reviews

The cruise industry has been quite popular all over the world. And the competition among cruise line companies has been quite tough. Most tourists, composed of couples, groups, family, or even solo travelers, would opt for cruise trips rather than backpacking trip since vacationing on a ship with a variety of locations packed with different activities are more enjoyable than booking a long week trip to just one city.

Despite being hit pretty badly by the Global Pandemic, it paved the way for the cruise lines to explore and renovate their cruises. Adopting the new normal onboard , there are a few things to remember before booking a trip : check the safety protocols that they are following on board, vaccine requirements, safety procedures, and guidelines for wearing protective equipment. These 16 cruise lines were ranked as the best based on reviews and provide the best amenities, luxury, and, most importantly, a trip of a lifetime.

UPDATE: 2023/09/05 17:47 EST BY REENA JAIN

This list has been extended with two more top-rated cruise lines, ranked by their reviews, including to provide travelers with more options to have a wonderful vacation.

16 Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages, a trendy, adults-only cruise line, is ranked as the #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money and unquestionably stands out from the competition. And as per recent cruisers' reviews, the cruise line is surely what it promises; many travelers even claim that a Virgin Voyages cruise vacation was the best experience they had ever had. The cruise line sails to a range of locations around the world and has four ships in its fleet: the Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, Brilliant Lady, and Valiant Lady. The ships of this cruise line stand out because of their luxurious setting, sophisticated dining options, complimentary Wi-Fi, ultra-chic staterooms, and a range of adventure, entertainment, and wellness activities.

  • Average rating: 4/5
  • Cruise: Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady

15 Disney Cruise Line

Another one that deserves to be on this list is Disney Cruise Line. It is also ranked #1 in Best Cruise Lines for Families for its family-friendly ambiance, amusing amenities, and well-appointed staterooms. The cruise lines ships—Disney Wonder, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream, and the brand-new Disney Wish—receive great reviews from travelers and critics alike. Although Disney seems to entice families traveling with kids, it offers all the conveniences for adults searching for pleasure in complete privacy, such as private adults-only pools, bars, and restaurants. All Disney ships have excellent amenities like themed pools, kid's clubs, shops, Disney-themed dining rooms, and a wide range of Disney-inspired entertainment.

  • Average rating: 4.4/5
  • Cruise: Disney Dream

14 Royal Caribbean International

As diverse as its list of destinations and a fleet of 26 ships (and an additional two on the way), Royal Caribbean International provides different onboard amenities and a range of sailings that appeal to cruisers of all ages. While some of the cruise ships in the line have ice rinks and rock climbing walls, others have bumper cars, water slides, and zip lines. Each vessel also offers entertaining and educational activities for children and teenagers, as well as a range of evening performances, bars, and nightspots for adults. It is listed as the #2 Best Cruise Line for Families in the cruise line rankings because of its world-class amenities, abundance of activities, and dining options on board.

  • Cruise: Royal Caribbean Symphony of the Seas

13 Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival cruise ships are large vessels, with the new ones (Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee) accommodating over 5000 passengers. They have basketball courts, water parks, and ropes courses to entertain and amuse children of all ages. Adults can enjoy the spa, the casino, and the adult-only retreat. With so many facilities and experiences available for travelers of all ages, this cruise line's reviews ranked it third in Best Cruise Lines for Families . Carnival cruises offer travelers numerous destinations to choose from, including Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, Europe, the Caribbean, and more, but Half Moon Cay is an exclusive stopover.

  • Cruise: Carnival Breeze

12 Viking Oceans Cruises

This Swiss-based cruise company caters to small-sized parties — their ships can accommodate only about 1,000 guests . Most of their itineraries or programs are designed for adults who want to escape their reality and just relax without being surrounded by kids. Viking Ocean Cruises are one of the companies that are quite prompt in refunding tickets — canceled trips are well-addressed by the management. The ship's less capacity is one of its perks and hacks , as it can offer its customers personalized treatment. Moreover, smaller businesses can also visit less busy harbors. It also offers one of the best river cruises in the world.

