After a year of being stuck at home, who is not ready for a vacation? Cruise ships offer a unique alternative for getting away. But with so many options out there, how do you know which is the best choice for you? If you are an avid cruiser, it is important to find the one that has the most to offer and best fits your idea of an ideal vacation experience and your budget.
While the sheer number of cruises to pick from may seem overwhelming, the ability to choose from so many options should be viewed as a benefit, not a nuisance. Such a variety allows you to customize your cruise experience based on where you want to go, what activities you want to enjoy, and how much you are willing to spend. With a little insight, you could book the vacation of your dream, checking off your bucket list one adventure at a time.
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What is the Best Cruise Line?
Taking into consideration factors like activities, amenities, cost, and aesthetics, hands down, the best cruise line is Royal Caribbean Cruises.
With dozens of destinations to choose from and over 20 ship options, they offer the perfect vacation for everybody!
Known for its lavish and entertaining ships, Royal Caribbean makes the journey to paradise as much fun as the destination itself.
What is the Average Price of a Cruise Ship?
The cost to vacation on one of these cruise lines can range anywhere from $130 a person per night on Princess Cruises to over $1000 a person per night with the Regent Seven Seas. While many factors come into plan, the average cost is about $200 to $300 per person per night, plus taxes.
This typically covers your room, access to pools and water activities, entertainment such as concerts and comedy shows, food, and other onboard festivities and offshore excursions that are offered. It is common for alcoholic drinks and special activities to cost more (Though some cruises offer all-inclusive options). Gratuities are another expense to consider. Some cruises include them in the price of the ticket, while others charge them to your spending account. The cost of a cruise depends on:
- Length of trip
- Destination(s)
- Room Accommodations
- Ship Size and Amenities
- Date of trip (the summer months are most expensive)
You will also want to bring some spending money to enjoy activities not included in the ticket price and the various destinations you dock. And what is a vacation without bringing home a few souvenirs?
The Top 10 Cruise Ships Out There!
- Royal Caribbean Cruises
- Carnival Cruise Line
- Viking Ocean Cruise Line
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Norwegian Cruise Line
- Celebrity Cruises
- MSC Cruises
- Princess Cruises
- Holland America Line
- Disney Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean Cruises
The Royal Caribbean offers one of the most diverse destination options of the cruise lines. Of course, tropical paradises of the Caribbean are high up on the list. However, if traveling the icy Alaskan waters or traversing European islands is more your speed, there are plenty of itineraries for you to choose from. Depending on which of the 300 destinations you choose, you may find yourself on one of their famous mega-ships or on a smaller, more intimate vessel.
A variety of destination and ship options is not all Royal Caribbean Cruises has to offer.
- Each ship comes packed with tons of activities to enjoy
- From rock climbing and archery to a free-falling experience, there is plenty to keep you busy
- If you prefer something a little less physical, there are plenty of shows to take in, casino games to try your luck at, and bars to sample
Royal Caribbean ships also boast many firsts on the sea, like an unparalleled virtual reality experience on trampolines or the 360-degree view from the tallest viewing deck on the ocean.
The Royal Caribbean offers something for children of all ages. In addition to age-appropriate activities for babies and toddlers, the littlest passengers will enjoy activities like water slides, laser tag, sports in the Seaplex, and lots of games in the play place. Teenagers also have their own space to relax and enjoy their vacation on their own terms in the teen lounge and club. Looking for a little educational fun- check out the Adventure Ocean program with science experiments geared towards children of all ages.
If all the onboard activities offered are not enough, Royal Caribbean Cruises also book onshore excursions for you to enjoy, like scuba diving, walking or food tours, and off-roading adventures. Those traveling to the Bahamas have the option to visit a private island and water park only accessible to Royal Caribbean guests! You also have the option to explore the port on your own.
The price of your trip will vary depending on the vessel- smaller ships hold about 2400 people while the larger can hold upward of 6500 guests- and the length of your trip, which can range from 2 days to nearly 3 weeks. On average, the typical Royal Caribbean passenger spends about $200 a night on their stay. Regardless of where you go and for how long, you are guaranteed to have a good time on a Royal Caribbean cruise!
