With so many options out there, choosing which cruise line to book can be an overwhelming task. It’s not as easy as simply picking the “best” cruise line, as the definition of which is the best really depends on what you’re looking for in your cruise. Where you want to go, length of cruise, budget, who’s traveling and your personality should all go into the planning process. Each line targets a certain demographic and offers a unique experience, it’s just a matter of finding which is right for you! Whether you’re looking for a fun-filled big ship experience for the entire family or you prefer an intimate couples getaway there’s a cruise line out there that’s right for you.
Here’s a look into some of the major cruise lines that sail out of the United States. You’ll find what each cruise line is known for and what to expect if you sail on one of them.
Carnival, which has dubbed itself as having the most fun ships at sea offers a high-paced vacation for cruisers looking to let loose and party! Carnival encourages cruisers to come as they are to feel right at home onboard. When comparing pricing, Carnival itineraries will likely offer you the best fare in comparison to other cruise lines. Families with children will find nonstop activities and entertainment to keep kids happy from sunrise to sunset. Young cruisers without children will find a budget-friendly vacation and will love the party atmosphere. With a nightclub, casino, comedy club, theater and many bars you won’t be bored when the sun goes down. On Carnival, you’ll find something for everyone. Activities for young kids, areas just for teens, nightlife and up-scale dining for adults, and plenty of entertainment and activities the whole family can enjoy together.
Cruise ports: Baltimore, MD; Barcelona, Spain; Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Charleston, SC; Civitavecchia, Italy; Dover, England; Galveston, TX; Jacksonville, FL; Lisbon, Portugal; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Mobile, AL; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Norfolk, VA; Port Canaveral, FL; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Sydney, New South; Wales, Australia; Tampa, FL
Destinations: Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Eastern/Southern/Western Caribbean, Central America, Panama Canal, U.S Eastern Seaboard, European river cruises, Hawaii, Mexico, Europe, Canada/New England, Transatlantic, Transpacific
Private Island: Half Moon Cay (shared with Holland America)
Cost: $
Those looking for a more luxurious cruise should consider sailing on Celebrity. The cruise line focuses on offering a more refined experience with excellent service for its guests.With Celebrity you’ll get a feeling of luxury for less. Your cruise will tend to feel a bit more relaxed and upscale, where the focus is more on the vacation experience than the activities. Food and drink options tend to be a bit more refined as well. Don’t expect activities like bumper cars or indoor sky-diving on Celebrity. By offering a more upscale cruise experience, you can expect to pay more than other economy cruise lines. Personalized service and luxury accommodations come with a price! Since guests pay more to sail on Celebrity, the demographics are less family focused and tend to attract more couples and friend groups.
Cruise ports: Amsterdam, Netherlands; Auckland, New Zealand; Baltra, Galapagos Islands; Ecuador; Barcelona, Spain; Benoa, Indonesia; Boston, MA; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cape Liberty, NJ, Civitavecchia, Italy, Fort Lauderdale, FL, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Honolulu, HI, Lisbon, Portugal; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; Piraeus, Greece; Ravenna, Italy; Reykjavik, Iceland; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; San Diego, CA; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Seattle, WA; Seward, AK; Singapore; Southampton, England; Sydney/New South Wales, Australia; Tampa, FL; Valparaiso, Chile; Vancouver, BC; Yokohama, Japan
Destinations: Africa, Alaska, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Eastern/Southern/Western Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Galapagos, Hawaii, Mexico, Middle East, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America, Tahiti/South Pacific, TransAtlantic, Trans Pacific
Private Island: Perfect Day at CocoCay (shared with Royal Caribbean)
Cost: $$
The big name in family cruising, not surprisingly, is Disney and it does a great job, hosting state-of-the-art kids’ clubs and a splash area for toddlers. Any baby still in a diaper, even a swim diaper, isn’t allowed in any cruise ship swimming pools, so Disney’s run-around fountain area is a perfect solution to a very real problem for parents. Most cruise lines have programs for kids, but Disney Cruise Line is the line that puts the biggest part of their focus on the childrens’ experiences.They’re known for offering the ultimate kid-friendly, family-focused cruise experience. Your days will be filled with character meet and greets, Disney movies, themed dinners, on-deck family parties and quality entertainment. Disney even offers firework shows at sea, just like in its theme parks! For families and kids that love Disney, these cruises can be an incredibly special and memorable voyage. However, just like all things Disney, you’ll pay a premium price for this premium cruise line. Compared to more affordable cruise lines, Disney prices tend to be 2-3 times more expensive, even when sailing on nearly identical itineraries. Families looking to enjoy a Disney cruise will want to budget and plan accordingly, just like a typical land-based Disney experience.