  • Cruise: Viking Sea

RELATED: Norfolk Naval Base Cruise Tour: The Largest In The World

Passengers can spend days on a relaxing beach or explore the panoramic postcard-perfect views of the palm-lined landscapes. Guests not only enjoy the activities on board but visitors also get to learn about the chosen country’s culture, history, and traditions. Azamara has been considered as the top 4th in the Best Luxury Cruise Line — with its fantastic and very pleasing crew members, very delightful food menu, and fun activities on board. This small-ship cruise line is considered everyone’s favorite.

  • Cruise: Azamara Quest

10 Hurtigruten

On a Hurtigruten ocean cruise, the destination says it all. They offer various itinerary programs, with expedition ships that can sail across 34 different ports across the Norwegian coastline. Although the ships aren't the most luxurious, they're small enough to get to minor ports and communities that larger ships can't. As part of their travel policies and guidelines, Hurtigruten has been reviewed as one of the cruise lines that is prompt in repaying passengers for canceled cruises and giving alternatives, such as a refund.

  • Cruise: Hurtigruten Day Trips

9 Silversea

The Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) program are one of the main highlights of the Silversea cruise line — it is considered the most unique feature that no other company can top. Guests’ eating experience is designed to provide authentic cuisines that will provide an overview and “feeling” about their chosen destinations through food. The S.A.L.T. Lab program has provided its guests the capability to participate in tastings and courses. The cruise line has been ranked as the Number 1 Best Luxury cruise .

  • Price: $5,600 per person
  • Cruise: Silver Muse

RELATED: Take An Eco-Cruise & Dolphin Tour Around Panama City

8 Regent Seven Seas

Regent Seven Seas is one of the most luxurious cruise lines. With rooms and interiors designed with the most elegant and grandest designs. Their staff has been acknowledged as very courteous and helpful, and the port experience is very well managed. The cruise’s most modest ships can cater to about 500 to 750 passengers . Despite the luxurious costs of the cruise, people still find it well promising with its fantastic crew and trained staff.

  • Average rating: 4.5/5
  • Cruise: Seven Seas Mariner

Cunard Cruise Line ships are quite popular for their three ships named Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria — which are praised for their magnificent cabins and services, which include expensive dining places and opulent ballrooms. Cunard Line is one of the few luxury cruise lines that provide quiet eating places for chosen passengers, which means that people in ordinary staterooms dine in a different restaurant than guests in suites. Cunard Line was scored #8 in the Best Cruise Lines for Couples and #14 in the Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean.

  • Price: $$$$
  • Cruise: Cunard Queen Mary 2 (QM2)

6 Oceania Cruises

Discover new perspectives on the world and journey to the remote reaches of the earth. Guests can visit innovative insider excursions that take every traveler’s heart deep into the destination's culinary and cultural heritage. Oceania Cruises are quite popular with the senior populations; and wealthy retirees who have been seeking a relaxed adventure with a hint of slight thrill. Oceania is ranked Number 6 in the Best Cruise Lines for Couples and also for the Best Luxury Cruise in Lines.

  • Cruise: Oceania Marina

RELATED: Do It Right: How To Pack For An Alaskan Cruise In July

5 Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises receives excellent accolades from both passengers and experts for its upmarket decor and inventive food. Celebrity's fleet travels from cities like Honolulu, Miami, and Seattle in the United States. Celebrity Cruises attracts a varied range of passengers. While the majority of onboard activities cater to couples in their mid-30s to mid-50s, the line also caters to families with a variety of programs for children and teens. Ranked as Number 1 for Best Cruise Line for the Money. Celebrity Cruises are worth every traveler's money.

  • Cruise: Celebrity Solstice

4 Fred Olsen Cruises

With over 150 years of Norwegian seamanship heritage , family-owned Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines' UK-based fleet of smaller ships has a great reputation for dependability and comfort. The atmosphere on board is warm, easygoing, and shamelessly British as Fred. As Olsen Cruise Lines expands, the company takes pride in keeping the constancy that its clients enjoy and expect, both onboard and ashore, in the self-described "British country home" atmosphere. Fred Olsen’s most highlighted reviews are on its crews, as they were mostly described as efficient, friendly, accommodating, and smiling.

3 Princess Cruises

Princess' 15-ship fleet sails over the world, including popular sailings to Alaska, Mexico, Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean, among other places. Princess Cruises' claim to fame may be its starring part in the 1977 smash TV series "The Love Boat," but the cruise company has continued to make waves with engaging onboard activities and diverse itineraries since its Hollywood debut. Ranked as number 6 of the Best Cruise Line for the Money and number 10 in the Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean.