Carnival Cruise Line
While Royal Caribbean Cruises offer the most bang for your buck, Carnival Cruises is a close second. Slightly more expensive than the #1 choice, the average passenger on Carnival spends about $220 per night on accommodations. With over a dozen destination options, trips can last from 2 days to 2 weeks.
Whether you’re traveling with your family or looking for a solo adventure, Carnival Cruises has a lot to offer. For adults, all ships come equipped with nightclubs, spas, a variety of bars, and adult-only serenity spaces that encourage relaxation.
There is also plenty for children to do, including a water park, a Build-a-Bear workshop, and tons of Dr. Seuss-themed activities. Kids of any age will love the SportsSquare, where they can play mini-golf, pool, basketball, or run the track. When all else fails, hit the pool!
Certain ships offer special amenities like The SkyRide, available on Carnival Horizon, Panorama, and Vista. This high-flying ride offers once-in-a-lifetime views of the sea as tourists pedal around a course suspended above the ship, taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding sea. Need something a little faster? How about the first seaworthy rollercoaster, found on Carnival Celebration and Mardi gras!
Forgot something at home? Pick it up at one of the onboard shops. Selling everything from clothes and jewelry to candy and liquor, you can find what you need right on the ship. And do not forget to stop in for a bite to eat at one of the many eateries onboard.
Viking Ocean Cruises
With only 6 ocean sailing ships, Viking Ocean Cruises is one of the smaller cruise companies. However, that does not stop it from providing unique experiences for passengers. There are less than 1,000 passengers on each cruise. The smaller size of the vessels allows Viking to dock in ports that the mega-ships cannot. Its this exclusivity that draws passengers to Viking.
The size of the ships does not mean compromising luxury. All ships are identical, with rooms that come complete with a veranda to take in the sights, a king-size bed to relax, and large bathrooms to wash away the day. Guests can enjoy world class art and classical music as they roam around the ship or chill out in the onboard snow grotto.
Unlike the first two cruise lines on the list, Viking does not cater to families.
- In fact, you must be 18 or older to enjoy a ride on Viking Ocean Cruises
- Its itineraries and destinations are aimed at attracting adults interested in learning about the world
- Cruises can last anywhere from 8 days to several months, so it is a favorite among retirees who are able to travel for long periods
The goal of this cruise line is to immerse its passengers in the destinations they visit. In addition to the usual onboard activities like shopping and spas, Viking Cruises include lectures on the cultures and histories of the locations they will see. There is even an onboard historian available for sit downs to discuss any questions passengers may have. An extensive onboard library further encourages research on the lands passengers will enjoy.
Guests can further immerse themselves into the destinations they will be visiting by learning how to cook local delicacies in the onboard cooking school or taking in performances that represent the culture. If you enjoy learning about foreign countries, this is the cruise for you.
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas boasts the most luxurious ships of all the cruise lines. Draped in curated art, even the most affordable accommodations are suites, equipped with marble bathrooms and hundreds of square feet to spread out in. All rooms that are above sea level have a balcony for passengers to enjoy.
With one of the lowest staff to passenger ratios, quality service is high on the list of reasons why passengers choose this cruise line. The Regent Seven Seas provides its passengers with a one-of-a-kind experience, mixing luxury dwellings with cultural immersion and 24-hour room service.
While there are select itineraries that accommodate children, Regent Seven Seas cruises are typically geared towards adults, ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s and 80s.
- This all-inclusive cruise line offers a wide variety of activities, including casinos, entertainment from a live band, and one of the best boutiques on the seven seas.
- There is also an assortment of restaurants to choose from, all of which serve gourmet food.
Similar to the ships of Viking Ocean Cruises, Regent vessels are much smaller than the typical cruise ship, which allows them to venture into more locations. With hundreds of ports, and even more onshore excursions to choose from, you can truly have the vacation of your dreams aboard a Regents Seven Seas vessel.
With all the exclusive destinations and unparalleled luxury, it is not surprising that the Regent Seven Seas is the most expensive cruise line, with prices going well into thousands.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line is another big player in the mega-ship world. It is the third largest cruise company behind Carnival and Royal Caribbean Cruises. As with most large ships, there are a variety of rooms and price points for travelers to choose from, which attracts an assortment of passengers. A new option offered on Norwegian cruises is studio accommodations for individuals traveling alone.
