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Which Cruise Line is the Best for You?
Written by Ashleigh Whitehill
From lavish adults-only luxury to Disney-themed voyages, the perfect cruise line for your next high seas adventure awaits.
Interested in cruising but don’t know where to start? From family-friendly fleets boasting nightly firework shows and water parks, to luxury liners featuring Michelin chef-curated menus and free-flow champagne, it’s true that there’s a cruise line for everyone: it’s just a case of finding your perfect pairing.
Scroll on for your ultimate guide to the world’s best cruise lines.
Ultra-luxury cruise lines
Regent Seven Seas
Regent certainly lives up to its reputation as ‘the world’s most luxurious cruise line’. Its ‘Unrivalled Space at Sea’ pledge means its mid-size ships feature some of the largest balconies and suites at sea and generously spaced common areas, resulting in no crowds or queues. A maximum of 490 to 750 guests, with a staff-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5, means attentive butler and concierge service is guaranteed at all times. Add to that a true all-inclusive experience with unlimited shore excursions and drinks, fine wine and epicurean indulgence onboard and off, 550 global ports for exploration and an onboard enrichment program, and you’ve got the perfect five-star package.
Seabourn
If complimentary caviar, welcome champagne and oceanfront suites sound like your kind of escape, a Seabourn sojourn may be for you. Seabourn’s intimate ships offer a yacht-style atmosphere with interiors by Tihany Design, which has worked with the likes of Four Seasons, Mandarin Oriental and the Beverly Hills Hotel. Onboard restaurants are on a par with the finest in the world, with fine wines and premium spirits complimentary as standard. Experiences and onboard enrichment is designed to deliver you to the heart of each destination, with select sailings offering Zodiacs, kayaks and even submarines for extensive exploration. After which, an onboard wellness and mindful living program by the celebrated Dr. Andrew Weil provides the perfect wind-down.
Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys, an arm of MSC Cruises, represents 300 years of seafaring expertise. Expect in-depth, expert destination immersion with tailored itineraries, allowing you to discover new cultures in style. Spacious suites and a high staff-to-guest ratio ensure personalised service. Its eco-friendly fleet offers cabana-lined outdoor pool decks and indoor pools with retractable glass roofs, holistic wellness spaces, restaurants serving regionally inspired cuisine sourced fresh and locally, indoor and outdoor bar experiences and curated art collections. Little touches such as welcome bottles of champagne, wine and the spirit of your choice on arrival complete a truly unforgettable voyage.
Premium cruise lines
Oceania
With eight small yet luxurious ships offering culinary and destination-focused expeditions to more than 600 destinations, Oceania Cruises is the epitome of premium cruising. Embark on an expertly curated travel experience and enjoy gourmet dining, intimate shore excursions and personalised services as you explore the seven seas in an inviting country club–style ambience.
Azamara Cruises
Experience a superior escape aboard one of Azamara Cruises’ four intimate ships, specially crafted as a luxurious boutique hotel at sea. Explore hidden ports and unique destinations in small groups, led by locals, and immerse yourself in the culture with curated activities and exclusive shore excursions. Expect top-tier service, world-class entertainment, all-inclusive dining and bespoke spa experiences – a world of luxury awaits.
Celebrity
Explore the world in style with award-winning Celebrity Cruises. Experience an unparalleled journey into the heart of your chosen destination, travelling in absolute style aboard one of 15 premium ships. Feast on global cuisine from menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, relax on chic rooftop terraces, immerse yourself in premium live entertainment and relish engaging activities across four categories – savour, discover, renew and play.
Cunard
As the world’s oldest cruise line, Cunard embodies timeless elegance. Imagine daily afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters followed by glamorous gala evenings reminiscent of Hollywood’s golden age. Each meticulously maintained ship, including the grand Queen Anne and iconic Queen Mary 2, offers a refined and luxurious atmosphere, perfect for those who appreciate tradition, impeccable service and the grandeur of a transatlantic crossing.
Luxury expedition cruise lines
Silversea
Offering tailored itineraries to iconic destinations and hidden gems across all seven continents, Silversea strikes the perfect balance between adventure and all-inclusive luxury. Each magnificent ship in the Silversea fleet offers spacious, ocean-view suites with butler service for optimal comfort. Upgrade to the ‘Door-to-Door’ experience for complete peace of mind and enjoy pre-cruise benefits, ship transfers and return airfares.
