14 Best Cruise Lines You’ll Want to Book Right Now
Updated: Jun. 24, 2024
For smooth sailing on the high seas, check out our list of the best cruise lines for every preference, destination and budget
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Our top cruise line picks
Name a cruise line, and I’ve probably sailed on it—a few times! In fact, I’m booked on nearly a dozen cruises in 2024 alone. My passion for cruising began with family vacations in the ’90s and has only grown since. So it’s not uncommon for people to ask my opinion on the best cruise lines. But here’s the thing: The best cruise line for one traveler may not be the best for another, so it’s crucial to find your own happy place.
I’m open to a range of experiences: I’m just as excited, for instance, about boarding the world’s largest cruise ship in the Caribbean as I am about checking out tiny riverboat sailing along the Seine. I’ve cruised Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean on midsize ships, taken several Alaska cruises (one on a 200-passenger yacht) and later this year, I’ll have the pleasure of sailing on a 96-passenger expedition cruise (my smallest yet!) to the Galápagos Islands.
All that to say, the range of available cruise experiences is vast. Interested in 7,000-person mega-ships with dozens of dining venues and out-of-this-world amenities? Perfect, there’s an option for you. How about smaller ships focused on immersing you in the destination? I’ve got some ideas. There are even tiny expedition ships that allow you to get up close and personal with nature.
Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation or the top cruises for solo travelers, we’ve rounded up the best cruise lines at all price points, including all-inclusive cruises, so you can sail on a budget or splurge on that bucket-list trip.
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COURTESY VIKING CRUISES
Best overall cruise line
Viking Cruises
What makes Viking simply the best cruise line is not just what it does but also what it doesn’t do: It doesn’t nickel-and-dime you, which means things like Wi-Fi, specialty restaurants, launderettes, a shore excursion in each port and beer and wine with meals are all included in your fare. It also doesn’t allow kids under 18, and it doesn’t have any staterooms without an ocean view. The ships are intimate and beautiful, so you can truly explore the world in comfort.
Viking offers destination-focused itineraries complemented by guest speakers, cooking classes, wine tastings and exclusive Privileged Access experiences that take you behind the scenes to enrich your visit. The company continues to win awards for both its ocean and river lines, while its expedition ships let guests travel to Antarctica with the same style and service they’ve come to rely on. (Note: We’re focusing on ocean cruising here, but Viking also recently introduced some must-sail scenic American river cruises.)
COURTESY ROYAL CARIBBEAN
Best cruise line for over-the-top amenities
Royal Caribbean
Nobody does “bigger is better” quite like Royal Caribbean, which debuted the headline-grabbing floating megaresort Icon of the Seas, considered the world’s largest cruise ship, in January 2024 and is launching Utopia of the Seas in July 2024 (it actually holds a few more passengers than its slightly older cousin). Both ships, and the 26 others in its fleet, are jam-packed with more restaurants and bar venues (40 each!) than you could possibly visit during a seven-night cruise.
Royal Caribbean also boasts some of the best entertainment at sea, with impressive productions of Wizard of Oz, shows performed by world-class professional figure skaters, Broadway musicals like Mama Mia! and Hairspray, plus acrobatics, high divers and synchronized swimming in the AquaTheater. Looking for something a bit more active? Check out the largest water park at sea (on Icon), test your balance on a Flowrider surf simulator, race a friend down the twisty waterslides, play basketball or dodgeball on the sports court or dangle over the ocean on an obstacle course that ends over the ship’s edge with its floor dropping out beneath you.
COURTESY MSC CRUISES
Best cruise line for elite upgrades
MSC Cruises
Have you always wanted to be one of those cruisers who has an all-access wristband to the ship’s exclusive spaces, upgraded cabins and even your own butler who attends to your every desire 24-7? That’s exactly what MSC delivers in its Yacht Club, a private onboard sanctuary that only a select few on each sailing have the joy of experiencing. Yes, it adds to your cruise fare (though MSC is already one of the most affordable cruise lines), but once you go Yacht Club, you’ll never go back.
