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• Carnival Cruises
• P&O Australia
• P&O Cruises

Princess Cruises

• Holland America

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Carnival has a portfolio of the world’s most widely recognized cruise brands, which complement each other by geography, serve nearly every segment of the cruise industry and provide our guests with virtually endless holiday choices—so many, in fact, that they need to look no further than the Carnival family when selecting a cruise vacation. The cruise lines within our portfolio include the most-recognized brands in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Australia—areas that account for 85 percent of the world’s cruise passengers. This compelling brand recognition and presence will provide us with a solid growth platform as we enter new regions. Our broad product selection is geared to suit every conceivable taste, price preference and target market, including contemporary, premium and ultra-luxury. Our brands truly cater to the desires of different cultures, offering multiple languages and meeting varying entertainment and vacation preferences.

Carnival Cruise Line Princess Cruises Holland America Line Seabourn Cunard AIDA Costa Cruises P&O Cruises (UK) P&O Cruises (Australia)

Carnival Cruise Line

The World's Most Popular Cruise Line®

Carnival Cruise Line, also known as America’s Cruise Line, is a leader in contemporary cruising and operates 23 ships designed to provide fun and memorable vacation experiences at a great value.

Founded in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line is one of the most recognizable brands in the cruise industry and carried over six million guests in 2019. Carnival Cruise Line identifies their target customers as those who like to "Choose Fun" and live life to the fullest.

Carnival Cruise Line has a broad consumer appeal, attracting families, couples, singles, and seniors and carrying nearly one million children each year. In 2021, Carnival Cruise Line was voted "Best Ocean Cruise Line" in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards. In addition, Carnival Cruise Line was named “Best Domestic Cruise Line” and “Best Cruise Line for Families” by Travel Weekly.

The new 5,282-passenger Mardi Gras entered service in 2021 sailing from Port Canaveral, Fla. as the first cruise ship in North America to be powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) and the first ever to have a roller coaster at sea. Mardi Gras will be joined in late 2022 with sister ship Carnival Celebration sailing from Miami and Carnival Jubilee in late 2023 homeporting in Galveston, Tex.

Carnival Cruise Line offers cruises generally from three to eight days with almost all of its ships departing from 14 convenient U.S. homeports. Carnival Cruise Line is the leading provider of year-round cruises in The Bahamas, the Caribbean and Mexico and also operates seasonal cruises in Canada, New England, Alaska, Hawaii, Bermuda, and Europe. In addition, Carnival Cruise Line sails year-round in Australia.

The brand's focus continues to be on enhancing its products and services with innovations that appeal to new consumers to cruising, as well as past guests. Carnival is perfectly situated to tap into the top trends in tourism: multi-generational travel, personalized travel, and experiential travel – anyone can find something fun to do on a Carnival ship

Mardi Gras, which entered into service in 2021, introduces a host of groundbreaking features, including:

Princess Cruises began operations in 1965 and is now the world’s leading international cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 15 modern cruise ships, carrying millions of guests each year to 330 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries.”  

On board, guests are immersed in the culture, colors and flavors of the places they visit, with authentic folkloric shows, regional cuisine and enlightening presentations by local experts. On shore, Princess introduces the bucket-list sights guests want to see most – as well as hidden jewels not found in travel books – with award-winning Discovery™ and Animal Planet™ Exclusive shore excursions. Guests can also enjoy an array of signature features throughout each cruise, from world-class cuisine by award-winning chefs to live production shows created by Broadway legends, to a true Princess original experience – enjoying a Hollywood film while relaxing poolside, with Movies Under the Stars®. There are also a variety of ways to rejuvenate body and mind, from the Lotus Spa® to the Sanctuary – a tranquil retreat reserved just for adults.

In 2017 Princess Cruises introduced MedallionClass Vacations which begins with the Medallion™ wearable, a quarter-sized, device that enables everything from expedited contactless boarding to locating loved ones anywhere on the ship, as well as enhanced service like having whatever guests need, delivered directly to them, wherever they are on the ship. In addition, guests can share their favorite cruise moments using MedallionNet, the best Wi-Fi at sea, as well as stay connected with friends and family back home, work remotely anywhere on the ship, quickly post content and stream favorite movies and shows.

Holland America Line

At Holland America Line, we believe travel has the power to change the world. It enriches us as we discover new places, cultures and people. It’s this belief that drives our guiding purpose to help make the world a better place through opening minds, building connections, and inspiring a shared humanity.

For 145 years, Holland America Line has been carefully crafting your clients’ next journey. Our fleet of 10 spacious, mid-sized ships offer a classic style of cruising to more than 425 ports of call in 100+ countries on all seven continents.

To this fleet of 11 ships, we welcomed our third Pinnacle-Class ship, Rotterdam in July 2021.

For clients looking for the most complete and immersive culinary experience at sea, they’ll enjoy dining influenced by our global culinary council of seven world-renowned chefs. The Dining Room is renowned for everyday excellence, while restaurants like Pinnacle Grill, Tamarind, and Canaletto offer specialty options. Your clients can enjoy an extensive wine selection, chosen by our Wine Curator James Suckling; and spirits enthusiasts appreciate our classic cocktails, with direction from our Master Mixologist Dale DeGroff. But the experiences don’t stop there, as your clients can hone their skills with America’s Test Kitchen and explore the culinary side of destinations through exclusive culinary excursions by FOOD & WINE magazine.

Through exclusive partnerships with highly acclaimed brands in entertainment and personal enrichment, Holland America Line ensures both days and nights are filled with delight and inspiration. Music Walk® features live performances at Lincoln Center Stage, B.B. King’s Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room and Billboard Onboard. The Mainstage features exclusive live performances and state-of-the-art theater technology. And your clients will enjoy fun and life-enriching activities and workshops in partnership with BBC Earth; O, The Oprah Magazine; America’s Test Kitchen; and Microsoft Windows.