Hurtigruten Expeditions
Ignite your inner explorer with Hurtigruten Expeditions. For more than 125 years, they’ve pioneered expeditions to some of the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring destinations – from the icy wilderness of Antarctica to the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Voyage’ along the coast of Norway. Aboard their eco-friendly ships, expert guides will lead you on captivating excursions, ensuring unforgettable encounters in breathtaking landscapes.
Coral Expeditions
Craving an intimate adventure through Australia and the Pacific? Coral Expeditions curates unique journeys for curious travellers seeking unforgettable connections. Each all-inclusive cruise features daily excursions, chef-prepared meals and expert guidance. Immerse yourself in fascinating local history, breathtaking landscapes and unique cultures with the unparalleled knowledge of the onboard expedition team and experience a remarkable journey of discovery.
Contemporary cruise lines
Royal Caribbean
From the vibrant Mediterranean to the idyllic Pacific, discover the world’s wonders in unparalleled style with Royal Caribbean. Each ship is designed as a floating city, boasting amenities like skydiving, surf simulators, bumper cars and even robot bartenders. Set sail on the world’s largest cruise ship – Symphony of the Seas – or experience heart-pounding thrills like ziplining on Allure of the Seas. Whatever your vacation style, Royal Caribbean has an epic adventure to suit.
MSC Cruises
Fall in love with the sea on a modern escape with MSC Cruises. Boasting international dining, world-class entertainment and cutting-edge facilities, this is contemporary cruising at its finest. Set sail through the Mediterranean or Caribbean year-round or explore the waves less travelled on a seasonal expedition to South America, northern Europe or the Middle East.
Princess Cruises
On a Princess cruise, the journey is just as captivating as the destination. Explore your chosen region from the second you step onboard with local cuisine and entertainment creating a truly immersive experience. Princess Cruises prioritises comfort down to the smallest detail – each stateroom is fitted with an opulent Princess Luxury Bed, developed by a certified sleep expert. Create unforgettable memories with award-winning excursions and world-class onboard amenities.
Family friendly cruise lines
Carnival
If non-stop fun at sea sounds like your kind of holiday, embark on a cruise with Carnival. Each ship within the fleet offers a jam-packed selection of family-friendly activities from water parks, mini golf and pickleball to stage shows, casinos and even Family Feud at Sea. Pull yourself away from the dazzling line-up of activities to embark on exciting onshore adventures, unwind in your comfortable stateroom or savour delicious dining, crafted by celebrity chef and Chief Culinary Officer, Emeril Lagasse.
Disney Cruise Line
Award-winning adventures await on Disney Cruise Line, including unforgettable encounters with beloved characters, Broadway-calibre shows and dazzling fireworks displays. Imagination meets enchantment with themed youth clubs and inspired dining experiences, creating a holiday unlike any other. It’s the perfect blend of Disney storytelling and sophisticated cruising, creating memories that last a lifetime.
P&O
The family holiday of your dreams awaits with P&O. Experience a mind-boggling selection of activities and entertainment – catch the latest blockbuster or rewatch a family favourite at a poolside cinema, enjoy pop-up live music shows, witness breathtaking aerial performances and dive into thrilling aqua zones. Explore dream-worthy destinations, savour exceptional food and create unforgettable memories, all in complete comfort with P&O.
Adults-only & solo friendly cruise lines
Virgin Voyages
Experience the epitome of adults-only luxury on a journey with Virgin Voyages. Relax into opulent cabins and suites and enjoy exclusive onboard services from rejuvenating spas to world-class performances, developed by the world’s best producers. Enjoy refined dining experiences crafted by Michelin-star chefs and enjoy premium benefits like group fitness classes and complimentary drinks.
Norwegian Cruise Lines
With unrivalled options for solo guests, award-winning Norwegian Cruise Lines allows travellers to chart their own course. Spend your days enjoying world-class entertainment or eating your way through the diverse selection of dining options before enjoying a serene sunset from your balcony. Offering dedicated solo studios and exclusive social spaces, Norwegian Cruise Lines redefines freedom.
Holland America
Experience true comfort at sea with Holland America cruise line. The world’s second oldest cruise liner, this premium provider offers tours to almost 100 countries, including a comprehensive around-the-world voyage. Boasting world-renowned activities, a high staff-to-guest ratio and dedicated single staterooms, you can expect nothing less than the best onboard.
Looking for more cruising inspiration? Read 7 Reasons Why Premium & Luxury Cruises Offer Better Value.
