Explore cruise lines

Every cruise line is different. Some sail enormous ships jam-packed with water slides and Vegas-style entertainment, while others deliver a more intimate onboard experience with onboard spas and gourmet cuisine. The vast majority of cruisers will end up sailing on a “mainstream” cruise line like Royal Caribbean or Carnival, but you should take the time to decide which type of cruise line fits your needs (and budget).

Mainstream cruise lines

Mainstream cruise lines cover a wide range of styles and preferences. Some attract die-hard partiers, others appeal to families, and a few even cater to those with a thirst for knowledge and exploration. What they do share in common is affordability, as fares typically range from $50-$150 per night. Entertainment, meals in the main dining room and buffet, and access to shipboard amenities like the pool are included, whereas speciality dining, soft drinks, alcohol and other services will cost extra.

Carnival Cruise Lines

Sails 27 Ships

Average rating of:

4.0
Cruises from $199

Celebrity Cruises

Sails 18 Ships

Average rating of:

4.2
Cruises from $265

Costa Cruises

Sails 21 Ships

Average rating of:

3.3
Cruises from $286

Disney Cruise Line

Sails 7 Ships

Average rating of:

4.4
Cruises from $421

Holland America Line

Sails 11 Ships

Average rating of:

4.0
Cruises from $127

MSC Cruises

Sails 23 Ships

Average rating of:

3.8
Cruises from $178

Norwegian Cruise Line

Sails 21 Ships

Average rating of:

3.8
Cruises from $141

Princess Cruises

Sails 18 Ships

Average rating of:

4.0
Cruises from $168

Royal Caribbean

Sails 29 Ships

Average rating of:

4.1
Cruises from $161

Virgin Voyages

Sails 4 Ships

Average rating of:

4.3
Cruises from $295

Premium cruise lines

Premium cruise lines are geared towards passengers who like to relax and explore in comfort with a vibe that's typically more laid-back, easy-going and social. Expect a slightly older demographic than a mainstream line, plus higher-quality cuisine, superior cabins, and fares from roughly $150-$300 per night. Some premium lines also include alcohol and specialty dining in addition to entertainment and access to the main dining areas.

Azamara Club Cruises

Sails 4 Ships

Average rating of:

4.3
Cruises from $1039

Cunard

Sails 4 Ships

Average rating of:

4.2
Cruises from $309

Hurtigruten Cruises

Sails 16 Ships

Average rating of:

4.2
Cruises from $2293

Oceania Cruises

Sails 8 Ships

Average rating of:

4.2
Cruises from $1710

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Sails 2 Ships

Average rating of:

4.4
Cruises from $2990

Viking Ocean Cruises

Sails 16 Ships

Average rating of:

4.4
Cruises from $2399

Windstar Cruises

Sails 7 Ships

Average rating of:

4.4
Cruises from $314

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Luxury cruise lines

Luxury cruise lines offer exquisite service, top-notch cuisine, and elegant accommodations. Fares cost at least $400 per night, although that price generally includes most onboard amenities like alcohol, dining, onboard classes, staff gratuities, and sometimes, your own personal butler. The most all-inclusive luxury lines even include flights and transfers to the airport.

Compagnie Du Ponant Yacht Cruises

Sails 12 Ships

Average rating of:

4.4
Cruises from $1750

Crystal

Sails 2 Ships

Average rating of:

4.4
Cruises from $3100

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Sails 6 Ships

Average rating of:

4.1
Cruises from $3520

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Sails 3 Ships

Average rating of:

3.8
Cruises from $3100

Seabourn

Sails 10 Ships

Average rating of:

4.3
Cruises from $1979

SeaDream Yacht Club

Sails 2 Ships

Average rating of:

4.5
Cruises from $3599

Silversea Cruises

Sails 15 Ships

Average rating of:

4.1
Cruises from $3000

Learn more about luxury cruise lines


River cruise lines

River cruise lines have smaller ships capable of sailing to inland ports beyond the reach of larger ocean-going vessels. Most river itineraries sail through America or Europe, although Asian river cruises are becoming increasingly popular. River cruises are more about the destination than the ship, so expect an older crowd with little onboard entertainment or after-hours socializing. Prices vary widely, but most river cruises will cost upwards of $250 per night, with lines often including dining, alcohol, gratuities, and even shore excursions.

AmaWaterways

Sails 33 Ships

Average rating of:

4.6
Cruises from $2079

American Cruise Line

Sails 22 Ships

Average rating of:

4.7
Cruises from $

American Queen Voyages

Sails 3 Ships

Average rating of:

3.8
Cruises from $

APT Cruising

Sails 2 Ships

Average rating of:

5.0
Cruises from $

Avalon Waterways

Sails 39 Ships

Average rating of:

4.4
Cruises from $2030

Emerald Waterways

Sails 6 Ships

Average rating of:

5.0
Cruises from $

Saga River Cruises

Sails 2 Ships

Average rating of:

0.0
Cruises from $

Uniworld River Cruises

Sails 32 Ships

Average rating of:

4.3
Cruises from $2499

Viking River Cruises

Sails 108 Ships

Average rating of:

4.1
Cruises from $1999

Learn more about river cruise lines