As part of our collective social responsibility, the company, employees, and guests have joined together to give back to communities and organizations around the world. Whether it's donating shipboard items to an orphanage, cleaning up a neighborhood park, walking 5K onboard to raise funds for cancer research, or donating money to disaster relief, Holland America Line and our employees share time and resources to make a difference.

We invite your clients to join us for an unforgettable experience. Because travel is more than an itinerary. It has the power to change us and our world. Journey by journey.

Ultra-Luxury Resort At Sea

Seabourn, which began operations in 1988, is the ultra-luxury resort at sea with smaller ships that focus on intuitive personalized service and guest recognition. The line's fleet of three 458-guest and two 600-guest ships, the youngest in the ultra-luxury segment of the cruise industry, offer spacious all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views, award-winning gourmet dining, complimentary premium spirits and fine wines, renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; and a pedigree in expedition travel. Seabourn launched its newest ship, Seabourn Ovation, in May 2018, and has two ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, set to launch in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

Seabourn has received numerous prestigious awards over its history, including being voted the "Best Small-Ship Cruise Line" by readers of Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler. The line represents the pinnacle of ultra-luxury travel. The all-inclusive, boutique ships offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available at all times; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew; a relaxed, sociable atmosphere that makes guests feel at home; a pedigree in expedition travel through the Ventures by Seabourn program and two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships coming in 2022 and 2023. Seabourn takes travelers to every continent on the globe travel, visiting more than 400 ports including marquee cities and lesser-known ports and hideaways throughout Europe, Asia, the South Pacific Islands, Australia and New Zealand, the Americas and Antarctica. Guests of Seabourn experience extraordinary offerings and programs, including partnerships with leading entertainers, dining, personal health and wellbeing, and engaging speakers.

Experience The World In Style

Cunard is a luxury cruise line, renowned for creating unforgettable experiences around the world.

There are currently three Cunard ships, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, and a fourth ship, Queen Anne, will be entering service in early 2024. This investment is part of the company’s ambitious plans for the future of Cunard globally and will be the first time since 1999 that Cunard will have four ships in simultaneous service.

Renowned for impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining and world-class entertainment, all three Queens offer luxury accommodations in Britannia, Britannia Club, Princess Grill Suite and Queens Grill Suite staterooms. Cunard is the only line to offer regularly scheduled Transatlantic service between New York and London on flagship Queen Mary 2; the company continues the tradition of World Cruising which Cunard pioneered in 1922; and offer itineraries from two-night Short Breaks to Grand Voyages that visit Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

In 2019, Cunard made its grand return to Alaska, offering roundtrip sailings from Vancouver on their youngest ship Queen Elizabeth, bringing the beauty of the Pacific Northwest to guests once again. Future voyages will include the addition of Glacier Bay to the line’s Alaska itineraries, one of the most sought-after destinations in the region, giving guests an even more dramatic front-row seat to witness the immense beauty of Alaska.

Founded in 1840, Cunard’s heritage of iconic ships and exclusive onboard programming has given the company a unique and distinct position within the luxury travel market. They have received many awards including #1 Mega-Ship Ocean Cruise Line’ by Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best Awards in 2018, 2017 and 2016, and ‘Best World Cruise’ by Porthole Cruise Magazine’s 2019 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Cunard is based at Carnival House in Southampton and has been owned since 1998 by Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

AIDA Cruises

Home of the smile.

With its casual and premium-quality cruise concept, AIDA Cruises established a new chapter in the history of cruising in 1996. Today, AIDA Cruises is the market leader in the German-speaking cruise market.

AIDA Cruises is the epitome of a premium-quality, relaxing cruise – its guests live and love the unique AIDA Cruises feeling. Instead of a Captain's Dinner, dress code and fixed meal times, unforgettable boundless diversity awaits them on board and on land. Guests enjoy being a part of the AIDA Cruises family and feel at home anywhere in the world. This feeling is cultivated by the friendliness of the crew and by having German as the onboard language.

Every guest can experience a personal vacation and discover a new world every day. AIDA Cruises appeals to the lifestyle of active, open-minded people of any age with an amazing array of itineraries, destinations and shore excursions, culinary delights, world-class entertainment, wellness and fitness, and top-notch programs for kids and teens.

The smiling lips on the prow of AIDA Cruises ships is a promise to its guests: Vacationing with AIDA Cruises brings joy! The brand is passionate about hospitality, and the safety and well-being of its guests is top priority. Exceptionally well-trained personnel, high-quality offerings, carefully selected products and attentive service are a given. AIDA Cruises is setting standards within the international cruise market in every way. Its entertainment, wellness and shore excursion programs, kids and teen offerings, and the culinary variety are among the best on the seas. With a keen sense of what its guests want, exceptional ideas and the courage to innovate, AIDA Cruises wants to continue being one step ahead of its competitors in the future.

AIDA Cruises operates one of the world’s most state-of-the-art fleets, currently comprised of 13 cruise ships, including the brand’s newest LNG-ship AIDAcosma, which was delivered in December 2021. Featuring Carnival Corporation’s “green cruising” design with dual-fuel engines, AIDAcosma is a sister ship of AIDAnova, the first cruise ship in the world that is since 2018 powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG) both in port and at sea. The use of LNG, the world’s cleanest burning fossil fuel, prevents emissions of particulate matter and sulfur oxides almost entirely at sea and in port. It also significantly reduces the emissions of nitrogen oxides and CO2.

Costa Cruises

Europe's number one cruise line

Costa has been providing cruises since 1948 and today visits more than 260 ports around the world. In 2019, its ships carried over 1.5 million guests. The brand operates a fleet of 12 contemporary ships including the recent deliveries of Costa Firenze and Costa Toscana.

Costa is a leading cruise line in Italy, France and Spain where it boasts a tradition spanning close to seven decades. Its ships are deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, Northern Europe, the Caribbean, Brazil, Argentina, the Arabian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. The line offers a wide range of unique itineraries, with cruises generally ranging from seven to 20 days and also has longer exotic sailings from 20 to 30 days and one world cruise. Costa is also a leading cruise line in China. Most of its cruises sailing in China are four or five days and cater to Chinese guests.