This cruise line is great for passengers who like to stay active.
- Norwegian Cruise ships offer such activities as water slides, a racetrack, and laser tag.
- For those brave enough to face heights, there is even a zipline that takes you from one side of the ship to the other.
Guests that want to take it a little easier can lounge under the onboard waterfall, try their luck at the casino, or enjoy a Broadway show. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants to sample.
A unique trait of Norwegian Cruise Line is the music-themed cruises that are offered in a variety of genres. What could be better than listening to your favorite artist perform live while you travel to beautiful destinations?
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises over a variety of accommodations for travelers to enjoy. From the ritzy retreat, which comes with access to a private restaurant personal concierge, to the cozy dwellings of the inside staterooms, there is an option for every tax bracket. Starting at $180 per person per night, Celebrity is one of the most affordable cruise options.
You may not want to spend much time in your room when you see the rest of the ship. Equipped with beautiful outdoor spaces like the Solarium and rooftop garden, Celebrity Cruise ships aim to be almost as beautiful as the destinations you will visit.
Celebrity cruises offer several unique features that are not found on other cruise lines. For example, some vessels offer outdoor spaces with real grass, perfect for picnics and taking in exciting performances. Have you ever wanted to learn how to manipulate hot glass into a beautiful work of art? You can take a class right before catching a performance by the American Ballet Theatre!
Like many of the other major cruise lines, Celebrity has some amenities specifically for its young passengers. Most popular of these is the Camp at Sea program, which customizes activities for children of all ages. With over 500 different activities to choose from, ranging from art to S.T.E.M. programs, there is something to entertain every child. There is even the occasional Xbox tournament or slumber party to attend.
MSC Cruises
Like the other mega-ship cruise lines, MSC Cruises cater to a variety of travelers, especially families. There are tons of activities that families can enjoy together, like zip lining, an interactive theater, and a thrilling onboard water park. MSC even offers special excursions, specifically catering to families.
There are also activities that both parents and kids can enjoy on their own.
- Children can make new friends while enjoying time in the kid’s club, where they can partake in activities designated for each age group from infant to 17 years old.
- Whether it is playing with an array of stimulating toys in the baby and mini club, learning how to cook in the junior club, entering a sports competition in the young club, or dancing away at the teen disco, MSC provides endless fun for its youngest passengers.
While children are under the supervision of trained crew members, parents can enjoy some adult time. They can start the day enjoying some time in the sauna and catch a bite to eat at the specialty restaurants of their choosing. Then, head for drinks at one of the many bar options and finish the night taking in a performance or partying it up in the nightclub. There is even a hair salon and barber shop to keep you looking your best in the middle of the ocean.
MSC’s inclusivity does not just extend to families. It offers excursions for all kinds of passengers. For those who need to take it a bit slower, there are specific itineraries offered that allow travelers to enjoy each destination at their own pace. These excursions accommodate guests who are wheelchair bound, have special needs, or simply like to take it slow. For those who like to be physical, MSC offers bike tours, which enable travelers to see destinations from a different point of view.
There are even sustainable impact excursions that have a low impact on the environment!
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises offers a variety of onboard activities for passengers of all ages to enjoy.
Kids will have a blast on the Discovery and Animal Planet excursions, which are only available on Princess Cruises. These special adventures allow kids to connect with the nature of exotic destinations.
They will even get a chance to meet some local inhabitants with animal meet and greets at ports. All little ones will love interacting with Stanley, the onboard mascot that is always ready to play and take pictures.
While watching your kids enjoy themselves in entertainment enough, there is plenty more for parents to do on a Princess Cruises. A great place to escape is the adult-only deck, which offers tasty drinks and relaxing massages. Looking for entertainment- enjoy a magic show or laugh the night away at a comedy show. Prefer something educational?
You will have the opportunity to meet with experts that know all there is to know about the exotic locations you will explore. There are also tons of festivals and destination-themed activities that help to immerse you in the places you will visit. While Princess Cruises has something for everyone, it is a particularly good choice for couples who want to enjoy a romantic getaway. There are plenty of excursions exclusively for couples to enjoy.
