Best Premium cruise lines
Premium cruises occupy the space between affordable mainstream lines (Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian) and high-class luxury lines (Crystal, Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas). This is most evident in the price point as premium sailings are more expensive than a mass-market cruise, but won’t give you the sticker shock of luxury sailings costing upwards of $400 per night, per person. Premium ships tend to be much larger than luxury ships (think 1,500 to 3,000 passengers) but come with bigger staterooms and a higher crew-to-passenger ratio. Amenities such as beverage packages and WiFi are either included as part of an early booking bonus or purchased at a lower rate than mass-market lines. With the slightly higher price tag upfront, premium ships generally have a minimal number of children on board with the exception of some multi-generational families traveling together during school breaks.
Windstar's ambience is sporting and refined, like that of a private yacht. These tall, masted sailin...
Best for:
Couples and families with older teens who like the idea of sailing without the actual need for wind.
Not for:
Children, as well as anyone who needs a lot of organized activities.
Canada, New England, New York Caribbean Caribbean - Eastern Caribbean - Southern Europe Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Panama Canal, Central America South Pacific South Pacific - Tahiti Transatlantic
Top ship:
Wind Surf
Sail to the shallow seas of Tahiti and French Polynesia aboard an intimate and luxurious ship. Exper...
Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) South Pacific South Pacific - Tahiti
Top ship:
Paul Gauguin
Explore the hidden corners of the world onboard these well-appointed, intimate ships. Indulge in sum...
Best for:
Couples who prefer medium- or small-ship cruising with a resort-casual dress code.
Not for:
Families or intergenerational groups with teens or kids.
Canada, New England, New York Caribbean Caribbean - Eastern Europe Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) Panama Canal, Central America South America South Pacific South Pacific - Australia Transatlantic U.S. World Cruise
Top ship:
Azamara Journey
Ushering in a new era of ocean cruising, Viking brings their signature award-winning river cruise ex...
Alaska Canada, New England, New York Caribbean Europe Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Hawaii Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) Panama Canal, Central America River Cruises - United States South America South Pacific South Pacific - Australia Transatlantic Transpacific World Cruise
Top ship:
Viking Star
Cunard's legendary ocean liners exquisitely blend 21st-century luxury and the grandeur of a bygone e...
Best for:
Seniors, families, anglophiles, and those wanting to relive the glory days of ocean liners.
Not for:
Sea-day haters and those who get seasick easily.
Alaska Alaska - Inside Passage Canada, New England, New York Caribbean Caribbean - Eastern Caribbean - Southern Caribbean - Western Europe Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) Panama Canal, Central America South America South Pacific South Pacific - Australia Transatlantic Transpacific World Cruise
Top ship:
Queen Mary 2
Luxury awaits aboard the intimate ships of Oceania Cruises. The casual elegance of a country club is...
Best for:
Sophisticated couples or friends who like great food, wine, design, art, and service.
Not for:
Families — the line just launched its first kids’ club program on a limited basis.
Alaska Bermuda Canada, New England, New York Caribbean Caribbean - Western Coastal - West Coast Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) Panama Canal, Central America South America South Pacific South Pacific - Australia South Pacific - Tahiti Transatlantic Transpacific U.S. World Cruise
Top ship:
Riviera