Costa considers itself the world's ambassador of Italy’s finest. Its ships represent the best of Italy by offering beautiful Italian art, unique interior decorations with superb Italian mosaics and precious Murano chandeliers, fine Italian wines, excellent Mediterranean food selections and unique shops that carry well-known Italian fashion brands. Costa attracts international guests due to its multi-lingual service and is considered to be a top vacation provider in Europe. Costa is also known for offering innovative itineraries that combine the excitement of new destinations with pampering onboard service and ambiance.

In 2019, Costa Smeralda , the brand’s new flagship became the first vessel to use liquefied natural gas (LNG), both in port and at sea. The ship was designed to immerse guests in experiencing Italy’s finest all in one place. New features include Solemio Spa; various entertainment areas, including the Colosseum, with its screens for high-tech content shows; themed bars, in collaboration with major Italian brands. Food experience areas such as LAB where you can put your skills to the test and be a “Chef for a day”. Smeralda has multiple Italian eateries including a family restaurant Tutti a Tavola, all in keeping with Costa’s Italian heritage.

P&O Cruises (UK)

P&O Cruises (UK)

A world of choice.

P&O Cruises is Britain’s favourite cruise line, welcoming guests to experience holidays with a blend of discovery, choice, relaxation and exceptional service catered towards British tastes. The fleet of six ships each have their own appeal from family friendly or exclusively for adults.

With over 200 destinations worldwide, P&O Cruises Itineraries are carefully curated to inspire discovery, and are varied to suit newcomers and experienced guests alike. With a wide choice of holidays from two days to three months there is something for everyone.

Iona joined the P&O Cruises fleet in May 2021 as the next generation of ship. Iona, the first British cruise ship to be powered by liquefied natural gas, sets a new standard for cruise travel featuring enhancements to already successful brand signature venues from across P&O Cruises existing fleet, as well as many new “firsts” such as the first gin distillery at sea and The 710 Club, with music director Gary Barlow.

Sister ship to Iona, Arvia will join the P&O Cruises fleet in December 2022 as its second LNG-powered, Excel-class ship offering a Caribbean maiden season of fly-cruise holidays from homeport Barbados.

Arvia, meaning “from the seashore,” is an innovative and future-focused ship and the latest evolution in the P&O Cruises experience, embodying the newest trends in travel, dining and entertainment to offer varied and contemporary holidays. The ship boasts a unique SkyDome with a retractable glass roof and 16 guest decks, and will feature the first Altitude Skywalk high ropes experience, the tropical-themed Altitude Minigolf, the Altitude Splash Valley aquazone, an outdoor Sports Arena, swim-up bar and infinity pool. It will also offer guests several new dining options such as Green & Co featuring Mizuhana sushi bar, Ocean Studios cinema, extensive shopping, and the Oasis Spa and Health Club.

P&O Cruises (Australia)

P&O Cruises (Australia)

Offering a holiday experience that is like no place on earth.

P&O Cruises is Australia’s homegrown cruise line and had been delivering unforgettable cruise holidays to Aussies & Kiwis for over 89 years.

P&O cruise from multiple ports across Australia and New Zealand. They have pioneered South Pacific cruising and offer holidays to a wide variety of the region’s ports including Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, Fiji, Vanuatu, and New Caledonia. If you like to travel closer to home, they also offer cruise options within our own backyard including Moreton Island, the Great Barrier Reef, Sapphire Coast, Tasmania and much more.

From the minute you step onboard to the moment you return home, you’ll love the choice of bars, homegrown entertainment, stage shows, kids clubs and wide variety of onboard activities and shore experiences.

There are also up to 21 delicious dining experiences available across the fleet, including restaurants from celebrity chef Luke Mangan and award-winning Melbourne chef, Johnny di Francesco, created specifically for P&O.

Special event itineraries take celebrations to the next level, covering Australia's favourite events, like Melbourne Cup, Australia Day, Australian Open, Christmas or Tribute to the King.

P&O Cruises currently operates a fleet of three ships including their flagship Pacific Explorer® and new additions Pacific Encounter® and Pacific Adventure® both due to join the family in late 2022.

Pacific Encounter & Pacific Adventure will showcase many of P&O’s signature features as well as a range of exciting new ones.

Splurge and book a select suite or mini-suite and along with a host of great benefits, gain access to Byron Beach Club, a private retreat with pool, spas, and comfy seating. Enjoy expansive views and a superior level of service for dining reservations, shore tours, embarkation, and disembarkation.

Familiar favourites include Waterfront, Angelo’s, Dragon Lady, Shell & Bones and The Pantry are there to enjoy. Or head to the child-free Oasis for a cocktail or some live music in Ocean Bar. Families will love the dedicated indoor/outdoor family area with a pool, family focussed fun, games, parties, and activities. Plus, don’t forget the new Twin Racer Waterslides* for the more adventurous.

There’s something for everyone. So, whether you’re looking for an island getaway, a foodie adventure or just a chance to sunbake on a fuss free holiday, P&O has the cruise for you.

* Coming to Pacific Encounter in March 2023.