  • Cruise: Royal Princess

People who book a trip with the French cruise line Ponant will feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Luxurious Hermes bath products, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and Laduree macaroons are some of the unique offerings provided to guests on board Ponant. Additionally, each ship from Ponant features either a Turkish sauna or bath and an onboard spa with massage cabins. While most cruise ships are ranked based on the amenities provided , Ponant's luxuries make it one of the best cruise lines in the world. Those who wish to sail to Antarctica and other remote destinations can do so by booking a cruise with a luxurious small Ponant ship. Moreover, the company partners with Disney and Smithsonian on some sailings.

  • Cruise: Le Lyrial (Ponant)

Those looking for a cruise line that sails to all seven continents will find that with Seabourn. The company has small ships that make passengers feel as if they're sailing in their private club. The suites aboard Seabourn ships feature a walk-in closet, an ocean view, and a proper dining area. Additionally, each ship from Seabourn can accommodate up to 600 passengers, with each guest having plenty of space to enjoy the stunning landscapes. Premium liquors and an attendant for every suite are included in Seabourn cruises prices.

  • Cruise: Seabourn Ovation

Baltimore Port: What impact will bridge collapse have on shipping?

U.S. President Joe Biden visits the Port of Baltimore

PORT FEATURES

Current status of cargo ships inside port, cruise ships, london metal exchange warehouses, bunker fuel.

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Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore

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Israeli soldiers have been posting photos and videos of themselves toying with lingerie found in Palestinian homes, creating a dissonant visual record of the war in Gaza as a looming famine intensifies world scrutiny of Israel's offensive.

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The marine insurance industry is bracing for huge claims from the Baltimore bridge disaster

  • Huge insurance claims are expected after the Dali collided with a major bridge on Tuesday.
  • The claims could be on par with the $1.5 billion from the Costa Concordia disaster, an expert told Insurance Business.
  • Insurance claims could include damage to the ship, business interruption, and worker compensation.

Insider Today

The marine insurance industry is bracing for huge claims from Tuesday's Baltimore bridge disaster.

Insurance claims from the collision of the Dali containership with the Francis Scott Key Bridge could be on par with a 2012 maritime disaster that led to $1.5 billion in payouts, John Miklus, the president of the American Institute of Marine Underwriters, told trade magazine Insurance Business on Tuesday.

Luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia capsized off the coast of Italy in January 2012, killing 32 people in one of Europe's worst modern maritime tragedies. That disaster led to the marine insurance industry's highest payout, according to the trade publication.

"I wouldn't be surprised if this were similar," Miklus told Insurance Business.

It was not immediately clear how long it took to settle all of Costa Concordia's claims, but it appears to have taken at least a few years.

"You've got various components to the loss," Miklus added. "A big one is going to be rebuilding the bridge and all the loss of revenue and loss of tolls while that's taking place."

Related stories

The Baltimore bridge brought in about $53 million in toll revenue for the Maryland Transportation Authority in 2023, Moody's analyst Cintia Nazima told The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday.

Other insurance claims from Dali's Baltimore collision could include damage to the ship and its cargo, as well as business interruption, property, trade credit, and worker compensation, per Business Insurance.

The marine insurance and reinsurance markets are likely to foot most of the bills, S&P Global reported on Tuesday.

The Baltimore bridge itself is insured by insurance giant Chubb, per Insurance Insider.

Dali, the ship, is covered by Britannia P&I Club, a specialist insurer that provides protection and indemnity cover for the maritime industry. Britannia is a member of the London-based International Group of P&I Clubs.

The International Group of P&I Clubs will only cover the first $10 million in claims from any one incident, per the company's website. The remaining bill will be shared by the members, groups from specialist marketplace Lloyd's of London, and reinsurers.

The claims process could take years, mirroring the situation surrounding the Ever Given containership, which ran aground and blocked the Suez Canal for six days in March 2021.

SCOR, a French reinsurer estimated in June 2022 that Ever Given's claims could top $2 billion.

"It will take many years to settle the claims from the Ever Given and the process will include much debate about who is liable," SCOR wrote in the report. "The issue of responsibilities and applicable laws in today's global maritime world is complex."