In addition to taking in the breathtaking beauty of the many destinations offered, couples can reconnect while learning a new dance or enjoying a romantic meal at an adult-only specialty restaurant. See how well you know your partner by playing the marriage match game or simply enjoy each other’s company while getting a relaxing couple’s massage.
With so many things to do, a Princess Cruise is a steal starting at $130 per person per night for an interior room.
Holland America Line
As one of the oldest cruise lines, Holland America Line offers more port stops than any of its competitors. These mid-size ships travel to over 100 countries around the globe and offer 500 different itineraries. This diversity is a key factor in its appeal to travelers.
To ensure you get the most out of your visit to each destination, Holland America Line provides exclusive insight of cultures and histories of each location by an expert or local. Some ships even offer photography classes so you can properly capture the breathtaking views of the exotic locations.
For children onboard, Holland America offers an assortment of age-appropriate activities, ranging from crafts and story time to ice cream eating competitions and mocktail parties. During these activities, kids are supervised by trained crew members, so parents can enjoy some alone time worry-free.
Adults can choose from a variety of onboard activities to enjoy. You can sample the taste of the local cuisine prepared by a guest chef and then burn off those calories on the latest exercising equipment or in a Pilates class. At the end of a long day of fun, adults can unwind in one of the many bars or lounges onboard or enjoy a recently released film in the ship’s movie theater.
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line rounds out the list as they target a very specific demographic. Love all things Disney? If so, this is the cruise for you. Everything from themed rooms and over-the-top deck parties to fireworks shows and meals with the characters, children of all ages, will enjoy this experience.
Unsurprisingly, a Disney cruise can provide children with a vacation unlike any other! Passengers can dine with their favorite characters or interact with them while taking in fun activities. In addition to enjoying the pools and water slides available, kids can make new friends in one of the many youth clubs which cater to different ages and interests. With kid-friendly restaurants, Disney cruises can accommodate even the pickiest eater!
Disney cruises are not just for children.
- There are plenty of adult-only activities and spaces to enjoy while the kids are having the time of their life
- In addition to the many Disney- themed restaurant options aboard the ship, passengers can opt for a romantic dinner in one of the adult-only restaurants, followed by a round of dancing in the 18 and over nightclub
- There are even adult-only spas and pools
Grown-up adventures continue onshore with wine and food tasting excursions. While the kids are enjoying supervised clubs and activities on Disney cruises’ exclusive private island, Castaway Cay, mom and dad can slip away for some relaxation at an adult-only beach.
When talking about entertainment, there is no comparison. Whether you are interested in the character parade or want to take in a performance, Disney Cruise Line knows how to put on a show. From live performances of classic Disney movies like The Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin to current favorites of the Marvel Universe, there is a show for everyone in the family. With characters popping up all over the place, any activity can come with a show!
The downside to this cruise? If you are not a big Disney fan, the ambiance can get old fast. And of course, as with all things Disney, these cruises will not come cheap. A trip on a Disney cruise ship can run you anywhere from $300 to over $500 per person per day depending on which of the many destinations you select, though Disney does offer family deals which can make it cheaper per person.
Along with all these above also explore our selection of the best luxury cruise lines in the US, offering exceptional service, exquisite amenities, and breathtaking itineraries.
What is the Most Beautiful Cruise Ship?
While Royal Caribbean Cruises offers the best all-around option, the award for most beautiful ship would have to go to Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Explorer, which boasts the most opulent and expensive accommodations on the sea.
Equipped with marble staircases and balcony suites for all passengers, this ship is the epitome of luxury. However, that beauty comes at a price, with suite accommodations easily running over $2,000 per night for a party of two.
Conclusion
The wide selection of cruises to pick from may seem daunting. However, if you make a list of your trip must-haves and do a little research, you could find yourself on a vacation of a lifetime.
Whether you are looking for thrills and excitement or simply lounge back and relax, a cruise can help you make the most of your time. While Royal Caribbean Cruises is at the top of our list, it may not be right for you. Luckily, with so many options to choose from, you can find the cruise that is catered to your interests (and pockets).