AIDA Cruises is the market leader in the German-speaking cruise market. Home of the smile, AIDA Cruises is the epitome of a premium-quality, relaxing cruise and operates one of the world’s most state-of-the-art fleets. Visit: www.aida.de

Carnival Cruise Line, also known as America’s Cruise Line, is a leader in contemporary cruising and operates a fleet of ships designed to provide fun and memorable vacation experiences at a great value. Visit: www.carnival.com

Costa Cruises delivers Italy’s finest at sea, bringing modern Italian lifestyle to its ships to provide guests with a true European experience that embodies a unique passion for life through warm hospitality, entertainment and gastronomy. Visit: www.costacruise.com

Cunard is the epitome of British refinement for travelers who relish the line’s impeccable White Star Service, gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and the legacy of historic voyages and transatlantic travel. Visit: www.cunard.com

Holland America Line's premium fleet of spacious, elegant mid-sized ships feature sophisticated five-star dining, extensive entertainment and activities, innovative culinary enrichment programs and compelling worldwide itineraries. Visit: www.hollandamerica.com

P&O Cruises (UK) is Britain’s favorite cruise line with a fleet of ships combining genuine service and a sense of occasion and attention to detail, ensuring passengers have the holiday of a lifetime, every time. Visit: www.pocruises.co.uk

P&O Cruises (Australia) provides a quintessential holiday experience for Australians and New Zealanders, taking them to some of the world's most idyllic and hard-to-reach places across Asia and the South Pacific. Visit: www.pocruises.co.au

Princess is the world’s leading international cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of modern cruise ships, renowned for the innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities. Visit: www.princess.com

Seabourn provides ultraluxury cruising vacations in a unique, small-ship style that focuses on genuine, intuitive service, all-suite accommodations, superb cuisine and unique experiences in destinations worldwide. Visit: www.seabourn.com

U.S. News Announces the 2022 Best Cruise Lines

U.S. News Announces Best Cruise Lines

Washington, D.C. – U.S. News & World Report, publisher of Best Hotels , Best Vacations and Best Travel Rewards Programs , today announced the 2022 Best Cruise Lines rankings , designed to provide up-to-date information on the leading cruise lines.

With much of the world reopening to international travel, U.S. News surveyed travelers to understand the effects of COVID-19 on cruiser sentiments. U.S. News unveiled the survey results at the Seatrade Global Conference in October which found that cruisers – both first-time and longtime – are booked at higher levels than before the pandemic. U.S. News survey data also revealed that of the frequent travelers who indicated that they would cruise again, 20% are already signed up for their next sailing.

"Though most avenues of travel have been impacted throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the cruise industry has seen the most challenges," said Nicola Wood, travel editor at U.S. News. "U.S. News is excited to once again highlight the leading cruise lines and provide in-depth information on ships, onboard activities and itineraries to travelers looking to research and book a cruise vacation."

Celebrity Cruises takes the No. 1 spot as the Best Cruise Line for the Money . Viking Ocean Cruises is the No. 1 Best Cruise Line for Couples and Best Luxury Cruise Line thanks to its adult-focused environment and luxurious and romantic amenities, such as fireplaces in each ship's common area and private verandas in every stateroom.

Disney Cruise Line, which offers ships tailored specifically to children and families, has remained the No. 1 Best Cruise Line for Families since U.S. News began ranking cruise lines. Additionally, for the eighth consecutive year, Disney is also the No. 1 Best Cruise Line in the Caribbean . Viking Ocean Cruises takes the spot of No. 1 Best Cruise Line in the Mediterranean for 2022.

The rankings help travelers select the best cruise by brand, region, traveler type and budget. This year's rankings are accompanied by an editorial rundown of the most popular river cruise lines for those looking for guidance on a different type of cruise that still offers itineraries with multiple destinations.

The methodology for the Best Cruise Lines rankings factors in expert evaluations of cruise ship quality, reputation among travelers, results from health assessments conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other factors, such as price class and itinerary offerings.

2022 U.S. News Best Cruise Lines Rankings

For the Money

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Royal Caribbean International
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Line
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises

For Families

• Disney Cruise Line
• Carnival Cruise Line

For Couples

In the Mediterranean

In the Caribbean

To share your thoughts about the Best Cruise Lines rankings, visit Facebook , Twitter and Instagram using #BestCruises.

Media Contact: Sarah Javors, [email protected] , 202-955-2153

About U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News & World Report is the global leader in quality rankings that empower citizens, consumers, business leaders and policy officials to make better, more informed decisions about important issues affecting their lives. A multifaceted digital media company with Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News and 360 Reviews platforms, U.S. News provides rankings, independent reporting, data journalism, consumer advice and U.S. News Live events. More than 40 million people visit USNews.com each month for research and guidance. Founded in 1933, U.S. News is headquartered in Washington, D.C.

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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

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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.

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!)

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

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!

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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Cruise Ship Brands: Which is the right one for you?

There are distinguishing characteristics that define each of the major cruise lines. Here's how to tell them apart.

Updated August 23, 2017

Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission.

Updated May 10, 2014 : Ship numbers, capacities and other details have been revised.

While cruise ships come in all sizes, colors and flags, there’s one overriding factor that determines the flavor of a cruise experience, and that’s the cruise line itself.

Each of the major cruise companies dedicates the equivalent of a smaller nation’s GNP to position its products as the best in the business. As Ford is distinct from Volkswagen, and Hyatt appeals to a different clientele than Holiday Inn, so are the cruise lines—only more so. But in scouring the brochures and websites, it often feels like every ship is just right for us. That kind of one-size-fits-all approach is a bit overwhelming when trying to winnow the options for the ideal vacation.

Carnival Cruise Lines 62,360 passengers (double occupancy) on 24 ships Who’s it for: A party-hearty crowd, vacationers seeking budget-minded or shorter cruises

Royal Caribbean International 60,119 passengers on 21 ships Who’s it for: All audiences, including families

The ships offer a broad range of dining options, though buffets can be middling. Though main dining room and buffet options are included in the cruise fare, most other restaurants carry add-on fees, ranging from a few dollars to $95. Royal Caribbean is also heavy into branding—from Starbucks to Johnny Rockets, and from Shrek to Barbie, the ambience aboard Royal Caribbean’s ships will feel familiar. The mood is easy-going, and dress codes aren’t strictly enforced. On the horizon : Royal Caribbean is on a building spree. The 4180-passenger Quantum of the Seas, a next-generation design, arrives in November 2014 and features new gee-whiz diversions (bumper cars, sky diving simulator) while moving away from the internal atrium concept; sister ships arrive spring 2015 and mid-2016. Additionally, in 2016 and 2018 a pair of new Oasis-class ships join the fleet.