Yacht Club passengers have access to a private Yacht Club dining room with an elevated menu, the private Top Sail Lounge with cocktails and live music, priority embarkation and disembarkation, a private concierge to help with excursions or reservations, reserved VIP seating at shows, a pillow menu and custom-stocked mini bar, a private sundeck with pool and hot tubs, and an all-inclusive package that includes drinks, Wi-Fi and access to the spa’s thermal suite for an hour a day. It’s the easiest way to feel like you’re part of an elite club while at sea.
COURTESY CRYSTAL CRUISES
Best cruise line for culinary excellence
Crystal Cruises
When it comes to the best cruise lines for foodies, Crystal Cruises tops the list. On most cruise lines, eating at the buffet or in the main dining room is an average experience that often leaves those with a more sophisticated palate yearning for more. (Then you end up spending extra money for specialty restaurants to find the elevated dishes and ingredients you crave.) This is not the case with Crystal, where even the main dining room, known as Waterside Restaurant, serves up modern, international cuisine with seasonal and local components. The Asian and Indian dishes are a real strong suit here. The buffet, called Marketplace, focuses on quality, not quantity, though the wide array of hot and cold choices will keep you satisfied day after day.
The two specialty restaurants are included in your fare (one complimentary reservation at each restaurant for a sailing of up to 11 days, and it increases for longer itineraries): fine Italian dining Osteria d’Ovidio and Umi Uma, a signature Japanese-Peruvian concept from iconic master sushi chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) Matsuhisa. Pro tip: At Umi Uma, sit at the sushi bar, where you can interact with the sushi chefs while you dine on the famous Nobu-style black cod, rock shrimp tempura, Nobu-style lobster tacos and the freshest sushi and sashimi you’ve had at sea. Crystal’s staff is also incredibly attentive—there’s nearly one staff member per guest!—which means you’ll never stare thirstily at an empty water glass or wait long for your next course to arrive.
COURTESY WINDSTAR CRUISES
Best cruise line for small-ship intimacy
Windstar
Not every cruiser wants to share a ship with thousands of passengers. And many won’t care if there aren’t casinos, waterslides or Broadway-style shows. Cruisers who prefer more intimate experiences will feel at home on Windstar‘s fleet of three all-suite motor yachts, which were all recently upgraded as part of a $250 million renovation, and three classic sailing yachts, each of which holds only between 148 and 342 passengers. Because of their smaller sizes, Windstar ships can reach the less-accessible ports that larger ships cannot, and they sometimes dock overnight so that you can immerse yourself in the destination even longer.
Windstar offers a slew of complimentary activities and special touches that other cruise lines charge extra for, such as a champagne reception, yoga classes, shoe-polishing services, custom-fitted snorkel gear, water sports (standup paddleboards, kayaks and water trampolines), specialty teas and coffees, sodas and bottled water, and navigation lessons on the bridge.
The onboard team of expedition experts—consisting of naturalists, glaciologists, historians and more—will lead the way on excursions. Windstar is well-known for its Iceland and Tahiti cruises, though it sails to almost every region around the world. For you foodies, it also hosts culinary-themed cruises in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.
COURTESY HOLLAND AMERICA
Best cruise line for last-minute deals
Holland America Line
Looking for the cruise deal of the century? If you have some flexibility in your travel dates and can head out of town at a moment’s notice, then sign up for Holland America Line’s Standby Program, where you have the chance to take a cruise for $49 per person, per day (for an inside or oceanview stateroom) or $79 per person, per day (for a verandah) to the destination of your dreams. Then, seven to two days prior to embarkation, Holland America will review its standby list. If there’s space to confirm your booking, you’ll get an alert that it’s time to pack your bags.