Cruise ports: Galveston, TX; Honolulu, HI; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Port Canaveral, FL; San Diego, CA; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia, Rome; Copenhagen, Denmark; Dover, United Kingdom; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Vancouver, BC Canada
Destinations: Alaska, Arctic, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, TransAtlantic, Eastern/Southern/Western Caribbean, Europe, Baltic Sea, Hawaii, Mexico, Pacific Northwest
Private Island: Castaway Cay
Cost: $$$
One of the most traditional cruise lines at sea, Holland America, caters to an older demographic of cruisers who appreciate the simplicity of sailing at sea. Nonstop activities are not the typical experience onboard these ships. You won’t find ropes courses or water slides either. Instead, the itineraries are focused on enrichment learning onboard while offering immersive excursions and in-port experiences. Their ships are modestly sized compared to other cruise lines. By sailing smaller ships, they create a comfortable environment onboard that allows guests to mingle and create a ship-wide community. As for pricing, Holland America sailings are more expensive than other cruise lines while still being more affordable than luxury liners. This allows cruisers to have a high-quality, elegant experience without breaking their travel budget. Given the typical experience offered onboard, Holland America is the most popular brand with older travelers who appreciate a slower-paced vacation.
Cruise ports: Anchorage, AK; Boston, MA; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Honolulu, HI; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Athens, Greece; Auckland, New Zealand; Barcelona, Spain; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cape Town South Africa; Civitavecchia, Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark; Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Fremantle, Australia; Hong Kong; Lisbon, Portugal; Montreal/Quebec City, Canada; Rotterdam, Netherlands; San Antonio, Chile; Singapore; Sydney, Australia; Tokyo, Japan; Trieste, Italy; Vancouver, BC Canada; Venice, Italy; Yokohama, Japan
Destinations: Africa, Alaska, Antarctica, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, Bahamas, Canada/New England, Eastern/Southern/Western Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Middle East, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America, Tahiti/South Pacific, TransAtlantic, Trans Pacific, World Cruises
Private Island: Half Moon Cay (shared with Carnival)
Cost: $$
Norwegian is known for its innovation in the cruise industry. They were one of the first cruise lines to ditch cruising traditions and introduce a “freestyle” experience onboard. Don’t expect to have a set time for dinner, on Norwegian ships you’ll have the freedom to dine whenever and wherever you’d like. Norwegian Cruise Line offers a casual cruise experience with lots of great bars and lounges. Guests will love the amount of entertainment and live music available on the ships. Norwegian is known for offering high-quality entertainment, often showing full-length Broadway musicals for theater-loving passengers. Norwegian is also known for offering multiple ‘Free at Sea’ pricing options that allow cruisers to choose various packages to fit their travel needs. These include all-inclusive alcoholic beverages, internet, specialty dining, and excursions. Families will find kids clubs, slides and splash parks among other family friendly activities. Solo Traveler? Many cruise lines hit those traveling alone with a single supplement that can double the cost of a cruise. Norwegian has solved that problem with its new compact but comfortable and affordable studio cabins which include a lounge that abut the studio cabins, allowing single travelers to mingle at their own bar
Cruise ports: Baltimore, MD; Boston, MA; Galveston, TX; Honolulu, HI; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY; Port Canaveral, FL; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Tampa, FL
Destinations: Africa, Alaska, Antarctica, Asia/Orient, Australia/New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Eastern/Southern/Western Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Middle East, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America,Tahiti/South Pacific, TransAtlantic
Private Island: Great Stirrup Cay
Cost: $$
Cruises onboard Princess ships promise an experience full of elegance and class. The cruise line prides itself on offering world-class cuisine and top-notch, engaging entertainment for its guests. This includes plenty of options for music lovers throughout the ship. Princess is also known to offer longer cruises that feature more port-intensive itineraries. They offer unique sailings that cater to adventurous travelers looking to see the world and experience different cultures. With longer itineraries, you can expect to find slightly more expensive fares; however, the cruise line is still considered to be a mid-budget line with plenty of affordable sailings. Princess cruises tend to attract couples and older travelers than other cruise lines. These are travelers who appreciate the tradition, elegance and art of cruising.