Princess Cruises 43,828 passengers on 18 ships Who’s it for: Couples, families, globe trotters

Norwegian Cruise Line 34,320 passengers on 13 ships Who’s it for: Younger and wallet-conscious travelers seeking a minimum of regimentation

With its fast-growing fleet of big, brassy ships—none smaller than 2000 passengers—perhaps no other line has relaxed some of the hidebound traditions of the industry as much as Norwegian Cruise Line. The company sells it as Freestyle Cruising, and it is a more relaxed cruise experience in many ways: Instead of two set seating times for the main dining room, come when you want; Formal Night is merely a suggestion, so wear what you want. These innovations have impacted the industry overall, leading other lines to ease up on traditions to varying degrees. Not everyone prefers this more casual approach—at prime time, you may be handed a pager as you wait for a table; a couple in suit and gown might get seated next to someone in T-shirt and shorts.

Celebrity Cruises 25,050 passengers on 11 ships Who’s it for: Couples, boomers seeking an upscale ambiance at a moderate price

Holland America Line 23,455 passengers on 15 ships Who’s it for: Traditional, older cruisers, aspiring foodies, world travelers

Disney Cruise Line 8500 passengers on 4 ships Who’s it for: Families, Disney geeks

A drawback is that, when sailing with a full compliment of families, common areas can be quite crowded and noisy. The surprise is that there are areas dedicated for adults only, including the tasty Palo’s and—on Dream and Fantasy—elegant Remy’s restaurants (dining overall is better than average). A dress code is enforced at these venues, but otherwise cruise attire ranges from theme park casual on up. Disney’s itineraries are heavily Caribbean, mostly operating out of Port Canaveral (an hour’s drive from Disney World)—the company’s Castaway Cay in the Bahamas is a popular stop. But Alaska has been an annual visit since 2011 and, with four ships now, previously intermittent European voyages may be more regular going forward. Disney charges a premium for its cruises; unless money’s no object the family-friendly ships of Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian should not be overlooked. On the horizon : No new ships are on order. Following an extensive makeover of Disney Magic in late 2013, watch for a similar re-do of Disney Wonder to be announced.

Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.

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A cruise line for every type of traveler: How to choose the right one for you

• Cruise lines have their own identities and areas of focus, and some lend themselves more to certain vacation types than others.
• Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line are solid options for families.
• Aurora Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises offer trips with a spirit of exploration at their core.

No matter what kind of vacation you're planning , there's likely a cruise for you.

Whether you want to spend your trip kayaking and scuba diving or prefer to lounge on a sun deck sipping a cocktail, cruise lines have a wide range of offerings. But not every line or ship is right for every passenger.

Cruise brands have their own identities and areas of focus, and some lend themselves more to certain vacation types than others (amenities can also vary from ship to ship within the same line). Here's what to know.

Best cruise line for families

▶ Royal Caribbean International ships have an array of onboard offerings for kids and adults. The line's most recent addition, Icon of the Seas , for example, has been billed as the ultimate family vacation .

The vessel – the largest cruise ship in the world – has an entire neighborhood designed for young families, a large water park and activities ranging from a FlowRider surf simulator to Crown's Edge, where guests can walk more than 150 feet above the ocean. The line's Bahamas private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, offers plenty of thrills and places to chill , too.

▶ Norwegian Cruise Line also offers a range of activities like free-fall dry slides, go-kart tracks, and high-caliber stage shows. Disney Cruise Line draws on a huge catalogue of stories to bring magic to life on the water, with character appearances, themed dining and special events like Marvel Day at Sea .

▶ Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises also cater to families, and Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are solid options for multigenerational travelers. Mainstream cruise lines generally have kids clubs that are included in the fare, as well.

Best cruise line for adventure and expeditions

Adventure seekers may want to consider expedition ships and lines that offer sailings to less common destinations such as Antarctica .

▶ Aurora Expeditions offers a range of activity-centric itineraries, including Zodiac boat outings, kayaking, snowshoeing and more. Celebrity Cruises, meanwhile, has a vessel designed  especially for the Galapagos Islands .

▶ Operators like HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) , Lindblad Expeditions and Silversea Cruises also offer trips with a spirit of exploration at their core.

Best cruise line for letting loose

▶ Virgin Voyages offers adults-only sailings and a unique onboard atmosphere with its immersive Scarlet Night celebration and innovative performances . There is also no main dining room or buffet, with a focus on a variety of different food and drinks instead.

▶ Guests can also find parties on other lines, such as Carnival . But the length of the sailing and the time of year play a role in a cruise's vibe. Spring break cruises, for instance, may be rowdier than times when school is in session.

▶ Parties can take different forms, too. Cunard Line , for example, hosts formal gala nights .

Best cruise for rest and relaxation

Upscale cruise lines can lend themselves to a more relaxed and pampering experience. Guests are less likely to encounter rock-climbing walls or ice-skating rinks but will find amenities like pools and carefully curated dining. The following operators are all in that category:

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Oceania Cruises
• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

However, even on mainstream lines, guests can often get away from the bustle of the ship in onboard spas and adults-only areas. Luxe ship-within-a-ship concepts like Norwegian's The Haven or MSC's Yacht Club can also offer a more intimate, laid-back experience.

What should I pack for a cruise?: Here are 5 essential items to bring

Best lines for river cruising

River cruising tends to be small-scale and destination-focused.

▶ European river itineraries from lines like AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Viking often stop at a mix of marquee and less-visited ports, so guests aren't fighting crowds the whole time.

▶ In the U.S., American Cruise Lines offers a diverse selection of itineraries, from sailings on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to round-trip cruises from Washington, D.C. Viking also has a ship purpose-built for the Mississippi River .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .

Thinking of booking a cruise? Here are the lines you should — and shouldn't — sail with.