This is an especially great way to hop on an Alaskan cruise (a sailing in which Holland America particularly excels) from Seattle and Vancouver or explore Canada and New England from Boston or Montreal. Of course, if you don’t live within driving distance of one of these ports, you’ll have to budget for buying last-minute plane tickets too. Keep in mind that Holland America will charge you when you sign up for the Standby List, but if it doesn’t select you, it’ll issue a refund. That said, if you are selected but choose not to sail, you will not get a refund.
VIA TRIPADVISOR.COM
Best cruise line for explorers
Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic
The cruise line equivalent of glamping, Linblad Expeditions-National Geographic gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature without skimping on comfort. One of the best cruise lines for explorers, it offers more than 90 itineraries that let you visit some of the most remote destinations in the world and focus on everything from photography and history to marine biology and conservation.
You’ll travel aboard the National Geographic–Lindblad fleet—expedition ships that can navigate narrow waterways and small harbors that aren’t accessible on larger vessels. This way, you can get as close as possible to once-in-a-lifetime sights. The ships are even equipped with kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, Zodiacs, hydrophones and underwater cameras for further exploration. These aren’t themed cruises; they’re voyages like a whale-sighting trip off California, a journey to Antarctica and a trip through Chilean fjords.
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Best cruise line for kids
Disney Cruise Line
No cruise line caters to kids (and the young at heart) quite like Disney. Surrounded by their favorite characters—led, of course, by Mickey and Minnie—children will love made-for-them activities like the AquaDuck Water Coaster and Nemo’s Reef Splash Zone. They will also be happy to have food specifically geared toward them, including pizza, chicken fingers, soft-serve ice cream and all-you-can-eat waffles shaped like mouse ears, in restaurants themed around beloved Disney classics.
Disney movies play on the big screen by the pool, and each ship presents an exclusive stage production of a Disney classic, like Frozen or Aladdin, that may be a child’s introduction to live theater—and one that sets the bar high. Speaking of bars, don’t worry: Even though this is a family-friendly vacation, there are plenty of areas where you can sit with a much-needed drink or just take a nap at the adults-only pool while your little ones tire themselves out at one of Disney’s fun-packed youth clubs.
COURTESY PRINCESS CRUISES
Best cruise line for couples
Princess Cruises
Yes, the iconic TV show The Love Boat was filmed on a Princess ship, but that’s not the only reason this cruise line is often called by that name. The Guinness World Record holder for the largest multilocation wedding vow renewal, Princess continues to be the choice of couples getting married, honeymooning or just wanting some romantic time away together, thanks to extensive dining options, activities and excursions.
And you don’t have to sail to Lisbon to experience a romantic vacation. Wherever you’re heading, you can choose from a variety of romance packages featuring everything from flowers and Champagne to couples massages and breakfast in bed. Or just treat yourselves to an extravagant date-night dinner with wine pairings at the Chef’s Table.
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Best cruise line for seniors and retirees
Cunard Line
Cunard has been sailing for more than 180 years, and you could say it has perfected the art. The line features four magnificent ships, and while the Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria are certainly fit for royalty, Cunard’s centerpiece—the historic Queen Mary 2—is resplendent in both its decor and history. For a sailing on its newest vessel, choose the Queen Anne and it’s Northern European or Mediterranean itineraries.
The transatlantic trip from Southampton, on England’s south coast, to New York makes this one of the best cruise lines for older travelers because you never leave the ship. But it’s also a traveler’s must-do at any age. You’ll get to fully enjoy the spa, the lectures, the food and, of course, the formal gala nights, which are arguably the crowning glory of any Cunard cruise. This is the cruise that highlights the journey, not the destination. Just make sure to check this cruise packing list, so you’re sure to bring all the right things with you.
COURTESY VIRGIN VOYAGES
Best cruise line for singles and younger travelers
Virgin Voyages
Determined to dispel the myth that cruising is only for seniors, Richard Branson has shaken up the industry with one of the best cruise lines geared toward Millennials—and the young at heart. Virgin Voyages’s fleet of “Lady Ships” (a playful nod to “your ladyship” and the line’s British heritage) is filled with surprises, including the first tattoo shop at sea, an onboard record store and lovely terrace hammocks.
