Which Cruise Line Is Right for You?
Six quick questions, and we'll match you with the three cruise lines that fit best, out of the 17 we review.
Question 1 of 6
Who is going?
Results are based on our own reviews of each line's usual style, not on any one ship or sailing.
Cruise lines at a glance
The short version of how the 17 lines compare.
| Cruise line | Price level | Best for | Kids |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carnival Cruise Line | Value | Value-focused families and groups who want a fun, casual trip | Excellent |
| Costa Cruises | Value | Value travelers who want a European feel | Good |
| Margaritaville at Sea | Value | Groups and first-timers who want a short, cheap getaway | Some facilities |
| MSC Cruises | Value | Budget-minded families and travelers who want Europe at a good price | Excellent |
| Holland America Line | Mid-range | Older travelers who want a calm, classic cruise | Not aimed at kids |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Mid-range | Flexible travelers, teens and solo cruisers | Good |
| Princess Cruises | Mid-range | Couples and older travelers, especially in Alaska | Some facilities |
| Royal Caribbean | Mid-range | Families and active travelers who want the most to do on board | Excellent |
| Celebrity Cruises | Premium | Couples who want premium food and design at a fair price | Some facilities |
| Cunard | Premium | Travelers who love tradition, dressing up and ocean crossings | Some facilities |
| Disney Cruise Line | Premium | Families with young children and Disney fans | Excellent |
| Oceania Cruises | Premium | Food lovers who want small ships and lots of ports | Not aimed at kids |
| Viking Ocean Cruises | Premium | Adults who want culture, history and port-focused trips | Adults only |
| Virgin Voyages | Premium | Adults who want a stylish, social cruise with no kids | Adults only |
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Luxury | Travelers who want luxury with almost nothing extra to pay | Not aimed at kids |
| Seabourn | Luxury | Luxury travelers and expedition fans | Not aimed at kids |
| Silversea Cruises | Luxury | Luxury travelers who want remote and expedition destinations | Not aimed at kids |
For the full side-by-side breakdown, see cruise lines compared.
Choosing a cruise line: questions
Which cruise line is right for me?▾
It depends mostly on who is going and your budget. Families usually do best on Disney, Royal Caribbean or Carnival. Couples who want a calmer, more grown-up trip tend to prefer Celebrity, Princess or adults-only Virgin Voyages. If you want almost everything included, look at the luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn and Silversea. The quiz above weighs these for you.
What is the best cruise line for first-timers?▾
Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Norwegian are the easiest first cruises: lots of short sailings from US ports, plenty to do on board, and fares that let you try cruising without a big commitment.
What is the best cruise line for couples?▾
For couples without children, Celebrity offers premium food and a quieter feel at a fair price, and Virgin Voyages is adults-only with a modern, social atmosphere. For a calm, culture-focused trip, Viking Ocean is adults-only and includes an excursion in every port.
What is the best cruise line for older travelers?▾
Holland America, Princess and Viking Ocean are popular with older travelers for their calmer ships, longer itineraries and focus on destinations. Cunard suits travelers who enjoy tradition and formal evenings.
Which cruise lines are all-inclusive?▾
Regent Seven Seas is the most inclusive, with excursions, drinks, specialty dining and tips in the fare. Seabourn and Silversea include drinks and tips. Among mainstream lines, Virgin Voyages, Viking Ocean and Celebrity's all-included fares cover more than most, but always check what your fare includes.