- 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-bound 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 companies to floating five-star resorts.
Some are great for families, while others don’t allow children — some geared for foodies and others for 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 cheap getaway
Cruises can be an economical vacation option with fares often including accommodations, food, entertainment, and several on-board amenities.
Consider Carnival Cruise Line, Margaritaville at Sea, and MSC Cruises for 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 $50 per person. Expect bars and restaurants named after hit Jimmy Buffet songs and a straightforward — albeit arguably dated — cruise experience.
Or opt 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 less than $300 per person, many from Florida’s popular cruise ports.
If you prefer the classics, try Carnival. It has a legacy of rowdy and affordable voyages, the cheapest also for less than $100 per person and 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. However, they will have amenities such as 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 Carnival, Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line, or Disney Cruise Line’s newer ships. There, you’ll find enticing amenities such as waterslides, mini-golf courses, and kids’ and teens’ clubs.
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. Yet, they still have standout facilities like a virtual reality arcade, a go-kart course, and outdoor games such as beer-less pong.
And how could we forget Disney? The branding alone is sure to win over the youngest guests. If not, the fireworks show, character meet-and-greets, and venues named after hit Disney movies (“Zootopia”-themed candy store, anyone?) might help.
Family-friendly cruises can start at less than $100 per person and day. Expect to pay more for Disney and any newer ships.
For example, Royal Caribbean’s latest Utopia of the Seas has three-night itineraries starting at more than $180 per person and night.
For travelers who love luxury
Cruise ships aren’t all giant, rowdy, and overstimulating. However, if you want a peaceful and all-inclusive vacation onboard a small vessel — preferably with more wealthy retirees than young children — be prepared to pay five-star resort prices.
In the luxury cruise world, fares exceeding $500 per person and day are the norm. But with it, you’ll get indulgences such as caviar service, butlers, and crew who’ll know your name before introducing 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 pre-dinner 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, from small Pacific islands to European rivers to Antarctica.
As such, these ships often only accommodate a few hundred — instead of a few thousand — guests.
Popular options include Silversea, Seabourn, and Regent Seven Seas — owned by the parent companies of Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian, respectively.
For a nostalgic and storied option, try Cunard. For more contemporary ships, consider Crystal, Explora Journeys, Atlas Ocean Voyages, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Look into Viking, Uniworld, or 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, guests can expect classy cocktail lounges in lieu of waterslides and a relaxed ambiance instead of jittery kids lining up for a zipline.
Take 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, amenities such as WiFi and premium coffees are free.
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 and Las Vegas resort-like feel, colorful Instagram-friendly decor, and fun dining options. If you’re feeling extra frisky, you can even get inked at the onboard tattoo shop.
Starting costs vary per company, from about $100 per person and day for Celebrity and Princess to more than $150 for Virgin and Oceania.