Staterooms are eye-opening as well, featuring transformational cabin beds that allow guests (referred to as “sailors”) to customize their space. Opt for a suite, and you’ll be considered—and treated like—rock stars, given VIP access to everything from onboard entertainment and restaurants to exclusive amenities like your own wardrobe team. With a huge selection of fitness classes, 20 included places to eat and drink, and original out-of-the-box shows, this adults-only line is likely to turn a whole new generation of cruise virgins into repeat customers.
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Best cruise line for LGBTQ+ travelers
Celebrity Cruises
The aptly named Celebrity Cruises treats all passengers like A-listers. And it has won numerous awards for not only being LGBTQ-friendly but also being totally inclusive and wholeheartedly embracing and encouraging diversity. Celebrity was the first major cruise line to perform a same-sex marriage at sea—back in January 2018—and it recently introduced the All-Inclusive Photo Project, which features photographs of Abby Chava Stein, the first openly transgender woman raised in a Hasidic community, and others by Annie Leibovitz.
This line hosts LGBTQ+ welcome parties, social hours and other events on almost every cruise, from the Bahamas to Australia. You’ll want to book now for the next annual Pride Party at Sea, which takes place each June. Every ship in the fleet will participate in this vibrant celebration of the LGBTQ+ community—and that, in itself, is worth celebrating.
COURTESY CARNIVAL
Best cruise line for budget travelers
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival boasts 27 ships that are favorites among those looking for less expensive fun at sea. Although they’re known best for their Caribbean and Mexican Riviera itineraries—some of which are perfect for a quick weekend getaway—Carnival also sails to many other destinations, including Europe, Canada, New England and Hawaii.
Carnival cruises may be low-priced, but they don’t skimp on amenities. The ships are packed with activities, from water slides to game shows to the thrilling SkyRide, a pedal-powered bike 150 feet above the top deck. There’s plenty to keep kids busy, so you can spend some guilt-free quiet time at the Serenity Adult-Only Retreat. You’ll also find lots of great dining options included in the price, such as Guy’s Burger Joint from Food Network star Guy Fieri. Since you’re saving money on the cruise itself, you may want to consider a meal at specialty restaurants where charges are additional, such as Emeril’s Bistro 1396 or Rudi’s Seagrill.
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Best cruise line for luxury travelers
Seabourn
If you’re all about being pampered, Seabourn is ready to meet your every need. Its all-suite ships and all-inclusive pricing ensure a luxurious cruise experience, whether you’re doing an eight-day cruise down the Pacific Gold Coast or spending 140 days on a world cruise through 27 countries. Ships are small and intimate, with one of the highest space-per-guest ratios in the industry. You’ll also be treated to exclusive dining options, including the acclaimed restaurant The Grill by Thomas Keller.
What makes Seabourn really stand out, though, is service. Your personal suite steward will take care of everything from laundry to snacks to little surprises you hadn’t even considered. You’ll feel well taken care of, and that’s the biggest luxury of all. While there are still some things you can’t do on cruises, this cruise line will make you forget all about them.
How we chose the best cruise lines
As an avid cruiser who’s sailed everywhere from Iceland to Cambodia, I recommended these specific cruise lines based on my own experiences (I’ve personally sailed with nine cruise lines on the list), as well as reviews and recommendations from experts, colleagues, friends and family.
I firmly believe that when it comes to cruising, it’s all about finding the right experience for your vacation goals and travel style (and that includes booking the right cabin for your needs). Start by determining what you most want to get out of the cruise: Is it great food? An intimate experience? Once you know that, you can use these recommendations to whittle down your top options.
Additional reporting by Lois Alter Mark
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Originally Published: March 12, 2024