Watch: The container ship that destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge has crashed before

cruise ship lines compared

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  1. Norwegian Ships by Size [2023] with Comparison Chart

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  2. Royal Caribbean Ships by Size [2019] with Infographic Crucero Royal

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  3. Norwegian Ships by Size [2023] with Comparison Chart

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  4. Royal Caribbean Ships by Size [2021] with Comparison Chart

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  5. Visualized: Comparing the Titanic to a Modern Cruise Ship

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  6. Carnival Ships by Size [2023] with Comparison Chart

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COMMENTS

  1. Compare Cruise Lines: Which Cruise Line is Best for You?

    Azamara Club Cruises. Size: Small. Cost: Moderate. Style: Couples, luxury. Activity Highlights: Cruises to locales in the Far East and South America feature lots of long 2- to 3-day stays so you get an in-depth look. Food Highlights: No end-of-cruise surprises — fares include alcohol, as well as soft drinks and tips.

  2. Differences Between Major Cruise Lines

    Avid, enthusiastic cruiser (35+ cruises and counting!), having sailed on multiple cruise lines, 25+ different ships in a variety of classes, and visited ports of call in more than 6 countries ...

  3. Cruise Ship Comparison Tool

    Our Cruise Ship Comparison Tool will let you see the differences between two ships. We did all the research to make it easy for you. Look at the differences in size, number of guests, types of food, and various activities. We also help you compare how much is included so you know how much you might end up spending on board.

  4. Cruise ship guide: 20 popular lines explained

    Cunard. 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.

  5. Cruise Lines Ranked From Worst to Best

    2. Disney Cruise Line. Rating: 4.4 Class: Mainstream Fleet: 4 ships Top departure points: Port Canaveral (Florida), San Diego, Miami, Galveston (Texas), Dover (England) Top destinations: Caribbean, Mexico, Northern Europe Starting price: $672/night. Bottom Line: Disney Cruise Line. Disney is the ultimate cruise line for families.

  6. Which Cruise Line Should I Sail? The Definitive Guide for 2024

    Royal Caribbean. When it comes to size of ships, Royal Caribbean is the clear leader. All six of the largest cruise ships in the world are from Royal Caribbean. (Utopia of the Seas coming in mid-2024 will make it seven of the largest.) Those large ships are much more than just bigger vessels to carry more passengers.

  7. Cruise Ship Reviews: Compare Cruises by Cruise Line

    Norwegian Cruise Line. 17 ships. Brand features casual approach to cruising, with a come-as-you-are atmosphere; multiple activities for families, including go-karts and ropes courses; Broadway-quality entertainment; suite-only enclave, called The Haven, offers perks and private spaces for suite passengers.

  8. COMPARE CRUISE Lines! 10 Cruise brands compared

    Cruise lines compared - the difference in major cruise lines explained. Comparison of the major cruise lines - our guide. Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL): Carnival Cruise Line. Royal Caribbean International. Virgin Voyages. Holland America Line. Celebrity Cruises. MSC Cruises.

  9. Compare the 8 Most Popular Cruise Ships Right Now

    4. Anthem of the Seas: Mega-Ship Action in a Slightly Smaller Package. Anthem of the Seas bumper cars. Anthem of the Seas may not be the newest of Royal Caribbean's Quantum-class ships, but it is ...

  10. Cruise Lines

    Cruise Lines and information from Cruise.com. Research and compare the best cruises from your favorite cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Princess, NCL & more. ... Consistently named as one of the best small ship cruise lines, Seabourn's yacht-like vessels are unmatched in elegance and grace. Their all-suite ultra-luxury ships offer cruises to ...

  11. 10 Best Cruise Lines for the Money

    Costa Cruises. #10 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money. Read More ». A member of the Carnival family, Costa Cruises is primarily based in Europe. The fleet offers lower rates than its competitors ...

  12. Compare the 17 Best Small Cruise Ship Lines

    17. Variety Cruises. Galileo exterior. The closest you can get to the feeling of having your own private yacht is to sail on one of Variety Cruises' three motorized sailboats -- Absolute King ...

  13. Best Cruises 2024: See Photos, Reviews and Start Planning

    Best Luxury Cruise Lines. # 1. Viking Ocean Cruises. # 2. Seabourn Cruise Line. # 3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises. See Full Rankings List. See all cruise advice ».