Cruise ports: Anchorage, AK; Fairbanks, AK; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Galveston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Adelaide, Australia; Athens, Greece; Auckland, New Zealand; Barcelona, Spain; Brisbane, Australia; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Calgary, AB Canada; Civitavecchia,Italy; Copenhagen, Denmark; Dover, United Kingdom; Dubai United Arab Emirates; Fremantle, Australia; Hong Kong; Kobe, Japan; Melbourne, Australia; Quebec City, Canada; San Antonio, Chile; Singapore; Southampton, United Kingdom; Sydney, Australia; Vancouver, BC Canada; Yokohama
Destinations: Africa, Alaska, Antarctica, Arctic, Asia/Orien, Australia/New Zealand, Bahamas, Canada/New England, Canadian Rockies, Eastern/Southern/Western Caribbean, Central America, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, Middle East, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, South America, Tahiti/South Pacific, TransAtlantic, Trans Pacific, World Cruises
Private Island: Princess Cays
Cost: $$$
If you’re looking for a cruise line that your whole family will love, Royal Caribbean is a great option to consider. Their ships are large and packed with entertainment, dining options and onboard activities. You’ll find the most innovative features at sea – including zip lines, mega water slides, skydiving simulators and even ice skating rinks. Adults looking to have a more relaxing vacation will appreciate the adult-only Solarium, which is found on every ship in the fleet. When it comes to budget, you won’t need to break the bank. Royal Caribbean offers many affordable itineraries without sacrificing any cruise luxuries. When you choose Royal Caribbean, you might even set sail on some of the world’s largest ships at sea – a title the company proudly holds.
Cruise ports: Anchorage, AK; Baltimore, MD; Bayonne, NJ; Boston, MA; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Galveston, TX; Honolulu, HI; Los Angeles, CA; Miami, FL; New Orleans, LA; Port Canaveral, FL; San Diego, CA; Seattle, WA; Tampa, FL; Amsterdam, Netherlands; Athens, Greece; Baoshan, China; Barcelona, Spain; Bridgetown, Barbados; Brisbane, Australia; Cartagena, Colombia; Civitavecchia, Italy; Colon, Panama; Copenhagen, Denmark; Fremantle, Australia; Fuerte Amador, Panamá; Haifa, Israel; Limassol, Cyprus; Porto Corsini, Italy; Quebec City, Canada; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Singapore; Southampton, United Kingdom; Stockholm, Sweden; Sydney, Australia; Tarragona, Spain; Tianjin, China; Vancouver, BC Canada
Destinations: Africa, Alaska, Arctic, Asia/Orient, Australia/New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Eastern/Southern/Western Caribbean, Pacific Northwest, Panama Canal, Tahiti/South Pacific, TransAtlantic, Trans Pacific
Private Island: Perfect Day at CocoCay (shared with Celebrity)
Cost: $$
A few other things to consider when picking your cruise:
Age Restrictions: It’s important to note that no cruise line except Europe’s Costa Cruises accepts babies younger than 6 months of age on board, and some set the limit at 1 year. Also, if you’re considering a luxury cruise or expedition ship, many do not allow children under the age of 14.
Travelers with Disabilities: By federal law, all cruise ships in American waters must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. That means that all of the mainstream lines offer accessible cabins, wide enough to admit wheelchairs and fitted with appropriate shower facilities. When booking, it’s important to find out whether the ship you choose will visit any ports where passengers must be tendered (ride in a smaller boat) to shore. Sometimes these tenders are not wheelchair accessible, meaning a wheelchair bound passenger could be stuck on the ship during a port day.
Groups: Traveling in a group? Some cruise lines provide extra perks. For example, Carnival Cruise Line offers free fares to the 15th passenger. Other lines offer a free upgrade for the leader of a group, and many provide onboard credits to everyone in the group. You’ll want to book as a group so that your reservations can be linked, allowing you to dine together and have cabins in the same area of the ship.
I strongly suggest booking a cruise through a travel agent. There are so many little details that go into the booking besides just picking the cruise line, itinerary and date. You’ll also need to know which cabin you want which requires some knowledge of the ship, decide on trip insurance and coordinate flights and transfers, among other things. To get the best deal and the best cabin you’ll want to book your cruise as early as possible – possibly even a year or more out. Most cruise lines offer a price guarantee so you won’t have to worry about spending more by booking ahead of time. If the price of your cruise drops before you’ve made your last payment, your agent can apply the promo and you’ll get your cabin at the lower price.
Most people will be able to enjoy pretty much any cruise line. There are so many different areas, activities, destinations and experiences that you can have on any ship that it’s hard to go wrong unless you really have specific needs or wants.However, while all cruises can be amazing, picking the right one for you will only make that experience even better.
Take vacations, go as many places as you can! You can always make money, you can’t always make memories!