• Before you book a cruise , it's important to understand that not all cruise lines are equal.
• Each cruise line has amenities, entertainment, and experiences tailored to specific cruisers.
• Carnival is good for families, Virgin Voyages for solo adults, and Cunard for mature travelers. 

I am a very, very avid cruiser. Last year alone, I spent 73 days on cruise ships .

I've sailed with most major lines, from kid-focused Disney Cruise Line to the sometimes-naughty Virgin Voyages. When people ask me which cruise ships I recommend , my answer isn't so straightforward.

Each cruise line is unique, offering amenities, entertainment, and experiences tailored to specific cruisers. What you book will depend on your needs, wants, budget, and what you'd rather avoid.

So, I've done some research about popular cruise lines and combined my personal experiences to help you decide which cruise line to book with.

After all, this is kind of the year of the cruise , with travelers predicted to set sail at some of the highest rates in years throughout 2024.

Here's what you need to know about some of the major cruise lines before you book your next trip.

Editor's Note: Price ranges were calculated at the time of publication based on available listings on each cruise site. Cruise pricing is per person, based on double occupancy and the cheapest stateroom/fare available. Prices were calculated before taxes, port charges, and other fees. Itineraries with added tours built-in were not included when calculating this information.

Carnival Cruise Line

Cost: $ | Prices range from $156/pp for a two-day getaway from Sydney to $3,273/pp for a 10-day Alaska cruise

Ideal for: Budget travelers, intergenerational groups, families, and partiers

Skip if: You're looking for a high-class, elegant experience or a quiet, laid-back vibe

Highlight: All Carnival cruises come with itineraries loaded with fun activities. Some ships have especially exciting features like the first roller coaster at sea, SkyRide zip-line-style aerial bikes, and themed parties.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like to wear a tux or ball gown or have a quiet cruise experience.

Launched in 1972, Carnival Cruise Line is one of nine cruise lines owned by parent company Carnival Corporation & plc. It's the company's largest cruise line, with 27 ships. Its cruises typically range from two days to 29 days.

Carnival Cruise Line offers year-round cruises in Australia, The Bahamas, the Caribbean, and Mexico and seasonal cruises in Alaska , Bermuda, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, and New England.

Celebrity Cruises

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $233/pp for a three-night Key West & Bahamas cruise to $6,912/pp for a 7-night Galapagos cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and solo travelers

Skip if: You're looking for a slower-paced classic cruise

Highlight: All Celebrity Cruises come with amazing outdoor spaces like The Lawn Club with real grass on the top deck of Solstice Series ships and the Rooftop Terrace on Millennium Series ships. You also won't want to miss the Magic Carpet , which allows guests to hang out while suspended above the ocean on some ships.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who want to attend lectures about their ports of call.

Celebrity Cruises began sailing in 1997. There are 16 ships, which sail on itineraries ranging from three to 19 nights to nearly 300 ports of call in 70 countries.

Cost: $$$ | Prices range from $249/pp for a two-night cruise from Southampton, England to Hamburg, Germany, to $19,158/pp for a 111-night World Voyage

Ideal for: Sophisticated travelers and mature cruisers

Skip if: You're looking for a high-energy cruise, hoping to travel with children , or craving adventurous activities

Highlight: All Cunard cruises come with white-glove service. You won't want to miss Cunard's famous 3:30 p.m. afternoon tea, gala evenings, and fine dining arranged by stateroom grade.

Possible cons: This is a very formal cruise with strict dress codes. You won't find water slides or pool parties here.

Founded in 1840, Cunard offers a classic cruise experience with cruises ranging from two to 116 nights.

Its four ships sail to Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.

Disney Cruise Line

Cost: $$$ | Prices range from $422.40/pp for a two-night cruise from Sydney to Brisbane, Australia, to $5,592/pp for a 12-night Mediterranean with Greek Isles cruise

Ideal for: Disney adults , families, and intergenerational groups

Skip if: You don't want to vacation around a bunch of children and you crave peace and quiet

Highlight: All Disney Cruise Line cruises come with heaps of Disney magic in the way of special events and details. You won't want to miss character meet and greets, pirate-themed parties with fireworks, and passengers trading pins and leaving treats inside decorative pouches hung on stateroom doors.

Possible cons: There is a significant child population on most of these cruises and not much adults-only entertainment. Dinners in the main dining can get loud, and, just like at the theme parks, there can be many queues for activities and other offerings.

Disney Cruise Line first set sail in the 1990s and has five active ships, with the new Disney Treasure set to debut in December. The line has sailings all around the globe, and most range from two to 15 nights.

Holland America Line

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $94/pp for a one-day Pacific Northwest cruise to a $27,399/pp for a 132-day Grand Voyage

Ideal for: Music lovers and sophisticated world travelers who appreciate European hospitality and smaller ships

Skip if: You're young, traveling with children, or want to party

Highlight: All Holland America Line cruises come with a dose of Dutch hospitality and elegance. During my cruise with the line, I enjoyed the Dutch cuisine and Music Walk , which features live performances at B.B. King's Blues Club, Rolling Stone Rock Room, and Billboard Onboard.

Possible cons: The line takes its formal nights really seriously and attracts an older crowd.

Holland America Line has had ships sailing the globe for over 140 years. Its 11 ships cruise to more than 425 ports of call on seven continents, and cruises range from one to 118 days.

MSC Cruises

Cost: $ | Prices range from $80/pp for a three-night Mediterranean cruise to $46,149/pp for a 116-night World Cruise

Ideal for: Budget travelers, families, intergenerational groups, big groups

Skip if: You're looking for lots of food options or top-tier entertainment

Highlight: All MSC Cruises offer great value — and good pizza

Possible cons: The cruise fare does not include many dining options, and the evening entertainment skews old-school and a bit more basic than some other cruise lines that do Broadway-worthy shows.