  14. Cruise line showdown: Comparing Carnival, Disney and Royal Caribbean

    Carnival long has claimed to be the biggest cruise line for families, with more than 800,000 children a year traveling on its 26 ships (out of 5.2 million total passengers). Known for its affordability as well as its lively, unpretentious, fun-focused vibe, this is the most budget option of the three lines we are comparing.

  15. Royal Caribbean vs. Celebrity Cruises: Which sister cruise line should

    Read on for a head-to-head comparison of Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, covering each brand's onboard experience, itineraries and passenger profile to help you decide. Size of ships. ... Both cruise lines' ships feature large casinos and offer participatory game shows ("Love & Marriage" and "Battle of the Sexes" on Royal Caribbean and ...

  16. 15 Best Cruise Ships

    Best Cruise Ships for You. Compare cruise ships to find the one that's right for you. The ranking below is based on an analysis of reviews and health ratings. Based on your filters, 184 ships ...

  17. The 30 Largest Cruise Ships in the World Ranked

    Utopia of the Seas Beam (Maximum): 211 feet. Utopia of the Seas Passenger Capacity (Double/Max): 5,668/6,509. 3. Royal Caribbean Wonder of the Seas. Wonder of the Seas. Royal Caribbean's Wonder of ...

  18. Compare Carnival Cruise Ships

    Compare Ships. Which ships have what? See how your selections stack up, or go back for some new ships to compare. Explore and compare all of the Carnival cruise ships in our fleet. Find out more about ship details, activities aboard, dining options, and much more!

  19. Cruise Ships

    Explore all of the Carnival Cruise ships in our fleet. Pick a cruise ship and hop aboard for an incredible vacation. Find out about ship details, activities on board, dining options, deck plans and much more!

  20. Cruise Ship Size Comparison, Dimensions

    Cruise ship size comparison. In our huge table below there's a list of all most famous, ever best passenger cruise ships sorted by name. This survey also offers smaller cruise ships size comparison of top luxury all-inclusive vessels with gross tonnage even lesser than 5,000 GT. Now the list of all ship sizes related and integrated articles:

  21. Royal Caribbean vs. Carnival: Quick Comparison Chart

    Comparing cabins across cruise lines as a whole isn't an easy feat, mostly because companies tend to offer larger suites and cabins with a better layout on their newer ships. You'll therefore ...

  22. Guide to All 27 Carnival Cruise Ships

    Carnival Cruise Line has 27 ships in its fleet. Compare the vessels by itinerary length, ports of call, guest capacity, amenities, and onboard activities.

  23. 16 Best Cruise Lines, Ranked By Their Reviews

    16 Virgin Voyages. Sidvics , CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Virgin Voyages Scarlet Lady Cruise Line. Virgin Voyages, a trendy, adults-only cruise line, is ranked as the #1 in Best Cruise Lines for the Money and unquestionably stands out from the competition. And as per recent cruisers' reviews, the cruise line is surely what it promises ...

  24. Choose The Cruise Ship Size That's Right For You

    Midsized Ships: 1,500-2,499 Passengers. Carnival Spirit in Tracy Arm Fjord on July 18, 2022 (Photo/Aaron Saunders) This size of ship offers a bit of mix. For most of the big-ship lines, the ...

  25. Baltimore Port: What impact will bridge collapse have on shipping?

    cruise ships It is also a cruise terminal, with Norwegian (NCLH.N) , opens new tab , Carnival (CCL.N) , opens new tab and Royal Caribbean (RCL.N) , opens new tab , all using the port for Caribbean ...

  26. Baltimore Bridge Collapse: Insurance Claims Could Hit $1.5 Billion

    An insurance industry executive compared the disaster to a 2012 cruise ship capsize, which led to the industry's highest recent payout. ... Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way ...

  27. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. stock underperforms Tuesday when

    Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. closed $2.59 short of its 52-week high ($22.75), which the company reached on July 12th. The stock underperformed when compared to some of its competitors ...

  28. Celebrity March 2024 Cruises

    Looking for Celebrity March 2024 cruises? Find and plan your next Celebrity March 2024 cruise on Cruise Critic. Get the latest deals on Celebrity March 2024 cruises with price comparison.