- The cruise industry is seeing an influx of first-timers.
- If you’re one of them, use this guide to decide which cruise lines are best for you.
- This article is part of “Well Charted,” a series for travelers planning cruise adventures.
If you, like many travelers, are interested in testing the cruising waters, one of your first steps should be determining your ideal cruise line.
Going on a vacation at sea isn’t as simple as choosing where and when you want to go. Like hotels, the cruise industry spans budget lines to floating five-star resorts.
Some are great for families, while others don’t allow children — some are geared toward foodies and others cater to bachelorette parties.
Choose wisely, or you might not be satisfied with your vacation. If you don’t know where to start, use this guide to help you navigate the waters.
For a budget-friendly getaway
Cruises can be an economical vacation option, with fares often including accommodations, food, entertainment, and several onboard amenities.
Consider Carnival Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea, and MSC Cruises if you want the best bang for your buck.
Margaritaville at Sea (yes, that Margaritaville) sells two-night voyages from Palm Beach, Florida, to the Bahamas for as little as $25 a person per day. Expect bars and restaurants named after hit Jimmy Buffett songs and a straightforward — but perhaps dated — cruise experience.
As for MSC, the European cruise giant is still expanding its US presence. But if you don’t mind being a semi-early adopter, you can cash in on its two- to four-night itineraries for a total of less than $300 a person, many of which start at Florida’s popular cruise ports.
If you prefer the classics, try Carnival. It has a legacy of lively, party-forward, and affordable voyages, the cheapest for less than $100 a person per day. Expect a diverse crowd, from families with children to college spring breakers and bachelor parties.
For a family-fun vacation
Carnival’s newer ships won’t be its most affordable. But they will have a roller coaster, a ropes course, a water playground, and outdoor games — perfect for keeping the kids entertained.
If that’s the ultimate priority, consider booking one of the newer ships from Carnival, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Disney Cruise Line. These ships offer waterslides, mini-golf courses, and clubs for kids and teens.
Royal Caribbean is best known for its giant vessels, some accommodating more than 7,000 guests. More space means more activities — its largest few have a carousel, a surf simulator, decks-tall slides, an ice skating rink, and a zip line.
Norwegian’s newer ships are slightly smaller. But they still have standout facilities, like a virtual reality arcade, a go-kart course, and outdoor games such as beerless pong.
And we can’t forget Disney. The branding alone should win over the youngest guests. If not, the fireworks show, character meet and greets, and spots named after hit Disney movies (“Zootopia”-themed candy store, anyone?) might help.
Family-friendly cruises can start at less than $100 per person a day. Expect to pay more for Disney or any newer ships.
For example, Royal Caribbean’s latest Utopia of the Seas has three-night itineraries starting at more than $180 a person per night.
For travelers who love luxury
Not all cruise ships are giant and bustling. But if you want a peaceful and all-inclusive vacation on board a small vessel — and prefer more wealthy retirees than young children — be prepared to pay five-star-resort prices.
In the luxury cruise world, fares exceeding $500 a person per day are the norm. But with the price, you’ll get caviar service, butlers, and crew who’ll know your name before you introduce yourself.
You won’t have to look hard for truffle- or foie-gras-topped dishes, nor will you pay out of pocket for fancy cocktails and predinner wine. Depending on the cruise line, amenities such as WiFi and excursions can be complimentary, too.
Luxury ships are also much smaller than their mammoth mass-market counterparts, allowing them to visit more exclusive destinations. Expect diverse itineraries, including small Pacific islands, European rivers, and Antarctica.
As such, these ships often accommodate only a few hundred guests — instead of a few thousand.
Popular options include Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas, which are owned by Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, respectively.
For a traditional cruise (think black-tie nights), try Cunard. For more contemporary ships, consider Crystal, Explora Journeys, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Look into Viking, Uniworld, or the newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises if you prefer cruising riverways.
For an upscale trip without breaking the bank
If you want a plush vacation without a plush fare, upscale options such as Princess Cruises and Holland America Line could satisfy your luxury itch.
On a premium ship, a step down from luxury, guests can expect classy cocktail lounges in lieu of waterslides, as well as a relaxed ambience without jittery kids lining up for a zip line.
Take the Gen X-friendly Celebrity Cruises, for example. The Royal Caribbean Group-owned brand’s newer vessels have stylish interiors, elevated restaurants, and a guest capacity upward of 3,850 — great for travelers who want a large but not overwhelming ship.
For smaller, boutique-style vessels, try Oceania Cruises. Its largest vessel accommodates less than half the guests of Celebrity’s. And unlike its competitor, it has free WiFi and coffee.
The same goes for Oceania’s complimentary specialty restaurants — crucial for a cruise line that prides itself on upscale onboard dining.
For a younger and more upbeat crowd, there’s Virgin Voyages.
The kid-free cruise line’s fleet has a Miami resortlike feel, Instagram-friendly colorful decor, and fun dining options. If you’re feeling bold, you can even get inked at the onboard tattoo shop.
Starting costs vary across companies, from about $100 a person per day for Celebrity and Princess to more than $150 for Virgin and Oceania.
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