MSC Cruises has 22 ships, with one more projected to join its fleet by 2025. The line has sailings all around the globe, and most range from two to 118 nights.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $79/pp for a one-day Australia cruise to $4,379/pp for a 10-day European cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and solo cruisers

Skip if: You're looking for structure, ballroom dancing, and fancy dinners

Highlight: All Norwegian Cruise Line cruises offer freestyle dining. You won't want to miss its Broadway-level shows and generous drink package, which is often offered complimentary.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like formal dress codes, and some dislike the à la carte pricing.

Norwegian Cruise Line has been sailing the world for over 57 years. Its 19 ships visit 400-plus ports on seven continents, and cruises typically last one to 25 days.

Princess Cruises

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $127/pp for a two-day Australia Seacation to $24,098/pp for a 98-day World Cruise

Ideal for: Mature solo travelers, couples, and retirees

Skip if: You're looking for lots of activities and party vibes. Princess Cruises tend to attract an older crowd, and the shows and activities reflect this. There aren't many events offered each day. On the three cruises I sailed with Princess, the entertainment was primarily musicals, piano players, and singers backed by an orchestra. There were only a handful of children on each cruise.

Highlight: All Princess Cruises offer Discovery and Animal Planet-exclusive shore excursions — and many have an excellent onboard lecture series.

Possible cons: This is not a cruise line for those who like to party, love water slides, or have teenagers.

Founded in 1965, Princess Cruises has 16 ships that sail to 330 destinations worldwide on itineraries from three to 111 days

Royal Caribbean

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $196/pp for a two-night Hong Kong cruise to $8,266/pp for a 13-night Arctic Circle cruise

Ideal for: Couples, families, and intergenerational travelers

Highlight: All Royal Caribbean cruises come with fun activities and a broad range of entertainment options. Some have the Ultimate Abyss , the tallest slide at sea, or the glass capsule North Star , the tallest viewing deck on a cruise ship. You won't want to miss the Oasis Class ships' seven distinctly themed neighborhoods and Royal Promenade, a mall-like thoroughfare with shops, restaurants, and lounges that runs the length of the ship.

Possible cons: Many of its ships are mega-ships, so this isn't the line for you if you want a more intimate trip.

Founded in 1968, Royal Caribbean sails to about 240 destinations on six continents. Cruises range from two to 22 nights.

Royal Caribbean has many of the world's largest cruise ships in its fleet of more than 20 vessels.

Virgin Voyages

Cost: $$ | Prices range from $415/pp for a four-night roundtrip cruise from England to Amsterdam to a $3,072/pp for a 13-night Canada, Carolina, and Miami cruise

Ideal for: Child-free travelers, health enthusiasts, the glamorous, and those who don't like strict rules

Skip if: You want a classic cruise, need structure, or can't handle playfulness (and, sometimes, naughtiness)

Highlight: All Virgin Voyages are child-free, and everyone gets unlimited WiFi, access to group fitness classes, and gratuities included in their fare. You won't want to miss its famous Scarlet Night, 20 eateries (every venue is considered specialty dining), and eclectic shows like "Untitled DanceShowPartyThing."

Possible cons: There aren't traditional song-and-dance shows, assigned dining times, and nightly portrait photography

Virgin Voyages has been sailing its "Lady Ships" inspired by superyachts since 2021. Three nearly identical ships are currently in service, and a fourth one is set to set sail later this year.

Virgin Voyages sails to about 100 destinations in Australia, Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and the United Kingdom on cruises ranging from three to 16 nights.

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Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise lines have long enticed travelers seeking a superior experience. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway

Luxury cruise lines have long enticed travelers seeking a superior experience. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with opulent cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. But with cruise lines continuously upping the industry standard, how do you know which one will deliver the best experience? Based on a methodology that factors in price class, health ratings and approval among experts and travelers, U.S. News determined the best luxury cruise lines.

Read Best Cruises Methodology

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Viking Ocean Cruises

Smaller ships (with verandas in every cabin) and destination-focused itineraries set Viking Ocean Cruises apart from other cruise lines. Viking's emphasis on cultural enrichment means you can expect activities like TED Talk screenings, cooking classes and riveting stage performances, as well as shore excursions like exclusive after-hours museum visits or culinary tours.

• 4.57 Overall Rating
• 9 Ships in Fleet

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn treats travelers to a luxury cruising experience with its all-oceanfront suites, personalized service and excellent upscale dining options. Cruisers sailing with Seabourn can relax knowing that almost everything is covered in their cruise rate, including meals, fitness classes, enrichment activities and nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 5 Ships in Fleet

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Travelers can indulge in excellent food and drinks at Regent's sophisticated dining venues and enjoy various spa treatments at the decadent Serene Spa & Wellness center. Onboard enrichment programs offer culinary and cultural history lessons, and travelers will have access to unlimited complimentary shore excursions, such as vineyard tours in Bordeaux, France.

• 6 Ships in Fleet

Oceania Cruises

Oceania's gourmet dining, cooking classes and culinary shore excursions cater to foodies. Plus, Oceania's midsize ships offer a high level of personalized attention, with four of its seven vessels hosting less than 700 passengers each. Passengers also praise the ships' elegant decor and onboard activities.

• 4.30 Overall Rating
• 7 Ships in Fleet

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises specializes in exclusivity and personalization, with all-suite accommodations, exotic itineraries and gourmet restaurants. While its ships are smaller, Silversea still sets the bar high for upscale cruising. On board, you can attend stimulating lectures or take advantage of butler service while in your suite.

• 4.26 Overall Rating
• 8 Ships in Fleet

Azamara's small ships can reach off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing the cruise line to offer unique shore excursions. Thanks to the AzAmazing Celebrations program, guests can enjoy immersive experiences day and night in their destinations, at no additional cost (available on most cruises). Azamara also offers outstanding service and elegant suites.

• 4.05 Overall Rating
• 4 Ships in Fleet

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.

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

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There’s a New Regent Seven Seas Ship Coming in 2026 — and It’s the First in Its Class

Introducing the Seven Seas Prestige.

Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises will debut a brand-new ship and ship class in 2026: the Seven Seas Prestige .

The new ship will hold up to 850 guests on board and will be the first new ship class for the company in 10 years, Regent shared with Travel + Leisure . 

“This is a truly historic moment for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, as we name the next ship to join The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet as Seven Seas Prestige and reveal her sleek exterior design,” Andrea DeMarco, the president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, said in a statement shared with T+L. “Seven Seas Prestige, debuting in 2026, continues our legacy of revolutionizing ultra luxury travel as she will transcend luxury in every way. This incredible new ship will be the epitome of timeless elegance, exemplifying Regent’s commitment to excellence which is reflected in every aspect of her elevated design and exuding an ambiance of sophistication and refinement.”

When it launches, the Seven Seas Prestige will feature brand new stateroom categories and a reimagined Regent Suite (the largest and most luxurious option Regent offers). The new ship will also include new dining experiences, but Regent said details on those were not immediately available. 

The Seven Seas Prestige will be the first of two Prestige-Class ships. The second in the series is expected to launch in 2029.

The new class of ships comes after Regent launched several Explorer-class ships in 2016, in 2020, and in 2023. The company’s most recent ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur , features an impressive 1,600-piece art collection with multiple Picassos and the first-ever Fabergé Egg to be permanently installed at sea. Currently, Regent boasts six ships in its fleet. 

Regent offers all-inclusive trips with cruise fares complete with perks like free unlimited shore excursions, free valet laundry, included gratuities, and more. This year, the company introduced new fare options , allowing passengers to pick an all-inclusive cruise-only fare or an “Ultimate All-Inclusive Fare,” which also includes roundtrip flights and a private chauffeur service. The new fare options are available for travelers who book new reservations on or after July 1.

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How do cruise ships make money? Here’s how your favorite brands generate revenue

If you've ever asked the question "How do cruises make money?" you might be surprised to learn that ticket sales only make up about 65% to 70% of cruise lines' revenue. That's true even with prices soaring this year due to demand .

If the money coming in isn't completely related to cruise fares, how are cruise ships profitable in other ways? Here's a bit about ticket sales, other sources of revenue and some of the factors that play into both. I'll also list the percentages that make up the full picture for each cruise line parent company.

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

Ticket sales

Ticket sales only account for about two-thirds of the overall revenue pie for the three major cruise line parent companies: Carnival Corp. , Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean Group .

In a research report released May 29, Truist Securities projected that ticket sales — cruise fares and airfares for flights booked through the cruise lines — would make up 66.1%, 67.5% and 69.6% of revenue for the three companies in 2024, respectively.

Onboard spending

Truist Securities estimated that onboard spending at Carnival Corp., Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and Royal Caribbean Group brands would account for the other 33.9%, 32.5% and 30.4% of revenue at the three brands in 2024, respectively.

This onboard spending category includes obvious items like shore excursions , drink packages , Wi-Fi , casino and arcade gaming, alternative dining , spa treatments and purchases in the onboard shops. However, it also encompasses shuttles to and from the airport, travel insurance or protection purchased through the cruise line and even cancellation fees.

"Our orientation is experiences," said Royal Caribbean Group president and CEO Jason Liberty on a Feb. 1 earnings call, "and we keep trying to advance experiences that our customers not only desire but that they're also willing to pay for. ... Obviously there are a lot of things that we're adding onto our ships. ... You see that also extend into the destination and what we're doing in the private island space. ... Our goal is to keep our customers in our ecosystem."

Location, location, location

As you might expect, the per diem — the total amount each passenger pays per day to sail, including both ticket sales and onboard spending — is higher in more far-flung regions than it is in some of the more highly trafficked destinations.

For example, per diems are significantly higher in Alaska and Europe than they are in the Caribbean and the Bahamas. Supply and demand play a role, as far more ships offer sailings to the latter pair of destinations than to the former, which drives pricing down in the Caribbean and the Bahamas.

Additionally, people traveling to bucket list destinations are usually more willing to spend money on excursions or other experiences they might not have another chance to try. The more exotic the destination, the more rare the excursion opportunities tend to be, which drives up the price. For example, you can snorkel or parasail in just about every Caribbean destination, but only a couple of destinations worldwide allow for glacier trekking.

Meanwhile, those booked on three-night weekend itineraries might be on stricter budgets and, therefore, could be less willing to spend on extras.

A push to prebook

During recent earnings calls, cruise line executives have said they're pushing hard to convince passengers to book activities and experiences ahead of time. The thought is that even if cruisers reserve shore excursions, spa treatments and alternative dining before they ever set foot on the ship, they're still likely to make purchases once they're on board, which leads to larger overall spending.

"Some of the meaningful progress we've seen ... is just the ability to buy and design your vacation ahead of time precruise," said Naftali Holtz, chief financial officer of Royal Caribbean Group, during the Feb. 1 earnings call. "It also leads to great financial success as people are booking their vacations and they get on board and they spend two and a half times more than those that haven't [booked activities] precruise."

"In terms of the Norwegian brand ... we are in a continuous improvement mode in terms of expanding our presale of onboard revenue and getting more share of the wallet over a longer period of time from the point a customer enters our ecosystem," said Mark Kempa, executive vice president and CFO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, on a Feb. 27 earnings call. "That plays a key part going forward as we look at our revenue opportunities."

"We've been making improvements to our precruise planning functionality at Norwegian to allow guests to book even more before they leave their homes," explained Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, during the same call.

Bottom line

How do cruise lines make money? Cruise revenue is generated from two areas: Ticket sales (cruise fares and airfare booked through the cruise lines) and onboard spending (the purchase of cruise-related goods and services through the cruise line, as well as cancellation fees).

Although current fares are some of the highest in the history of cruising, lines are focused on increasing revenue generated from onboard spending, and they're doing so by coaxing booked passengers into making purchases long before they ever set sail.

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